BEIRUT, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said on Sunday that Israeli forces rammed UNIFIL vehicles and damaged monitoring equipment in southern Lebanon, calling the incidents a violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

UNIFIL said in a statement that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on two occasions rammed UN vehicles with a Merkava tank, causing significant damage in one incident. The Israeli troops had also blocked a road in the town of Bayada that was used to access UNIFIL positions.

Over the past week, Israeli soldiers have fired "warning shots" in the area, hitting and damaging clearly marked UNIFIL vehicles. In one incident, a shot landed roughly one meter from a peacekeeper who had exited his vehicle, according to the statement.

The statement added that Israeli forces have repeatedly denied peacekeepers freedom of movement in recent days and destroyed surveillance cameras at UNIFIL's headquarters in Naqoura and other positions along the Blue Line.

IDF also vandalized facilities at the headquarters by spray-painting the windows of a pedestrian access gate, thereby obstructing visibility of the external perimeter, said UNIFIL.

It added that these actions compromise the safety and security of peacekeepers and impede the mission's ability to fulfill its mandate, including reporting violations by all parties.

The incident comes amid escalating exchanges of fire along the Lebanon-Israel border and follows a series of recent incidents involving UNIFIL personnel.

In late March, three Indonesian peacekeepers were killed in two separate incidents in southern Lebanon. A UN investigation determined that one died when Israeli tank fire struck a UNIFIL position on March 29. The next day, two others were killed when an explosion of unknown origin destroyed their vehicle in a logistics convoy near Bani Hayyan. 
Seldom has Europe seen an election quite like this. As Hungary went to the polls on Sunday, not only were Moscow and Washington on the same side, but they threw the kitchen sink at securing their man Viktor Orbans 16-year rule an extension. Never before has a US vice-president campaigned for one side like JD Vance has just done in Budapest. Nor for a while have we seen Vladimir Putin issue such a flurry of promises and concessions amid an intense disinformation campaign and reports of Russian agents operating on Hungarian soil. They did this because Orban matters to the cause they both share: keeping the European Union divided and proving that right-wing semi-authoritarianism can thrive. And still, they lost.

Viktor Orbans importance to the White House underlines an old truth. Nations dont simply exert influence through their armies or their economies. Nations with a strong ideology can exert their own particular appeal and importance to superpowers and intellectuals alike. From Castros Cuba to Lee Kuan Yews Singapore, history is full of such examples. Viktor Orban has made himself an avatar of the global populist right. Not only turning himself into an avatar for classic anti-migration, blood-and-soil identity politics, but also for anti-woke culture wars. What began with operatives and influencers such as Steve Bannon and Tucker Carlson making pilgrimages to Washington is now at the leader level, with Argentinas president, Javier Milei, headlining the recent CPAC Hungary conference, an offshoot of the US Conservative Political Action Conference.

Constantly citing Hungary as an example to follow means defeat for Orban is now a defeat for the global populist right as a whole. But there is more to it. Orbanism has pushed democracy to its limits, creating a kind of semi-authoritarianism just shy of overstepping the line into an actual dictatorship. Working through a network of oligarchs, who have purchased key chunks of the countrys media, while subsuming state-owned media, Orban has come to control some 80 per cent of the countrys media resources according to Reporters Without Borders. For those, like Steve Bannon, openly dreaming of somehow entrenching Trumpism into a third term, this playbook needs to succeed to show that a semi-authoritarian future is open should Maga want it.

People stand next to an election campaign poster showing Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban, ahead of the parliamentary election ( Reuters )

Vladimir Putin has had a more practical need for Viktor Orban to remain in power. I am at your service, the Hungarian prime minister told the Russian president, according to a transcript obtained by Bloomberg of an October 2025 call in which he compared himself to a mouse standing ready to help the Russian lion. This is doing himself down. Orban has gone much further than simply frustrating EU-Russia sanctions packages or blocking the blocs crucial loan to Kyiv. A leaked audio clip of his foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto, offering to amend an EU sanctions list to his counterpart Sergey Lavrovs liking, recently shocked Europe. The Kremlin cares deeply who wins in Hungary, as defeat means losing their man in Brussels. And the faster EU funds can reach Ukraine, the stronger it will be on the battlefield.

This is why Russia and Maga America intersect: both want Europe to be weak. What we have seen in Hungary is the recent US National Security Strategy, which spoke of cultivating resistance to Europes current trajectory and identified the culprit as the European Union and other transnational bodies that undermine political liberty. In a reversal of generations of US foreign policy, Trumps America explicitly stands against a united Europe and wishes for a more fragmented continent. Where each of its nations exists more as pliable vassals than partners with thoughts of their own.

This is why Orban being voted out was so important. Hungarian voters have risen to the occasion to defeat not just an idea and a model that fascinates both Trump and Putin, but the very vassalisation they wish to impose on the rest of Europe.
Walking will slash your cancer and dementia risk  but only at the right pace. Heres what you need to know
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has announced a targeted 100 million Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme to assist the farming, fishing, and agricultural contracting sectors.

The scheme, which coincides with peak fuel usage for seasonal field work, is designed to combat a sharp rise in the price of marked gas oil (green diesel), which has nearly doubled from 0.97 per litre in February to 1.80 in recent weeks.

The subsidy will provide approximately 20 cents per litre of support based on verified 2025 fuel consumption.

Approximately 120,000 farmers and 1,500 full-time agricultural contractors are expected to be eligible for the payments, which will cover the period from March through the end of July.

Additionally, 5 million per month has been allocated to support fishers, forestry, and specialist horticulture sectors.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said it has commenced intensive preparations to implement the scheme as quickly as possible.

Minister Heydon stated the package is intended to provide "meaningful assistance" to those most exposed to rising costs while sustaining essential food production.

This subsidy is part of a larger 505 million package announced by the Government today. Key measures include:

A 10-cent reduction in excise duty for petrol and diesel, with a 2.4-cent reduction for green diesel, effective from midnight Tuesday.

The deferral of the scheduled Carbon Tax increase from May until the Budget in October.

The extension of temporary excise duty reductions until the end of July.

Minister of State Timmy Dooley noted that while the Government is working to alleviate concerns, it cannot "entirely shield" the country from the global impacts of the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The announcements follow days of significant disruption as protesters mounted blockades at major ports and oil depots in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway.

While the blockade at Rosslare Europort was lifted on Sunday afternoon, rolling demonstrations involving trucks and farm machinery continued to cause major traffic delays across the country.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin condemned the blockades as "illegal," stating that no "self-appointed group" has the right to prevent emergency services from operating or to threaten national fuel supplies.

He warned that if blockades at critical sites like the Whitegate refinery recur, "the full rigours of the law will be applied".

Protest organiser Christopher Duffy criticised the Garda response to demonstrations on OConnell Street as "overkill," claiming protesters were "ambushed" and forced to move expensive machinery under threat of it being towed and damaged.

Duffy has since called for a "National day of strike and protest" for Monday, April 13th.

The Government also faces intensifying political pressure.

Sinn Fein has tabled a motion of no confidence for next week, which the Labour Party has confirmed it will support.

Within the Coalition, some backbench TDs have voiced frustration over a perceived "delay in putting forward a meaningful and substantial package," describing the past week as a "baptism of fire" for rural representatives.

Former Minister Ned OKeeffe further criticised the Government's long-term energy strategy, arguing that Ireland has "totally ignored" its own gas reserves off the west and south coasts and should urgently reopen the Barryroe oil and gas field to reduce dependence on imports.
Barry Canny: Dapper founder and owner of Peploes restaurant had a flair for publicity and defending his costs

Canny was an engaging character who mostly sported pin-striped suits with colourful handkerchiefs spilling from the breast pocket

Barry Canny named Peploes restaurant after Scottish artist Samuel Peploe, whose work he admired

Liam Collins Sun 12 Apr 2026 at 06:30

Barry Canny was a dapper and engaging character, the founder and proprietor of Brownes Townhouse, followed by Peploes restaurant, both on St Stephens Green.
Gabriel Rosenstock, the prolific poet, playwright, translator and writer, has died aged 76. His family paid tribute to his belief in the power of poetry and its ability to build bridges between different cultures.
Paschal Donohoe eased concerns of top three corporate tax multinationals before joining World Bank

Apple, Eli Lilly and Microsoft were told e credits might be on the way

Paschal Donohoe left politics last year to join the World Bank. Photo: Bloomberg

Wayne O'Connor Sun 12 Apr 2026 at 12:40

Multinational companies that generate the bulk of Irelands corporation tax receipts have been assured by the Government that it is considering the possibility of enhanced tax credits.
Mother and sister of sacked schoolteacher Enoch Burke were jailed two weeks ago

The mother and sister of Enoch Burke, who were jailed a fortnight ago, will be released from the Dochas Centre prison in Dublin tomorrow.

Martina and Ammi Burke were risk assessed when they were committed to prison and it was decided they would be housed together in a room with no other inmates, despite the overcrowding crisis.
BEIRUT, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Sunday that Lebanon is making efforts to halt the ongoing war and stressed the need to safeguard national unity and rebuild the state, Lebanon's National News Agency reported.

Salam made the remarks while commemorating the anniversary of the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War on April 13, 1975.

The objective is not only to prevent a return to civil war, but also to build a just, strong, and unified state for all, he said.

He highlighted the importance of fully implementing the Taif Agreement, calling for rectifying any misapplications that violate its letter and spirit.

The Taif Agreement, negotiated in Saudi Arabia in 1989 and approved later that year, ended a 15-year-long civil war in Lebanon and reasserted the Lebanese government's authority in the south.

Hezbollah entered the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict on March 2 by launching rockets from southern Lebanon toward Israel for the first time since a ceasefire on Nov. 27, 2024, prompting Israel to carry out an intensified military campaign targeting multiple areas across the country.

Iran and the United States agreed to a ceasefire on Wednesday. Israel said it would abide by the truce but argued the agreement does not apply to Lebanon. That assertion was rejected by Iran and by mediator Pakistan.

The Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2 have killed 2,055 and wounded 6,588, according to a statement by Lebanon's Public Health Emergency Operation Center on Sunday. 
Women need to learn how to speak like men: former president of Law Society on battling sexism in the workplace

Maura Derivan on how she had to fight to get women into positions of power

Maura Derivan, former president of the Law Society of Ireland

Niamh Horan Sun 12 Apr 2026 at 06:30

A former president of the Law Society of Ireland has recalled her experiences as a woman in the profession over four decades as she collected one of the worlds most prestigious awards for promoting equality.
Brenda Power: School survey shows that rumours of the Catholic Churchs demise are grossly exaggerated

In what may have come as a shock to some, a big majority of parents with children in denominational schools want to keep them that way

Pope Leo leads a church that still has a pull on Irish Catholics, despite the bad press it gets. Photo: AP

Brenda Power Sun 12 Apr 2026 at 06:30

For a religion that is meant to be dead, defunct, bereft of life, expired; one we are told has kicked the bucket, shuffled off this mortal coil, run down the curtain and joined the bleedin choir invisible; the Catholic Church in this country is obstinately refusing to lie down.
Conor Skehan: On the anniversary of the American Civil War, heres a reminder of how shattered societies can heal

Similar cracks in democracy have appeared on anniversary of conflict but Irelands example gives cause for hope

A protester carries a Confederate battle flag in the US Capitol in 2021. Photo: Reuters

Conor Skehan Sun 12 Apr 2026 at 06:30

Just before dawn on April 12, 1861, artillery opened fire on Fort Sumter, a small brick fort in Charleston Harbour, South Carolina.
Few people think more than two or three times a year; I have made an international reputation for myself by thinking once or twice a week, George Bernard Shaw once wrote. After the past week, many may wonder, does anyone think any more at all?

In Washington, president Donald Trump warned the world in a flourish of foul language he was ready to end a whole civilisation. You might say it was a rush of blood to the head, but a commander-in-chief with access to the nuclear button needs to be less susceptible to the descent of the red mist. The sigh of global relief when news of a two-week ceasefire was announced in the Iran war was followed by confusion.

After hundreds were killed by Israeli bombs in South Lebanon, Tehran cried foul. Pakistan, which brokered the ceasefire deal, had understood Lebanon was covered by the truce. Not so, said Tel Aviv. Trump agreed.

One way or another, 300 lives were lost.

With the Strait of Hormuz closed and Iran threatening all bets were off, Trump was on to Benjamin Netanyahu, ordering him to lay off on Lebanon.

It has to be hoped the peace talks that begin today in Pakistan will have more concrete and conclusive outcomes. Intemperate and ill-considered actions have convulsed global economies and geopolitical relations.

The grievances of one sector cannot be allowed to wreak havoc on the entire nation

Ireland appears to have been affected. Four days of blockades of roads and ports by protesters have had a needlessly polarising and paralysing effect on key sectors of the economy.

The disregard for the ill and the vulnerable  and the needs of ordinary Irish people trying to go about their daily lives  has been unprecedented.

The grievances of one sector cannot be allowed to wreak havoc on the entire nation.

It would be an unconscionable act of self-harm if oil shipments had to be turned away from our ports because of wildcat actions at the height of an international energy crisis.

The transport turmoil, which has caused needless stress and put patients at risk, cannot continue.

Essential needs of the public can not be steamrolled by co-ordinated groups who have shown no consideration for the damage they are inflicting.

Many are aghast the protesters should have been able to create such consternation without intervention. Vital strategic infrastructure must not be left so susceptible. The right to protest does not include bringing the capital to a standstill for days.

Legal demonstrations are part of democracy, but depriving others of their fundamental rights, or putting them at risk, is illegal. Appropriate sanctions have to follow. A relief package can and should be agreed, but it needs to be considered and proportionate.

There is still no agreement in sight for ending the Gulf conflict. Thus, energy prices are likely to remain volatile. Answers can be found. But deliberately jeopardising already precarious supply chains  putting further pressure on prices  seems like a highly perverse way of making a case for relief.
I spent two hours caught up in the farmers protest on the M1 on Friday morning.

Whatever about my annoyance, what about pregnant women in premature labour and those who missed flights or hospital appointments?

What about the hundreds of trucks exporting our goods (including their dairy products) to keep our economy going?

Their protest is harming the very people who support them  the people buying their meat, their milk, their grain, their vegetables.

Theyre targeting the wrong people and it would be understandable if we were to do the same to them.

I wonder how the farmers would feel if we were to block the few roads leading into their town for their livestock marts and their cattle auctions.

Paul Kennedy, Dublin

Enough of the lecturing from politicians  these protesters deserve respect

Looking at RTE News the last few days, one could be forgiven for thinking were watching an entertaining mega tractor run. Sadly, the opposite could not be more the case.

You only need to hear the emotion in the voices of some of the people interviewed  many close to tears  to realise the reasoning behind the protests.

The Defence Forces have got involved and of course they have to be respected, but respect must also be shown to the protesters.

They are the people in danger of losing their livelihoods as a result of mounting fuel bills. Many of them also have leased machinery costs.

The last thing those people need is a lecture from Micheal Martin and Simon Harris through a microphone.

This is not the way to treat anyone under such pressure, which, by the way, has a knock-on effect on every house in this country. Urgent intervention is needed to get these people back to doing what they are best at: keeping our country on the move.

Mary Haran, Aclare, Co Sligo

Why demonstrators have undermined the strength of their argument on fuel

I do not agree with the road blockades and protest tactics that have taken place, as they have been tone-deaf to the suffering of others facing the same cost pressures.

Indeed, I am of the opinion they have undermined the strength of the real argument in the farmers favour.

That argument is simple: Irish farmers deserve fair and targeted fuel supports. The contrast is stark. The Government is currently forgoing 1bn annually in the recent fuel tax reductions on petrol and white diesel.

By comparison, the support reaching the farming sector through reduced marked diesel taxation is just 27m, less than 3pc of the total 1bn fuel tax package for road users.

Yet Irish farmers are the primary producers and the foundations of an indigenous food and drink economy worth about 30bn annually, spanning exports, local produce, retail sales, restaurants, hospitality and Irish-produced drinks.

Without the farmer producing milk, meat, grain and other raw materials, this Irish-owned sector cannot function. The people who underpin a 30bn Irish-owned sector receive only 27m in support, while a fuel subsidy worth over 1bn is welcomed.

The farmers and agricultural contractors got only a 5c reduction, while every road user in the country got a 22c-per-litre reduction.

The solution to keeping food affordable is a targeted bi-monthly rebate of 17c to bring them up to a 22c reduction like every motorist gets.

Jarlath Sweeney, Ballybrittan, Co Offaly

You cant commemorate Rising and then prescribe limits on justified dissent

There is a profound irony in Irish politicians commemorating the Easter Rising  a rebellion against a political system that had failed the mass of the Irish people  while condemning a contemporary wave of protest born of similar disillusionment.

For several years now, the Government has pointed with pride to the strength of the public finances, yet the majority of households face persistent and mounting pressures as the cost of food, heating, electricity and insurance rises.

The current demonstrations are not merely about fuel prices. They reflect a broader sense that a government with considerable resources has been reluctant to deploy them in ways that meaningfully alleviate the pressures facing ordinary citizens.

We are told, of course, that protest is permissible  provided it is orderly, unobtrusive and does not inconvenience a thriving economy from which fewer and fewer seem to benefit.

One wonders what James Connolly, Tom Clarke, Patrick Pearse and their comrades would have made of such prescribed limits on dissent.

If the Easter Rising is to be commemorated with any sincerity, it should serve as a reminder that political legitimacy rests not only on favourable economic conditions for a minority, but on the extent to which a system responds to peoples needs.

Brendan McGowan, Address with editor

Trump could face messy mid-terms if anger from American voters goes on

Recently we saw another demonstration in the US against a lack of democracy, with the No Kings protests drawing millions of Americans onto the streets. This could have implications for president Donald Trump in the mid-term elections.

John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary

Kudos for speaking truth to power on invasion of Lebanon by Israel and US

I would like to commend the Irish Independent for being one of the very few mainstream publications that says unequivocally Israel (along with Washington) invaded Lebanon (Benjamin Netanyahu seeks talks with Lebanon as Donald Trumps Iran truce in jeopardy, April 10).

Words matter more than ever now. The harp  Irelands official national symbol  is the first thing I see every morning when I click on the Irish Independent app.

One can easily imagine what would happen in this country if a neighbour decided to bomb the streets of Dublin indiscriminately in pursuit of a so-called paramilitary organisation.

The international rules-based order has been completely shredded by Israel and the US.

Journalists and their employers are the last men standing between tyranny and upholding democratic principles. We can only hope you will continue to do your jobs with the latter in mind at all times and not become beholden to an out-of-control lobby group that seeks to cover up the truth in pursuit of a singular agenda.

Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry
The capital's roads are now reopening and oil is leaving depots in Cork and Galway but it will take days for the country to get back to normal as commuters try to find petrol stations with full tanks.

A deeper question now arises. Is this actually the end of the fuel protest or is it the start of something much bigger?

Host Kevin Doyle is joined by Irish independent photographer Mark Condron, who was on O'Connell Street as hundreds of gardai moved in last night. Kevin is also joined by Southern Correspondent Ralph Riegel, who's been at the Whitegate oil refinery protest in recent days, and by Political Reporter Maeve McTaggart on the ongoing fallout for Government.
Axed Waterford to Dublin Airport bus route one step closer to being saved  This is huge for rural Ireland

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has recommended the introduction of a new Public Service Obligation (PSO) to protect the soon-to-be-scrapped Waterford to Dublin Airport Expressway service

The NTA has recommended introducing a Public Service Obligation for the Waterford to Dublin Airport route. Photo: Stock image

Aisling Bolton-Dowling Sun 12 Apr 2026 at 07:40

The Waterford to Dublin Airport bus route that is due to be axed in May is now one step closer to being saved.
The new book tackling an unsolved murder during the Troubles.

A native of Kerry and former Special Branch detective, OSullivan spent 32 years serving in the Garda Siochana, primarily based in Cork. During the height of the Troubles, he was involved in intelligence operations targeting the IRA across Munster.

Veil of Silence: How The Irish State Covered Up an IRA Murder and Framed a Garda Whistleblower recounts the 1985 murder of Garda informer John Corcoran, a father of eight, who was killed by the IRA in a case that remains unsolved.

The book also examines long-standing claims that senior Gardai may have allowed his death in order to protect another high-value informer, Sean OCallaghan, during what were turbulent years.

For the first time, OSullivan  Corcorans Special Branch handler  recounts the events leading up to the killing, including warnings he says were ignored by Garda Intelligence sources.

He also describes being excluded from the investigation, later side-lined, and the alleged resistance within the force to any meaningful inquiry.

The book presents a critical account of alleged corruption and cover-ups within the gardai, highlighting the personal and professional cost of challenging the system during the most fractious period in recent Irish history.

Sean O'Callaghan, who had committed two murders in 1974, walked away from the organisation, and then re-joined in 1979 as an informer. OCallaghan claims he re-joined the IRA to destroy it from within as a garda informant.

By the early 1980s, O'Callaghan had risen to a senior position in the IRA's Southern Command and was extraordinarily valuable to garda intelligence, most notably when tipping off the authorities about the Marita Ann arms shipment in September 1984 when seven tons of weapons were seized by the Irish Navy off the Kerry coast.

O'Callaghan had also been tasked with re-organising the IRA's Cork structure, which brought him into regular contact with Corcoran.

In early 1984, JP O'Sullivan began warning Garda HQ in writing that any action against IRA members connected to Corcoran could blow his cover. No response came.

On Saturday 23 March, an anonymous caller told a Dublin priest that Corcoran had been executed. His body was found that afternoon outside Ballincollig, wrapped in a sleeping bag having been shot once in the head.

O'Callaghan gave two entirely contradictory accounts over the years  first claiming in multiple press interviews that he had personally shot Corcoran; then, in his 1998 memoir, The Informer, recanting and claiming he had tried desperately to arrange a Garda rescue but was ignored.

OSullivan believes O'Callaghan was almost certainly present at the murder, and that the failure of the gardai to intervene  despite O'Callaghan's claimed warnings  reflected a calculated decision to protect their most valuable asset at the cost of Corcoran's life.

The book is a direct appeal forty-one years after John Corcoran's murder. No one has been charged, no inquiry has been held, and his family has never received answers.

Sean O'Callaghan died at the age of 62 in August 2017.

Veil of Silence: How The Irish State Covered Up an IRA Murder and Framed a Garda Whistleblower is published by Merrion Press.
Easter Commemorations at the graveside of Sean Etchingham in Riverchapel. Pictured is local TD's Councillors, and local community members.

A special ceremony was recently held in Gorey to honour a patriot figure from Wexford who played an integral role in the 1916 Easter Rising.

Organised by Wicklow-Wexford TD Fionntan O Suilleabhain and Sinn Fein members, locals gathered at the grave of Sean Etchingham in Riverchapel, to remember his role in 1916 Rising, and his involvement in the organising of Sinn Fein in Gorey.

Born at Ballinatray, Courtown in 1870, Sean Etchingham became the leader of the Irish Volunteers in 1916, a member of the IRB, Sinn Fein and Conradh na Gaeilge.

Sean was a journalist and active with the rebels in Enniscorthy who the last group in the country were to hold out in 1916. After the rising, he was appointed Minister for Fisheries in The First Dail and was the first Wexford man to hold a government ministry.

A chairman of the County Board of the GAA, he was also the first Republican chairman of Wexford County Council. He died young from the effects of imprisonment in 1923.

Easter Commemorations at the graveside of Sean Etchingham in Riverchapel. Pictured is local TD's Councillors, and local community members.

On the day, Deputy O Suilleabhain was joined by Micheal Butler, grandnephew of Sean Etchingham and Proinsias O Rathaile, grandson of 1916 leader, The O Rahilly.

A number of places in County Wexford honour his name such as Etchingham Heights in Riverchapel, and Etchingham Grove in Gorey. Meanwhile, Seans home is still standing, the third house on the right hand side as you turn onto The Red Cow from the Gorey Road.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy O Suilleabhain said the commemorations are not about looking back but carrying forward a living tradition. The Proclamation of the Republic set out a vision of an Ireland that cherishes all of its children equally - a nation founded on freedom, equality and social justice.

That promise remains unfinished, he said.

He further said the commemoration was a way for Sinn Fein to both honour the patriot dead, but to recommit themselves to the build a new Ireland. The Rising was an act of courage and of hope. It fell to a generation who refused to accept that things could not change. Now, it falls to us. The work of building the Republic continues - and together, we will see it through.

Today, too many people are locked out of housing, burdened by the cost of living, and denied the basic dignity that the Proclamation guarantees. Partition continues to divide our people and limit our potential as a nation, he said.

Our task is clear. We must build a new Ireland - a united Ireland - that delivers for all of our people. An Ireland where public services work, where workers are respected, where families can afford to live, and where equality is not an aspiration but a reality, Deputy O Suilleabhain added.

Deputy O Suilleabhain alongside supporters also visited the grave of Maria Curran, a Wicklow patriot in Arklow.

Maria became a member of both Sinn Fein and Cumann na mBan, the female wing of the Irish Republican Brotherhood. The Arklow woman remained true to her convictions until her death in 1945, aged 83.

In 1920, Maria was elected one of the first women councillors in Ireland and her appointment to the chair of the Arklow Urban District Council made her the first female council chair in the country.
Vreagh College pictured receiving the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark at a ceremony in The Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

A secondary school in Wexford was recently awarded a national accreditation for its commitment to creating safe and inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ young people.

Creagh College in Gorey received the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark at a special ceremony in The Royal Marine Hotel in Dublin to recognise the schools work over an 18 month period to create safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ young people.

The school was the only school in Wexford awarded the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark, among 39 schools and Youthreach centres across the country.

The LGBTQ+ Quality Mark is the first national accreditation of its kind, which supports schools and centres in Wexford and across Ireland to embed sustainable, longterm practices that protect LGBTQ+ students wellbeing.

Amylee O Brien, teacher at Creagh College said Belong To provide a great opportunity for schools to show the work being done by students and educators. It is fabulous to have the focus on inclusion and diversity showcased and acknowledged.

We are so proud of our students in Creagh College for achieving the LGBTQ+ Quality Mark for our school, she said.

Some of the key achievements of accredited schools include implementing LGBTQ+-inclusive anti-bullying policies, establishing an LGBTQ+ and Allies club to foster peer support and having direct engagement with parents and the wider community to build a culture of belonging.

Vreagh College pictured receiving the Belong To LGBTQ+ Quality Mark at a ceremony in The Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

The special event brought together school leaders, teachers, students, and representatives from across the education sector to celebrate the impact of the programme and the progress being made nationwide.

It also marked one of the first major engagements for Belong Tos new CEO, Kieran ODonovan, who said the ceremony highlighted the extraordinary work happening in schools to support LGBTQ+ young people.

He mentioned the School Climate Survey from 2022, which revealed that 76pc of LGBTQ+ youth still do not feel safe at school, and said the schools recognised today are taking meaningful action to change that. These schools and centres are leading the way.

Their work shows what is possible when inclusion is prioritised, resourced, and embedded across school culture. We are proud to recognise their achievements and look forward to supporting many more schools on this journey, Kieran added.

Creagh College is now the second school in Gorey to receive the accreditation, as Gorey Youthreach were awarded the Belong To LGBTQ+ quality mark in April 2025.

Belong To offers advice, information, and crisis counselling for LGBTQ+ youth, and supports LGBTQ+ youth groups across Ireland.
MOSCOW, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Russia and Ukraine on Sunday accused each other of violating an Orthodox Easter ceasefire, as both sides reported continued hostilities despite a declared 32-hour truce.

The Russian Ministry of Defense accused Ukrainian forces of violating the ceasefire 1,971 times from 4 p.m. Saturday Moscow time until 8 a.m. Sunday.

Ukrainian forces launched three nighttime attacks on Russian troop positions in two settlements in the Dnipropetrovsk region, it said, adding that Russian forces also thwarted four attempts to advance on their troop positions in the Sumy and Donetsk regions.

According to the ministry, Ukrainian strikes also targeted border regions, injuring civilians.

On the same day, Ukraine also accused Russia of violating the truce.

"As of 7:00 a.m. on 12 April, 2,299 ceasefire violations were recorded," said the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook.

It added that Russia launched dozens of airstrikes and shelled populated areas, positions of Ukrainian troops, and border regions.

Russian troops' shelling in the border region of Sumy has resulted in casualties, the Ukrinform news agency reported.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced an Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine from 4 p.m. local time Saturday until the end of Sunday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that Ukraine intends to honor the ceasefire and will respond "strictly in kind." He added that the possibility of extending the ceasefire beyond Easter has been communicated to the Russian side.

In an interview with state television released on Sunday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia will continue its special military operation after the ceasefire expires unless Zelensky "musters the courage" to make peace.

Orthodox Easter is one of the most important religious holidays for Eastern Orthodox Christians. A similar Easter truce declared last year also saw both sides accusing each other of violations, and the ceasefire was not extended following its expiration. 
Born and raised in Wicklow, Margaret was the first daughter of Edward and Agnes Kane of Fitzwilliam Road. She was later joined by her sister Gerry.

Margaret attended Holy Rosary and Dominican College before studying dentistry in RCSI, graduating in 1970. She later returned to RCSI to study medicine, graduating in 1977. She completed her intern year in Jervis street hospital.

Margaret began her professional life as a dentist, working in both Belfast and London. She returned to her hometown in 1973, where she established her life and career, working in The Eastern Health Board (now HSE), located on the Glenside Road in Wicklow town for more than 30 years while raising her five children, retiring in 2004.

It was early during her time in RCSI that she met Stenhouse Mathews from Limerick. It wasnt long before they fell in love. They married in 1971. They would spend the next 55 years together and he was the love of her life.

An intrepid traveller, Margaret was always on the lookout for her next adventure and travelled to every corner of the globe, often on a whim and always without a real plan, just the certainty that everything would work out, and it usually did.

Margaret loved nature and animals, and provided a happy home to many dogs and chickens over the years. A stray dog would be fed and a wayward duckling would be cared for. When she wasnt working or voyaging, she could be found out on the hills with her compass and a flask of tea. She instilled this love of the great outdoors into all of her children.

The family home in Church Street was always a welcome hub for the many friends from her travels, and also to the friends of all of her children. Guests would be welcomed with open arms, and always a bowl of soup, whether they wanted it or not.

Margaret was a very proud Wicklow woman. She loved this place and wouldnt have chosen to live anywhere else. Anyone willing to listen could get a free history lesson on any part of the town. This further extended to her affection for her mothers native Mayo, where she spent many summers, and finally to a deeply passionate love for Ireland. A more devoted daughter of this land would be hard to find.

She will be remembered for her intelligence, resilience, kindness, and dedication to her profession, her friends and her family.

Margaret will be deeply missed by her loving family, friends, and all who knew her.

Margaret was the beloved wife of Sten Mathews and mother to Conor, Ian, Stephanie, Fergus and Wuzzi (Orlaith). She is deeply regretted by her sister Gerry, her sister-in-law Eugenie, brother-in-law Frank, daughters-in-law Carole and Tanya, son-in-law John, her 9 grandchildren and extended family and friends. Margaret was predeceased by her daughter Martine and her adored parents Eddie and Agnes.
Our beauty expert advises on how to minimise lines, and lift and firm up neck skin

The skin on the neck is thinner than the skin on the face and also has a lack of collagen compared to other areas of the body. Photo: Getty

I read recently that younger people more than ever before are identifying their neck as a problem area. Nora Ephron flagged the dilemma years ago in her book I Feel Bad About My Neck, and Ill be honest  my own neck drives me nuts. Its really letting me down. So what are we going to do about it? I swear I havent been looking at Deep Plane Lower Facelift Before and After pics... the price of them though!

I spoke to Dr Alex Quinn at The Alex Clinic, who told me I dont need to go down that route just yet. He is pioneering a shift toward bio-stimulators like Sculptra for treating the neck to physically rebuild the skins architecture. The Tech Neck Fix: Using Sculptra (599, thealexclinic.ie) helps erase the deep horizontal screen lines weve all developed from looking at our phones. Yes, guilty as charged. Its a terrific treatment that actually tightens the neck area without surgery.

But back to skincare. The skin on the neck is thinner than the skin on your face. It also has a lack of collagen compared to other areas of the body, So here are some of my specific recommendations for products that are great for your neck.

Damage Reversal Neck & Decolletage Serum, 54.99, boots.ie

Number 1 Im a huge fan of the No7 Future Renew range at Boots so when they launched the new Damage Reversal Neck & Decolletage Serum (54.99, boots.ie), of course, I had to get my hands and neck on it to try it  and it did not let me down. Ive been using it on my neck, jawline and decolletage and I can already see a difference.

My skin looks firmer and more lifted, horizontal lines are less noticeable and my texture and tone feel smoother and brighter. Its lightweight but hydrating thanks to hyaluronic acid and argan oil, and the niacinamide plus Sophora blend really helped even out my skin tone. If you care about your neck and chest as much as your face, this is a lovely step to add to your routine.

Trinny London The Elevator, 85, brownthomas.com

Trinnys Transformation This is the one I get asked about the most! As part of Trinny Londons Gamechangers, the Trinny London The Elevator (85, brownthomas.com) uses the brands cohesion technology to smooth lines, improve firmness and support resistance to gravity. Weve all seen Trinny using it to give an improvement in jawline definition, alongside a visible lifting and smoothing effect across the neck area.

My Mum is currently using it and says she loves it and will be repurchasing.

Genosys ND Cell Neck & Decollete Treatment (64.50, genosys.ie)

Gen Neck We are all about Korean beauty these days, and the Genosys ND Cell Neck & Decollete Treatment (64.50, genosys.ie) gives clinic-grade K-Beauty innovation. Designed specifically for the thinner, more delicate skin on the neck and chest, the formula combines firming peptides, antioxidants and deep hydration to help smooth fine lines and support elasticity over time.

This is necked, sorry, next on my list to try.

La Mer The Neck and Decollete Concentrate, 290, brownthomas.com

La Mer Magic Now this is rather spendy but its a good un.La Mer The Neck and Decollete Concentrate (290, brownthomas.com) is an intensive balm that delivers plumping hydration and concentrated cell-renewing to help create a more youthful-looking neckline and decollete. The rich cream is great for giving a lifted look and a firmer feel to your delicate skin.

Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream, 79.95, neostrata.ie

Award WinnerAward-winning Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream (79.95, neostrata.ie) is another one on my list to try as its my BFF Marys obsession.Fast-absorbing and specially formulated for the delicate neck and decolletage, it firms, smoothes crepey texture, reduces lines and surface discolouration for a lifted, sculpted look. The pro ingredients are 8pc neoglucosamine, 4pc neocitriate, pro amino acid and apple stem cell extract. No wonder its won beauty awards

Trick

Tori top tip Hollywood actress Tori Spelling recently shared a beauty trick on her podcast that she learned from her late friend and Beverly Hills, 90210 co-star Shannen Doherty. Rather than having a facelift to tighten her skin,Tori asked her make-up artist to use face tape to achieve a snatched look. The artist put the tape on one side of her neck, with a string going to the other side under her hair and then he twisted it to suck her back and in. The face tape product is available on Amazon, if you want to try it out.

Dior Solar Self Tanning Drops for Face & Neck (65, brownthomas.com)

Treat

Bronze glow Dior Solar Self Tanning Drops for Face & Neck (65, brownthomas.com). My secret for faux-tan summer skin: a dropper mixed into my day cream and Im bronzed in an hour  no sun, no stress. Hyaluronic acid keeps skin hydrated while Pro Tan Technology gives a streak-free, natural glow that lasts up to a week. I build it daily to start, then twice a week to maintain. Instant holiday vibes, zero sand.

Treatment

Hair science If your split ends are literally snapping, this is the TLC (and science) they need. Head to Hillary in Ranelagh, Dublin, hillary.ie. Theyre doing Redkens Acidic Bonding Concentrate (ABC) range as an in-salon treatment and its magic for damaged hair. The acidic pH shampoos and conditioners rebuild weakened bonds, cut down breakage and undo some of the havoc from colouring, heat and bleach. Citric acid gives concentrated bonding care, so your hair actually feels stronger (and less like straw). Book it  your ends will thank you.
Elections last year ushered in new leaders more firmly opposed to Hezbollah

As the fog of war gets replaced by the fog of peace and both sides claim victory in the Iran war, Lebanon has now become a battle of wills between Iran and the US.

Secure in the knowledge that it holds an ace through its control of the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran is attempting to secure its next top priority the preservation of its primary proxy, Hezbollah. In recent decades, Iran has poured billions of dollars into the Islamist terrorist group which it sees as the tip of the spear in its primary ideological objective of eliminating the Jewish state.
A job description that feels personal

What you actually get

Image credit : ChatGPT | When Being Bad Becomes a Job Qualification

Why this actually makes sense

Famous Campaigns

This isn't about photography; it's about identity

Think about it:

How to apply (yes, you actually can)

Be 21+

Have a valid passport.

Be ready to travel in June 2026

Submit a 60-second video explaining why you are hilariously bad at photography.

But here's the bigger takeaway

Let's be real for a second; most of us have at least 200 blurry photos, accidental screenshots or badly framed sunsets sitting in our camera roll. And now, that exact chaos might actually pay off.Yes, you read that right! Meet the most Gen Z-coded opportunity of the year: Icelandair is looking for the world's worst photographer, and they are willing to drop nearly Rs 46 lakh on it.Yes, being bad is finally a qualification.The campaign, cheekily titled "Wanted: a really bad photographer", flips everything we have been told about being "good" at something.They are not looking for aesthetics, they are not looking for editing skills and they are not even looking for effort, tbh.They want someone who takes mid photos (at best), doesn't understand angles or lighting and gets surprised when a photo turns out decent. In short? Someone painfully relatable.If you somehow win by losing, here's the deal. It's a 10-day fully paid trip to Iceland; flights, hotels, travel, and experience  everything is covered  a pay cheque of $50,000 (Rs 46 lakh) and your chaotic photos featured in global campaigns.Your only job? Documents the trip exactly how you naturally would...even if it's slightly unhinged.On the surface, it's a gimmick. But dig a little deeper, and it's kind of genius. For years, travel content has been over-edited, over-filtered and almost unreal.Now? People are tired.This campaign leans into something Gen Z already believes, authenticity over perfection.By hiring someone "bad", Icelandair is basically saying, "Our country is so beautiful, you cant mess it up."And honestly, that hits harder than any perfectly curated Instagram grid.According to, Icelandair is recruiting a deliberately bad photographer for a major campaign, aiming to show that Iceland is so stunning that capturing great photos requires no real skill.Well, here's the deeper play. This campaign taps into a bigger cultural shift:People are rejecting "highlight reel" lifestyles.Messy, real, imperfect content is winning.Being relatable now has more social currency than being aspirational.TikTok thrives on "photo dumps" and low-effort content; Instagram is slowly moving away from perfection, and even influencers are posting bad angles on purpose.Icelandair isn't just marketing a destination, and they are aligning with a mindset. The idea that you dont need to be exceptional to deserve exceptional experiences.Thats powerful.If this sounds like your moment:This isnt just a quirky campaign; its a shift in how brands talk to us.Instead of saying, "Look how perfect this is."Theyre saying, "Come as you are. Even your worst is enough."And honestly? That feels way more real.
The Nigeria Police Force has unsealed the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Wadata Plaza, Zone 5, Abuja, along with Legacy House in Maitama, handing control back to the partys National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Takushara, and National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, in compliance with court orders.

The move ends a high-stakes standoff over the partys headquarters and signals that the Nyesom Wike-aligned leadership has regained control, both legally and physically, after days of internal tension.

The development was confirmed in a statement signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Jungudo Haruna Mohammed, on Saturday.

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The Partys National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, as well as Legacy House, Maitama, have been unsealed by the Nigeria Police Force and handed over to the National Chairman, and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, in full compliance with duly issued court orders.

The party commends the Nigeria Police Force for its professionalism and adherence to the rule of law.

This action is a clear demonstration of respect for constitutional order and due process, Jungudo stated.

But it also issued a firm warning, highlighting how quickly tensions could flare again.

The Party strongly warns that it will not condone any act capable of causing obstruction, disruption, or breach of peace at the secretariat again, the party spokesman added, noting that security agencies had been alerted to act against violators.

The PDP said the development should reassure members that the crisis had been resolved, urging aggrieved factions to close ranks.

This positive development reassures members that the recent challenges confronting the Party have been effectively resolved. We therefore call on all aggrieved members to sheath their swords and embrace unity in the collective interest of the Party, Jungudo added.

He also acknowledged the role of party leaders and stakeholders during the crisis, singling out a key figure for support.

In particular, we acknowledge the guidance and commitment of our National Leader, Chief Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, whose support has been invaluable, Jungudo said.
Philly Hummus Girl is based out of Culinary Collective. But owner Miranda Stephen has a cafe and market in the plans. Read more

Listen to article  0:00 min

When Miranda Stephen, the chef behind the cult favorite pop-up Philly Hummus Girl, enters a party, she never comes empty-handed.

Her Lebanese mother taught her to always show up with a plate of homemade food. So, when Stephen moved to Philly in late 2020 and began making friends, she would arrive at their COVID-safe parties with a big bowl of her smooth, luscious hummus.

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People would come up to me throughout the party [and ask], Are you the hummus girl? Stephen recalled. And the name kind of just stuck  I became known as the hummus girl, unofficially.

Six years later, Stephen is  officially  Philly Hummus Girl, thanks to her widely popular passion project, which she operates out of Culinary Collective commercial kitchens. PHG offers a monthly takeout menu, featuring Lebanese and Middle Eastern mezze, sold in person at farmers markets and online  her most popular dishes include date-syrup brisket hummus, dill pickle labneh dip, smoky-sweet muhummara. Her menu also features inventive dishes like duck shawarma, pumpkin kibbeh, and braised lamb shoulder on focaccia available only for online ordering every other Tuesday and Thursday for pickup and delivery within the Philadelphia area.

Though Stephen, the 29-year-old Italian Market-resident, had been making food for friends, it wasnt until 2024 that she decided to take her mezze operation in a commercial direction, sharing her Lebanese culture with Philadelphians. Every single Lebanese dish is a labor of love, and to make that accessible [to Philadelphians] is very important to me, she said.

The latter months of that year were difficult for Stephen, with Israeli bombardment of Gaza and southern Lebanon a year after the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attacks. She wanted to find a way to help her Lebanese community abroad. It was a lot to wake up every single morning [to] not check the news [but] check my messages to see if my family was OK, to see if places that I grew up going to were still there  did they still exist  and go back to work, she said. Stephen realized this is my moment to take this little passion project and turn it into something thats actually impactful and meaningful.

She began Philly Hummus Girl with mezze dishes for charity, raising money for the Lebanese Red Cross. (She recently hosted another fundraising menu for Lebanon, spurred by the current conflict overseas, featuring hummus, baba ganoush, zaatar manoushe with foccacia from Christina Lower of @bakebakephilly, and more.)

When she was laid off from her marketing job a month later, Stephen launched Philly Hummus Girl full-time out of her rowhome near the Italian Market. Soon, she booked a 120-person wedding gig and realized she needed a commercial kitchen. In 2025, Philly Hummus Girl found its home at Culinary Collective.

Stephens recipes are influenced by her international background and multi-hyphenate identity: shes Lebanese and Black, born in Bethlehem, Pa.; grew up in Dubai; lived in Lancaster, Pa.; moved back to Dubai then to Macon, Ga., and briefly Pittsburgh, before settling down in Philadelphia.

Take her date-syrup brisket hummus, for example: its reflection of her transition from Dubai, where she loved eating doughnut balls coated in date syrup, to college in Macon, where she fell in love with Southern-style brisket. We have hummus bil lahme, which is lamb or beef on top of hummus ... I felt like lets have brisket on it, she said. And you always see pomegranate-glazed lamb, so [I thought] why hasnt anyone tried dates?

Youll find the traditional [on the menu], but theres always going to be one or two things where its like, yeah, thats Miranda, she said.

Stephen is working towards her ultimate goal: a neighborhood cafe and market that will be the hub for all things Lebanese in Philly, named after her late grandfather, Frederick Jabbour Stephen, who owned Mediterranean restaurants in the Lehigh Valley in the 70s.

She envisions a brick-and-mortar for Philadelphians to enjoy her colorful mezzes and creative dishes and a third place for local Arabs to find a bit of home in Philly.

Philly Hummus Girl is a love letter to Philly because this is a city that has embraced me, she said.
Alexis DiBella, 31, a resident at Public Health Management Corporations medical respite facility in West Philadelphia, at the facility in April. DiBella was hospitalized for frostbite while living outside and, after undergoing a partial foot amputation, became a resident at the respite center in January. Read more

Listen to article  0:00 min

After months of living on the streets, Alexis DiBella felt she had finally turned a corner at the end of last year.

The 31-year-old had just gotten a bed in a womens shelter. Excited to to dig into life again after a frigid winter, she brushed off some lingering pain in her feet.

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Over a few days, they grew red and swollen. One night, still in her first week at the shelter, DiBella took off her socks and shoes and discovered that both feet had turned black.

She had developed frostbite while living outside.

Doctors eventually amputated one of her feet. After a month in the hospital, DiBella was ready to be discharged  but the shelter where shed hoped to start a new life could not accommodate her disability.

I didnt know where I was going, DiBella said.

Thats when a social worker recommended she move to a medical respite in West Philadelphia run by the Public Health Management Corporation, a healthcare organization that runs several federally qualified health centers and health programs for homeless Philadelphians.

Medical respites are shelters specially equipped to house people with medical needs that are not severe enough for hospital care, but exceed the care available at traditional shelters.

The Medical Respite on Cedar, where DiBella has lived since January, has 20 beds and opened in 2023. An additional 20 beds are available at the Medical Respite at Serenity Court, a facility in North Philadelphia that opened in 2014. They are the only shelters of their kind in the city.

Nationwide, there are 237 medical respites in 45 states; Pennsylvania has five total medical respite programs, and New Jersey and Delaware operate one apiece, according to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council.

The respites help patients with a wide range of medical conditions, from diabetes complications to ongoing cancer treatment. A few years ago, there was an influx of patients with wounds from xylazine, the animal tranquilizer then ubiquitous in Philadelphias illicit drug supply. Lately, after a particularly severe winter, the respites have dealt with another type of wounds: complications from frostbite, like DiBellas.

So many young folks are coming in here with either finger or toe amputations, said Sabrina Thigpen, the Cedar respites program administrator.

PHMC began floating the idea of a medical respite after hearing from its nurses working with shelters across the city about residents with medical needs that required more attention than a traditional shelter could provide, Thigpen said.

Both facilities are consistently full and operate waiting lists. We know that 40 beds for an entire city doesnt meet the need, said Jake Becker, PHMCs managing director.

Medical respites exist in other cities around the country and share common funding challenges. Who takes responsibility for the healing of people that are too well to be in a hospital and too sick to be on their own? Becker said.

The respites are hoping to find funding to expand into more complex care, like delivering intravenous antibiotics, he said.

Insurance coverage for patients can be complicated, and many respites operate by cobbling together funding from partnerships with hospitals and other healthcare organizations. Together, PHMCs respites have a $5 million operating budget and receive $50,000 from the city; the rest comes from healthcare institutions who pay set rates to send patients to the respites.

We would love to be able to step up our capacity for services to bridge even more of the gap, Becker said.

Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has proposed adding 1,000 new shelter beds in her fiscal year 2027 budget. Though details about her plan to fund the Office of Homeless Services have not yet been released, advocates hope it will include some money for medical respite beds, said Joshua Shipper, the senior director of advocacy and public policy at Project HOME, the prominent housing and homeless services nonprofit.

 READ MORE: In frigid temperatures, service providers work to get Philadelphians out of the cold

Project HOME has been working with PHMC to advocate for more funding for medical respite beds, either through partnerships with health systems or funding from the city, Shipper said.

Any approach should seriously consider a variety of types of beds  long term, short term, and medical respite, he said. We want options for people to receive care, especially if that care does not quite rise to the level of hospitalization, so that hospitals are able to free up beds and treat those with really serious conditions.

Typically, patients stay at Philadelphias respites for about 60 days, but some stay longer. The goal, staff say, is to find them consistent housing by the time they leave. Sometimes, patients find friends at the respite and opt to live together once discharged: Recently, several women whod become close at the respite rented a house together, Thigpen said.

The Cedar respite has a cafeteria, group meeting areas for patients, and hospital beds  two to a room, with a few single rooms for patients who are immunocompromised.

Staff care for basic medical needs and arrange transportation for higher level care, like cancer treatment. They also connect patients with other services, like housing assistance or substance use treatment.

Even if patients return to the street after their time at the respite, staff hope to connect them with a support system and more stability.

This is a stepping stone, said Carl Graves, 52, who has been receiving treatment at the respite for a wound on his leg. Six years ago, he was shot three times and developed an addiction to the pain medication he was prescribed, which eventually landed him on the streets.

His time at the respite has helped him stabilize medically, but also reconnect with family and address symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder from his shooting. Im just happy for the second chance, he said.

He and DiBella became friends while staying at the respite. Like Graves, DiBella is not yet sure where shell live after leaving Cedar. But DiBella said shes connected with social workers who will help her secure housing when shes ready to be discharged.

DiBella is sometimes overwhelmed by how much her life has changed in the last several years, from a stint in jail, which resulted in losing her housing, to the months on the street and the amputation. But shes grateful that she was able to recover at the respite.

If I didnt go through what I went through, I would have never found this place, she said.
Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter

Rise and shine, Philly. Were promised a gloriously sunny Sunday.

In our main read, we tested local magic mushroom-based products to find out what theyre really made of.

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And when they leave the hospital, some homeless Philadelphians are still too sick to stay in a shelter. Medical respite beds help fill the gap.

 Paola Perez (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here.

Philadelphia-area smoke shops are a wonderland for so-called magic shrooms. The products, promising an otherworldly high, lure customers in with late-1960s-style psychedelic packaging and clever names.

The fine print says ingredients are legal. The Inquirer decided to send 20 for testing.

Among our lab and investigative findings:

 Many products included psilocybin, the hallucinogen found in magic mushrooms, along with other chemicals banned by federal law.

 Yet, fringe chemists now import legal or loosely regulated chemicals and turn them into potent designer drugs sold at the corner store as pills, gummies, chocolate bars, and other tasty treats.

 Manufacturers get away with it because these substances exist in a legal gray area, and the result is an unregulated, potentially dangerous world of over-the-counter psychedelics.

Notable quote: Theyre just buying some powder from China, one chemist said. Theyre essentially changing the third molecule and altering it just enough so that its no longer scheduled.

Go into the shroom boom with investigative reporters Max Marin and Ryan Briggs.

Alexis DiBella was ready to be discharged from care after having a foot amputated. But the shelter where shed hoped to start a new life could not accommodate her disability.

Finding a medical respite in West Philly saved DiBella from falling through the cracks.

Respites are shelters specially equipped to house people with medical needs that are not severe enough for hospital care, but exceed the care available at traditional shelters.

Pennsylvania is home to five such programs, two of which are in the city of Philadelphia. New Jersey and Delaware operate one each. Many share common funding challenges.

Learn about respites reach and impact in the region through public health reporter Aubrey Whelans story.

What you should know today

Pop quiz

Sixers star Joel Embiid was discharged from a Houston hospital Friday and will return to Philly following his appendectomy.

About how many American adults are affected by appendicitis every year?

A) 25,000

B) 300,000

C) 600,000

D) 1 million

Think you know? Check your answer.

What were 

 Tasting: Classic vegan wings in South Philly (the best in the country), among the best things we ate this week.

 Watching: English Premier League games with Flyers announcer Lou Nolan at the start of his perfect day.

 Exploring: Penn State Arboretum during a spring weekend trip in State College.

 Unscramble the anagram

Hint: This high-end department store will close its huge City Avenue storefront next week

FAUST FIVE SHAKEN

Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here.

Cheers to Seth Schulman, who correctly guessed Saturdays answer: American Airlines. The largest carrier at Philadelphia International Airport raised fees on checked bags, becoming the latest to increase prices amid rising jet fuel costs associated with the war in Iran.

Photo of the day

 Todays song goes like this: Theres a cool breeze in the air / Why should we be afraid to love?

 Thank you for starting your day with The Inquirer. Have a good one.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirers Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.
There are now many GPs too over-worked to take on new patients, the in-coming head of the Irish Medical Organisation has warned as he also called for new hospitals to be built.

Professor Matthew Sadlier called for a major investment programme in health infrastructure as well as other changes at the IMO annual conference in Killarney.

Investment in new hospitals is needed to help address an estimated shortfall of 5,000 beds nationally, he said.

These shortages are directly contributing to the overcrowding crisis, he argued.

This is leading to delays in emergency departments and also leaving thousands more on waiting lists.

New figures on Friday showed waiting lists for in-patient and out-patient care rose again last month compared to February.

Prof Sadlier warned these pressures are forcing many hospitals to run beyond safe capacity levels.

In community services, GP shortages are leading to issues for patients, he said.

He called on the Department of Health to conclude its review of general practice, saying this must focus on the very serious manpower crisis there.

The workload of GPs has increased enormously over the past decade, and many practices are now reaching breaking point, he said.

We have too few GPs in general and too many of those still working are approaching retirement age. Many GPs are unable to take on additional patients.

He also drew attention to the obstacles faced by international doctors working here.

About 40% of HSE doctors have trained abroad. The Irish health services and the people of this country are utterly dependent on the contribution of international doctors, nurses and support staff, he said.

The thugs who shout obscenities and physically threaten these colleagues bring shame to this country and their behaviour must never be tolerated or accepted.

The conference also heard about the drive to move health services to a 6-day week from health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.

Once we achieve it we will never go back, she said, adding: It will be entirely normal for the next generation of patients.

About 69% of consultants are now working on a public-only contract meaning the new working hours are now part of their terms.

However, she is still worried hospitals are not yet using their rooms efficiently.

It doesnt make sense to me when I go to a hospital on a Thursday evening, as I did in the Southwest a number of times in the last couple of months, and find it eerily quiet, she said.

She described visiting St James hospital in Dublin on a Friday when the corridors are thronged with patients.

Then I go on a Saturday and I genuinely could do cartwheels  if I could do cartwheels - I would be able to do them down the corridors, it doesnt make any sense, she said.

She called on doctors to be innovative in their use of existing hospitals buildings, saying: There isnt going to be massive additional resources every year.

Hospitals and other building must be used in every way to justify any extra spending, she said.

The new HSE chief executive Anne O Connor also spoke at the conference about the organisation across various areas.

I have a couple of ambitions, she told reporters afterwards.

Culture is big, that is within the organisation. How we look after the population is hugely important and how we look after the staff who look after the population is important.

Older peoples care is vital within that population she said, adding this be across the health services not only in hospitals.

It needs to include early intervention, prevention, supporting people to stay well, she said, adding that sometimes: we dont think a lot about that because were so focused on providing services and yet we all know if we do that well, the demand for our services goes down".

Working with GPs and keeping people in the community will be central, she stressed.
A voter casts a ballot at a polling station in Lima, Peru, April 12, 2026. Peruvian President Jose Balcazar on Sunday urged citizens to vote with "calm and serenity" as the country holds general elections to choose a new president and members of a bicameral Congress. Voters are electing a president, two vice presidents, 60 senators and 130 members of the Chamber of Deputies, marking the return to a bicameral legislature after 30 years. (Photo by Mariana Bazo/Xinhua)

LIMA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Peruvian President Jose Balcazar on Sunday urged citizens to vote with "calm and serenity" as the country holds general elections to choose a new president and members of a bicameral Congress.

Balcazar said broad participation is key to strengthening democracy and ensuring legitimacy for elected authorities amid political instability in recent years.

"I believe that if we turn out in large numbers, we can mark a turning point for our democracy," he told Radio Programas del Peru.

He added that sufficient guarantees are in place to ensure a transparent process, citing the deployment of armed forces and police, as well as the presence of international observers.

Voting began at 7 a.m. local time across the country and will continue until 5 p.m., with more than 27 million voters eligible to cast ballots.

Voters are electing a president, two vice presidents, 60 senators and 130 members of the Chamber of Deputies, marking the return to a bicameral legislature after 30 years. 

Soldiers stand guard at a polling station in Lima, Peru, April 12, 2026. Peruvian President Jose Balcazar on Sunday urged citizens to vote with "calm and serenity" as the country holds general elections to choose a new president and members of a bicameral Congress.

Voters are electing a president, two vice presidents, 60 senators and 130 members of the Chamber of Deputies, marking the return to a bicameral legislature after 30 years. (Photo by Mariana Bazo/Xinhua)

A voter casts a ballot at a polling station in Lima, Peru, April 12, 2026. Peruvian President Jose Balcazar on Sunday urged citizens to vote with "calm and serenity" as the country holds general elections to choose a new president and members of a bicameral Congress.

Voters are electing a president, two vice presidents, 60 senators and 130 members of the Chamber of Deputies, marking the return to a bicameral legislature after 30 years. (Photo by Mariana Bazo/Xinhua)

A voter casts a ballot at a polling station in Lima, Peru, April 12, 2026. Peruvian President Jose Balcazar on Sunday urged citizens to vote with "calm and serenity" as the country holds general elections to choose a new president and members of a bicameral Congress.

Voters are electing a president, two vice presidents, 60 senators and 130 members of the Chamber of Deputies, marking the return to a bicameral legislature after 30 years. (Photo by Mariana Bazo/Xinhua)

Voters line up to cast their ballots at a polling station in Lima, Peru, April 12, 2026. Peruvian President Jose Balcazar on Sunday urged citizens to vote with "calm and serenity" as the country holds general elections to choose a new president and members of a bicameral Congress.

Voters are electing a president, two vice presidents, 60 senators and 130 members of the Chamber of Deputies, marking the return to a bicameral legislature after 30 years. (Photo by Mariana Bazo/Xinhua)
A woman whose grandfather was one of five Irish-American brothers killed on a US warship during a major naval battle in the Pacific Ocean during the Second World War is spearheading a drive to create a world record for the number of Sullivans and OSullivan's gathered in one place.

Kelly Sullivan, the chieftain of the Sullivan clan, is asking as many people as possible with the surnames to attend the clan gathering in Beara Peninsula, West Cork, from May 30 to June 2.

Ms Sullivan is the granddaughter of Al (Albert) Sullivan, born in 1922, who was the youngest of the five brothers who all died when their ship, USS Juneau, was sunk by a Japanese submarine during the Battle of Guadalcanal on November 13, 1942.

The ship broke in two and sank in just 20 seconds. In total, 687 sailors perished. Just 10 survived. Als brothers Joseph, Francis, Martin, and George all died as well.

A Hollywood movie The Fighting Sullivans was subsequently made about them in 1944, which was factually inaccurate as it depicted all five dying onboard the vessel. In fact, Al and George managed to make it to a lifeboat. Al succumbed to his injuries the following day. George is believed to have got hypothermia and, after a few days at sea, he fell out of the lifeboat. His body was never recovered.

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

Their deaths represented the greatest loss of military personnel ever suffered by an American family in the war.

Family honoured

To honour the brothers, the US navy later named a ship after them  USS The Sullivans  which was the first American warship to be named after more than just one person.

It saw service in the Second World War and the Korean War, before becoming a museum piece at the Buffalo and Erie Naval and Military Park in New York.

The Gallagher clan from Donegal currently holds the record for the largest gathering of people with the same surname, but Kelly is determined her clan will take over the title.

She is urging as many people as possible to register their attendance at OSullivanClan.org.

The weekend will feature a full programme of family-friendly events all over the Beara Peninsula.

Meanwhile, to coincide with the clan gathering, the famous Berehaven Chalice will be put on public display in Castletownbere for the first time in 425 years.

The chalice, which was made in the 1500s, is being loaned by the National Museum of Ireland to Cork County Councils commemoration committee.

It was hidden in a bog at Finaha, west of Castletownbere, in 1602, before English forces arrived to attack Dunboy Castle.

Historians believe it would have been in the church where Donal OSullivan, then chieftain of the OSullivan clan, attended Mass before his famous march to Leitrim the same year.

As it is so valuable, it will be guarded during the display by gardai and staff from the National Museum of Ireland.

It is being described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for local people to see the gold and silver chalice displayed in their community, as many of their ancestors from West Cork and South Kerry would have seen it in these regions in the late 1500s.
The future of Cork Citys clubbing scene is looking that little bit brighter as yet another iconic venue prepares to reopen its doors this month.

Businessman Sean Walsh is currently adding the finishing touches to Odyssey on Hanover St, which was previously home to Spiders and Cubins nightclubs, and most recently to the Holy Cow.

It had closed its doors when the covid-19 pandemic struck but Sean says it was a chance conversation with one of the clubs owners that inspired him to take on the venture.

Read More Inside the Savoy Cork revival: Historic music venue reopens in city centre

The venue, which spans 25,000sq ft over two floors, is undergoing a complete revamp.

It comes just months after the relaunch of the Savoy on St Patricks Street by The Good Room promoters Joe Kelly, Ed OLeary, and Caoilian Sherlock. The venue had been closed for 10 years prior to its extensive makeover.

Hanover St in Cork, which runs parallel to Washington St and links on to South Main St, has played host to a number of bars and nightclubs over the decades, including Spiders, Cubins, and the Holy Cow. Picture: Larry Cummins

Mr Walsh said he hopes to achieve something fun and retro with Odyssey.

The project will be a new challenge for the Crosshaven man who currently runs Angels on Cork Citys Leitrim St.

This has been a few months in the works, he said. I was hearing so many people complaining about the lack of nightclubs and nightlife in Cork City. It was more on a whim than anything else that I came across the owners and we sat down talking and the opportunity was offered.

Id really like to do something fun and retro and try and bring a bit of life back into Cork. Were not sure of the exact reopening date but it will either be the 17th or 24th of this month. People can stay updated online where we will be announcing the date soon.

He said he is not fazed by the project and is looking forward to new challenges.

Ive worked on doors and managed security so Ive been around clubs and pubs pretty much my whole life, he told the Irish Examiner.

When this opportunity came up, it just got the juices flowing. It got me thinking about what events we can hold because of the sheer size of the venue. Obviously, students will form much of our midweek crowds, but Im open to a variety of ideas.

At the weekends Id like to do something different, maybe comedy shows or host bands that havent been booked in Cork before.

Sean Walsh says bold visuals, immersive design, and a focus on creating unforgettable experienceswill define his new Odyssey nightclub on Hanover St in Cork. Picture: David Creedon

Reactions to news of the clubs reopening have been positive.

Weve had people stop by the club while we are painting the doors to enquire about whats going on. It has brought back a lot of fond memories for people.

He shared his vision for the nightclub.

People will be greeted warmly by the door staff without the not tonight folks. I want the club to have a very friendly and family atmosphere that really puts people at ease. The idea is to make it a positive experience right from the moment you walk in the door.

He hopes the reopening can mark a return to simpler times.

All the way up to the 90s there was always a plan for the night. Youd meet your friends, you knew what club you were going to because thats where you felt comfortable and the music was right for you. Thats all gone now, so its really just a case of bringing it back and mixing some of the retro stuff with the newer music.

'Back in the day'

It would be great to give the younger people a chance to experience what we did back in the day."

The Cork man revealed the changes he would like to see with regard to Irelands clubbing scene.

There is a multinational community in Cork now and most of them can go clubbing in their home countries until 6am. Hopefully, in the future Irish people will be able to enjoy that same freedom.

Walsh said he is looking forward to generating employment in the community with the creation of between 50 and 60 new jobs.

Ill be hiring people for roles from bar staff to managers. There are lots of roles to be filled so people can either apply within or email odysseycork@gmail.com.
The Artemis II astronauts have received a thunderous welcome home from hundreds of people involved in Nasas lunar comeback that set a record for deep space travel.

The crew of four arrived at Ellington Field near Nasas Johnson Space Centre and Mission Control in Houston on Saturday, flying in from San Diego where they splashed down just offshore the evening before.

After a quick reunion with their spouses and children, the astronauts took to the hangar stage, surrounded by space centre workers and other invited guests.

The crowd included Nasa administrator Jared Isaacman, flight directors and the launch director, Orion capsule and exploration system managers, high-ranking military officers, members of Congress and the space agencys entire blue-suited astronaut corps.

Artemis II astronauts Victor Glover and Christina Koch (NASA via AP)

The long wait is over. After a brief 53-year intermission, the show goes on, Mr Isaacman said. Ladies and gentlemen, your Artemis II crew, he added, as the crowd stood, applauded and cheered

Commander Reid Wiseman and his US-Canadian crews homecoming was poignant. They returned to their Houston home base on the 56th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 13, whose Houston, weve had a problem refrain turned a near-disaster into triumph.

Mr Wiseman told his crewmates: We are bonded forever.

This was not easy. Mr Wiseman said. Before you launch, it feels like its the greatest dream on Earth. And when youre out there, you just want to get back to your families and your friends. Its a special thing to be a human and its a special thing to be on planet Earth.

Referring to his wife and four daughters, pilot Victor Glover said: I love you but not just those five beautiful cocoa skinned ladies there, but all of you.

Christina Koch said she was struck by her view of Earth from space.

Honestly, what struck me wasnt just Earth, it was all of the blackness around it. Earth was just this lifeboat hanging undisturbably in the universe. Planet Earth you are a crew, she said.

Fellow astronaut Canadas Jeremy Hansen thanked the bravery of the launch teams to be no-go all the times they were, referring to the months of delay.

Mr Hansen said the crew embodied love and extracting joy out of that as the four joined together to stand in a row, embracing one another. When you look up here, youre not looking at us. We are a mirror reflecting you. And if you like what you see then just look a little deeper. This is you.

A photo of the lunar surface (NASA via AP)

Canadian Space Agency president Lisa Campbell called the mission a powerful moment. She told Mr Hansen he represents the best of what it means to be Canadian.

During Artemis IIs nearly 10-day mission, they voyaged deeper into space than the moon explorers of decades past and captured views of the lunar far side never witnessed before by human eyes. A total solar eclipse added to the cosmic wonder.

On their record-breaking flyby, the astronauts reached a maximum 252,756 miles (406,771 kilometres) from Earth before hanging a U-turn behind the moon, eclipsing Apollos 13 distance record.

The mission also revealed a new side of our planet with an Earthset photo, showing our Blue Marble setting behind the grey, pockmarked moon. The image echoed the famous Earthrise shot from 1968 taken by the worlds first lunar visitors, Apollo 8.
US vice president JD Vance said negotiations ended early on Sunday between the United States and Iran without a peace deal after the Iranians refused to accept terms not to develop a nuclear weapon.

Talks ended after 21 hours in Islamabad, Pakistan, Mr Vance said, with the vice president in communication with President Donald Trump and others in the administration.

The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon, Mr Vance told reporters.

That is the core goal of the president of the United States. And thats what weve tried to achieve through these negotiations.

The vice president said he spoke with Mr Trump a half dozen times, a dozen times, over the past 21 hours and also spoke with secretary of state Marco Rubio, treasury secretary Scott Bessent and Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the United States Central Command.

We were constantly in communication with the team because we were negotiating in good faith, Mr Vance said, speaking at a podium in front of a pair of American flags with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to his side.

We leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. Well see if the Iranians accept it.

Mr Trump had said he would suspend attacks against Iran for two weeks. Mr Vances comments did not indicate what will happen after that time period expires or if the ceasefire will remain in place.

Irans Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, left, meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad (Pakistan Prime Minister Office/AP)

The historic talks ended days after a fragile, two-week ceasefire was announced, as the war that has killed thousands of people and shaken global markets entered its seventh week. Two Pakistani officials said discussions between the heads of the delegations will resume after a break.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Saturday, Mr Trump claimed military victory against Iran and downplayed the importance of the negotiations because regardless what happens we win.

Lets see what happens  maybe they make a deal maybe they dont, the president said. It doesnt matter. From the standpoint of America, we win.

Mr Trump acknowledged very deep negotiations with Iran.

But he also said the US military was searching for mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which still remained effectively closed to most freighters carrying oil and natural gas out of the Persian Gulf.

The US military said two destroyers transited the strait ahead of mine-clearing work, a first since the war began.

A spokesperson for Irans joint military command denied the claim, adding that initiative over the passage of any vessel rests with the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to Irans state media.

Middle East  Infographic from PA Graphics

Qatars Ministry of Transport announced on Saturday the full resumption of maritime navigation activities on Sunday from 6am to 6pm, extending the decision to all categories of marine vessels and transport modes.

In a statement, the ministry urged operators to comply with safety protocols.

Irans 10-point proposal ahead of the talks called for a guaranteed end to the war and sought control over the Strait of Hormuz. It included ending fighting against Irans regional allies, explicitly calling for a halt to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah.

The United States 15-point proposal includes restricting Irans nuclear programme and reopening the strait.

The US delegation, led by vice president JD Vance, and the Iranian one led by Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, discussed with Pakistan how to advance the ceasefire already threatened by deep disagreements and Israels continued attacks against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, whose health ministry said the death toll has surpassed 2,000.

Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi had said Tehran was entering negotiations with deep distrust after strikes on Iran during previous talks.

Mr Araghchi, part of Irans delegation in Pakistan, said on Saturday that his country was prepared to retaliate if attacked again.

Pro-government demonstrators wave Iranian national flags at a gathering in Tehran (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Since the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, the most direct US contact had been in 2013 when President Barack Obama called newly elected President Hassan Rouhani to discuss Irans nuclear programme.

Mr Obamas secretary of state John Kerry and his counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif later met during negotiations toward the 2015 Iran nuclear deal  a process that lasted well over a year.

Irans state-run news agency said the three-party talks began after Iranian pre-conditions, including a reduction in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, were met.

Irans delegation told state television it had presented red lines in meetings with Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, including compensation for damage caused by US-Israeli strikes which launched the war on February 28 and releasing Irans frozen assets.

Officials from the region said Chinese, Egyptian, Saudi and Qatari officials were in Islamabad to indirectly facilitate talks.

Israel pressed ahead with strikes in Lebanon after saying there is no ceasefire there. Iran and Pakistan have disagreed.

Lebanese Civil Defence workers search through the rubble of a building destroyed in an Israeli air strike on central Beirut (Hassan Ammar/AP)

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin on Tuesday in Washington, Lebanese President Joseph Aouns office has said, after Israels surprise announcement authorising talks despite the countries lack of official relations.

But as thousands in Lebanon protested the planned negotiations on Saturday, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he had postponed a planned trip to Washington in light of the current internal circumstances.

His absence should not affect talks as the first round is expected to be at the ambassadorial level.

Israel wants Lebanons government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much like was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. But the militant group has survived efforts to curb its strength for decades.

Hezbollah joined the war in support of Iran in the opening days. Israel followed with airstrikes and a ground invasion.

In his strongest words yet, Pope Leo XIV denounced the delusion of omnipotence fuelling the war.
Hungarians are casting ballots in what is widely seen as Europes most consequential election this year, a vote that could unseat populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an ally of US President Donald Trump, after 16 years in power.

It is a key moment for Mr Orban, the European Unions longest-serving leader and one of its biggest antagonists, who has travelled a long road from his early days as a liberal, anti-Soviet firebrand to the Russia-friendly nationalist admired today by the global far-right.

Mr Orban and his top challenger, Peter Magyar, arrived at separate polling stations in Budapest on Sunday at nearly the same time to cast their votes.

Speaking to reporters outside, Mr Orban, 62, said the campaign had been a great national moment on our side and thanked activists and supporters for their work.

Im here to win, he added.

Viktor Orban declared he is here to win, after casting his ballot (Petr David Josek/AP)

Polls opened at 6am local time and are scheduled to close at 7pm.

The election is being closely watched in countries around Europe and beyond, which is a testament to the outsize role Mr Orban occupies in far-right populist politics worldwide.

Members of Mr Trumps Make America Great Again movement are among those who see Mr Orbans government and his Fidesz political party as shining examples of conservative, anti-globalist politics in action, while he is reviled by advocates of liberal democracy and the rule of law.

Casting her ballot in Budapest early on Sunday, retiree Eszter Szatmari, 62, said the election is basically our last chance to see anything vaguely resembling democracy in Hungary.

She added: We all have to make real effort to show to the world that we are not what people thought we were in past 10 years.

After the first hour of voting, 3.46% of registered voters had cast a ballot, according to the National Election Office. The figure was a record in Hungarys post-Socialist history and nearly twice the turnout from the same period in the 2022 election.

Peter Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza party, reacts after casting his ballot at a polling station in Budapest (Denes Erdos/AP)

During his 16 years as prime minister, Mr Orban has launched harsh crackdowns on minority rights and media freedoms, subverted many of Hungarys institutions, and been accused of siphoning large sums of money into the coffers of his allied business elite  an allegation he denies.

He also has heavily strained Hungarys relationship with the EU, seeming to revel in using his veto power to stymie the 27-member blocs important decisions. Most recently, he blocked a 90-billion euro EU loan to Ukraine, prompting his partners to accuse him of hijacking the critical aid.

Yet after winning four consecutive elections with a two-thirds majority for his party in Parliament, signs have emerged that Mr Orbans absolute control over Hungarys politics may be reaching its end.

Mr Magyar has rapidly risen to become Mr Orbans most serious challenger. The 45-year-old leader of the centre-right Tisza party, which is leading in independent polls, campaigned on issues affecting ordinary voters, including the faltering public health care and transportation sectors and what he describes as rampant government corruption.

A former insider within Mr Orbans Fidesz, Mr Magyar broke with the party in 2024 and quickly formed Tisza.

Since then, he has toured Hungary relentlessly, holding rallies in settlements big and small in a campaign blitz that recently had him visiting up to six towns daily.

Mr Magyar has said the election is a referendum on whether Hungary continues on its drift towards Russia under Mr Orban, or can retake its place among the democratic societies of Europe.
Russia and Ukraine have accused each other of violating a Kremlin-declared Easter ceasefire that took effect less than 24 hours earlier.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called a 32-hour ceasefire over the Orthodox Easter weekend, ordering Russian forces to halt hostilities from 4pm on Saturday until the end of Sunday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky promised to abide by the ceasefire, but warned there would be a swift military response to any violations.

Priests bless people and their Easter baskets to mark Orthodox Easter in Ukraine (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

The General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces said in a statement on Sunday it had recorded 2,299 ceasefire violations by 7am local time, including assaults, shelling and small drone launches.

It said the use of long-range drones, missiles, or guided bombs had not been reported.

A Ukrainian military officer had said on Saturday that Russian forces had continued to attack their positions.

A girl lights a candle in an Easter basket (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

Russias Defence Ministry, meanwhile, said on Sunday it had recorded 1,971 ceasefire violations by Ukrainian forces, including drone strikes on Russias Kursk and Belgorod regions that injured civilians.

Previous attempts to secure ceasefires have had little or no impact, with the two sides blaming each other for violations.

Mr Putin unilaterally declared a 30-hour ceasefire last Easter, but each side accused the other of breaking it.
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Fairfield Twp. police facing cuts if May levy fails: What to know
JERUSALEM, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Sunday the military has launched a new operation to demolish all homes in the villages along the Israel-Lebanon border, as fighting continues in the area.

Speaking to troops during a visit to southern Lebanon, Katz said Israeli forces would not withdraw unless Hezbollah's rocket fire toward northern Israel stops.

"We decided that we are not leaving the north anymore," he said. "We will continue this, and the goal is to disarm Hezbollah."

Katz said residents south of the Litani River would not be allowed to return. "All residents ... will not return south of the Litani River," he said, adding they would be barred from returning until security for northern Israel is guaranteed.

He said the operation was dubbed "The Silver Plough," under which, he said, all homes in the area would be demolished because they are repeatedly used as "terror outposts," without providing evidence. "We simply eliminate the threat," he added.

He compared the plan to large-scale demolitions in Gaza, citing Rafah and Beit Hanoun, where almost entire neighborhoods were leveled and other areas heavily damaged.

Hezbollah entered the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran on March 2 by launching rockets from southern Lebanon toward Israel for the first time since a ceasefire on Nov. 27, 2024, prompting Israel to carry out an intensified military campaign targeting multiple areas across the country.

A two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States took effect on Wednesday. Israel said it would abide by the truce but argued the agreement does not apply to Lebanon. That assertion was rejected by Iran and by mediator Pakistan. 
04/07/2026





Recognition highlights continued commitment to serving military-affiliated students

For veterans, active-duty service members, and military families considering their next step, Jacksonville State University continues to stand out as a place designed with their success in mind.

Jax State has been named a Gold Military Friendly School for 202627 in the small public institution category, recognizing the universitys ongoing efforts to create strong academic pathways and support systems for those connected to military service. The university was also designated a Military Spouse Friendly School, further highlighting its commitment to serving the broader military community.

This marks the fifth time Jax State has earned a Military Friendly designationand the third consecutive yearhighlighting a continued track record of support for military-affiliated students.

The Military Friendly Schools designation is awarded based on both public data and responses to a comprehensive annual survey that evaluates institutions on factors such as student retention, graduation rates, job placement, and the availability of military-specific resources. The process is guided by an independent advisory council and designed to identify schools that deliver meaningful outcomes for military-affiliated students.

Jax State is proud to support those who are serving and have served our country by providing clear pathways to complete their degrees and advance their careers, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Christie Shelton said. This recognition highlights the work happening across our campus to ensure military-affiliated students are not only welcomed but positioned for success from their first day through graduation.

Support for those students is coordinated through Jax States Veteran and Military Services office, which provides a centralized hub for military-affiliated students navigating admissions, benefits, and campus life. The office assists with VA education benefits, campus resources, and enrollment, while also helping students transition from military service to the classroom and ultimately into the workforce.

Jax State values the experiences and contributions of military-connected students to our campus and local community, said Dr. Justin Parker, Director of Veteran and Military Services. Jax State has a long history of serving the military community through our Army ROTC program and military-specific support programming. We are constantly looking for new ways to improve the academic, personal, and professional journeys of our students. Jax State is a destination for military-connected students looking to improve their career trajectories.

This work extends across campus through programs and services that make it easier for military-connected students to enroll, persist, and complete their degrees. From flexible course offerings to dedicated support staff familiar with military benefits and transitions, the university works to remove barriers and create a clear path from enrollment to career.

The recognition also reinforces Jax States role in supporting Alabamas workforce by helping veterans and service members translate their experience into in-demand skills and credentials.

For prospective students with military ties, the designation provides added confidence that Jax State understands their needsand is equipped to help them succeed.

Visit the Veteran and Military Services webpage to learn more about military-affiliated student resources at Jax State, or visit jsu.edu/admissions to begin the admissions process.

About Military Friendly: Military Friendly is the standard that measures an organizations commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefits for the military community. Over 2,900 organizations compete annually for the Military Friendly designation. Military Friendly is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business. Military Friendly is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or the federal government. Results are produced via a rules-based algorithm. The data-driven Military Friendly lists and methodology can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com

Quote from Military Friendly: Earning the Military Friendly designation is more than a badge of honor; it is a reflection of an institutions deep-rooted values and strategic commitment to those who served. These schools dont just open doors for veterans and military spouses, they build sustainable pathways for academic success and long-term impact. Their support is transformative, proving that investing in military-connected students is both a moral imperative and a standard for educational excellence.  Kayla Lopez, Vice President of Memberships, Military Friendly
By IMEMC | 

( IMEMC )  Israeli strikes continued across the Gaza Strip on Saturday, with new casualties reported in the northern and central regions as humanitarian agencies warned that the enclaves medical and civilian infrastructure is nearing total collapse.

The latest attacks come amid intensifying bombardment, deepening displacement, and the continued failure of emergency crews to reach large numbers of victims trapped under the rubble.

AlJazeeras correspondents in Gaza reported renewed Israeli airstrikes in Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip and Deir alBalah in the central region, where several Palestinians were killed and others wounded.

Medical teams confirmed that three Palestinians were killed in Beit Lahia, while a drone strike on a tent sheltering displaced families south of Deir alBalah left multiple civilians injured, some critically.

In the central Gaza Strip, Israeli armored vehicles opened fire near the Mazari roundabout, southeast of the Bureij refugee camp, injuring a child.

In addition, Israeli forces demolished one of the last remaining schools in Gaza, deliberately wiping out what remained of the territorys education system  and they did so under what was described as a ceasefire.

Earlier at dawn, seven Palestinians, including a journalist and a child, were killed when Israeli forces struck a civilian gathering in the Bureij refugee camp; a seventh later died in a separate strike on Beit Lahia.

AlJazeera Arabic reported additional artillery shelling and tank fire east of Gaza City and near Bani Suheila near Khan Youns, in the southern Gaza Strip, where drone strikes earlier in the day wounded several displaced Palestinians.

In a statement, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in the Gaza Strip reported on Saturday that eleven Palestinians were killed and twenty-six others injured over the past 48 hours as a result of ongoing Israeli attacks across the devastated enclave.

The Ministry of Health said the overall death toll from the Israeli assault has risen to 72,328 Palestinians killed and 172,184 injured since October 7, 2023. The Ministry added that 11 Palestinians were killed and 26 injured in the past 48 hours alone.

It warned that the real toll is significantly higher, as many victims remain under collapsed buildings and in areas emergency crews cannot reach due to destroyed roads, fuel shortages, and ongoing bombardment.

Humanitarian agencies issued new warnings on Saturday about the accelerating collapse of Gazas health system.

CBC News: Gaza ceasefire at 6 months: Israel, Hamas still fighting, Gazans still starving

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Gaza ceasefire at 6 months: Israel, Hamas still fighting, Gazans still starving

UNRWA said its shelters are operating far beyond capacity, with tens of thousands of displaced families lacking clean water, sanitation, and basic supplies.

The agency reported that several of its remaining operational facilities in central and southern Gaza have come under fire in recent days, further limiting its ability to deliver aid.

At Nasser Medical Complex, one of Gazas largest hospitals, one of the main generators was forced to shut down due to the lack of essential operating oils.

Hospital officials said they have switched to smaller, lowcapacity generators to keep critical departments running for limited hours but warned that these emergency measures are not sustainable. Technical teams said the facility is hours to days away from a complete power failure without immediate resupply.

The World Health Organization reiterated that Gazas health system is beyond collapse, noting that only a handful of hospitals remain partially functional, with severe shortages of surgical supplies, antibiotics, anesthesia, and fuel.

WHO teams attempting to deliver medical supplies to northern Gaza reported that access remains extremely dangerous and unpredictable, with several convoys forced to turn back due to shelling.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that more than 1.9 million Palestiniansover 85 percent of Gazas populationremain displaced, many of them multiple times.

 BREAKING: Leaked footage reveals a new crime unfolding in Gaza. Israeli forces are demolishing one of the last remaining schools, deliberately wiping out what survives of Gazas education system. This is happening under a so-called ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/dTy9HKt4aO  Gaza Notifications (@gazanotice) April 11, 2026

OCHA added that large areas of northern Gaza are now uninhabitable, with entire neighborhoods flattened and basic services destroyed.

Humanitarian officials warned that the combination of ongoing bombardment, the collapse of medical services, and the neartotal breakdown of water and sanitation systems is creating conditions for mass casualties beyond those caused directly by airstrikes.



File photo of Gaza, December 1, 2024 by khalid kwaik on Unsplash

Aid groups said the spread of disease, untreated wounds, and lack of clean water is already contributing to rising deaths, particularly among children and the elderly.

The Ministry of Health said casualty figures will continue to rise as long as emergency crews are prevented from reaching bombed areas and as long as the blockade on medical supplies, fuel, and equipment remains in place.

Via IMEMC

All IMEMC content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attr-NonCom 4.0 International License. A video and a posting from X were added
Ann Arbor (Informed Comment)  The Islamabad negotiations between the U.S. and Iran ended early Sunday without a comprehensive agreement. Vice President J. D. Vance blamed the breakdown in negotiations on an Iranian refusal to commit to never building a nuclear bomb, which I am quite sure is a flat-out lie. The Iranian government has repeatedly disavowed any militarization of its civilian enrichment program, and Western intelligence agencies have never assessed that it had embarked on a weapons program. This point is one of the most misunderstood in Western media and political analysis, largely because of Israeli propaganda. Israel, on the other hand, does have hundreds of nuclear warheads.

Likely what the Iranians refused to give up was the right to nuclear enrichment. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which Iran has signed but Israel and the US have not, bestows the right to enrichment for peaceful purposes such as providing fuel for nuclear reactors: Nothing in this Treaty shall be interpreted as affecting the inalienable right of all the Parties to the Treaty to develop research, production and use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination and in conformity with Articles I and II of this Treaty. Russia, China, Brazil, France, Japan, the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany all do this.

Political scientist Mohamad Hasan Sweidan asserts that his contacts assured him that one major sticking point was an Iranian insistence that the ceasefire must include Lebanon, a position rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who, Sweidan says, wants to implement a ceasefire there only gradually. Quincy Institute analyst Trita Parsi suggested that Vance was engaged in misdirection when he cited the nuclear issue rather than Lebanon.

But we know that other outstanding issues included opening the Strait of Hormuz without Iran imposing tolls on passing ships and Irans ballistic missile and long-range drone stockpiles and manufacturing.

These negotiations were never very likely to produce major breakthroughs. They are, however, the most significant talks the US and Iran have had since the negotiation of the 2015 nuclear deal, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA, in which Iran pledged to enrich only to 3.5% and gave up its stockpile of uranium enriched to 19% for its medical reactor. Trump tore up that treaty in 2018, even though Iran was certified to be abiding by it.

In a sense, Trump by authorizing these talks is walking back his absolutist stand of 2018.

The spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Ismail Baqai, insisted that talks would continue and that this round was not the end of the process. The Iranian press blamed the failure to reach an accord on the US making unrealistic demands.

While the Iranians have reasons to want an accord, given the proven US and Israeli ability to inflict tremendous damage on their economy and infrastructure, they also have aces in the hole that make them unwilling to accede to maximalist American demands.

They still have the ability to sabotage oil and gas tankers trying to traverse the Strait of Hormuz. Trump made a big deal out of US warships transiting the Strait on Saturday, but even if it is true it is irrelevant. It is highly flammable tankers that need to be assured that Iran wont send drones down on them. They are floating bombs in a way that destroyers are not, and they are commercial in character. Insurance costs and the enormous losses that would attend a drone attack are real deterrents. They have to make a deal with Iran as things now stand.



File photo, J.D. Vance. Public Domain. Via Picryl.

Moreover, the world economy is in danger of being sunk by the bottleneck in oil and gas supplies. US economic growth this year has already been revised down to 0.5 percent because high fuel costs will slow it. The longer the Strait is closed, the harder it is going to be on the world economy. While the US has a cushion because of its own oil and gas  which countries like France, Germany, Turkiye, the Philippines, Japan and South Korea do not even US prices will spike because energy markets are global and shortages affect prices everywhere.

Already, South Korea is blaming Israel for a reckless war that is playing hell with the South Korean economy, resulting in a major diplomatic spat. South Koreas president admonished the Israeli government that having been a victim of past injustice does not give one the right to harm innocents in the present. South Korea suffered under Japanese occupation and then the Korean War, so its people know what suffering looks like. And right now, it looks like trying to buy a gallon of gasoline.

The American government has far less time and far less power to avert a looming economic crisis than Vance and the Trump administration realize. Irans government, in contrast, knows exactly what it is doing.
( Middle East Monitor )  Hes out of ideas, a mind running on empty. Increasingly, he is also short of reason, zapped by geopolitical addling and meddling. Now that US President Donald J. Trump has reached an uneasy understanding with Teheran that a two-week ceasefire should apply to the warring parties (Israel, as usual, has its own elastic interpretation as it continues attacking Lebanon), it is worth considering the warring language he has been using since February 28. Of note is the shrill wording of various ultimata he has directed at Iran.

On April 7, the President seemed to flirt with the notion of genocide in promising that A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will. With biblical promise, he was certain that one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World was about to befall humanity. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end.

On Easter Sunday, another message was posted bellowing that Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Strong language followed. Open the Fuckin Strait, you crazy bastards, he railed in making reference to Irans restrictive hold on the Strait of Hormuz, or youll be living in Hell  JUST WATCH! Showing a mind turned to slurry, Americas commander-in-chief then praised Allah.

A few days prior, the President issued another threatening note to his adversaries. If there is no deal, we are going to hit each and every one of their electric generating plants, very hard and probably simultaneously. This came after strained suggestions that Irans new leadership was seeking a ceasefire but could expect nothing without the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion, or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!

No degree of lexical polishing, ducking and adjustment escapes the central tenet of such words. They show a lack of discrimination, a lack of proportion, and can only amount to war crimes, either in terms of promised or ongoing operations. Article 52 of the Geneva Convention Additional Protocol I, for instance, makes it abundantly clear that attacks shall only be limited strictly to military objectives. Targeted objects shall only be those that make an effective contribution to military action and whose total or partial destruction, capture, or neutralization, in the circumstances ruling at the time, offers a definite military advantage. Article 57 affirms that constant care shall be taken to spare the civilian population, civilians and civilian objects. A number of precautionary steps to ensure that aim are enumerated, including, for instance, verifying that the objectives to be attacked are neither civilians nor civilian objects.

In a measured assessment of Trumps spray of promised annihilation published in Just Security, Margaret Donovan and Rachel VanLandingham, both former uniformed military lawyers, also consider the grave effects of such statements on serving personnel. [W]e know the presidents words run counter to decades of legal training of military personnel and risk placing our warfighters [sic] on a path of no return. Such rhetoric did not merely undermine US legitimacy and global standing but posed a significant risk of moral and psychic injury for servicemembers. They further imperilled soldiers by placing them at risk of future prosecutions for war crimes that would not fall within the statute of limitations.

To Trumps chilling language can also be added various sinister remarks from Secretary of Defense (or War, as he prefers) Pete Hegseth, who has soiled the conventions of international humanitarian law by expressly declaring that no quarter, no mercy for our enemies will be shown. Thats the Lieber Code, the Hague Conventions, and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court out the door, perhaps unsurprising from a man who had claimed that US forces should pursue maximum lethality, not tepid legality.

Far from being unbecoming aberrations, these comments from Trump and Hegseth are not out of character in the history of American warfare. The no-quarter logic was habitually demonstrated during the Civil War, notably when it came to killing captured Black American soldiers. Historian George S. Burkhardt goes as far as to suggest that an unofficial policy existed among the Confederates that they could execute Black American soldiers and their white officers captured in combat fighting for the Union. This pattern of no prisoners and no quarter would again assert itself in such theatres of conflict as the Philippines, when, in September 1901, Brigadier General Jacob H. Smith demanded of Major Littleton Waller that no prisoners were to be taken in the aftermath of a surprise attack on the island of Samar which left 54 American soldiers dead. I wish you to kill and burn, he growled, insisting that the island of Samar be turned into a howling wilderness. Ditto the ferocious combat shown in the Pacific during the Second World War, when merciless no-quarterism was manifest as US forces made their way towards Japan.



President Donald Trump poses for a portrait with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth in the Oval Office, Wednesday, October 22, 2025. (Official White House Photo by Molly Riley). Public Domain. Via Picryl .

Having noted all three examples, Ali Sanaei of the University of Chicago observes that such instances are not only unlawful but diagnostic. It appears when war is not imagined as reciprocal combat but as punitive domination over populations thought incapable of deserving the usual protections.

Whatever gilded rhetoric on notions of freedom issue from the Trump administration when it comes to the Iran War, it has become increasingly clear that distinctions between foe and non-combatant have fogged up and vanished, leaving the sort of stubborn resistance that demands punishment. Yet, even as statute books are blotted and conventions maligned, the stubborn continue to prevail.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.

Via Middle East Monitor
Peru votes on Sunday to elect its ninth president in a decade, with crime-weary voters seemingly poised to extend the tide of conservative governments sweeping Latin America.

From the Amazon to the Andes, about 27 million Peruvians are obliged to vote in a race that features a media baron, an autocrat's daughter, and a hardline ex-mayor who likens himself to a cartoon pig.

"I wouldn't vote for anyone. I'm so disappointed with everyone in power," clothing merchant Maria Fernandez, 56, told AFP.

"We've been governed by nothing but corrupt, thieving scoundrels."

Voters will mark ballots that are almost half a meter long and feature a head-scratching 35 presidential candidates.

Hours before polls open, many voters are still undecided and unconvinced.

Pre-election surveys show no candidate polling above 15 percent, far short of the 50 percent needed to win outright. Barring an upset, a June runoff seems all but certain.

Conservative candidates dominate -- according to pollsters at Ipsos there is just one leftist in the top five, former trade and tourism minister Roberto Sanchez.

Right-wing candidates have tried to outdo each other with extreme promises to kill hitmen and lock up delinquents in snake-ringed jungle jails.

In the last decade, Peru's homicide rate has more than doubled.

And the number of extortion cases reported to Peruvian police jumped more than eightfold from 3,200 to 26,500 a year -- and that is unlikely to be the full total.

- Familiar name -

On the eve of the vote, frontrunner Keiko Fujimori told AFP that she would "restore order" in her first 100 days and would forge a united front with recently elected conservative leaders in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, and Bolivia.

"We will ask for special powers -- powers to modernise police stations, and powers for the Armed Forces to help us control the prisons," she told AFP in Lima.

"The Armed Forces will participate alongside the National Police in controlling the borders. We will expel undocumented citizens," she said, echoing hardline policies that are gaining political traction across the Americas.

This is Fujimori's fourth tilt at the presidency. In previous campaigns, she has distanced herself slightly from the legacy of her father, former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori.

His government crushed a bloody leftist insurgency in the 1990s.

Courts found that he had directed death squads and was guilty of crimes against humanity, bribery, and embezzlement. He spent 16 years in jail.

This time round, Fujimori junior has capitalized on growing nostalgia for her father's strongman leadership.

"I believe that time and history are giving my father the place he deserves," she said.

Signalling plans to forge close relations with US President Donald Trump, Fujimori said, "my role, if elected president, will be to encourage the United States to once again participate more actively."

She faces a challenge from former Lima mayor Ricardo Belmont, 80, who, despite having run the capital for five years, has pitched himself as an outsider.

He has made a late surge in the polls thanks to a large TikTok following.

"He's collecting votes from left to right, like Pac?Man," said Patricia Zarate of the Institute of Peruvian Studies.

Also in the running is TV comedian Carlos Alvarez and Rafael Lopez Aliaga, a far-right ex-Lima mayor who has promised to "hunt" Venezuelans and refers to himself as "Porky".

Sociologist David Sulmont told AFP the elections show "a major disconnect" between the public and what politicians are offering.

Incumbent Jose Maria Balcazar, interim president for less than two months, is barred from running.

Polls open at 7:00am local time (noon GMT) at 5:00pm (2200 GMT) Church bells will ring, signaling the polls are closed and some religious sites will reopen.

The election will also decide the makeup of Peru's congress, which has been instrumental in removing several leaders from office.
ANTANANARIVO, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Mauritius will "spare no effort" to reclaim sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, a senior official said on Saturday.

Mauritian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade Dhananjay Ramful made the remarks during the ninth Indian Ocean Conference held on Saturday in Port Louis, the capital of the island country in the Indian Ocean.

"We will spare no effort to seek any diplomatic or legal avenue to complete the decolonization process in this part of the Indian Ocean," he said.

Mauritius' sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago is "a matter of justice," Ramful said, adding that it is also "a reaffirmation of the outcome after more than 50 years of struggle" grounded in international law.

The British government stated earlier that it has shelved legislation to ratify a deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius after the United States withdrew its backing for the agreement.

The Chagos Archipelago was separated from Mauritius in 1965, when the country was still a British colony. Britain leased Diego Garcia, the largest island in the archipelago, to the United States as a joint U.S.-British military facility the following year, leading to the displacement of thousands of residents from their homes.

On May 22, 2025, Britain and Mauritius signed a deal that formally ceded British control of the Chagos Archipelago to the Mauritian government. Under the terms of the agreement, Mauritius would lease the Diego Garcia military base back to Britain and the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly opposed Britain's transfer of sovereignty over the archipelago. 
Polls opened in Peru's presidential and legislative elections Sunday, with crime and instability dominating a crowded race to choose the country's ninth leader in a decade.

From the Amazon to the Andes, about 27 million Peruvians are obliged to vote.

The presidential field includes 35 candidates, among them a comedian, a media baron, an autocrat's daughter, and a hard?line ex?mayor who likens himself to a cartoon pig.

The ballot paper itself is almost half a meter long.

Conservative candidates led pre?election polls, suggesting Peru may be the latest nation to welcome a tide of right?wing governments sweeping Latin America.

The frontrunners have tried to outdo each other with promises to kill hitmen, hunt migrants and lock up delinquents in snake?ringed jungle jails.

On the eve of the vote, frontrunner Keiko Fujimori told AFP she would "restore order" in her first 100 days: sending the army into jails, deporting illegal migrants and strengthening the border.

In the last decade, Peru's homicide rate has more than doubled. Reported extortion cases jumped more than eightfold, from 3,200 to 26,500 a year.

But many voters say they are also fed up with the political class, and with scandals and backstabbing that have seen a string of presidents removed and prosecuted.

The trend is so common that Peru even has a special jail for ex?presidents.

"I wouldn't vote for anyone. I'm so disappointed with everyone in power," clothing merchant Maria Fernandez, 56, told AFP.

"We've been governed by nothing but corrupt, thieving scoundrels."

Pre?election surveys show no candidate polling above 15 percent, far short of the 50 percent needed to win outright.

Barring an upset, a June runoff looks likely.

"I want people to vote for an honest president. That is what I want" said 60-year-old shopkeeper Anita Medrano.

"I won't say who I voted for. But not the old or traditional ones. Not them. They already had their chance."

The election will also decide the makeup of congress, which has played a central role in toppling recent leaders.

- Familiar name -

In an exclusive interview before election day, favorite Fujimori said she would forge a united front with conservative leaders in the United States, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia.

"We will ask for special powers -- powers to modernize police stations, and powers for the armed forces to help us control the prisons," she said.

"The armed forces will participate alongside the national police in controlling the borders. We will expel undocumented citizens."

This is Fujimori's fourth tilt at the presidency. Her father, former president Alberto Fujimori, died in 2024 after serving 16 years in prison for crimes against humanity, bribery, embezzlement and other charges.

During this campaign, she has tapped nostalgia for his strongman rule.

"I believe that time and history are giving my father the place he deserves," she said.

She faces a challenge from former Lima mayor Ricardo Belmont, 80, who has surged late on the back of a large TikTok following.

"He's collecting votes from left to right, like Pac?Man," said Patricia Zarate of the Institute of Peruvian Studies.

Also running are TV comedian Carlos Alvarez and Rafael Lopez Aliaga, a far?right ex?mayor who has promised to "hunt" Venezuelans and calls himself "Porky."

Sociologist David Sulmont said Peru's election shows "a major disconnect" between voters and what politicians are offering.

Incumbent president Jose Maria Balcazar, who has been in power for less than two months, is barred from running.

Polls opened at 7:00 am local time and close at 5:00 pm.
Hours-long delays marred Peru's presidential and legislative elections on Sunday, as voters sought to end political chaos that has seen a string of presidents ousted or jailed.

From the Amazon to the Andes, around 27 million Peruvians voted on half-metre-long ballots listing 35 presidential candidates, in a contest dominated by concerns about crime and corruption.

Peru has had eight presidents in the last decade, with impeachment and corruption convictions so common the country even built a jail for former leaders.

The frontrunners in the race include a conservative comedian, an autocrat's daughter, and an ex-mayor who likens himself to a cartoon pig.

Conservative candidates have dominated pre-election polls, raising the prospect Peru could join the growing tide of hard-right leaders in Latin America.

"I want people to vote for an honest president," said shopkeeper Anita Medrano, 60. "Not the old or traditional ones. They already had their chance."

No candidate was polling above 15 percent, well short of the 50 percent needed to win outright, making a June runoff likely.

"The people can't take it anymore," said Rosenda Lopez, a 47-year-old textile vendor. "I hope someone is elected who works for the community. They are killing us."

Delays of several hours in opening some polling centers sparked cries of fraud after a bitter campaign.

Furious would-be voters waited for seven hours under the equatorial sun in parts of Lima.

The electoral commission blamed a subcontractor for failing to deliver materials and extended voting by an hour.

- Crime and punishment -

In the past decade, Peru's homicide rate has more than doubled, while reported extortion cases jumped from about 3,200 to 26,500 a year.

In response, candidates have competed with hardline pledges, including killing hitmen, deporting migrants and locking criminals in jungle prisons ringed with snakes.

"We have to end this," said voter Elena Flores, 50. "We are living in a country of drug traffickers."

On the eve of the vote, frontrunner Keiko Fujimori told AFP she would "restore order" in her first 100 days by sending the army into prisons, deporting undocumented migrants and strengthening borders.

In an exclusive interview Fujimori said she would seek a united front with conservative leaders in the United States, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia.

"We will ask for special powers," she said, including to modernize police and deploy the armed forces in prisons. "We will expel undocumented citizens."

This is Fujimori's fourth bid for the presidency. Her father, former president Alberto Fujimori, died in 2024 after serving 16 years in prison for crimes against humanity, bribery and embezzlement.

During the campaign, she has leaned on renewed nostalgia for his strongman rule.

"I believe that time and history are giving my father the place he deserves," she said.

She faces a late surge from former Lima mayor Ricardo Belmont, 80, who has built a large following on TikTok.

"He's collecting votes from left to right, like Pac-Man," said Patricia Zarate of the Institute of Peruvian Studies.

Also running are TV comedian Carlos Alvarez and far-right ex-mayor Rafael Lopez Aliaga, who has promised to "hunt" Venezuelan migrants and calls himself "Porky" after the cartoon character.

Sociologist David Sulmont said the election showed "a major disconnect" between voters and what politicians are offering.

Incumbent president Jose Maria Balcazar, in office for less than two months, is barred from running.

Polling stations opened at 7:00 am and will close at 6:00 pm local time (2300 GMT), an hour later than planned. Voting is compulsory.
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Zip Code






Saturday, April 11, 2026 - Siaya Governor James Orengo has thrown his weight behind President William Rutos plan to establish a nuclear power plant in Siaya County by 2027, dismissing fears that the project would endanger residents.

Speaking during a Press Conference, Orengo argued that nuclear energy could be transformative for Kenya if managed responsibly.

He urged leaders to embrace honest dialogue, insisting that nuclear power was the way to go.

Orengo added that Germany was now reconsidering nuclear power, while Ethiopia was producing 10,000 megawatts compared to Kenyas 4,000.

This scarecrow should not be there. Nuclear energy is safe; it depends on who does it, he stated.

The Governor highlighted Kenyas energy deficit, noting that projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) cannot be fully electrified due to limited power supply.

If you want a train from Mombasa to Kisumu with the kind of electricity generation we have, you will only reach Mazeras, he said.

Orengo acknowledged the risks of handling nuclear waste but maintained that with proper containment, the benefits outweigh the dangers.

He added that several African countries were embracing nuclear energy and Kenya must follow suit to remain competitive.

President Ruto has announced that the proposed nuclear plant would generate 2,000 megawatts of electricity once completed in 2027.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, April 11, 2026 - Vihiga Senator, Geoffrey Osotsi, has alleged that his life is in danger, claiming that Government-linked surveillance targeted him and fellow Linda Mwananchi leaders before he was assaulted in Kisumu.

Speaking on Saturday, April 11th, after being discharged from hospital where he had been admitted for a week, Osotsi recounted the ordeal at a coffee shop that he described as a coordinated attack.

He said the confrontation escalated when one of the assailants allegedly drew a firearm and threatened to assassinate him.

I had my aide with me, and when I sent him to withdraw some money, a group of men approached me, calling me Senator, before they started beating me.

When I fell, some continued beating me, with one pulling a gun on me, Osotsi stated.

He dismissed claims that the incident was linked to a love affair, terming such reports as paid blogger propaganda.

The Senator alleged that three ODM politicians allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement are under constant surveillance, accusing Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo of orchestrating the scheme.

He described the Interior Ministry as a goon empire.

Osotsi further raised concerns that details of the attack circulated online before his media team was informed, suggesting that insiders may have tracked his movements.

Despite the incident, he vowed that Linda Mwananchi leaders will proceed with their planned Nakuru-Kisumu tour on April 19th.

Omollo distanced himself from the allegations, calling the incident unfortunate and urging police to act swiftly.

Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, also dismissed claims of Government involvement, accusing critics of attempting to discredit the administration.

He directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure arrests of those responsible.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Saturday, April 11, 2026 - Former Cabinet Secretary, Raphael Tuju, has issued firm directives to his family, warning them against allowing the State to participate in his funeral should he die under the current regime.

Speaking at his Rarieda home on Friday, April 10th, Tuju declared that he wished to be buried within 48 hours of his death, adding that he had already shown his family two possible grave sites.

He emphasized that his instructions were specifically aimed at the Kenya Kwanza administration.

When I die, I would like to be buried within 48 hours. I do not want to see any state participating, pretending that they have anything to do with me.

No state to be involved in my funeral, Tuju stated.

He added that a future regime could be different, but not the current one.

Tuju revealed that he had prepared his family for his death, noting that he was ready for any challenges in his ongoing battle over ownership of the Dari property in Karen.

I have told my people that I am very ready for the torture that anybody may want to visit on me, he said.

The former CS explained his deviation from Luo traditions by opting for a shorter mourning period, citing examples of leaders such as the late Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla, who was buried within 48 hours, and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who was buried within 72 hours.

Tuju has been embroiled in a protracted dispute with both the Executive and Judiciary over the Dari property, accusing President William Ruto of influencing his tribulations and faulting the judiciary for undermining his quest for justice.

He has also clashed with police after the DCI accused him of staging his own abduction in March 2026.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
SEOUL, April 12 (Xinhua) -- One firefighter was killed, and another went missing while battling a factory fire in Wando, South Korea, local media reported Sunday. 






Saturday, April 11, 2026 - Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has told citizens that despite the biting fuel crisis, they remain better off than Kenyans.

Speaking during a state event in Bayelsa on Friday, April 10th, Tinubu acknowledged the sharp rise in fuel prices and its ripple effects across multiple sectors but urged Nigerians to be patient with his administration.

I hear you, from various angles of the economy, the fuel price is biting hard, but look around.

Let us just thank God together that you are better off. Listen to them in Kenya and other African countries; what they are going through, Tinubu said.

His remarks, captured on video>>>, quickly went viral and triggered heated reactions from Kenyans online.

Many questioned the logic of comparing the two economies, pointing out that Nigeria - an oil-producing nation - should not be struggling with fuel shortages.

Others wondered how dire Nigerias situation had become if its leader insisted citizens were faring better than Kenyans.

Currently, petrol in Nigeria retails between 1,075 and 1,350 Naira per litre (Ksh102Ksh128).

In Kenya, motorists pay about Ksh178 per litre, a difference of Ksh50-Ksh70. Analysts warn that prices in Kenya could rise further in the next review.

Reports from across Kenya indicate fuel shortages, with some retailers genuinely running out of stock while others are accused of hoarding in anticipation of price hikes.

"The fuel price is biting hard, but look around, let us thank God together, that you are better off than those in Kenya and other African countries"



-President Tinubu speaking today in Bayelsa state pic.twitter.com/1gREwhMLde  CHUKS  (@ChuksEricE) April 10, 2026

The Kenyan DAILY POST
KILDARE Town came together for the annual Silken Thomas Daffodil Day fundraiser, which saw a lot of support from local businesses and the community.

The tradition, which was started by the late Paul Robinson, has been going some 13 years in the restaurant, as community members donate whatever they can for the Irish Cancer Society.

Ann Brennan, Marie Burke and Marcella Howard (Dream Believers)

Mr Robinson sadly passed away in 2019, but his kindness and compassion has lived on through the fundraising event and coffee morning which takes place each year.

Emer Flanagan, Ann Waters and Brian Flanagan

Silken Thomas held a coffee morning on Friday, 20 March with a fantastic array of raffle prizes on offer, and of course, all funds made on the day went to the Irish Cancer Society.

Raffle prizes included hampers and restaurant vouchers as well as bottles of wine and spirits.

Caroline, Betty and Martina Kelly

At the same time, fundraising group Dream Believers held a bucket collection outside Tesco in Kildare Town to contribute to the funds.

Due to the good weather, plenty of people were out and about which meant that the crew at Silken Thomas were able to come up with a brilliant donation amount.

Both the Silken Thomas and Dream Believers have raised approximately 8,800 in funds this year. However, Catherine Kelly from Silken Thomas believes that figure might rise.

Catherine believes that people want to do good, and will, given the opportunity.

People need a place to give money, she said. People were literally putting fifties in and they dont want anything for it. After a busy day of fundraising, the Silken Thomas team was delighted with the community support shown this year. Until next year.
People visit the BYD stand during the 2026 Melbourne Motor Show in Melbourne, Australia, April 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Haijing)

MELBOURNE, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Retired Australian Sandra drove three hours on Friday to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for the 2026 Melbourne Motor Show.

At the Zeekr stand, she walked around a New Zeekr X again and again, studying the compact new energy vehicle she had already spent a long time researching online before coming to the show.

Asked why she wanted to buy a new energy vehicle and whether rising fuel prices was a factor, Sandra gave a simple answer.

"I'm not that anxious about fuel prices," she said. "I like the comfort and the features."

Her answer came as something of a surprise, but not to Li Xinlin, managing director of Zeekr Australia.

Li said that even before the latest Middle East tensions pushed fuel prices higher, Zeekr had already sensed growing enthusiasm among Australian consumers for new energy vehicles.

In his view, new energy vehicles appeal to consumers not only because of lower running costs, but also because of functions such as autonomous driving and automatic parking, as well as a driving experience that can exceed that of similarly priced petrol cars.

He said the latest oil price spike has given more consumers another reason to consider buying new energy vehicles and could signal a faster expansion phase for the sector in Australia.

That shift was visible across the show floor.

Chinese brands accounted for nearly half of the automakers exhibiting at the show, with most displaying new energy models ranging from compact cars and midsize SUVs to large pickups, and offering a wide mix of hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric options.

For car enthusiast Peter, the range of choices was what stood out most.

Looking around the show floor, he said Australian consumers were being "spoiled" for choice with so many Chinese new energy models now on offer.

But choice alone is not enough to sustain growth in a market like Australia, where long distances and relatively limited charging infrastructure still shape how people think about buying a vehicle.

Wang Shunsheng, deputy general manager of Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) International, said Chinese new energy vehicle makers should think not only about selling cars in Australia, but also about bringing over more mature energy-support systems developed in China.

These could include working with local partners to build charging stations, combining fast and slow charging, and even exploring battery-swapping projects, he said.

The goal, he added, is to improve convenience and deliver a better ownership experience for consumers.

Great Wall Motors (GWM) stressed a similar point from the perspective of long-term market development.

Gao Zhenfeng, general manager of GWM's Australian subsidiary, said the rapid overseas expansion of Chinese car brands is encouraging, but sales growth is only the first step.

The bigger priority, he said, is to serve customers well, deepen roots in the local market and remove buyers' concerns through stronger sales networks and better after-sales support.

The scenes at this year's Melbourne Motor Show suggested that for many Australian consumers, interest in Chinese new energy vehicles is being shaped by more than one factor.

Higher fuel prices may be drawing fresh attention to the sector, but comfort, features, technology, convenience and the growing breadth of choice are also becoming part of the calculation.

In Sandra's case, fuel prices may have helped shape the broader market mood, but what matters the most is something else: the product itself. 

People visit the 2026 Melbourne Motor Show in Melbourne, Australia, April 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Haijing)

People visit the Great Wall Motor stand during the 2026 Melbourne Motor Show in Melbourne, Australia, April 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Haijing)

People visit the Great Wall Motor stand during the 2026 Melbourne Motor Show in Melbourne, Australia, April 10, 2026. (Xinhua/Xu Haijing)
Canon Ian Coulter, who was the clergyman in charge of the Union of Templemore, Thurles and Kilfithmone churches passed away unexpectedly late last November.

He had ministered to the parish since 2020 and was outstanding in his care, compassion and spiritual leadership. As Ian lived in Kilkenny and was Canon Treasurer of St Canices Cathedral his funeral service took place in St Canices at that time.

"His kind, sensitive nature always shone through in everything he did and nothing was too much trouble," was just one of the tributes paid at the service.

READ NEXT: Funeral takes place for Kilkenny colleague, leader and friend - Ian Coulter

In recognition of Canon Ians remarkable life and his great service to parishioners in this Union, a special memorial service was held in St Marys Church of Ireland in Templemore on Sunday, March 29.

Daphne, Ians wife, Ailbhe their daughter, son in law Ross, his niece Edith and nephew Kenneth all attended. The large numbers in the congregation from across all denominations and from Kilkenny and Tipperary, reflected the great affection and esteem held by so many for Canon Ian.

This service was led by the Right Reverend Adrian Wilkinson, Bishop of Cashel, Ferns & Ossory, along with Archdeacon Alec Purser, the Reverend Denis Sandes and Reader, Mr Tommy Cooke.

Reflecting the deep respect and affection held by many beyond his own parishioners, the service was strongly supported by local Catholic clergy led by the Reverend Kieran OReilly, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, Canon Conor Hayes, Templemore, and Fathers Jim Purcell and Vincent Stapleton, Thurles.

The service featured selected readings, prayers and hymns. Children from the local parish school spoke of Canon Ians warmth and commitment and support. Mr Raymond Stanley spoke movingly on behalf of all parishioners in the Templemore Union - his address follows.

As the service concluded Ailbhe Coulter expressed her familys deepest thanks and appreciation and also spoke of the great happiness Canon Ians years of service in the local parish had brought to him.

Mr Raymond Stanley added his words of tribute: "It was said to me recently that he was one in a million. Maybe thats true, but Im more inclined to think he was a one off, that there was nobody quite like him. He loved helping people whether that was with advice, encouragement or just being present in person.

"I know I speak for all the parishioners here in the Union when I say that it was a great honour and indeed a real privilege to have worked with Ian over the years."

Following the service, a plaque was unveiled alongside a tree in the churchyard to Ians memory. The event concluded by refreshments in the Templemore Arms.
Rescuers work amid the debris of a collapsed building in Germasogeia, an eastern suburb of Limassol, Cyprus, on April 11, 2026. At least two people were killed, and several others were injured after part of a residential building collapsed on Saturday in southern Cyprus, according to local media outlet Philenews. In Germasogeia, a coastal suburb east of Limassol, a major port city, rescue teams recovered a second body from the rubble in the evening, hours after the first victim was found at around 17:30 local time (1430 GMT), the report said. Three injured people were sent to the hospital and are out of danger. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

NICOSIA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were killed, and several others were injured after part of a residential building collapsed on Saturday in southern Cyprus, according to local media outlet Philenews.

In Germasogeia, a coastal suburb east of Limassol, a major port city, rescue teams recovered a second body from the rubble in the evening, hours after the first victim was found at around 17:30 local time (1430 GMT), the report said. Three injured people were sent to the hospital and are out of danger.

A large-scale rescue operation was launched, involving firefighters, police, civil defense, medical teams and local authorities. Heavy machinery was used to clear debris and stabilize the remaining structure.

According to Philenews, the building mainly housed foreign residents. Officials said it is still unclear whether more people are missing. Preliminary estimates suggest around 20 people lived in the building's 10 to 11 apartments, though the exact number is unconfirmed. The cause of the collapse is also under investigation.

The building had reportedly been deemed structurally unsafe, with prior warnings issued to the owners to carry out repairs. 

A rescuer works amid the debris of a collapsed building in Germasogeia, an eastern suburb of Limassol, Cyprus, on April 11, 2026. At least two people were killed, and several others were injured after part of a residential building collapsed on Saturday in southern Cyprus, according to local media outlet Philenews.

In Germasogeia, a coastal suburb east of Limassol, a major port city, rescue teams recovered a second body from the rubble in the evening, hours after the first victim was found at around 17:30 local time (1430 GMT), the report said. Three injured people were sent to the hospital and are out of danger. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

Rescuers work amid the debris of a collapsed building in Germasogeia, an eastern suburb of Limassol, Cyprus, on April 11, 2026. At least two people were killed, and several others were injured after part of a residential building collapsed on Saturday in southern Cyprus, according to local media outlet Philenews.

In Germasogeia, a coastal suburb east of Limassol, a major port city, rescue teams recovered a second body from the rubble in the evening, hours after the first victim was found at around 17:30 local time (1430 GMT), the report said. Three injured people were sent to the hospital and are out of danger. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

This photo taken on April 11, 2026 shows the debris of a collapsed building in Germasogeia, an eastern suburb of Limassol, Cyprus. At least two people were killed, and several others were injured after part of a residential building collapsed on Saturday in southern Cyprus, according to local media outlet Philenews.

In Germasogeia, a coastal suburb east of Limassol, a major port city, rescue teams recovered a second body from the rubble in the evening, hours after the first victim was found at around 17:30 local time (1430 GMT), the report said. Three injured people were sent to the hospital and are out of danger. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

Rescuers work amid the debris of a collapsed building in Germasogeia, an eastern suburb of Limassol, Cyprus, on April 11, 2026. At least two people were killed, and several others were injured after part of a residential building collapsed on Saturday in southern Cyprus, according to local media outlet Philenews.

In Germasogeia, a coastal suburb east of Limassol, a major port city, rescue teams recovered a second body from the rubble in the evening, hours after the first victim was found at around 17:30 local time (1430 GMT), the report said. Three injured people were sent to the hospital and are out of danger. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

Rescuers work at the site of a residential building collapse in Germasogeia, a coastal suburb east of Limassol, Cyprus, on April 11, 2026. At least two people were killed, and several others were injured after part of a residential building collapsed on Saturday in southern Cyprus, according to local media outlet Philenews.

A large-scale rescue operation was launched, involving firefighters, police, civil defense, medical teams and local authorities. Heavy machinery was used to clear debris and stabilize the remaining structure. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

A rescuer works at the site of a residential building collapse in Germasogeia, a coastal suburb east of Limassol, Cyprus, on April 11, 2026. At least two people were killed, and several others were injured after part of a residential building collapsed on Saturday in southern Cyprus, according to local media outlet Philenews.

A large-scale rescue operation was launched, involving firefighters, police, civil defense, medical teams and local authorities. Heavy machinery was used to clear debris and stabilize the remaining structure. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

This photo taken on April 11, 2026 shows a residential building collapse in Germasogeia, a coastal suburb east of Limassol, Cyprus. At least two people were killed, and several others were injured after part of a residential building collapsed on Saturday in southern Cyprus, according to local media outlet Philenews.

A large-scale rescue operation was launched, involving firefighters, police, civil defense, medical teams and local authorities. Heavy machinery was used to clear debris and stabilize the remaining structure. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

Rescuers work at the site of a residential building collapse in Germasogeia, a coastal suburb east of Limassol, Cyprus, on April 11, 2026. At least two people were killed, and several others were injured after part of a residential building collapsed on Saturday in southern Cyprus, according to local media outlet Philenews.

A large-scale rescue operation was launched, involving firefighters, police, civil defense, medical teams and local authorities. Heavy machinery was used to clear debris and stabilize the remaining structure. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)

Rescuers work at the site of a residential building collapse in Germasogeia, a coastal suburb east of Limassol, Cyprus, on April 11, 2026. At least two people were killed, and several others were injured after part of a residential building collapsed on Saturday in southern Cyprus, according to local media outlet Philenews.

A large-scale rescue operation was launched, involving firefighters, police, civil defense, medical teams and local authorities. Heavy machinery was used to clear debris and stabilize the remaining structure. (Photo by George Christophorou/Xinhua)
Weather Alert

...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Missouri... Missouri River at Waverly affecting Saline, Carroll and Lafayette Counties. Missouri River At Miami affecting Chariton, Saline and Carroll Counties. Missouri River at Boonville affecting Cooper, Howard, Boone and Moniteau 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 REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING TO LATE FRIDAY MORNING... * WHAT...Minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Missouri River at Boonville. * WHEN...From this evening to late Friday morning. * 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 9:04 AM CDT Tuesday the stage was 16.7 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise above flood stage just after midnight tonight to a crest of 22.9 feet tomorrow evening. It will then fall below flood stage Thursday evening. - Flood stage is 21.0 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood && Fld Obs Forecasts Location Stg Stg Day/Time Tue Wed Thu 1pm 1pm 1pm Missouri River Boonville 21.0 16.7 Tue 9am 17.8 22.7 21.6 &&
MOSCOW, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed the latest developments in the Middle East with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian, the Kremlin said Sunday.

During a phone call, Pezeshkian assessed the Iran-U.S. talks held in Islamabad on Saturday. He also expressed appreciation for Russia's principled stance to de-escalate regional tensions and for its humanitarian assistance to the Iranian people.

Russia will continue to facilitate a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict and to mediate efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, Putin said, adding that Russia would maintain active contacts with all regional partners in this regard.

The two leaders also discussed bilateral cooperation and confirmed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral ties, the Kremlin added. 
A WOMAN with 254 previous convictions for using false prescriptions to obtain medication from pharmacies appeared before Portlaoise District Court last week on similar offences.

Lyndsey Ryan (42), Errigal Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12 pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of a false prescription and to the use of a false prescription on 28 April 2024 at Booths, Unit 31-32, Laois Shopping Centre, Portlaoise.

Garda Sgt JJ Kirby said Ms Ryan went into the pharmacy and produced a false prescription. When it was checked, the store manager spotted it was false and contacted gardai.

Sgt Kirby said that the defendant had 254 previous convictions, all for presenting false prescriptions.

Defending solicitor Philip Meagher said the convictions stem from a chronic medical condition and that Ms Ryan had an addiction to sleeping tablets, which she no longer takes.

This has been going on from 2011, for 15 years. When is she going to cop on? asked Judge Andrew Cody Shes now on medication to deal with her issues and is linking in with a womens support group in Dublin, said Mr Meagher.

Judge Cody said: Shes facing a long stretch in prison with 254 previous convictions. Im adjourning the case to 4 June. Let her be very clear. Shes facing an uphill battle to stay out of prison. The case was adjourned to allow time for Ms Ryan to gather up the evidence to prove what efforts she is making to address her addiction issue.

Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.
A man admitted burgling a business in Portarlington and attempting to burgle the Post Office.

Radu Teglas (34) of Greenlands B&B, Corduff, Lusk, Dublin, pleaded guilty to burgling Parklane Interiors in Portarlington and the attempted burglary of the Post Office in Portarlington on October 9, 2019.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that Gardai responded to an alarm at Parklane Interiors at 3.45am on the date in question and they spoke to the owner.

She informed them that the window of the premises had been smashed, said Sgt Kirby. The woman said nothing was taken but a bed and mattress at the premises had been soiled with blood.

Sgt Kirby said excellent quality CCTV from the Post Office showed the defendant pushing the door of the Post Office with force on a number of occasions and also elbowing the glass in an attempt to break it. He said the accused had previous convictions for road traffic offences and theft. He said the case came before the courts in 2019 and a bench warrant was issued when the defendant didnt appear.

It is believed the gent was residing out of the State in the intervening period, he explained.

Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client had returned to his home country of Romania for a number of years. She said he had brought 400 compensation to court. He tells me that he has grown up, she said.

READ ALSO: Laois business raising funds for Jack and Jill

He tells me that he was drinking at the time, she told Judge Andrew Cody. She said the man was working at a farm in Lusk for the past three years.

Judge Cody fined the man 1,000 and imposed an eight month prison sentence which he suspended for three years.
Laois Gardai say the M7 has been successfully reopened in Laois with the standing down of the major motorway fuel protest at the Junction 17 Togher roundabout in Portlaoise on the route that links Dublin, Cork, and Limerick cities.

Gardai updated the Leinster Express / Laois Live following the striking of an agreement with protestors on Sunday, as talks were concluding in Dublin, which have resulted in a 500 million package of Government measures to alleviate the impact of the Iran war on fuel costs in Ireland.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed at 8.45 pm that the Portlaoise protest, which involved north and south-bound blockades, had been "completely stood down" and protestors had left the area. He added that the M7 was flowing in both directions and the J17 exit and entry ramps were once again open.

The agreement to end the protest was reached ahead of the announcement of the package of measures by the Government following consultations with organisations representing hauliers and farming organisations.

The Defence Forces and the Irish Army were not deployed to the scene at Portlaoise, though a Garda helicopter spent some time monitoring activities on Sunday afternoon.

READ ALSO: Peaceful lifting of Laois M7 fuel protest in Portlaoise in train following talks with local gardai

Garda concerns emerged on Sunday about the safety of protestors and their supporters at the Togher roundabout. Video taken at the scene showed music being played and people standing on the verges of the roundabout despite the fact that traffic continued to use the N77 / Abbeyleix Road route.

The protest was mounted along with many others on Tuesday, April 7 in an effort to get the Government to provide more support to help cover the cost of spiralling fuel prices.

READ NEXT: Allegedly drove at speed against traffic on M7 in Laois and damaged a Garda car

Vehicles were parked on the motorway on the southbound and northbound M7 routes during the protest. The roundabout remained open to single-vehicle traffic but a mixture of trucks, tractors, buses, vans, cars and a digger were parked on the roundabout for the duration.
THE HAGUE, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The Netherlands has approved U.S. electric carmaker Tesla's supervised self-driving system, making it the first European country to permit the technology on public roads.

"This driver assistance system has been extensively researched and tested for over a year and a half on our test track and on public roads," the Netherlands Vehicle Authority RDW said in a statement issued late Friday, adding that proper use of the system can make "a positive contribution to road safety."

The regulator stressed that vehicles equipped with a full self-driving (FSD) supervised system are not self-driving. The system is classified as a driver assistance feature, meaning the driver remains fully responsible and must maintain control at all times. "When the system detects that the driver is insufficiently alert, various signals are triggered, requiring the driver to demonstrate attentiveness," RDW noted.

While Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD have been permitted in the United States for some time, RDW noted that the systems are not directly comparable because vehicles in Europe run on different software versions with varying functionality.

The approval could pave the way for wider adoption across Europe. RDW said it will submit an application to the European Commission, after which European Union members will vote on whether to allow the system across the bloc.

Experts cautioned that the technology, while promising, may also introduce new risks. Marieke Martens, professor of automated vehicles and human interaction at Eindhoven University of Technology, told local media RTL News that traffic safety could shift as a result of such systems.

"Traffic safety could shift. Such a system can prevent human errors, but perhaps new errors will also arise, which humans will then still have to correct. In that case, it actually adds an extra task to driving," she said. 
Irelands largest opposition party will call a motion of no confidence in the Government after a week of major protests over the fuel crisis.

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said her party had met on Sunday morning and had decided to move the motion.

Several of those engaged in protests  which involved blockades of critical infrastructure and severe disruption to the motorway network that strangled fuel distribution in the country  had sought such a move.

The Social Democrats, Labour, People Before Profit, and Independent Ireland have said they would back the motion, while the Greens  while heavily criticising the Government  said they would consider the text before making a decision.

Aontu leader Peadar Toibin said his party had asked other leaders to join together for a no-confidence motion on Saturday.

Minister of State Timmy Dooley said the Government would set out how its response best met the needs and expectations of society.

He told RTE Radio Ones This Week: Theres no government anywhere in the world thats going to be able to respond to all of the negative impacts as a result of the war in Iran, and the impact that that has had on the supply of goods, the supply of oil and the spiraling cost.

What we have to try to do is manage our way through that.

The protesters wanted Government to take urgent action to reduce fuel and other operating costs for businesses in the transport and agricultural sectors.

Ministers in the coalition held an emergency Cabinet meeting on Sunday to sign off on a substantial package following talks with established representative bodies  which excluded the protesters.

Over Saturday and Sunday, An Garda Siochana escalated its enforcement of the protests and deployed Public Order Units to clear blockades at an oil refinery, a depot in Galway, and a main road in Dublin city centre.

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael formed a coalition with the support of several independent TDs which represent rural constituencies.

Christopher Duffy, a spokesman for the Dublin blockade, called for a no confidence motion and said the power lies with rural TDs and independents propping up the Government.

Ms McDonald criticised the coalition Government and said: The actions of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and independents have been disastrous.

They have lost the confidence of the public. It is clear that they still are not listening and do not accept the scale of this fuel and cost-of-living crisis.

Ahead of a Cabinet meeting which is expected to sign off on supports relating to the cost of fuel, Ms McDonald added: All reports indicate it will be more of the same half-measures from them this evening.

This is unacceptable. We need the maximum reductions now, as proposed by Sinn Fein weeks ago.

The party had called for the maximum action necessary to cut fuel prices so they are affordable for the workers, families and sectors that rely on them.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said the party had repeatedly demanded that the Government introduce a targeted 400-euro energy credit, as well as other support measures to give people who are really struggling some relief.

She added: The Social Democrats have no confidence in this Governments ability to manage this crisis, and  for that reason  we will support the no confidence motion in them.

Independent Ireland said: The handling of the protests has been tone-deaf, condescending and, at times, inflammatory rather than conciliatory.

For these reasons and many others, we believe this Government has failed and we have no confidence in its ability to continue.

Labour said it did not believe the Government had handled the crisis well.

A spokesperson said: We believe Government acted far too slowly and should have engaged much more swiftly to address the genuine concerns and frustrations being experienced by so many in this cost of living crisis.

The Green Party also said it would examine the full text of the motion before deciding on a position, but said the Government had handled the crisis appallingly.
Positive news for County Kildare has been revealed, as a new special school is set to open up in one South Kildare town.

Newbridge-based Fianna Fail Senator Fiona OLoughlin has welcomed the announcement of a new special school for Monasterevin.

The new school, which will open for the 2026 / 2027 school year, is set to be established through the repurposing of the existing St Peter's boys primary school in Monasterevin as it moves into a new school building.

READ NEXT: Man due to appear in court over suspected drugs seizure near Kildare border

According to Senator O'Loughlin, who has a background in teaching, the announcement was made by Minister of State with responsibility for Special Education and Inclusion, Michael Moynihan TD (Fianna Fail), and forms part of a wider national effort to expand special education provision.

To date this year, 387 new special classes have been sanctioned, with further classes expected to be confirmed by the National Council for Special Education in the coming weeks.

Kildare has received 18 of these new special classes so far this year, more than other commuter counties such as Wicklow and Louth.

'EVERY CHILD HAS A RIGHT TO EDUCATION'

Speaking further on the announcement, Senator OLoughlin asserted that the new school "will increase capacity for students with additional needs across the county".

Every child has a right to an education; that education must be accessible and supported so that each child can fully benefit from it.

"We have already significantly increased the number of special classes available for the next school year both in Kildare and across the country, and further announcements are expected in the weeks and months ahead."

She concluded: "Expanding the availability of special classes remains a priority, and I will continue to engage with the Department and the Minister to make a strong case for increased provision in Kildare."

Senator O'Loughlin recently made headlines when she criticised the practice of sulky racing in Kildare.

Fianna Fail Senator Fiona O'Loughlin. File photograph

READ NEXT: Refusal of Kildare housing development 'reflects stronger planning standards and flood risk concerns'

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
The leadership of the Irish Government has hit out at fuel-cost protesters who staged blockades of critical infrastructure across the country, as it tripled the size of its package of supports.

The 505 million euro in additional measures comes on top of and extends some of last months 250 million euro package in response to fuel costs.

Excise cuts on fuel, a delay in a planned increase of a carbon tax, and payments to affected industries  in which most of the protesters worked  were all announced as part of the response to the fuel crisis that emerged as a result of the war in Iran.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the Government would undertake a fundamental security review after protests which nearly calamitously endangered oil supply in the country by blockading critical infrastructure, including Irelands only oil refinery.

He told reporters on Sunday that the measures will be paid for by the existing surplus, but added that every item of spending would have consequences on Budget 2027.

He said: That is of concern as we announce these packages, but it has to be balanced with the fact there is undoubted pressure on people.

Pressed on whether this would mean running a smaller surplus, Mr Martin said it would depend on revenue and expenditure trends but conceded it would be larger without the announced measures.

He added: But we are facing an unprecedented crisis globally. If this war continues, volatility continues, that is something of concern to us in terms of the broader range of public services and expenditure we have to provide for.

Simon Harris, the countrys deputy premier and Finance Minister, said the developments are why the Government runs an economy that gives us fiscal buffers and a surplus.

Mr Martin denied that the bumper payments to the agricultural and transport sectors showed that the protest worked.

The Taoiseach said the Government had worked with representative bodies, describing the blockaders as not working in the best interests of the Irish people.

Mr Harris said what worked is the engagement with representative bodies.

On the protesters, he said there were extraordinarily frightening scenes when one spokesman suggested that wardens would access the medical needs of people attempting to pass blockades.

Mr Martin said the whole world had been coping with a dramatic and unexpected increase in oil prices  as well as oil shortages  as a result of the war in the Middle East.

He added that recent developments  which have included US president Donald Trump calling for a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and a breakdown of a ceasefire  were very volatile and not reassuring.

The Government defended its choice to exclude protesters from talks with established representative organisations.

The protesters began action on Tuesday and the last blockades were not cleared until Sunday.

Mr Martin said Government would review the latitude given to protesters in the early stages in terms of the overall security situation of the State.

The Taoiseach said nobody had a right to blockade the country, prevent the normal operation of emergency services, delay people going for cancer treatment, or to threaten the jobs and livelihoods of others.

He said the targeting of ports and depots represented a direct threat to basic supplies and would have impacted on every business and job in the country if not addressed.

He said: No-one should deny the fundamental right of freedom of mobility, of people, goods or services.

He added: The right to protest is important and critical, but it cannot operate with no limits and without any consideration of its impact on wider society and economy.

Mr Harris agreed, stating that Government could not be expected to reasonably or rationally engage with self-appointed spokespeople of unelected bodies and those who would instigate an illegal blockade of some of this countrys most critical infrastructure at a time of a global energy crisis.

He said the recent protests had been extremely concerning and profoundly damaging.

Asked about the response to clearing blockades which saw the use of pepper spray and some physical confrontations with protesters, Mr Martin said the police service An Garda Siochana gave plenty of warning and added that there would be no toleration of any attempts to restrict freedom of movement of people and goods.

He said there was an illogicality of the protest as it had endangered jobs and businesses.

The Government is also seeking flexibility from the European Union on the measures as it has gone below rules on minimum rates for diesel.

The reductions of excise duty will need approval of the countrys parliament  which is also due to vote on a motion of no confidence in the Government that will be brought by the largest opposition party in the country Sinn Fein in criticism of the coalitions handling of the crisis.

Mr Martin claimed that some TDs supporting a no-confidence vote were in agreement with the people blockading critical infrastructure and therefore not fit for Government.

Minister of State Sean Canney, who represents non-party TDs who supported Mr Martins Fianna Fail and Mr Harris Fine Gael in forming a coalition, said he could confirm that his fellow Government-aligned independents would express confidence in the vote.

He said: Were not in Government just for the fun of it. Were here to make a difference and to make sure that this Government, which is working well coherently, continues to do that.

Sinn Fein finance spokesman Pearse Doherty said the measures fall far short, stating that it should have gone further on petrol and diesel cuts and scrapped excise on home heating oil.

He said: They only moved because of public pressure  and even then, they fell short.

The pressure must now intensify. We will bring forward our motion of no confidence in the government this week.

The Social Democrats said it would support the Sinn Fein motion, stating that the Government measures do not address wider cost of living challenges.

Deputy leader Cian OCallaghan said the Government failed to do anything to address skyrocketing costs of home heating oil which 700,000 households use.

It sought a targeted 400 euro energy credit and a mileage scheme for essential workers.

Labour finance spokesman Ged Nash said the Government was providing little comfort to workers while buying off what he described as narrow sectoral interests.

He said the Government had real explaining to do for 320,000 households in arrears on energy bills.

He added: The chaos of the last few days has seen this Governments authority drain away. The basic competence of individual ministers and this administration is now very much in question.

This is reason enough for Labour to support a planned motion of no confidence in this government.

Aontu leader Peadar Toibin said Government was in damage-limitation mode, describing the handling of protests as a fiasco factory.
WERE on our way home, announced Deputy Richard ODonoghue in a social media post from the protest at Foynes Port this Sunday.

The County Limerick TD said he just had a meeting with people who have attended the peaceful protest in Foynes. The group had been onsite protesting since last Tuesday over the cost of fuel and the impact it is having on their livelihoods.

We've taken a vote with the people that have been here for the last five or six days in Foynes - the hauliers, the agricultural contractors, the people that have been here and the community, said Mr ODonogue.

READ NEXT: We don't know what's ahead of us: An organiser of protest at Limerick port

He said they are going to pull out of Foynes at 1pm this Sunday.

We are going to pull out peacefully as we came in peacefully at one o'clock today.

I'd like to thank everyone in the communities, the businesses, and the support that we've had from our homes and we're on our way home. We're leaving at one o'clock. Thank you, said Mr ODonoghue, in the short video message which he posted on his Facebook page.
MEN, women and children have taken to the streets of Limerick city in a fuel protest march this Sunday.

It is part of a nationwide series of protests. Organisers had asked supporters to assemble in Coonagh and walk peacefully into the city while carrying Irish flags and signage in a united show of support.

We encourage people right across the country to join on foot, with family, friends, local communities, and working people standing together.

We also encourage local musicians and entertainers to come along and help make a day of it, bringing unity, community spirit, and support to people in their own local areas.

"This has always been a peaceful protest, and all we want is for our government to listen to the people. This movement is growing stronger every day, and we are not backing down, said organisers on social media on Saturday.

READ NEXT: BREAKING: Major update on blockade at Foynes Port

Attendees began their walk at Coonagh before making their way along the Ennis Road and are expected to assemble in Arthurs Quay Park.

According to estimates, there were around 200 attendees making their way along the Ennis Road but it was expected to grow as it came closer to Arthur's Quay Park.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible.
THE LIMERICK Tunnel has fully reopened to traffic this Sunday afternoon after fuel protesters voluntarily stood down their demonstrations, Limerick Live has learned.

It is also expected that the M7 between Junction 29 Ballysimon - M7/N24 and Junction 30 Rosbrien - M7/N18/M20 will return to normal later this evening.

The rolling convoys on the M20 have already concluded, meaning that Limericks road network will return to normal for the first time since last Tuesday when the protests over the rising costs of fuel began.

READ NEXT: People take to the streets of Limerick in fuel protest march

The blockade of Foynes Port was lifted shortly after 1pm this Sunday.

Eugene OConnor, one of the organisers behind the protest in Foynes, said: We were willing to stay and fight. We had a huge crowd in Foynes to help us today but we started this out as a peaceful protest and we wanted to leave it as a peaceful protest. We worked with the guards and the last thing we wanted was to come up against the riot squad.

His sentiments were echoed by those behind the M7 protest. They said in a statement on social media: We wish for people to know we set out on a peaceful protest and we remained peaceful throughout.

Both sets of organisers thanked all involved and everyone that supported them since Tuesday.

There had been widespread disruption and delays for many motorists in and around the city with fears over what would happen with the return of schools on Monday morning.
COUNCILLORS are to push for the closing of a loophole which allows properties to be converted into accommodation for international protection applicants without planning permission.

Fine Gael councillor Greg Conway wants to see other members join him in his bid to write to Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan and Housing Minister James Browne to end the exemption.

Under the emergency planning act, you could de-list a commercial building and use it for accommodation. My problem with this is - and I see it locally - the conditions people are living in. In some cases, they are really poor, said the councillor, who leads the Cappamore-Kilmallock district.

READ MORE: Clare man with a knife gave his brother's name to Limerick gardai

What I want Government to do is to change the planning guidelines around IPAS centres so they are in tow with regular planning guidelines, he added.

Effectively, what this change would mean is that a developer wishing to convert buildings would need to apply to council, with groups and individuals allowed the chance to send letters of objection or support.

A decision would then be made by council, but this could be appealed to An Coimisiun Pleanala.

As things stand, a developer just needs to notify a council they are doing the work, and it can only be challenged in limited cases.

Cllr Conway has seen an instance of a young family living in a former structure for livestock in rural Limerick.

They (the developer) only knocked a hole and put a door in, knocked a hole and put a window in. The roof has collapsed, and instead of replacing the roof, theyve covered it with sheets of galvanised steel and taped off the top of the edge of the roof with sticky tape. And theres a family with young children living in there, he said.

You have people making a lot of money out of this. This is not for one minute anti-migrant. Its for the health and safety of these migrants, the councillor said.

Its anticipated Cllr Conways motion will be heard at the monthly meeting of Limericks local authority, which was adjourned last week amid a row between Mayor John Moran and Priomh Chomhairleoir Catherine Slattery. A new date had yet to be set this Tuesday lunchtime.
THE PROTEST at Foynes Port continues this Sunday despite all blockades in Dublin and at Whitegate Refinery in Cork being cleared by gardai and a garda operation ongoing at Galway Docks.

Eugene OConnor, one of the organises of the protest in Foynes, told Limerick Live this Sunday morning that the protest continues.

We don't know what's ahead of us, to be honest with you. There are 100 people here now. Yesterday, we probably had about 2,000 people.

We are looking at videos of what happened in Cork and what happened in Galway and the public order units moving in. It's not nice looking at videos online of public order units being moved into peaceful protests. Its a bit scary really, said Mr O'Connor, a haulier from Kildimo and well-known musician with popular wedding and party band Escapade.

READ NEXT: PICTURES: Limerick people join fuel protest in Foynes

He said they have run a very peaceful, well-managed protest and have liaised with gardai. A number of critical deliveries of fuel, animal feed and chemicals needed for water treatment have departed from Foynes Port in recent days.

When we heard the regional (University Hospital Limerick) was running low on oil - that's not what we're here for. We weren't here to make people miss appointments. We weren't here to upset people.

We were here to make a statement and the majority of the people in the country did come in around us and support us. I've never seen anything like the community spirit - people, businesses, families coming in, dropping off food, coming in here making sandwiches, teas, coffees, local businesses made soup, pizzas dropped off, food came down every night, dropped out cans of drink to everyone.

"I've never seen Ireland rally together like this in my lifetime. I'm absolutely flabbergasted that our Government couldn't wake up and see that this has gathered real support.

Mr O'Connor said he has got about two hours sleep in recent days as he tried to sleep upright in his cab as he doesnt have a bunk. He says this isn't just about the fuel price.

This has gone on for years. I used to play in a band and I started this business during Covid when we weren't allowed to play music. Once we came out of Covid things started going well and you're making money.

And then youre doing the same amount of work and your bank balance has just gone down and down and down because costs are going up and up and up and it's just impossible.

The Government keeps saying, we have a thriving economy, we've a huge tax balance. That's great but the ordinary people don't feel this. They don't care about the working people in this country. They care about the foreign direct investment. The tax surplus at the end of the year says that the economy's thriving, but the Irish people don't feel it unfortunately and that's what has got us the support.

He said they have had a horrible couple of days with hailstones, heavy showers and people still stood out in protest.

Regarding the expected significant and substantial" Government support package, Eugene said if they said yes to that, the ordinary people that were put out and supported them would be left down.

We said no. We need to see something at the pumps. We need a cap on the pumps because we can't turn our backs on the people in the rest of the country.

We didn't do this for ourselves - it's not a selfish thing. If we did, we would have been off the road two days ago, we would have taken the deal they offered but we've done this for the people of the country, concluded Eugene.

Minister for Justice Jim OCallaghan, in a statement issued last night, said over the past four days An Garda Siochana has engaged extensively with protestors seeking to allow access to critical sites and ensure certain trucks containing fuel, medicine and animal feed were allowed pass through blockades.

Despite the increasingly difficult situation facing people across the country and requests from Government to end the blocking of critical infrastructure, the blockades continued. This is unacceptable.

While we all acknowledge the impact of higher fuel prices, and seek to minimise that impact, no groups are entitled in our Republic to hold our people to ransom in such a manner, said Mr OCallaghan.

The Justice Minister said An Garda Siochana has commenced operations to allow critical infrastructure to operate so people have access to fuel.

I will continue to engage with the Garda Commissioner and my colleagues in Government as these operations continue.

I want to thank the Gardai and their colleagues from the Defence Forces for carrying out these difficult duties in such a professional manner.
COUNCILLORS have approved a change to the local development plan which, its hoped, will make it easier for people to build one-off homes in rural Limerick.

At this months full local authority meeting, a modification was approved to Limericks Development Plan, which governs what can be built, and where across the county.

There has been strict rules around who is allowed to build homes on roads deemed to be substandard.

In simple terms, this refers to roads which are under three-metres wide.

PICTURES: Lar O'Neill Memorial Truck Tractor & Car Run in County Limerick village

However, council members have voted to remove this reference from the development plan, in what has been hailed as a great day for the people of rural Ireland by Fine Gael councillor Liam Galvin.

It comes with Government later this year expected to relax rules around who can build once-off houses and where.

It was Cllr Galvin who started the process of getting the designation around substandard roads removed from the development plan after he was contacted by people from across Limerick.

And it means people who have had planning applications refused because their land is located on narrow roadways will be able to make a fresh bid to develop.

This is going to open every sub-standard road in County Limerick now to applicants. To people who want to sell a site - maybe there might be an opportunity for a farmer to sell a site. I remember a case where a farmer wanted to sell a site to put his children through college and because the road was substandard, he wasnt allowed, said Cllr Galvin.

This should never have been in the development plan from day one, he added.

Its probably the biggest variation made to the development plan since I have been elected.

In order to make a change to the development plan, a two-thirds majority needs to be reached in the council chamber.

On this occasion, there was no need for a vote, with the proposal getting unanimous backing.

Cllr Galvin proposed the change, and it was seconded by Cllr Bridie Collins, Fianna Fail.

Its a great day for the people of rural Ireland and the young folk who want to build houses, said Abbeyfeale councillor Galvin, who also acknowledged the support of Mayor John Moran.

READ MORE: Tourists stranded on bus with no toilets during Limerick fuel protest

Independent councillor Eddie Ryan welcomed the move, saying: This is the politics that matter to those who are waiting out there to see what are we doing to help them.

Fine Gael councillor Stephen Keary also commended Cllr Galvin, and sought confirmation that people who were refused permission solely on the basis that they wanted to build on a so-called substandard road can reapply.

He was told this indeed is the case.

Fine Gael council leader, Cllr John Sheahan said: This is an example of what we can do when we work together.

The change to the plan was effective immediately.
Has the demise of the department store finally arrived in Japan, which has held on to them longer than most?

The news of the impending closure of the Seibu store in Shibuya, the dense part of central Tokyo thats home to the famed Scramble Crossing, marks the end of an era. Department stores are credited with transforming the area from a sleepy black-market backwater to the world-famous home of youth subculture, with Seibus arrival in 1968 triggering a battle for control.

With Shibuya in the midst of a two-decade reconstruction, many thought that Seibu would be one of the few landmarks to survive. Yet owners Fortress Investment Group were unable to renew terms with the landowners, and it will close its doors in September after nearly 60 years.

The department store is in trouble everywhere. Even the term itself has a bit of a Mad Men-era air to it. Saks Global is in bankruptcy protection, and the UKs Debenhams has closed. Now it seems those trends have come for Japan: While sales may have recovered to pre-Covid levels, thats in large part thanks to duty-free purchases by tourists, and revenue remains well under half the 1990s peak.

Its not hard to see why. E-commerce retail globally is set to rise to $5.5 trillion in 2027, growing 14% a year, and Japan is no exception. In Asia, where department stores like Sogo and Takashimaya once reigned supreme, the landscape is changing rapidly, according to a report from market researcher Kadence, with younger consumers gravitating towards digital platforms. Perhaps even the depaato can no longer compete with Amazon and local rival Rakuten, to say nothing of Temu and Shein.

A few years back, I wrote how the history of the Sogo-Seibu chain was itself a chronicle of Japanese capitalism, from Sogos bankruptcy in 2000 and subsequent merger with Seibu, to the activist-prompted sale to foreign capital by Seven & i Holdings Co. in 2023. Perhaps the shift to digital marks a new chapter.

Department stores in Japan are frequently linked to railway operators, who build them around transport hubs with captive audiences. But Seibu is a little different. Railways and stores were part of postwar tycoon Yasujiro Tsutsumis empire; however, they were divided after his death between sons Yoshiaki and Seiji. The former controlled the trains, and his half-brother the department stores.

The two had a rivalry to put Succession to shame: Seiji would go on to lead a retail group that at one point included what is now Muji, FamilyMart and Intercontinental Hotels, while Yoshiaki would be listed as the worlds richest man for years, thanks to his real estate holdings. Both would also face significant legal troubles, which would lead to the Seibu groups downfall. Seiji took Seibu department stores into an area where the business had no railway presence: Shibuya, dominated by Tokyu Corp., which controls railways extending into residential west Tokyo.

Seibus entry triggered a decades-long battle for dominance. It ran ads featuring Woody Allen and pushing youth culture to attract the growing sector of baby boomers. Tokyu fired back, and the contest helped breed the stores that would attract the Shibuya sub-culture that captivated the country, and later the world.

But Seibus sales have fallen as competition in Shibuya expanded. Even as surrounding streets became thronged with tourists, its upper floors were often deserted. Tokyu won by abandoning the department store model: It has closed both of its Shibuya stores in favor of newer mixed-use buildings that combine shops, office space and hotels.

Yet Im not convinced this marks the end of the physical store. Across Tokyo, new developments such as Takanawa Gateway, an East Japan Railway Co.-led mixed development, are attracting shoppers. On a recent trip to Ginza in search of a pair of Swiss brand On sneakers, I found a queue of close to 100 people just to get a ticket to enter the store later. In the US, the slow death of the mall is now being reversed, thanks to mallmaxxing Gen Z. Younger generations are returning to the analog, mirroring their embrace of vinyl records, film cameras and board games.

If youre just doing the same things as everyone else, theres no progress, said Seiichi Mizuno, then a Seibu executive, in 1987. You have to constantly try to grasp something new, and have the courage to step forward.

Shibuya might be losing a landmark. But in a world where AI is becoming all-pervasive, the personal touch of human taste is going to matter more than ever. The growth of agentic shopping is going to be bad news for generic retailers. But those who create an experience may find themselves more in demand than ever. Thats exactly what the department store, at its best, offers: Hand-curated, human-selected, the things you never know you needed until you laid eyes on them.

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

This column reflects the personal views of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Gearoid Reidy is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering Japan and the Koreas. He previously led the breaking news team in North Asia, and was the Tokyo deputy bureau chief.

2026 Bloomberg L.P.
MOSCOW, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian armed forces have violated the Easter ceasefire 1,971 times from Saturday, when the truce was agreed upon, until 8 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) on Sunday, said the Russian Defense Ministry.

Ukrainian forces launched three nighttime attacks on Russian troop positions in two settlements in the Dnipropetrovsk region, it said, adding that Russian forces also thwarted four attempts to advance on their troop positions in the Sumy and Donetsk regions.

All Russian troop groups in the conflict zone "strictly observed the ceasefire... and remained at their previously occupied lines and positions," it said.

On the same day, Ukraine also accused Russia of violating the ceasefire. "As of 7:00 a.m. on 12 April, 2,299 ceasefire violations were recorded," said the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced an Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine from 4 p.m. local time (1300 GMT) Saturday until the end of Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that Ukraine intends to honor the ceasefire and will respond "in a strictly reciprocal manner." 
(Bloomberg) -- Air travelers in Germany face significant disruptions on Friday from a walkout at Deutsche Lufthansa AG thats set to cause hundreds of flight cancellations at major hubs just as people return from their Easter vacation.

The UFO labor union has called for a one-day strike on Friday for cabin crew at Lufthansa and the regional Lufthansa CityLine carrier, affecting departures across German airports. The fallout may result in more than 520 flight cancellations and will affect some 90,000 passengers, according to airport industry group ADV.

We are well aware that this may lead to disruptions for people returning from their holidays, and we explicitly regret this, said Joachim Vazquez Burger, head of UFO. However, this situation could have been avoided  the responsibility lies with Lufthansa, which has so far failed to present a negotiable offer.

The latest dispute follows other walkouts in Europes largest economy this year, including two pilot strikes and a one-day shutdown of Berlin airport. Lufthansa aims to mitigate the impact by adding flights on other group airlines, such as Austrian Airlines, and deploying larger aircraft.

Lufthansa said it expects to offer more than a third of the main airlines originally planned flight schedule Friday and broadly return to normal operations on Saturday, with possible pockets of disruption.

The strike follows months of stalled negotiations over a new collective labor agreement. The union said Lufthansa hasnt put forward a proposal that could serve as a basis for talks.

At Lufthansa CityLine, the walkout is tied to a dispute over a plan for staff covering severance and protections as the regional unit is set to shut down.

The subsidiary said on Friday that it reached an accord with the Ver.di union that runs until 2029 and includes a remuneration agreement and a broader collective agreement that regulates the terms of employment for crews.

Ver.di said separately that the collective bargaining agreements at Lufthansa CityLine mean salary increases of 20% to 35% for cockpit and cabin crew.

For Lufthansa, the labor tensions add to broader geopolitical pressures on air travel at a time when the company is trying to lift margins in a crowded European market.

This escalation is irresponsible, Lufthansa executive board member Michael Niggemann said, especially at a time when we are facing geopolitical challenges such as extreme fluctuations in jet fuel prices and significant uncertainty for the coming months.

(Updates with accord between Lufthansa City and Ver.di union)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Jas Bardia is a Bengaluru-based business journalist covering Indias information technology (IT) services sector and Global Capability Centres (GCCs). Known for his investigative depth and attention to detail, Jas has a knack for breaking stories on leadership shifts, high-stakes deals, and evolving industry trends long before they hit the mainstream. If the news is anything IT-related, chances are this author has broken it. Before joining Mint in November 2023, Jas honed his financial reporting skills at Bloomberg News in Mumbai, where he covered bonds and currencies following his graduation from the Asian College of Journalism. When he isnt chasing his next exclusive, Jas is likely scouting the citys newest culinary spots, cool events, or is immersed in the electric atmosphere of a Bengaluru FC match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Jas has an eye for detail, an ear for history, and a weakness for a great cologne, and values a good conversation as much as a good lead. If you want to talk about your favourite war movie, funny drunk stories, or a supposed scam/wrongdoing in a company, get in touch with him at jas.bardia@livemint.com.

Varun Sood

Varun Sood has been a business journalist writing on corporate affairs for the past 17 years. He currently oversees corporate coverage, including information technology (IT) services, aviation, auto, metals and mining, and conglomerates at Mint. He started as a reporter at Business Standard in 2005, after a short internship at the Economic and Political Weekly. Having worked across newsrooms in Delhi and Mumbai, including at DNA, the Financial Times, and the Economic Times, he is now based in Bengaluru. He is most proud of his work over the last decade at Mint, including writing about the rise and fall of some CEOs at Infosys, TCS, Cognizant, and Wipro. His first book, Azim Premji: The Man Beyond the Billions, was published by HarperCollins in October 2020. These days, he is spending more time reading annual reports and analysts' transcripts. Varuns two pet peeves are access journalism and the dying art of interviews with business leaders. If you think there is something wrong inside your company or there are problems with corporate governance that you'd like to highlight, email him at varun.sood@livemint.com.
The move to create a dedicated maritime regulator and provide targeted support for shipbuilding signals a clear intent to build domestic capacity and improve regulatory clarity. The focus on shipbuilding clusters and ease of doing business is also important, as it can help attract investment and create a more competitive maritime industry. These measures are vital for India to achieve the vision for India becoming a top 10 shipbuilding and ship owning nation by 2030 and top 5 by 2047, said Nilachal Mishra, partner and head, government & public services, KPMG in India.
Yet, Iran likely still has most of what it would need to build a bomb, including centrifuges and its stockpiles of enriched uranium. The tunnels at Isfahan are also thought to house an enrichment site that Iran declared last June but that has never been inspected. The International Atomic Energy Agency says the site may not be operational. Iran also has a highly fortified tunnel complex in the so-called Pickaxe Mountain, near the Natanz facility, where it could potentially do nuclear work out of reach of even the most powerful U.S. weapons.
With a fifth of the worlds oil typically passing through the strait, the shutdown has sent global oil prices soaring past $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022. Iran has controlled traffic by attacking more than two dozen commercial ships in the Persian Gulf. It can continue such attacks without a naval force by launching drones and missiles from land, but military boats allow it to threaten or escort ships directly.
Since the start of the Iran conflict, President Trump warned that the regimes days were numbered, culminating in this weeks threat to obliterate Irans whole civilization.

But for more than a month, the Iranian regime held out under relentless bombardment by the strongest military power in the world before reaching a cease-fire with the U.S. that could ultimately see Iran maintaining influence over one of the worlds most important sea lanes.

Irans ability to resist despite large civilian casualties, the decapitation of much of the regimes leadership and severe economic damage shows the staying power of authoritarian governments. For decades, Tehran developed a toolbox that includes widespread political repression, relentless propaganda, an ideology of martyrdom and a powerful security apparatusall aimed at protecting the state from enemies abroad and within.

The states first priority was to ensure the survival of the regime, said Nikolay Kozhanov, an expert on Iran at Qatar University. There are reasons why the government, elite, and to some extent the people, end up uniting around the regime.

The leadership in Iranas well as in countries such as North Korea, Russia and Cubashares an ability to endure casualties and economic hardship, pain that is often borne by their populations. And when their people do rise up in protest, the regimes foot soldiers have proven ready to use lethal violence to put down dissent.

There is a much higher tolerance for pain among authoritarian regimes, said Edward Howell, an international-relations lecturer at the University of Oxford. Thats because we see very little evidence of them prioritizing the needs of their people.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has used a mix of anti-Western rhetoric, targeted economic enticements and repression to resist intense international pressure and painful sanctions inflicted on his country following Russias invasion of Ukraine. Those tactics have helped Putin survive despite a ruinous war that has hobbled the Russian economy and killed or injured hundreds of thousands of its citizens.

North Koreas Kim dynasty has survived for decades even as it has subjected its people to mass starvation, human-rights abuses and a draconian crackdown on information, all in the name of opposing a hostile U.S. Iran has violently quashed protests, jailed dissenters and put forth a narrative of a country under siege from Israel and the U.S.

The result is an axis of countries that are bent on defying what they describe as the threat from a U.S.-led order. Indeed, if Irans leadership survives the warand tightens its grip on power at homeit will likely emerge even more determined to challenge the U.S.

After Trump made his threat this week to strike civilian infrastructure, Iranians gathered together at several power plants and bridgesthe very targets that Trump threatened to destroy, according to Iranian news-agency videos verified by Storyful, which is owned by News Corp, parent company of The Wall Street Journal.

Evolving tactics To be sure, such authoritarian regimes have vulnerabilities. The lack of checks and balances, a free press and any real outlet for public dissent can blind hard-line leaders to splits among the elites or a mounting groundswell of opposition that can snowball into a threat to their power.

Indeed, the Arab Spring of the early 2010s showed that protesters could organize more quickly and effectively against traditional security services. Uprisings rocked and, in some cases, uprooted strongman rulers in places such as Egypt, Tunisia and Libya. More than a decade after the protests, Syrias Assad regime was ousted.

In response, Russia, Iran and North Korea have all sharpened their tools of oppression, becoming more adept at cutting their populations off from the internet, squelching political dissent and harshly punishing political enemies.

Russia cracked down quickly on protesters who used the internet to organize demonstrations against Putin throughout the 2010s. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Putin has tightened his grip even more.

The Kremlin has criminalized any opposition to the conflict, even jailing people for offenses such as putting antiwar slogans on supermarket price tags. It banned social-media platforms such as WhatsApp, YouTube and Facebook. It outlawed an organization of mothers and wives of missing soldiers who pressed to learn the fate of their loved ones and who criticized the Kremlin over the war.

Meanwhile, Russian propaganda has sought to rally Russians behind the conflict by likening the war to the Soviet Unions defeat of Nazi Germany. Russian schools now drill school children in military exercises and have started instituting classroom lessons on patriotism.

The message is that Russia always wins, said sociologist Elena Koneva, founder and sociologist at ExtremeScan Research Collective.

In Belarus, following a 2020 uprising triggered by allegations of vote stealing in a presidential election, leader Alexander Lukashenko threw more than a thousand people in jail.

North Korea, which has largely cut off unfettered internet access to most of its population, has cracked down on smuggled foreign content such as South Korean pop music, with owning or distributing it even punishable by death. The North Korean propaganda machine regularly excoriates the U.S. and South Korea while extolling the Kim family, likening them to gods.

At the same time, the regime crushes minimal signs of dissent. For example, North Korea has established five-household surveillance-system groups, demanding they hold routine criticism sessions to monitor dissent. Undercover regime spies exist in virtually every workplace.

New friends Such leaders project an image of widespread popular support by staging elections and controlling the media, while also crushing any opposition, said Daniel Treisman, a political-science professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, who has researched dictatorships.

For individuals to protest, they have to believe there will be many others with them, providing safety in numbers, Treisman said. Authoritarian governments work hard to prevent that belief from taking root.

Over the winter, Iran crushed rallies calling for regime change. According to some estimates, tens of thousands were killed, according to rights groups and activists.

After they are suppressed, protests in Iran are usually followed by waves of mass arrests, with lengthy prison sentences imposed on national-security grounds or allegations that protesters are foreign agents. The clerical leadership seeks to obtain some public legitimacy through elections that grant Iranians some level of democratic participation, but it only offers candidates vetted by the system.

These regimes are increasingly coordinating with one another. Lukashenko, in a recent visit to Pyongyang, agreed with Kim to sign a friendship treaty between Belarus and North Korea. Lukashenko said the two countries needed cooperation for protecting their sovereignty and improving the well-being of our citizensa veiled reference to their shared resistance to pressure from the U.S. and its allies.

During this winters popular protests, Iran employed Russian technology to make its internet blackouts more effective without affecting government services, while also disrupting the Starlink satellites that provided critical communications for protesters on the ground, according to regional analysts. The Kremlin also sent armored vehicles and small arms to help Iranian police suppress demonstrations, they say.

Iran and Russia agreed last year to cooperate on law enforcement, including Russian training of Iranian police forces, said Nicole Grajewski, an expert on Iranian-Russian relations at Sciences Po, a research university in Paris.

Kim Jong Uns decision to send roughly 15,000 North Korean troops to Russias Kursk region shows the dictators sleight of hand. State propaganda has reframed the deploymentwhich left thousands deadas proof that North Korea, like Russia, is under threat of a hegemonic U.S.-led order.

In exchange for the soldiers, Russia provided the Kim regime with economic, political and military support. Both countries kept the deployments secret from their populations for months. When Kim finally spoke publicly of the move, he apologized for failing to bring them safely back home. He called the fallen soldiers martyrs who showed the world North Koreas military might.

Kim, absorbing North Koreas first major combat losses in many decades, has lavished surviving families with banquets, gold medals and new Pyongyang apartments. The houses sit on a street called Morning Star in Korean.

It was named so, Kim told the families, to signify the troops brilliant exploits.
Singaporean stocks are close to reclaiming their record high, with the countrys assets seen as a haven in the face of global volatility.

Equities in the city-state have suffered the least in the region since the outbreak of the Iran war in late February sent global energy prices soaring. Theyre on the cusp of being the first major Asian market to reclaim new highs since, aided by the Singapore dollars outperformance versus Southeast Asian peers.

Singapore has a couple of factors in its favor. One, its Equity Market Development Programme, created last year, is expected to pour in billions of dollars to boost valuations and appeal to investors. Two, the composition of Singapores main stock index adds to the appeal, with high dividend-paying stocks such as DBS Group Holdings and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. making up more than 40% of the gauge.

The relative strength of the Singapore dollar offers safe-haven status to local equities, said Daniel Lau, a fund manager at Eastspring Investments in Singapore. The EQDP efforts offer valuation support amid the global uncertainty as well, he said.

The Straits Times Index is broadly unchanged from the beginning of the war, compared with a 4.9% drop in MSCIs Asian gauge. Asian stocks are still nearly 5% away from erasing the losses from the conflict.

That said, the city-states stock market has underperformed Asian stocks this week after a ceasefire announcement triggered a relief rally globally. The regions rebound, led by technology stocks, has brought Taiwans stock market close to surpassing its previous record  and an end to the war might bolster gains for tech, putting Singapore at a relative disadvantage.

Still, analysts bet that further strength in the currency could provide a platform for more gains as geopolitical uncertainties drive investors to chase diversification. The Singapore dollar may get a boost from a possible tightening by the Monetary Authority of Singapore at its meeting on Tuesday  likely via increasing the appreciation of the Singapore dollar against the basket of currencies of its main trading partners.

Singapore is at the intersection between safe-haven flows  especially amid Middle East uncertainties  and domestic liquidity drivers brought about by market reforms and a construction boom, said Thilan Wickramasinghe, head of research at Maybank Securities. This is supporting Singapore equities to buck the trend compared to global equities.

2026 Bloomberg L.P.
Revisitations feels like a flip book. As you move from painting to painting at the exhibition at Delhis Shridharani Gallery, the passage of time is palpable through the changes in Anjolie Ela Menons practice. Divided into the past and the present, the exhibition evokes a sense of the familiar and the unfamiliar. You see the artist revisit human figures, themes of motherhood and the divine feminine, and favourite motifs of the chair and the crow, but something has changed. The latest series of 30 oil paintings, created over the past year, are smaller in scale. The human figures, once situated within landscapesas evident in the Goatherd seriesnow take up the entire frame. This, combined with the subjects direct gaze, makes them rather imposing and larger-than-life.

Revisitations, being presented by Vadehra Art Gallery, comes four years after Menons last solo show with the gallery. There has been a shift in the artists approach from the autobiographical to the introspective. You can almost visualise the artist relishing moments of solitude with her memory bank as a companion. There is a revisitation of memories of her travels through Europe while attending a course at the Ecole Nationale Superieure Des Beaux-Arts in Paris, of taking in the old world charm of her husbands ancestral home in Kerala, visits to Lakkar Bazar and Bhendi Bazar while residing at Laxmi Sadan in Mumbai, and the bonds formed in Nizamuddin Basti, where her studio is located. The goatherds, as seen from her studio window in Delhi, the Namboodri priests with the tilak on the forehead, and the crows that would sit in her balcony in Mumbai as she painted keep coming back in different forms.

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The melancholia, sense of solitude and contemplation remains the same as ever, be it in earlier works such as November with the solitary sari-clad lady in the verandah or the new Untitled series, says Uma Nair, who has written the essay for the catalogue. However, the treatment and composition has changed with time. The heads are now smaller, frontal and more straightforward. She is 86 and the strength in her hands is no longer what it used to be. However, what continues is her connection with the humans around her. Memory and the human gaze continue to be the pillars of her work. Another unbroken thread is Menons work with Masoniteshe is one of the few artists to paint on the hard surface. She painstakingly builds her surfaces by applying thin, translucent layers of paint on Masonite, scraping and repainting until she achieves a luminous quality.

View full Image View full Image 'Untitled' (2025). Courtesy: Vadehra Art Gallery

In the section featuring new works, the still life paintings are right at the end, after the section on heads, allowing the viewer to take in the full arc of Menons practice. Take, for instance, the Untitled work from 2025, featuring a simple red piece of furniture with a threadbare striped seat. The chair seems to be waiting for its human occupant as one crow makes itself comfortable on an armrest and another below. A fluttering kite and a ball resting nearby suggest the setting to be a lawn or a park. Juxtapose this against older works such as The Frenchmans House, which featured a vacant grand green Victorian armchair with a smiling Kamadhenu nearby in an opulent setting. A chair can be so many things. It can be a marker for a person or the passing of time. There is a reason the show is called Revisitations, says Nair. Take the series Pyotr as an example, which she first painted in 1972. She depicted the figure of the Batushka, or the Russian Orthodox priest, but in a modern styleyou could see that in the treatment of the vastra. In the new works, there is an inherent minimalism, which is so interesting to note for someone who might have followed her work for years.
When I came of age in the late 2000s, the world was caught in the grips of a techno-utopian fever dream. The internet was going to usher us into a brave new future, one of full data transparency, empowered citizens and flattened hierarchies. Social media was going to lead to a new wave of democratisation, as old autocratic regimes crumbled under the assault of citizen journalism and digitally-networked activists. Tech firm CEOs were treated as rockstarsdisruptors, innovators, cyber-prophets of the upcoming digital Golden Era.

Twenty years later, that dream has curdled into a dystopian nightmare. The digital economy turned out to be the ultimate panopticon, trapping us in a spider-web of pervasive surveillance. The information highway has become a gridlock traffic jam of misinformation, propaganda and algorithmic manipulation. And thats before you get into AI, with its destructive effects on our natural resources, the job market and human creativity.

Also Read | How Indian hip-hop found its flow

My personal barometer of this sea change is the technology sub on reddit, the extremely online millennials social media of choice. Once a hub of techno-optimism, where users would discuss the latest tech products and firms with barely restrained excitement, it now has all the warmth and good cheer of a Narcotics Anonymous meeting. It seethes with rageat fascist-friendly tech-bros, at the creeping march of AI, at the sheer evilness of firms that once pompously encouraged us to not be evil.

Listening to Play Me, the latest album by 72-year-old American musician, actor, artist and indie icon Kim Gordon, I wonder if shes been reading r/technology lately. The record is savage in its evisceration of American technocracyits shallow consumerism, its devaluation of humanity, its irredeemable stupidity. Over 12 short, sharp tracks, Gordon takes aim at surveillance capitalism, tech cults and the Donald Trump administrations war on DEI. Most of all, she pokes fun at just how many of the leading lights of contemporary tech are such total losers (You wanna go to Mars and then what? Then what? Then what? she sneers on Subcon, taunting Elon Musk).

That last indictment hits doubly hard when it comes from an artist who has been the epitome of cool for the last four decades. An art-school grad who picked up the guitar at 28 after being inspired by the late 70s New York No Wave scene, Gordon is one of the most revered figures in alternative culture. Sonic Youth, the band she co-founded with her boyfriend and soon-to-be husband Thurston Moore in 1981, is perhaps the most influential band since the Velvet Undergroundtorchbearers of the noise-rock scene, muses and mentors to everyone from Kurt Cobain and Dinosaur Jr to Mogwai, Ride and Napalm Death.

When the bandand the marriagebroke up in 2011, after 30 years together, Gordon responded by exploring new, more experimental creative territory. She threw herself into creating art, showing her work at galleries in London and New York. Her music became even more avant-garde, first under the Body/Head noise-rock project with Bill Nace and then as a solo artist.

Working with Justin Raisena record producer whose credits include Lil Yachty, Kid Cudi and Nicki Minajshe added hip-hop, trap and rage-rap to her palette of sounds. Her previous album, 2024s The Collective set diaristic, stream-of-consciousness lyrics about performative masculinity and consumerist culture over dense industrial beats and freewheeling hyper-distorted guitars. Play Me leans even further into trap and hip-hop rhythms, as Gordon strips away some of her trademark lyrical abstraction to make her critiques more pointed and explicit.

Over the opening title tracks boom-bap shuffle and jazz-rap horns, she drawls out a list of Spotify-generated playlists (Easy Rider, '70s hippie, Spring pop, Chill vibes), taking digs at the streaming platforms ambition to become a mood machine, turning the complexity of human emotional states into a mix-and-match catalog of AI-assisted metadata and personality type tests. The nu-metal guitars and skittering trap 808s of Black Out soundtrack caustic takedowns of the AI bubble (Stock market buy, it's a black out/ Stand by AI, AI, AI) and the environmental cost of our addiction to cheap tech (Let's pretend thre's an epilogue/ Let the world burn).

On Dirty Tech, she imagines what it would be like to have an AI as a boss, a lover or a friend (Are you my white collar service worker?), while the dissonant, paranoid Nail Biter captures the futility of trying to fill the hole of late-capitalist existentialism with cheap consumer goods and plastic surgery self-improvement.

The albums high water mark is its mid-section, particularly Not Today and Busy Bee. The former is a shoegaze-y throwback to the early Sonic Youth years, with its dreamy, swirling guitars and impressionistic lyrics delivered in Gordons signature sprechstimme. The latter is something much gnarlier and avant-garde, featuring bit-crunched guitars, chopped up industrial drums, and a sped-up sample from an old MTV interview with Gordon and her Free Kitten bandmate Julia Cafritz. Busy bee taking money, Gordon sings in a trembling, Arabic-modality falsetto, after declaring emphatically that God, he aint here.

Play Me ends with BYEBYE25!, a reworking of a track from The Collective. While the original read like a to-do list/shopping list encapsulating the mundane absurdity of contemporary life, this one is more of a political manifesto, with the lyrics almost entirely consisting of words or phrases that the Trump admin has banned from official websites and documentsmental health, transgender, peanut allergy, abortion. Its a stark reminder of what weve already lost in this new era of techno-fascism. And whats still at stake if we dont fight backcreativity, critical thinking, our very sense of humanity. Gordon may be 72, but shes still up for the fight. Are you?

Also Read | Why selling out has become perfectly normalised in today's indie music scene
Say hello to the brand-new OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro. Inside the box, you get the Nord Buds 4 Pro earbuds in Raven Black or Radiant Gray colourways, the charging case, a user guide, safety and warranty card, USB Type-C charging case and Silicon ear tips (S and L, with M size pre-installed).

The Nord line-up, from OnePlus, has always caught my eye and its mainly because of its aggressive pricing. The Nord Buds 4 Pro are no different.

OnePlus has not only packed everything you can imagine into this package (including an optical sensor for wear detection), but its also been slimmed down. The case weighs just 43g, while each bud weighs 4.4g each. The earbuds have IP55 ratings for dust and water resistance, but the case has no IP ratings. To get started with the Nord Buds 4 Pro, you need the HeyMelody app, to get the most out of the earbuds.

Also Read | Are smart scales a better way to get accurate health metrics beyond bodyweight?

A pocketable-design The Nord Buds 4 Pro are now more squarish, compared to the pebble shape of its predecessor. Compact is the one word that instantly comes to mind, as the size has been reduced by over 10 percent. Thanks to its matte finish, the earbuds and the case largely stay fingerprint-free. Theres the OnePlus logo, and a tiny LED strip (white, green, and red colours indicate battery status) on the front. The earbuds are now, thanks to stronger magnets, more secure than ever inside the case. The rear features the USB-C port, and a pairing button. But before I get into the nitty-gritties, let me tell you about something that I was sold on immediately.

Ridiculous battery life OnePlus has claimed that the Nord Buds 4 Pro can deliver up to 54 hours of battery life. The earphones pack a 62mAh battery and they promise 13 hours of battery with ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) off and 7 hours with ANC on.

Those claims were almost spot on, and the super long runtimes cannot be understated. The only time I got less battery life was when I was using the earbuds for long work calls (the earbuds use call noise cancellation tech that eats into the battery life).

The 54 hour claim, with the 530mAh charging case, is with ANC off. With ANC and LHDC (Low-Latency Hi-Definition Audio Codec), you can get up to 26 hours of total battery life. While I wasnt able to squeeze 54 hours of battery life, without fending for the charger, I did manage to get around the 50 hour mark. I was largely impressed because not having to constantly charge yet another device is certainly a boon. Charging is fast, as it can fully juice up in under an hour.

Sound quality

View full Image View full Image OnePlus Nord Buds 4 Pro is bass heavy. ( Courtesy OnePlus )

Ultimately, this is the factor that will drive the sales of the Nord Buds 4 Pro. Everything else is just a bonus. With its 12mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers, the earbuds are bass-focused. Its a little too bass-forward for avid music listeners, so while theres a BassWave option to further enhance the bass, Id just avoid that altogether.

Thankfully, you can go to the HeyMelody app, and choose from multiple EQ presetsBalanced, Serenade and Bass. You also get access to full 10-band EQ, something that most budget earbuds miss out on. Highs are the strong points, mid-range is average, and the lows are good. If you want the vocals to shine, then just set it to the Serenade preset and let the low-end be dialed back, and in turn, open up the soundstage.

From Green Days Holiday to U2s Elevation, rock songs sounded more detailed, almost like you were at a live concert, and the sound has that satisfying thump that weve all come to love. For the bass-heads out there, youll love dancing to your favourite Punjabi tunes thanks to the bass-forward tuning. The ANC does a fairly good job of drowning out the external noises, so you can go ahead and enjoy the music by itself.

What can be improved upon is the instrument separation. Jazz tracks like Take Five by The Dave Brubeck Quartet or Round Midnight by Thelonious Monk sounded kind of flat and muddled. And this is because I couldnt really make out which instrument was playing at which point in the song.

That said, the Nord Buds 4 Pro proved very good for podcasts and calls, thanks to a triple-microphone ENC setup that suppresses background noise.

Finicky touch controls The one thing I really didnt like while testing these earbuds were the touch controls. Unlike other earbuds in the OnePlus lineup that use squeeze or press controls, these use touch controls. Even with the addition of slide volume controls, the controls themselves are finicky. It was hit or miss: Sometimes it wouldnt register a touch at all, and sometimes it would register an extra touch. Frustrating.

Verdict For the price of 3,999, there is hardly much you can falter. The earbuds have a premium and compact design in a feature packed package along with great ANC, good call quality and an easy-to-use app experience. The icing on the cake? The battery life! It feels as if the Nord Buds 4 Pro have finally grown up. Its an easy recommendation (unlike the predecessors) from me for anyone who is on a tight budget. The bass-heavy sound may not appeal to anyone, the mid-range may be average, and the finicky controls frustrating, but these arent dealbreakers in the context of the overall experience. The Nord Buds 4 Pro shines brighter than any other competitor in this price range.
PARIS, April 11 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron had a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday, stressing that the ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations in Pakistan should "pave the way for a lasting de-escalation."

Posing on social media platform X after the call, Macron said U.S.-Iran negotiations in Pakistan should "pave the way for a lasting de-escalation and a demanding agreement that provides solid guarantees for security in the region."

Urging Iran to "seize the opportunity" presented by the talks in Islamabad, he also emphasized the importance of "full respect" for the ceasefire, including in Lebanon, and called for the resumption of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz "as soon as possible," adding that France is "ready to contribute."

France is currently "in contact with some fifteen countries to work on the operationalization" of an international mission intended to facilitate the resumption of traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux said on Thursday.

The proposed mission model would involve "a military escort for commercial vessels, in a strictly defensive posture and in coordination with the parties, including Iran and Oman," Confavreux said.

U.S. and Iranian negotiating teams began talks on Saturday in Islamabad to end recent hostilities in the Middle East.

According to Pakistani sources, issues among the Iranian side's preconditions include the Strait of Hormuz, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, payments for reconstruction, an immediate halt to attacks, including in Lebanon, and permission for civilian nuclear energy use. 
Dhirendra Kumar (Value Research)

Dhirendra Kumar is the founder and chief executive of Value Research, India's oldest independent investment research organisation. Founded in 1992, Value Research has no affiliation with any fund house, distributor, or financial product manufacturer. This structural independence has defined Kumar's approach to investing and financial journalism for over three decades.<br><br>Kumar has written about personal finance for Indian households across leading publications for more than three decades, including for Hindustan Times and, now, Mint. His writing addresses a single enduring question: how should an ordinary Indian investor make sound decisions about their money, without being misled, overwhelmed, or sold to? The answer, as his columns consistently demonstrate, lies not in market prediction or product promotion, but in evidence, discipline, and time.<br><br>As the architect of Value Research's ratings, among the most referenced in the Indian advisory ecosystem, Kumar brings three decades of proprietary research and fund performance data to every piece he writes. Value Research's ratings and editorial opinions are not influenced by its advertising relationships. No fund house can buy a better rating or a favourable column. He serves on the advisory committees of SEBI, PFRDA, and IEPFA.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed a set of changes aimed at curbing the sharp rise in online frauds. While these safeguards may slightly slow down digital payments, they are intended to make transactions safer.

In a discussion paper released on Thursday, the central bank has suggested measures such as a one-hour delay for certain transactions, mandatory additional authentication for vulnerable users, caps on credits into bank accounts, and a kill switch to block payments.

"Over the past decade, digital payments in India have expanded at an unprecedented pace. Digital transaction volumes have increased 38-fold, while transaction values have more than tripled," RBI noted in the discussion paper, highlighting the rapid growth of the ecosystem, and hence the rising need for stronger safeguards against online fraud.

Why RBI is taking this step? The significant growth of the digital payment ecosystem has been backed by systems such as UPI, IMPS, and NEFT, along with safeguards such as two-factor authentication and transaction alerts, RBI noted.

According to the central bank, a typical fraud today may not involve technical compromise of systems, but instead relies on social engineering, coercion or impersonation, where users themselves end up authorising transactions.

The instant nature of digital payments further increases the risk, as the the scope for timely intervention and recovery of funds becomes limited, it noted. Data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal shows that the number of such frauds has risen sharply in recent years.

Here's how many cases were reported in the last five years, as cited by RBI:

28 lakh fraud cases worth  22,931 crore in 2025

22,931 crore in 2025 24 lakh cases worth  22,848 crore in 2024

22,848 crore in 2024 13.1 lakh cases worth  7,465 crore in 2023

7,465 crore in 2023 6.9 lakh cases worth  2,290 crore in 2022

2,290 crore in 2022 2.6 lakh cases worth  551 crore in 2021 Fraudsters are deploying various tactics, such as bogus call centres, deepfake-driven impersonation scams and mule account networks. Almost all sections of society especially the vulnerable groups such as senior citizens have fallen prey to such APP (Authorised Push Payment) frauds, RBI said in the paper.

What measures were proposed for senior citizens? A key proposal involves introducing an additional layer of authentication for high-value transactions, particularly for vulnerable groups such as senior citizens and persons with disabilities, by requiring approval from a trusted individual.

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For transactions exceeding 50,000, these users may need authorisation from the trusted person before funds can be transferred. The enhanced safeguard mechanism can be in the form of a trusted person designated by a vulnerable customer. Any change of trusted person may be permitted only after a mandatory 24-hour cooling period, thereby ensuring that such decisions are deliberate and informed, RBI said in the paper.

The move aims to reduce losses arising from impersonation and coercion-based frauds, which tend to disproportionately affect such groups, as witnessed in several cases reported over the last few years.

What may change for individuals? The RBI has also proposed the imposition of stricter controls on bank accounts in a bid to curb the misuse of mule accounts. It has suggested capping annual credits at around 25 lakh for accounts that have not undergone enhanced due diligence, with any inflows beyond this limit subject to additional verification.

Funds exceeding the prescribed threshold may be parked as shadow credits and released only after the bank is satisfied about their legitimacy, based on additional information or documents submitted by the beneficiary.

If concerns persist within a period of say, 30 calendar days from the date of such shadow credit, such amounts could be reversed and sent back to the source. the central bank noted.

Apart from these measures, the RBI has also proposed expanding customer-driven security controls across all digital payment channels, including UPI, cards, and net banking. These would allow users to enable or disable payment modes, set transaction limits, and activate a kill switch to instantly block all digital transactions in case of suspected scam.

What is the kill switch feature? The RBI has proposed a kill switch that would allow customers to disable all digital payments in their accounts at one stroke.

Once the kill-switch is enabled, disabling the feature to re-activate digital payments can be permitted either through digital modes after taking proper authentication measures or through a physical visit to a bank branch by the account holder.
With the Income Tax Act, 2025 coming into effect on April 1, the Income Tax Department clarified whether the eligibility criteria for the TDS threshold on bank interest has undergone any change, even as the new law tweaks the definition of a banking company.

In a X (formerly Twitter) post, I-T Department said on March 30, that there has been no change in existing provisions and that banks, including those covered earlier, will continue to enjoy exemption from tax deducted at source (TDS) on interest below the prescribed threshold limits.

What changed under the Income Tax Act, 2025? Under the new income tax framework, the primary change is the definition of a banking company. It now refers to entities governed by the Banking Regulation Act, but does not explicitly mention institutions covered through Section 51.

That absence led to confusion among stakeholders, whether some institutions could fall outside the definition and therefore be required to deduct TDS without applying the threshold.

However, I-T Department clarified that such institutions still fall within the definition of banking company. This means that depositors will not see any changes in how TDS on bank interest will be applied. The threshold-based system will be continued, and banks will deduct tax only when interest exceeds the prescribed limits for individuals and senior citizens.

What is the prescribed limits for TDS on bank interest? Under the earlier Income Tax Act, 1961, TDS on the interest income, except for securities, was governed by Section 194A. Banking institutions were not required to deduct TDS if the total interest paid to a depositor did not exceed 50,000 in a financial year for individuals or 100,000 for senior citizens.

The threshold remains unchanged under the new income tax framework, and banks will continue to deduct TDS only when the interest income exceeds these prescribed limits. Once the threshold is crossed, TDS is generally deducted at the applicable rate on the interest income, subject to conditions such as submission of PAN or relevant declarations.

How much TDS is deducted? TDS usually applies to payments made by banks, financial institutions, companies, and individuals where interest is credited or paid on deposits, loans, or advances.

The tax is generally deducted at a rate of 10%, but if the recipient fails to provide a valid Permanent Account Number (PAN), the rate increases to 20%. This section is only applicable to a resident. Thus, the provisions of section 194A are not applicable in case of payment of interest to a non-resident.

However, if your total taxable income is below the exemption limit, you can avoid the 10% TDS (or 20% if no PAN is provided) deducted by the bank. In order to do so, one can submit the Form 121 (which has replaced the previous Form 15G and Form 15H).
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday alleged the BJP has "struck a 1,000-crore deal" to unseat the Trinamool Congress from power in the state.

She made the claims while ostensibly referring to a now-viral video in which Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir was purportedly heard saying he was in touch with BJP leaders to unseat her from power, and receiving 200 crore as an advance to a 1,000-crore deal to split the minority votes.

However, PTI could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

Addressing a rally in Bankura's Onda, Banerjee said that while some leaders were dismissing the video as AI-generated, "the person seen in the clip had himself acknowledged its authenticity".

"If it is AI-generated, then why is the person concerned admitting to it? Why are you suddenly defending him?" the TMC supremo posed.

Her remarks come a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a rally in Murshidabad's Jangipur, alleged the TMC had resorted to creating fake videos using AI, sensing defeat in the upcoming elections.

Hitting back, Banerjee said, "They have struck a 1,000-crore deal to unseat the TMC from power in West Bengal."

The controversy deepened after Kabir gave conflicting statements about the video. He initially claimed it was AI-generated, only to later say that only a portion of a longer video had been circulated without any context, and the full clip would be released soon.

Banerjee also accused the BJP of attempting to polarise voters along religious lines. "They are misleading both Hindus and Muslims. Their character changes like a chameleon," she said.

Addressing poll rallies at Paschim Bardhaman's Asansol, Bankura district's Chhatna and Onda and in Purba Bardhaman's Khandagosh, the TMC supremo said, "The BJP is threatening our candidates, including ministers, seeking their support if it falls short of the majority mark after the polls."

The majority mark in the West Bengal Assembly is 148. The BJP won 77 seats in the 2021 polls.

Stepping up her attack, Banerjee alleged the BJP was conspiring to curtail people's rights and warned that it might carry out delimitation and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise in the future.

Referring to the NRC exercise in Assam, she claimed that lakhs of names were deleted in the northeastern state and warned that a similar process might be carried out in Bengal if the BJP wins.

"To protect your rights, there is no alternative but to vote for the TMC," she asserted.

"Take my words, the BJP is planning to bring in a delimitation exercise to divide West Bengal into three parts. Then, I do not know, it may merge parts of West Bengal with Bihar or Odisha, and torture Bengalis there," she said.

Banerjee also alleged that central forces deployed in the state for the upcoming polls were "disrespecting" women in the name of conducting searches. Any misconduct by central forces should be met with immediate FIRs, she told the gathering.

Her comments came against the backdrop of actor Sreemoyee Chattoraj, the wife of outgoing TMC MLA Kanchan Mallick, taking to social media to allege that she was harassed by the central forces at a checkpost in Kolkata, rummaging through her personal belongings, including undergarments and sanitary napkins.

The chief minister also claimed that she was denied permission to hold a rally despite the venue being available, while quick clearance was given for PM Modi's meeting.

She also accused the BJP of bribing voters before elections, and called the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls the "country's biggest scam" in recent times.

"The SIR is the biggest scam the country has seen in recent times. Everyone in the world knows that your government will topple in 2026. We will then scrap all the anti-people laws brought in by your government," she added.

"The BJP bribes voters before the elections. But they forget their promises soon after the polling is over. That was seen in the Bihar elections," Banerjee said.

She also questioned the BJP's poll promise of filling up vacancies in the state government departments, asking, "What happened to his (Modi) promise of providing two crore jobs to youths?"

The TMC chief further alleged the BJP would try to manipulate the polling process to win the election and urged people to remain alert and keep a tab on the voting machines.

Banerjee also alleged a "major conspiracy" by the BJP in the poll-bound state and claimed an "operation" would begin from midnight, without elaborating much about the matter.

She warned people that there might be attempts to influence voting and counting processes.

"Be alert about the voting machines. They are planning slow voting and slow counting. At first, they will show BJP is winning, but do not believe such claims. We will foil all their plans and win. No force can defeat us," she said, expressing confidence that her party would retain power.

Banerjee also advised people to remain cautious about food and drinks while attending political events.

Her advice came in the wake of an incident in Jhargram where at least 16 people, while returning from a political rally, reportedly fell ill after allegedly consuming pesticide, mistaking it for ORS. Several of them, belonging to the Shabar community, were hospitalised, including a local TMC booth president.
If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.  Nelson Mandela. Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist who played a central role in ending racial segregation, also known as apartheid in South Africa.

He spent 27 years in prison for his activism against apartheid before being released in 1990. After his release, he helped negotiate the end of apartheid and the transition to multi-racial democracy.

What does this quote mean? This quote means that peace requires cooperation rather than isolation, because when two sides remain hostile and separated, the conflict is likely to continue.

Also Read | After Jesus Christ, Trump compares himself to Nelson Mandela

When former enemies begin working together on shared goals, their relationship can change, and they may start to see each other as partners instead of threats. Direct interaction also helps replace hatred with understanding by reducing fear, misunderstanding, and prejudice. Ultimately, this approach focuses on transformation rather than revenge, building peace by changing the relationship itself instead of punishing or excluding the opponent.

Mandela: A symbol of resistance and peace In 1994, Mandela became South Africas first Black president, serving one term from 1994 to 1999. His leadership focused on reconciliation between racial groups, nation-building, and promoting peace rather than revenge.

He is widely regarded globally as a symbol of resistance, forgiveness, and peace, and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 alongside F.W. de Klerk for their efforts to peacefully dismantle apartheid.

What was Apartheid? Apartheid was a system of institutionalised racial segregation and discrimination that existed in South Africa from 1948 until the early 1990s.

Under apartheid, the government controlled by the white minority enforced strict racial separation and denied most political, economic, and social rights to non-white populations, especially Black South Africans.

Also Read | US Iran War Ceasefire Talks LIVE: Talks failed to reach agreement with Iran

People were classified by race, including White, Black, Coloured, and Indian, and this classification determined where they could live, work, study, and even which public facilities they could use.

Mandela described apartheid as a system that denied human dignity and equality, a structure built on racial injustice and separation.

Books by Mandela Long Walk to Freedom (1994): Mandela's most famous autobiography, covering his early life, political activism, 27 years in prison, and his journey to becoming South Africas first Black president.

Conversations with Myself (2010): A collection of personal notes, letters, diary entries, and recorded reflections that give deeper insight into his private thoughts and experiences.

No Easy Walk to Freedom (1965): A collection of speeches and writings focused on the struggle against apartheid and the challenges of liberation.

Also Read | Two new books look inside the minds of Indias chess prodigies

If you want to make peace with your enemy, you have to work with your enemy. Then he becomes your partner.

I Am Prepared to Die (1964): Based on his famous Rivonia Trial speech, along with other writings and statements from the period of his imprisonment.

The Struggle Is My Life (1986): A compilation of his speeches and writings during the anti-apartheid movement, showing his political vision and resistance efforts.
(Bloomberg) -- Two empty supertankers attempted to make their way through the Strait of Hormuz and into the Persian Gulf on Sunday, only to make a last-minute U-turn just as peace negotiations between the US and Iran broke down, threatening a fragile ceasefire.

A trio of very large crude carriers  all without direct links to Iran  began to approach the narrow waterway from the Gulf of Oman late on Saturday, ship-tracking data show, arriving near Irans Larak island early on Sunday. At that effective checkpoint, Iraq-bound Agios Fanourios I and Pakistan-flagged Shalamar, destined for Das island in the United Arab Emirates, turned back.

A third VLCC, Mombasa B, was sailing ahead and made its way between Larak and Qeshm islands, an Iran-approved route into the Persian Gulf. It is not currently signaling a clear destination.

The specific reasons behind the about-turns  and the third, successful passage  are not clear, as both Iraq and Pakistan had earlier received approvals from Iran to transit the strait. But their change of heart came just as negotiators in Islamabad announced they had failed to reach a deal.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the worlds most important energy thoroughfares and its effective closure since the US and Israel began strikes on Iran six weeks ago has resulted in unprecedented supply disruption. Its reopening has been a crucial point of discussion during weekend negotiations, but remains an area of disagreement.

In recent weeks, several ships have attempted to transit the strait only to abort their efforts, reflecting a constantly changing security situation and persistently high risks. The vast majority have been attempting to leave the Persian Gulf, but empty tankers are also needed inside, to be loaded with new cargoes.

Two Chinese container ships U-turned late last month before finally successfully exiting, while a liquefied natural gas carrier turned back last week.

A successful exit by all three ships on Sunday would have continued a positive uptick in transits through the waterway, controlled by Iran and dominated by Iran-linked vessels since the end of February. On Saturday, two Chinese supertankers and a Greek vessel exited the gulf via Hormuz, laden with crude.

Agios Fanourios I is managed by Eastern Mediterranean Maritime in Greece, while Pakistan National Shipping Corp. owns Shalamar. The two companies did not immediately respond to emailed requests sent outside of working hours.

Mombasa B had recently switched its name from Front Forth. It is now owned by Haut Brion 8 SA that shares the same address as its South Korea-based manager, Sinokor Maritime Co. Sinokor did not respond to a request for comment outside of regular business hours.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has said that the United States forces would begin implementing the blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports at 10 am ET (7.30 PM IST) on 13 April.

It would be "enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman," a CENTCOM statement on X said.

Also Read | Trump orders Hormuz blockade, warns Iran over nuclear standoff

USCENTCOM or CENTCOM is one of the eleven unified combatant commands of the United States Department of Defence. Its area of responsibility includes the Middle East (including Egypt in Africa), Central Asia and parts of South Asia.

US forces would not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports, and additional information would be provided to commercial mariners through a formal notice prior to the start of the blockade, it said.

The CENTCOM announcement comes hours after President Donald Trump announced the blockade and claimed that other countries will also be involved in enforcing it escalating tensions with Iran after talks failed to resolve disputes over Tehrans nuclear ambitions.

President Trump claimed that Iran did not agree to the most crucial part of negotiations, which was to give up its nuclear ambitions. He said that Iran has laid out mines in the Strait of Hormuz and is extorting countries through it.

Trump said in a post on social media the US would take action against every vessel in international waters that had paid a toll to Iran, and begin destroying mines that he said the Iranians had dropped in the Strait, a choke point for about 20% of global energy supplies that Iran has blocked.

"No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas," Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding: "Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!"

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the worlds most critical oil transit chokepoints, has been at the center of rising tensions. Trump accused Iran of failing to uphold assurances to keep the route open, stating: Iran promised to open the Strait of Hormuz, and they knowingly failed to do so.

Revolutionary Guards Responded Iran's Revolutionary Guards responded to Trump by warning that military vessels approaching the Strait will be considered a ceasefire breach and dealt with harshly and decisively, underlining the risk of a dangerous escalation.

Iran's Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who led his country's delegation to the talks along with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqhchi, said Trump's new threats would have no effect on Iran.

No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas.

"If you fight, we will fight, and if you come forward with logic, we will deal with logic," he said in comments carried by state media.

The weekend talks in Islamabad, which followed the announcement of a ceasefire on Tuesday, were the first direct US-Iranian meeting in more than a decade and the highest-level discussions since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

No breakthrough in Islamabad talks President Trump also mentioned in the post about the negotiations with Iran that lasted for over 20 hours in Islamabad, facilitated by Shehbaz Sharif and Asim Munir and ended without any breakthrough.

He said he had been briefed by Vice President JD Vance, envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.

Despite describing the talks as extensive, Trump said Iranian officials remained firm. They were very unyielding as to the single most important issue, he noted.

Vance reveals US final offer to Iran Vance, meanwhile, has presented a final offer to Iran during high-stakes negotiations in Islamabad on Saturday, laying out six strict red lines aimed at securing a breakthrough in the stalled nuclear talks, according to US officials.

The proposal as per Fox News reportedly demanded sweeping concessions from Tehran, including:

-Complete end to uranium enrichment activities.

-Dismantling of all major nuclear facilities.

-Retrieval and removal of highly enriched uranium stockpiles.

-Acceptance of a broader regional peace and de-escalation framework involving US allies.

-Cessation of funding to regional proxy groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

-Full opening of the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring toll-free maritime passage.
Henry Ford was born in Michigan in 1863, left farm life to work in Detroit machine shops, later became chief engineer at Edison Illuminating Company, and founded Ford Motor Company in 1903. His great turning point came with the Model T and the moving assembly line, which helped turn the automobile from a luxury product into a mass-market machine and made Ford one of the defining industrialists of the 20th century. Britannica notes that his production methods radically reshaped manufacturing and consumer life in the United States.

A business that makes nothing but money is a poor kind of business.

 Henry Ford This line is widely attributed to Ford, and it appears in many reputable quote compilations. Fords own broader philosophy inMy Life and Work, where he wrote that service comes before profit and described worthwhile business as the sort that makes the world better for its presence, strongly supports the spirit of the quote.

Meaning of Henry Ford's quote Fords quote is a rejection of shallow capitalism. He is not arguing that money is unimportant; he is arguing that profit, by itself, is too small a purpose to sustain a serious enterprise. In business terms, a company that exists only to extract revenue usually becomes inward-looking: it cuts corners, forgets service, weakens trust, and eventually confuses financial gain with actual value creation. Fords verified writing makes that logic plain by putting service before profit, not the other way around.

The deeper principle is usefulness. Great companies do not endure merely because they are good at monetization. They endure because they solve something, simplify something, widen access, or improve daily life in a way customers can feel. That reading fits Fords own career: the Model T mattered not simply because it made money, but because it changed who could participate in modern mobility.

That is why the quote still matters for leaders. It reminds them that profit is a score, not a mission. The healthiest businesses usually make money because they are doing something worthwhile unusually well, not because they made money the only idea worth serving.

Why this quote resonates today The quote feels especially current because customers and employees increasingly expect companies to stand for more than quarterly performance. Edelmans 2025 special report on brand trust says trusted brands today need purpose beyond profit, but also warns that purpose must be shown through relevant, credible action rather than slogans. In other words, the market is moving closer to Fords intuition: people still want profitable companies, but they are less willing to trust companies that appear to serve profit alone.

That expectation is reinforced inside the workforce as well. Deloittes 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey says these generations are pursuing money, meaning, and well-being together, not treating salary as the only measure of a good career. That makes Fords idea more than historical wisdom. In a business climate shaped by AI change, public scrutiny, and fast-moving consumer expectations, leaders increasingly need a reason for the business that is bigger than the income statement.

A concrete takeaway from the last 1218 months is that purpose is being judged more operationally. People are asking whether companies treat employees well, make products that genuinely help, and show up clearly in culture and community. Fords quote resonates because it captures that standard in one sentence: if all you make is money, something essential is missing.

Another perspective All that the Ford industries have done  is to endeavour to evidence by works that service comes before profit and that the sort of business which makes the world better for its presence is a noble profession.

 Henry Ford, My Life and Work

This quote is especially valuable because it is Ford in his own words. The primary quote says a money-only business is a poor one; this secondary quote explains why. Fords real standard for business was not moral decoration added after success. It was service first, profit second, and a belief that business should justify its existence by improving the world around it.

Together, the two quotes create a fuller leadership lesson. One is concise and provocative. The other is expansive and philosophical. Put side by side, they argue that business becomes respectable when it produces commercial results through usefulness, not at the expense of it.

How you can implement Henry Ford's wisdom Audit one core product or service this week and ask a hard question: does it genuinely improve the customers life, or merely monetize their attention or confusion? Measure one value metric alongside revenue, such as retention, complaint resolution, repeat purchase, or time saved for the customer. Rewrite your teams purpose in one sentence without using the words growth or profit, so you are forced to define the real value you create. Review one recurring internal process and cut the step that serves the org chart more than it serves the customer. Reward employees for solving customer pain or improving quality, not only for hitting short-term commercial targets. Test major decisions with a Ford filter: if this makes money, does it also make the business more useful, more trusted, or more worthy of lasting?
US President Donald Trump on Saturday local time unveiled the official poster for UFC Freedom 250, before proceeding to attend UFC 327 in Miami.

Initially teased by Trump in July last year, the event, meant to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, was confirmed by UFC chief Dana White in August.

Early speculation had suggested that the event would take place in July, commemorating with the US independence day.

However, UFC Freedom 250 will take place a little less than a month before July 4  on June 14.

UFC Freedom 250 poster and details The first poster of UFC Freedom 250 released by Trump shows the headliner lightweight title contestants Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, as well as the interim heavyweight title contestants Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane, with the White House in the background.

The caption on the poster reads  The most historic sporting event of all time.

The full UFC Freedom 250 fight card includes:

Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje

Alex Pereira vs Ciryl Gane

Sean O'Malley vs Aiemann Zahabi

Michael Chandler vs Mauricio Ruffy

Kyle Daukaus vs Bo Nickal

Steve Garcia vs Diego Lopes

View full Image View full Image UFC Freedom 250 poster unveiled by Trump. ( Truth Social/@realDonaldTrump )

Also Read | Trump says oil tankers heading to US, shares update on Strait of Hormuz

Trump attends UFC 327 Shortly after sharing the UFC Freedom 250 poster on his Truth Social platform, Trump was spotted at UFC 327 in Miami, Florida on Saturday night.

Trump, accompanied by several family members and UFC chief Dana White, entered the Kaseya Center shortly after 9 pm local time and was seen greeting attendees on the floor, as well as podcaster and supporter Joe Rogan.

Secetary of State was waiting for Trump at his seat, while the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, was also in proximity to the US President.

The US President was at the event to watch the local heavyweight contest between Carlos Ulberg and Jiri Prochazka.

With former champion Alex Pereira vacating the belt to challenge for the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House, Ulberg (14-1-0) earned his spot across Prochazka (32-5-1) in the main event of Saturdays card.
Hours after the US and Iran failed to reach an agreement during peace talks in Pakistan, President Donald Trump on Sunday (local time) renewed his threats against Iran and targeted China as well.

This came after news reports citing the US intelligence said that Beijing is reportedly preparing to ship weapons to Tehran amid a fragile two-week ceasefire which was announced Tuesday (local time).

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said, "I doubt they would do that... but if we catch them doing that, they get a 50% tariff, which is a staggering amount."

Trump warns countries with 50% tariffs His remarks came days after the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire. Following the announcement, Trump, in a Truth Social post, threatened to impose immediate 50 percent tariffs with no exemptions on countries that would supply Tehran with weapons. He wrote, "A Country supplying Military Weapons to Iran will be immediately tariffed, on any and all goods sold to the United States of America, 50%, effective immediately. There will be no exclusions or exemptions!"

Also Read | Trump threatens 50% tariffs on nations supplying weapons to Iran

While he threatened the countries, Trump did not specify which legal authority would be invoked to impose such tariffs. The US Supreme Court in February struck down his use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act [IEEPA] to impose broad global tariffs, prompting a lower court to order refunds of some $166bn collected over the course of a year, Al Jazeera reported.

What did the US intelligence report reveal? A CNN report citing sources said that China is planning to deliver new air defense systems to Iran in the next few weeks, adding that Tehran may be using the two-week ceasefire to replenish certain weapon systems with the help of its crucial foreign partners. The US intelligence reported that Beijing might route the shipments via a third country to mask their true origin. Beijing is reportedly preparing to supply shoulder-fired anti-air missiles (MANPADS), which threatened low-flying US aircraft during the five-week war and could pose a similar asymmetric risk if the ceasefire breaks down.

Denying the report, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said that Beijing never provided weapons to any party in the conflict, adding that the "information in question is untrue.

"As a responsible major country, China consistently fulfills its international obligations. We urge the US side to refrain from making baseless allegations, maliciously drawing connections, and engaging in sensationalism; we hope that relevant parties will do more to help de-escalate tensions," it noted further.
LONDON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. signals of potential military actions, including interdiction and possible blockade measures in the Strait of Hormuz, following failed U.S.-Iran negotiations in Pakistan, are adding to instability in the shipping environment, a London-headquartered maritime analytics firm said on Sunday.

According to a report released by Windward, Washington's moves introduce a second layer of control over the strait, meaning vessel movements may be affected not only by Iranian restrictions but also by potential U.S. actions.

The Strait of Hormuz is operating as a "controlled and unstable" system, where the risk of direct confrontation between state actors is increasing, it noted.

Data showed that on Saturday, a total of 17 vessels transited the strait, including seven inbound and 10 outbound. Inbound traffic consisted of four tankers and three cargo vessels, while outbound traffic included five tankers, one bulk carrier and four cargo vessels.

Although transit volumes have edged up slightly, shipping activity remains constrained, the report said, adding that some vessels have altered routes or turned back, while the overall number of ships in the Gulf has continued to decline.

The report added that access is being granted selectively, with priority given to specific cargo flows and trade routes, while broader commercial activity remains limited.

It also said that Iranian export operations remain active under constrained conditions. Satellite imagery on Saturday showed three very large crude carriers loading at Iran's Kharg Island, with an estimated combined volume of around 6 million barrels. The last confirmed departures were recorded on April 8.

Windward further noted that as disruptions persist in the Strait of Hormuz, global crude flows are increasingly being redirected toward the U.S. Gulf Coast. A total of 172 crude oil tankers are currently en route to the region. 
A formal complaint has been submitted to the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleging potential unauthorized employment of a foreign national in the household of US Congressman Eric Swalwell, candidate for California governor, and his wife, Brittany Watts Swalwell, between January 2023 and February 2025.

Allegation overview The complaint, filed by documentary researcher Joel Gilbert, centers on Brazilian national Amanda Raissa Barbosa, who entered the United States under a J-1 Exchange Visitor visa as an au pair. According to the submission, Barbosas authorized work period ended in December 2022 after completing the maximum allowable extension under the program. The complaint alleges that despite the expiration of her visa, Barbosa may have continued working full-time as a live-in childcare provider for the Swalwell family for nearly two additional years.

Visa timeline and employment history Barbosa initially arrived in the US in late 2020 and began working with the Swalwell household in 2021. Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings show she was paid regularly through Swalwells campaign during 2022 under childcare-related expenses, totaling nearly $47,000.

However, the complaint notes that no direct payments to Barbosa appear in campaign filings for 2023 and 2024, raising questions about her employment status during that period. Payments reportedly resumed in February 2025, totaling over $40,000 through the remainder of the yearsuggesting, according to the complaint, the possibility of renewed or updated work authorization.

Evidence cited in complaint The submission relies exclusively on publicly available information, including social media posts, FEC filings, and employment-related documentation. It alleges that Barbosa continued residing with the Swalwell family and performing childcare duties throughout 2023 and 2024, supported by photographs showing her participating in family activities and public outings.

Additionally, a March 2022 attempt by Brittany Watts Swalwell to secure a Permanent Employment Certification (PERM) for Barbosa is cited as evidence that the family was aware of the impending visa expiration. That application was reportedly denied, as J-1 au pair visas do not permit direct transition to such employment-based sponsorship.

Student visa questions The complaint also references Barbosas enrollment at Northern Virginia Community College in 2023, suggesting she may have transitioned to an F-1 student visa. Under US immigration rules, F-1 visa holders are typically limited to part-time, on-campus employment. The complaint argues that full-time domestic work in a private household would be inconsistent with such restrictions.

Legal and regulatory concerns The filing asks Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to examine whether any violations occurred under federal immigration, labor, or tax laws. Potential areas of concern include employment without valid authorization, failure to comply with employment verification requirements (Form I-9), and possible tax reporting irregularities.

Relevant statutes cited include provisions under the Immigration and Nationality Act related to employing unauthorized workers, as well as federal tax laws governing payroll obligations.

Call for investigation Gilbert has requested that DHS review internal immigration and employment authorization recordsinformation not publicly accessibleto determine whether Barbosa had valid authorization during the period in question. The complaint emphasizes that its claims are based solely on publicly available data and calls for a formal investigation to establish the facts.

Also Read | Trump orders Hormuz blockade, warns Iran over nuclear standoff
A powerful storm system moving into the western United States is bringing intense weather conditions, with the Sierra Nevada expected to receive up to two feet of additional snowfall through Sunday. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for parts of central California, cautioning that snow accumulations could reach up to 14 inches in some areas, accompanied by wind gusts of up to 45 mph.

The National Weather Service office in Hanford has issued a winter storm warning covering areas including Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. The warning remains in effect until 11 PM PDT Sunday.

Additional snow accumulations up to 14 inches are expected, with winds gusting as high as 45 mph, the NWS Hanford office said. Officials warned that whiteout conditions are expected, with visibility potentially dropping below a quarter mile, making travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening.

Rain, snow spread across the West The NWS said precipitation will expand inland across the Great Basin and into the Pacific Northwest through Monday. Snow in higher elevations and rain in lower areas will gradually taper off from Monday night into Tuesday across the Pacific Northwest and the northern Rockies.

As the system moves toward the Desert Southwest and the Four Corners, scattered showers and high-elevation snowfall are expected to develop late Monday into Tuesday.

Severe storms across Central and Northern US Across the central US, another low-pressure system is set to track through the northern Plains and merge with a cold front dipping into the Great Lakes, the weather forecast provider said.

This setup is expected to trigger strong to severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall across the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes through Sunday. Storm activity, including embedded thunderstorms, will also impact northern New England into Monday before easing.

Renewed severe weather threat The NWS warned that the severe weather threat will persist into Monday, particularly across central Texas, while a new round of storms is expected to develop across the Upper Midwest later in the day.

This renewed threat is linked to a developing low-pressure wave along a frontal boundary, with storms and heavy rain expected to shift eastward into the Great Lakes from Monday night into Tuesday morning.

Temperature extremes ahead The weather forecaster said warm air will surge eastward over the coming days, raising the potential for record-breaking temperatures across parts of the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast United States, Mississippi Valley, and Ohio Valley by Tuesday.

Meanwhile, a gradual cooling trend is expected across the western US as unsettled weather continues under the influence of the ongoing storm system.

Travel advisory issued The National Weather Service urged residents in affected areas, particularly mountainous regions of California, to delay travel if possible. If travel is unavoidable, drivers are advised to use extreme caution, prepare for sudden drops in visibility, and ensure vehicles are winter-ready.

Also Read | New York, Washington Set to Swelter Under Record Heat Next Week
Have negotiations between Iran and the United States actually concluded- or are they still ongoing behind closed doors? Confusion deepened on Sunday after sharply contrasting accounts from Tehran and Washington DC over the status of high-stakes ceasefire talks held in Pakistan.

Iran and the United States ended their first direct talks in over a decade in Islamabad on Saturday without a breakthrough, with contradictory statements from both sides deepening uncertainty over whether negotiations had even concluded

Contradictory claims from Tehran and Washington DC Irans government signalled that talks had reached a pause point after an intense negotiating session.

Iran-US talks mediated by Pakistan concluded after 14 hours. Technical teams from both sides are now exchanging expert texts. Negotiations will continue despite some remaining differences, the government said in a post on X, without specifying when discussions would resume.

Yet, almost simultaneously, accounts attributed to the office of US Vice President JD Vance suggested negotiations had not wrapped up at all.

A pool report cited by multiple outlets indicated that talks had pushed past the 15-hour mark, with discussions continuing into the early hours.

Fifteen hours and counting, an American official was quoted as saying, underscoring the protracted and unresolved nature of the engagement.

First direct talks in a decade carry high stakes The Islamabad dialogue marks a rare diplomatic opening between Iran and the US - their first direct talks in more than ten years, and the most senior-level contact since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Also Read | Pak deploys fighter jets in Saudi Arabia amid US-Iran ceasefire talks

The outcome carries global implications. At stake is not only the durability of the current ceasefire but also the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz  a maritime chokepoint through which roughly 20% of the worlds energy supplies pass.

Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of hostilities, sending oil prices sharply higher and exacerbating a conflict that has already claimed thousands of lives.

Stalemate over Hormuz and nuclear demands Despite extended negotiations, significant differences appear to persist.

According to reporting cited from the Financial Times, talks have reached a stalemate centred on control over the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian sources suggest that US demands have complicated efforts to establish a common negotiating framework.

A security source indicated that the status of the strait would remain unchanged until both sides agree on a shared basis for further talks, blaming excessive demands from Washington DC.

Those demands, as outlined by pro-government commentator Ali Gholhaki, include sweeping concessions:

"the US is demanding the exit of 400 kg of uranium from Iran  'the same stockpile it failed to seize in a previous military operation'  along with 0% enrichment and full management of the Strait of Hormuz."

He added: A test today on the strait met a firm Iranian rejection. No US commitments on Lebanon, indicating Washington did not come for genuine negotiations, in a post on X.

Next round expected as serious disagreements persist Iranian state media reported that an initial round of talks concluded on Saturday, with another round likely to follow within hours. A trilateral format  involving Pakistan as mediator - has seen both sides exchange draft proposals through technical teams.

Also Read | Ceasefire sends dollar toward weekly drop with US-Iran talks in focus

However, progress remains uncertain. Irans Tasnim news agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that some serious disagreements continue to divide the delegations.

At Pakistans suggestion, both sides have agreed in principle to continue discussions, though no formal timeline has been confirmed.

Strait of Hormuz remains the central flashpoint For now, the status of the Strait of Hormuz remains unchanged  a critical pressure point in negotiations with global ramifications.
In a landmark election, Hungarian voters delivered a decisive blow to Viktor Orban, ending his 16-year tenure as prime minister. With approximately 77% of votes counted, Peter Magyars Tisza party secured over 53% of the vote, significantly ahead of Fidesz at around 38%.

The result marks one of the most dramatic political shifts in Hungarys post-communist history. Voter turnout exceeded 77%, setting a record and reflecting widespread public engagement in what was widely seen as a pivotal election.

Orban conceded defeat, describing the outcome as painful, and pledged to continue serving from the opposition.

Campaign dynamics A lawyer by training and former government insider, Magyar now serves as a Member of the European Parliament (since 2024) and president of the Tisza Party, which he transformed into Hungarys leading opposition force in record time.

Born in Budapest in 1981, Magyar studied law at Pazmany Peter Catholic University and worked in corporate and government legal roles, including positions within Hungarys Foreign Ministry, EU representation, and state-linked institutions. Once part of the broader Fidesz political ecosystem, he broke away in 2024 after a high-profile political scandal involving a presidential pardon, which triggered his public resignation and rapid entry into opposition politics.

Magyar gained nationwide attention through anti-government rallies, social media outreach, and corruption allegations targeting the Orban administration. His Tisza Party rapidly rose in popularity, securing strong results in the 2024 European Parliament elections and consolidating his position as the main challenger to Fidesz by 2026.

Positioning himself as a critical pro-European conservative liberal, Magyar advocates EU alignment, institutional reform, and anti-corruption measures, while carefully balancing nationalist sentiment. His rise marks a significant reshaping of Hungarys political landscape.

His messaging emphasized:

-Anti-corruption reforms

-Improvements in healthcare and public transport

-Rebuilding democratic institutions

-Strengthening ties with Western allies

Orbans legacy and defeat Viktor Orban had been one of Europes longest-serving leaders and a defining figure in the continents nationalist and far-right political movements. Over his tenure, his government:

-Tightened control over media and public institutions

-Introduced policies criticized for undermining minority rights

-Maintained close ties with Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump

-Frequently clashed with the European Union, including vetoing key decisions such as financial aid to Ukraine
US-Iran war and ceasefire talks: US Vice President JD Vance left from Islamabad on Sunday, after he said that a peace deal could not be achieved after 21 hours of the most significant direct negotiations between the United States and Iran in over a decade, saying Tehran had refused to make a long-term commitment to abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions.

Vance: "This Is Bad News for Iran Much More Than for the US" Standing at a podium flanked by American flags, with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at his side, Vance did not soften the outcome. "This is bad news for Iran much more than this is bad news for the US," he told reporters in the Pakistani capital. We have made very clear what our red lines areand they have chosen not to accept our terms.

Also Read | US Iran War Ceasefire Talks LIVE: Talks failed to reach agreement with Iran

The US vice president said the two delegations had held "substantive discussions" across multiple rounds and formats but could not close the distance on the central question of Iran's nuclear ambitions.

JD Vance framed Washington DC's demands, saying : "The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon. That is the core goal of the president of the United States. And that's what we've tried to achieve through these negotiations."

The United States and Israel struck sensitive Iranian nuclear sites both during the war launched on 28 February and in strikes conducted the previous year. Vance acknowledged that much of Iran's enrichment infrastructure had already been dismantled by force, but argued that physical destruction alone was insufficient without a political commitment to match.

"Their nuclear programme, such as it is, the enrichment facilities that they had before, have been destroyed," he said. "But the simple question is: do we see a fundamental commitment of will for the Iranians not to develop a nuclear weapon, not just now, not just two years from now, but for the long term? We haven't seen that yet. We hope that we will."

Washington DC's 15-point proposal includes restricting Iran's nuclear programme and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, demands Iran's delegation has characterised as excessive. Tehran's own 10-point counter-proposal called for a guaranteed end to the war, Iranian control over the strait, and a halt to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon.

A "Final and Best Offer" Left on the Table Vance did not slam the door entirely. Departing Islamabad, he said Washington had left behind a document it considered its clearest and most complete position. "We leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. We'll see if the Iranians accept it," he said.

He also insisted the US negotiating posture had been reasonable throughout. "We were quite flexible and accommodating and negotiated in good faith," he said, while conceding that significant progress had not materialised.

Throughout the 21-hour session, Vance said he was in constant communication with Washington. "I spoke with Trump a half dozen times, a dozen times, over the past 21 hours," he said, adding that he had also been in contact with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper.

Ceasefire Hangs in the Balance as War Enters Its Seventh Week The breakdown in Islamabad puts the fragile two-week ceasefire, announced just days ago, in serious jeopardy. Trump had said he would suspend attacks against Iran for two weeks pending negotiations. Vance's remarks offered no clarity on what happens when that window expires, or whether the ceasefire will hold in the interim.

The war, now in its seventh week, has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, more than 2,000 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel, and over a dozen in Gulf Arab states, leaving lasting infrastructure damage across half a dozen countries in the region.

Two Pakistani officials told the Associated Press that discussions between the heads of delegations would resume after a break, and that some technical personnel from both teams remained in session, though both spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to brief the press.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who was part of Tehran's delegation in Pakistan, had entered negotiations with stated "deep distrust" following strikes on Iran during previous talks, and made clear that his country was prepared to retaliate if attacked again.

The Strait of Hormuz: Still Blocked, Still Contested Iran's continued grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of the world's traded oil once passed daily, remains its most potent strategic lever. Since the ceasefire, only twelve ships have been recorded transiting the waterway, compared with more than a hundred a day before the war. The closure has sent energy prices soaring and effectively severed the Persian Gulf's oil and gas exports from the global economy.

Also Read | US Iran Ceasefire Highlights: Iran warns US as its vessel makes way into Strait

President Donald rump said on Saturday that the US had begun operations to clear the strait. "Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon," Admiral Brad Cooper of US Central Command said. Additional forces, including underwater drones, are expected to join the effort in the coming days. Iran's state media, however, denied that any joint military command had authorised such a transit.

Trump told journalists during the night, "We're sweeping the strait. Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me."

Iran's Red Lines and the Wider Regional Stakes Iran's delegation arrived in Islamabad with preconditions of its own. Tehran's 10-point proposal demanded compensation for damage caused by US-Israeli strikes, the release of Iran's frozen assets, and an end to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, whose health ministry reported the death toll there has surpassed 2,000. Iran's state-run news agency said the three-party talks only began after certain Iranian preconditions, including a reduction in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, were met.

The stakes drew observers from across the region. Officials from China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Qatar were reported to be in Islamabad to indirectly facilitate talks, though all spoke on condition of anonymity, according to several media reports.

What Comes Next: Israel, Lebanon, and a Ticking Clock Israel pressed ahead with strikes in Lebanon even as the Islamabad talks were under way, maintaining that no ceasefire exists on that front. Iran and Pakistan have disputed that position.

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin on Tuesday in Washington DC, though Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam postponed a planned trip to Washington citing domestic circumstances.
A Nigerian Air Force strike targeting suspected jihadist rebels hit a crowded market in northeastern Nigeria, killing more than 100 civilians and injuring many others, according to Amnesty International and local media reports cited by Associated Press.

The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday in Yobe state near the border with Borno, a region long affected by insurgency.

Officials confirm misfire Authorities acknowledged that the strike had gone wrong but provided limited details. The Yobe State Government said the operation was aimed at a Boko Haram stronghold, but confirmed that civilians at the Jilli weekly market were among those affected.

Survivor accounts and casualty toll Amnesty International said it verified from survivors that at least 100 people were killed in the strike. We are in touch with people that are there we spoke with the hospital and the victims, Amnesty Nigeria director Isa Sanusi told AP, indicating the scale of casualties could be significant.

Targeting militants near market Local security sources said intelligence indicated that Boko Haram fighters had gathered close to the market and were allegedly planning an ation on nearby communities. The intel was shared and the Air Force jet acted based on credible information, a member of a civilian security group working with the military said.

Military defends operation The Nigerian military maintained that it carried out a successful strike on a terrorist enclave and logistics hub, claiming that several militants were killed while riding motorcycles. However, it did not directly address reports of civilian casualties or the alleged misfire.

Emergency response underway The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency confirmed casualties and said response teams had been dispatched to the area. Authorities urged residents to remain calm as rescue and medical efforts continue.

Conflict-hit region The strike occurred in a volatile zone where insurgent activity has persisted for over a decade. Nigeria continues to grapple with a complex security crisis involving multiple armed groups, including Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which operates across the northeast.

Ongoing insecurity in northern Nigeria Africas most populous nation faces overlapping threats ranging from jihadist insurgency in the northeast to armed banditry and kidnappings in other northern regions. The latest incident underscores the risks of military operations in densely populated or civilian-adjacent areas, particularly where militant groups operate close to local communities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call on Sunday with Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian following the collapse of US-Iran negotiations, ABC News cited Kremlin as saying. The US-Iran talks, which lasted nearly 20 hours in Pakistan, failed to produce an agreement to end the ongoing conflict.

The Kremlin said Putin expressed willingness to play a mediating role in resolving the crisis.

As reported by the news outlet: Vladimir Putin emphasized his readiness to continue to facilitate the search for a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict and to mediate efforts to establish a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, the Kremlin said in its readout.

Iran blames US double standards According to Irans semi-official Tasnim news agency, as per ABC, Pezeshkian blamed Washington for the breakdown in talks.

He said US double standards and a totalitarian approach remain the key obstacles to reaching a fair deal between Tehran and Washington.

Iran signals openness to agreement Despite the impasse, Pezeshkian indicated Iran is still open to a negotiated solution.

The Islamic Republic of Iran is fully prepared to reach a balanced and fair agreement that ensures lasting peace and security in the region. If the United States adheres to international legal frameworks, reaching an agreement is not far off, he said, according to Tasnim and cited by ABC News.

US stance on nuclear issue US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance have maintained that Irans nuclear ambitions remain the primary sticking point in negotiations.

Trump said in a social media post that most points were agreed to during the talks but stressed that progress is meaningless if Iran retains nuclear capabilities.

Most points were agreed to but they dont matter if Iran is allowed to have nuclear power, he said.

Also Read | Trump warns China with 50% tariffs after reports suggest Beijing is helping Iran
The highly anticipated negotiations held in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, on 10-11 April, between the United States and Iran failed to culminate in a deal. Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, on Sunday (local time) revealed the reason why the talks failed.

Why did US-Iran talks fail? In a series of posts on social media platform X, Ghalibaf highlighted that even before the negotiations began, the Iranian side had the "necessary good faith and will," but, due to their previous experiences of the two wars, they had no trust in the opposing side (US). He added, My colleagues on the Iranian delegation, Minaab168, raised forward-looking initiatives, but the opposing side ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations.

According to Ghalibaf, the US has understood the Islamic Republic's "logic and principles". What remains to be seen is whether they can gain the country's trust.

What did the US say on failed negotiations? According to media reports, US Vice President JD Vance, who led the delegation to Islamabad for talks that concluded on Sunday, said Tehran refused to accept Washington's terms after 21 hours of negotiations. Speaking to reporters shortly before leaving Pakistan, Vance noted, "The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think thats bad news for Iran much more than its bad news for the United States of America," Al Jazeera reported.

Iran chose not to accept the US' terms: Vance He went on to say that the Islamic Republic chose not to accept Washington's terms, adding that the latter needs to see a "fundamental commitment from Tehran not to develop nuclear weapons. The US Vice President further said, We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon.

Also Read | Failure of US-Iran Talks Set to Weigh on Risk Assets Monday

Tehran expects talks to continue According to the Islamic Republic's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nobody expected to reach an agreement with the US in a single session. Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, according to state broadcaster IRIB, said, "Naturally, from the beginning, we should not have expected to reach an agreement in a single session. No one had such an expectation."

However, Baghaei did express confidence that the contacts between the Islamic Republic and Pakistan and other allies in the region would continue.

Iran to continue building defense: Ghalibaf In the post, Ghalibaf added, "We consider every mirror to be another method of authority diplomacy, alongside military struggle, for upholding the rights of the Iranian nation, and we will not for a moment cease our efforts to consolidate the achievements of the forty days of Iran's national defense."

He described Iran as a nation of 90 million people, united in support of the countrys efforts. Further, he expressed gratitude to the Iranian public for heeding the Supreme Leaders guidance, taking to the streets, and backing their forces with encouragement and blessings. Ghalibaf also commended his colleagues for their efforts during the intense 21-hour negotiations, praising their work and wishing them strength.

US-Iran ceasefire talks The negotiations in Islamabad, after a two-week ceasefire was announced earlier in the week, were the first direct meeting between the US and Iran in more than a decade and the highest-level discussions since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Reuters reported.

Tehran's semi-official Tasnim news agency blamed the US for failing to reach an agreement. It noted that Washington's "excessive" demand had hindered reaching the deal. Other Iranian media reported there was agreement on several issues, but that the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme were the main points of difference.
US -Iran Ceasefire Talks: After nearly a full day of intense negotiations, talks between Iran and the United States have collapsed without agreement. US Vice President JD Vance left Islamabad on Sunday without a peace deal after 21 hours of the most significant direct negotiations between the United States and Iran in over a decade, saying Tehran had refused to make a long-term commitment to abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions.

Why Did the Islamabad Ceasefire Talks Fail? At the heart of the impasse lies a fundamental disagreement over Irans nuclear ambitions.

Also Read | US Iran War Ceasefire Talks LIVE: Talks failed to reach agreement with Iran

JD Vance declined to relitigate 21 hours of private negotiations on a public podium, but he was unsparing about the core reason the talks collapsed: Iran would not commit to permanently forswearing nuclear weapons.

Why did the Islamabad talks fail?

"The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon," he said, describing it as "the core goal of the President" and the central objective Washington had pursued throughout the negotiations.

Vance posed the question plainly and answered it himself. The simple question is, do we see a fundamental commitment of will for the Iranians not to develop a nuclear weapon, not just now, not just two years from now, but for the long term? We haven't seen that yet. We hope that we will.

He added that Iran's existing enrichment infrastructure had in any case already been destroyed by force. "Their nuclear programmes, such as it is, the enrichment facilities that they had before, they've been destroyed," he said. The problem, from Washington's perspective, was not capability but intent  and Tehran refused to address the latter.

What Were the Points of Contention Between US and Iran? Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed on Saturday that the 21-hour discussions covered a wide range of issues: the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear programme, war reparations, sanctions relief, and the end of hostilities.

What were the point of contention between US and Iran?

According to Iranian officials, discussions covered:

The Strait of Hormuz

Irans nuclear programme

War reparations

Sanctions relief

The formal end of hostilities Washington DC's demands, outlined in a 15-point proposal, centred on restricting Iran's nuclear programme and reopening the strait. Tehran's 10-point counter-proposal sought guaranteed cessation of the war, Iranian control over the strait, compensation for damage caused by US-Israeli strikes, and the release of frozen Iranian assets.

When asked whether Iranian frozen assets were discussed, JD Vance confirmed they were, along with much else, but said the fundamental obstacle remained unchanged. "We just could not get to a situation where the Iranians were willing to accept our terms," he said.

Iran's state broadcaster IRIB placed the blame squarely on Washington DC. "The Iranian delegation negotiated continuously and intensively for 21 hours in order to protect the national interests of the Iranian people; despite various initiatives from the Iranian delegation, the unreasonable demands of the American side prevented the progress of the negotiations. Thus the negotiations ended," IRIB said on Telegram.

Vance: "Quite Flexible, Quite Accommodating" From Washington DCs perspective, the talks ended because Iran refused to accept clearly defined terms.

What did US say after Islamabad talks failed?

The US vice president pushed back firmly against any suggestion that Washington DC had been inflexible. He said the US delegation had arrived in good faith, at Trump's explicit instruction, to make every possible effort to reach a deal. "We did that," he said, describing the American team as "quite flexible, quite accommodating."

He also made clear that Washington had laid out its position with precision. "We've made very clear what our red lines are, what things we're willing to accommodate them on, and what things we're not willing to accommodate them on, and we made that as clear as we possibly could, and they have chosen not to accept our terms," Vance said.

Iran Believes It Is Winning, and Can Wait Washington Out Behind Tehran's reported refusal to bend on nuclear red lines lies a strategic calculation, according to analysts tracking the talks closely. Iranian officials argued that Washington DCs expectations- particularly on nuclear restrictions and regional control- made a deal impossible.

Iran pins blame on US' demands for failure

Official aware of the developments told media houses that the negotiating team suggested the US was unwilling to adjust its position despite battlefield realities.

CNN National Security Analyst Alex Plitsas argued that Iran's posture reflects a belief that time is on its side. "We won't see a change in behavior until we see a change in perception," he posted on X.

Am official close to the Iranian negotiating team told Fars News that Tehran saw the talks differently from the outset. "The Americans needed talks only to restore their lost international image and refused to lower expectations despite battlefield defeats against Iran," the source said. Iran's team defended the achievements of the field.

On the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran's position was equally unyielding. An informed source told IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency that there would be no change in the situation in the strait unless the US agreed to a "reasonable deal." Iran, the source made plain, saw no reason to offer that concession for free.

Iran Says It Has No Plans for Another Round of Talks Perhaps the most significant signal to emerge from the Iranian side after the Islamabad talks concluded was the absence of any appetite for a swift resumption.

An official to the Iranian negotiating team told Fars News that Iran has no plans for a next round of negotiations with the US. If accurate, that leaves Washington DC's "final and best offer" sitting on a table with no one to receive it.

Iran's Foreign Ministry, however, offered a marginally more diplomatic note. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the path of diplomacy had not been closed, a statement that keeps a door technically ajar without committing to walking through it.

Will Trump Go Back to War With Iran? It is the question that hung unspoken over the entire Islamabad process  and when a reporter put it directly to JD Vance as he prepared to leave, he walked out without answering.

Will US-Iran war resart now?

Trump himself, asked ahead of the talks about a backup plan should negotiations collapse or Iran refuse to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, dismissed the premise entirely. "You don't need a backup plan. Their military is defeated. We have integrated everything. They have very few missiles. They have very few manufacturing capabilities. We have hit them very hard. Our military is amazing; the job they have done," he told reporters on Friday.

The two-week ceasefire US president Donald Trump announced remains nominally in place, but with no deal signed, no next round of talks scheduled, the Strait of Hormuz blocked, and Iran signalling it sees little reason to return to the table on Washington's terms, the window is narrowing.
Body language is science only as much as astrology is. The nonsense that you rub your nose because you have been up to no good, for example, emerges from the same fallacy. People can exhibit signs of nervousness for reasons other than lying. (This explains why many Indians fare poorly at menacing immigration counters in the US even when they have nothing to hide.) Also, Back has been asked whether he is Satoshi several times over the years, so it is not a question that must startle him.
LONDON, April 12 (Xinhua) -- "Paddington The Musical" won big at Britain's top theater honors, the Olivier Awards, on Sunday, with seven prizes as a ceremony marking the awards' 50th anniversary was held at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The new musical about the marmalade-loving bear took home Best New Musical, Best Director, Best Actor in a Musical and both supporting performance awards in the musical categories. The production has also proved a box-office success in London, with some performances selling out and its West End run extended to Feb. 14, 2027.

In the straight-play categories, Jack Holden won Best Actor for "Kenrex," while Rosamund Pike took Best Actress for "Inter Alia." Written by Suzie Miller, "Inter Alia," in which Pike is still starring in London, tells the story of a London Crown Court judge struggling to balance justice, motherhood and family life after a shattering event upends her world.

Best New Play went to James Graham's "Punch," while Arthur Miller's "All My Sons" won Best Revival.

Among the musical honors, Rachel Zegler won Best Actress in a Musical for "Evita," while "Into the Woods" took Best Musical Revival. James Hameed and Arti Shah shared Best Actor in a Musical for their joint portrayal of "Paddington The Musical."

The ceremony opened with "Masquerade" flowing into "The Phantom of the Opera," in a tribute to the musical, which will mark its 40th anniversary in London's West End later this year.

First presented in 1976, the Olivier Awards are widely regarded as Britain's most prestigious theater awards. 
The regional spillovers are large. Consider tariffs. In the US, domestic substitution to offset costlier imports is constrained by the absence of a mature manufacturing ecosystem, which may take years to develop. And even then, cost considerations may keep low-value-added manufacturing offshore. Thus, import demand is likely to be redistributed among trade partners, benefiting those with advanced abilities and lower tariffs.
Australia is reinforcing links with its northern neighbors to secure fuel supplies and bolster defense ties as a US administration grows increasingly preoccupied with  and potentially weakened by  the war in Iran.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his senior ministers have been hitting the phones and traveling across Asia to ensure key trading partners maintain shipments of diesel and gasoline amid global supply disruptions. Albanese went to Singapore to meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Friday and is expected to travel to Brunei next week.

The visit to Singapore was earlier than planned and came after the two leaders spoke in March on ensuring continued energy flows. After the meeting, they announced a new agreement to support the stable supply of essential goods, including energy and food, according to a joint statement, with Wong emphasizing that this mutual support would strengthen energy security of both nations.

The burst of diplomatic activity not only secured essential energy supplies but also underscored the Albanese governments reorientation of foreign policy toward its region  both to limit Chinas sway and boost Australias influence. The shift has gained greater significance during the Trump administration, when US commitment to traditional alliances appears more tenuous.

Albanese said trusted ties with Singapore help to deliver energy security for both of our nations. He said his governments efforts to build links with the region meant the country was better placed to deal with shocks, pointing to relations built through repeated meetings with leaders such as Wong.

The two sides also discussed deepening defense cooperation, including allowing Australian naval vessels to use Singapores port, Albanese said.

That linkage of trade and security can be seen elsewhere. Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles traveled to Tokyo this week for last-minute talks on the fallout from the Middle East conflict, regional security challenges and deeper defense cooperation with Japan.

Meanwhile, Australian diplomats in Indonesia appear to have convinced Jakarta to guarantee supplies of fertilizer and its component urea, which is critical for farmers planting winter crops, the Australian newspaper reported.

The Albanese governments foreign policy has been quite smart in prioritizing its own neighborhood, said Bryce Wakefield, head of the Australian Institute of International Affairs and an expert on Japanese foreign policy.

It has also meant Australian officials can pick up the phone and reach an agreement, he added.

The focus on Southeast Asia and the broader region is paying off in a series of security deals with Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and others, and in Canberras success in ensuring nations continue exporting fuel to Australia despite worsening regional shortages.

Albanese pointed to his center-left governments record last week, arguing that Australia had cemented ties with North Asia trading partners such as South Korea and Japan, while maintaining links with traditional partners the US and the UK.

The Marles trip to Tokyo is another example. Australia had already secured Japans agreement to keep shipping energy as normal, but the defense ministers fifth meeting with his counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi underscored the serious security challenges facing the Asia-Pacific.

Even with China, which has mostly banned exports of refined fuels, Canberra was able to secure a promise to increase government-to-government communication so that Australia and China are both working in support of regional energy security, although it remains to be seen whether that leads to trade resuming.

Part of the Albanese governments success has been linking Singapore and other suppliers continued exports to their need for Australian coal and liquefied natural gas.

Australia is a very reliable distributor of LNG, Assistant Trade Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said last month. Weve got that advantage in that we can work with our neighbors in the Asia-Pacific to ensure that they have access to their energy needs and we get access to ours.

Looking ahead, there are other strengths that the government can build on, according to the AIIAs Wakefield. Food security is a huge issue in the region, and its one where Australia is positioned to be a reliable supplier.

At a time when Australias historic security ally is led by President Donald Trump  who has repeatedly criticized Canberra for not assisting the US-Israeli attack on Iran  such diplomatic ties may prove even more valuable.

With assistance from Jon Herskovitz.

2026 Bloomberg L.P.
April 12 (Reuters) - British financial regulators are holding urgent talks with the government's cyber security agency and major banks to assess risks posed by the latest artificial intelligence model from Anthropic, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.

Bank of England, Financial Conduct Authority and Treasury officials are in talks with the National Cyber Security Centre to examine potential vulnerabilities in critical IT systems highlighted by Anthropic's latest AI model, the FT said, citing two people briefed on the talks.

Anthropic did not respond to a Reuters' request for comment. The BoE, FCA and NCSC declined to comment. The UK Treasury was not immediately available for comment.

Representatives from major British banks, insurers and exchanges are expected to be briefed on the cyber security risks posed by the model, Claude Mythos Preview, at a meeting with regulators in the next fortnight, the newspaper said.

Reuters could not immediately verify details of the report.

Reuters nL4N40T024 reported on Friday, citing two sources, that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had called a meeting with major Wall Street banks on the model's cyber risk potential.

AI startup Anthropic has said the model is being deployed as part of "Project Glasswing nL4N40Q0LK", a controlled initiative under which select organizations are permitted to use the unreleased Claude Mythos Preview model for defensive cyber security purposes.

In a blog post earlier this month, Anthropic said the model had already identified thousands of major vulnerabilities across operating systems, web browsers and other widely used software.
Pool players gather inside Criders Rodeo & Dancehall in Hunt, Texas, before the destructive Fourth of July floods that forced the historic venue to close for months. Courtesy of Megan Bruinsma

After devastating floodwaters tore through the Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend in 2025, one of the regions most beloved gathering places went silent. But things are about to change.

Nearly a year later, Criders Rodeo & Dancehall is reopening, marking both a comeback for a century-old tradition and a turning point in the communitys long recovery.

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The historic venue, nestled along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, was forced to close indefinitely after floodwaters ripped through the property in July 2025, damaging key infrastructure and halting its hallmark season. Its return comes with purpose as a benefit concert aimed at restoring the very river that nearly destroyed it is set to take place.

The May 17 event is dubbed "Plant the Guadalupe," and will feature Texas country staple Gary Nunn and raise funds for a large-scale restoration effort to replant tens of thousands of trees along the rivers banks. The event will run from noon to 5 p.m.

"We hope reopening is a sign of hope and resilience for our community," Megan Bruinsma, who manages Criders Rodeo & Dancehall with her mother, said in a statement to MySA. "So many are still putting pieces back together, and this moment carries the strength of everyone who showed upneighbors helping neighbors, strangers stepping in and taking the shovel from our hands so we could catch our breath."

Flood damage inside Crider's Rodeo and Dancehall. Courtesy of Crider's Rodeo and Dancehall

Flood damage inside Crider's Rodeo and Dancehall. Courtesy of Crider's Rodeo & Dancehall

"Reopening is super emotional," Bruinsma said. "Our family has poured into this place for over 100 years, and in return, Criders has given us lifelong friendships and a community that feels like family. The outpouring of love and support has shown us that Criders is far bigger than the small town it sits in. With that comes a responsibility we dont take lightlyto preserve its traditions and keep its memories alive for generations to come."

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The totally Texas comeback of Crider's dance hall

The dance hall confirmed to MySA that while its main structure held strong during the flood, the damage inside was extensive. Much of the interior was impacted, with items washed away, and the dance floors foundation, stage and bathroom structures all requiring repairs. The septic system had to be replaced, and fencing across the property was lost or removed during rescue efforts.

Fresh concrete on Crider's Rodeo and Dancehall's dance floors foundation. Courtesy of Megan Bruinsma

Flood damage affecting the patio at Criders during the 2025 floods over the Fourth of July weekend. Courtesy of Megan Bruinsma

Arena pipe fencing and bleachers remained intact, and over the past 10 months, volunteers, contractors and the Hunt Preservation Society have worked to rebuild the space piece by piece.

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"We still have many pieces to put together, but were proud of how far weve comeand even more grateful for the people who have helped us get this far," the statement continued.

History of Crider's Rodeo and Dancehall in Hunt, Texas

Criders dates back to 1925, when Walter and Audrey Crider hosted a Fourth of July rodeo to raise money for the Hunt School PTA. What began as a simple fundraiser quickly grew into a summer tradition, blending rodeos, barbecue and dancing along the Guadalupe River.

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As crowds expanded, the dance hall evolved. A wooden dance floor was first built near the river before repeated floods forced it to move across the highway. After World War II, it settled into its current location overlooking the water, where generations of Texans have gathered beneath towering oak trees.

An aerial view of Criders Rodeo & Dancehall along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, before deadly Fourth of July flooding damaged the century-old venue. Courtesy of Megan Bruinsma An aerial view of Criders Rodeo & Dancehall along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, before deadly Fourth of July flooding damaged the century-old venue. Courtesy of Megan Bruinsma

Over the decades, Criders became known for its charm, drawing a mix of locals, visitors and notable figures, all sharing the same space. Now, the upcoming benefit concert brings the story full circle.

"Criders started as a fundraiser to build a new Hunt Schoolhouse, and it feels only fitting that she comes back together in time to once again give back to the Hunt community and the generations to come," the statement continued.

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Proceeds from the concert will support an effort to plant 50,000 native trees along the Guadalupe River over the next five years, helping restore vegetation lost during the floods.

Less than a year after disaster struck, and 100 years after it all began, Criders is once again bringing people together, even in the aftermath of loss.

Find it: 2301 Texas Highway 39, Hunt, TX 78024
Texas Tag & Title is one of a few places across San Antonio ready to begin emissions testing, a new requirement in Bexar, on November 1. Zachary-Taylor Wright/MySA

Have you fallen prey to the long, slow moving waiting lines and inconvenient weekday operating hours of the tax assessor-collectors office when that pesky vehicle registration tag is up for renewal? But theres a way to dodge that dreaded visit and get that sticker up to date without ever getting out of your car.

Vehicle inspections may be a thing of the past in Texas now, but vehicle registrations still need to be updated every year. Waiting to get it done can cost you big time  tickets, possible towing, court visits and so on  but a company shifting gears after the death of inspections could save you a lot of time while trying to avoid those burdens.

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If you go to H-E-B, you cant be expired. You can be expired with us, Texas Tag & Title owner Charissa Barnes tells MySA, noting customers dont even need their renewal notice handy. If you got to H-E-B, you cant have a ticket for expired registration. You can have that with us.

Though youll still have to go to court to pay any fines for failing to keep up with your registration. Why is Barnes able to do this? She is one of few tax collectors deputized by Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector Albert Uresti. This means her stations at 10480 Culebra Road (Far West Side) and 2960 Pat Booker Road (Far Northeast Side) can perform the same vehicle registration services as the assessor-collectors office, along with title transfers and assisting new Texas residents register a vehicle in the state for the first time.

Its a sleek and efficient process where drivers circle a small building with a drive-thru window. The process only takes five or six minutes, says Barnes. Plus, the tax assessor collector's office shuts down at 4:30 p.m. most days and is only open on weekdays, cutting into people's workday. Texas Tag & Title is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The actual registration renewal process is very simple. Many people load up their car with their kids, theyre on their phone, theyre watching YouTube, and theyre in line waiting to get their registration renewed, Barnes said, explaining even a car or two ahead of you at the drive thru is more enjoyable from your car than a courthouse or the assessor-collectors office with number ticket tags and fluorescent lighting.

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Marshalls at the Fiesta Trails shopping center is set to close, officials say. Courtesy of Google Maps

The last chance to shop at one of San Antonio's popular staples before it relocates is Sunday, April 12. The budget-friendly chain Marshalls will host its final operation hours at its 12635 I-10 West, Suite 505, location from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. This will end its time at the Fiesta Trails Shopping Center, where it's neighbored by tenants H-E-B and La-Z-Boy, to name a few.

The Massachusetts-based company has been planning a move to a high-profile area of town, the Rim, since at least early 2026. A corporation-issued press release stated that it would make the jump in January. However, the grand reopening was pushed back to this month because of construction tasks.

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Its new address will be 5811 Worth Parkway, Suite 109. A company statement says the space, which opens Thursday, April 16, will stretch over 28,000 square feet, featuring a range of trendy beauty and home products, and a single-queue checkout for when you're in a rush. Customers will be able to visit other retailers at the Northwest side site, too. The plaza is anchored by Five Below, Sun & Ski Sports, and Nordstrom Rack.

"We are excited to welcome shoppers in the San Antonio community to our newest location later this spring," The TJX Companies Public Relations Marketing Supervisor, Caitlin McCarthy, previously told MySA over email. "We regret any inconvenience and look forward to bringing shoppers an amazing and ever-changing selection of brand name, designer merchandise for the whole family very soon!"

According to the Marshalls website, it offers 20 to 60 percent discounts on fashion pieces, as well as a customer program that helps folks earn rewards with each dollar they spend. There are 12 stores in Antonio and 103 in the state as a whole.

Find it: 5811 Worth Pkwy., Suite 109, San Antonio, Texas 78257
Daniel Villanueva. Courtesy/Webb County Sheriff's Office

The wheels of justice turn daily in Laredos district courts, where felony charges  some years old, others newly filed  move through the system. Here's a look at some of the cases that were recently on the docket.

Daniel Villanueva

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Charges: Injury to a child/elderly/disabled with intent to cause bodily injury (2 counts), a third-degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison and an optional fine up to $10,000.

Date filed: Aug. 14, 2024.

Latest info: Villanueva pleaded guilty to both counts during a March 31 pre-trial hearing in the 111th District Court, where Judge Monica Z. Notzon presided, and the court ordered a pre-sentence investigation report ahead of sentencing set for April 22 at 9 a.m.

Background

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Villanueva was arrested in Jan 20, 2023, charging him with two counts of injury to a child, in a case dating back to September 2022.

Villanueva claimed that the injuries a child had to his face were the result of him falling down the stairs, according to Laredo police. But the District Attorneys Office determined that enough probable cause existed indicating that Villanueva, had slapped the 3-year-old boy.

The case dates back to Sept. 16, 2022 when Laredo police officers responded to an injury to a child report at about 8:03 p.m. in the 100 block of Cortez Street.

A woman told police that her son had been injured when he fell down the stairs on Sept. 15. She added that her son and other children were left under the care of her boyfriend while she was at work.

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Authorities identified the boyfriend as Villanueva. She stated that Villanueva called her saying that her son had fallen down the stairs, according to court documents.

An officer noticed the boy had injuries to both sides of his face. When the officer asked the child what had happened, he replied, papi. Asked how papi had hit him, he stated, mano, according to the affidavit.

LPDs Special Investigations Unit detectives said that Villanueva did not show up for multiple scheduled interviews to talk about the incident.

Richard Camarena

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Charges: Abandoning or endangering a child with criminal negligence, a state jail felony punishable by 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility and an optional fine up to $10,000.

Date filed: April 9, 2025.

Latest info: Camarena pleaded not guilty during a March 31 arraignment in the 341st District Court, where Judge Beckie Palomo presided, and the case was set for further pre-trial proceedings with hearings scheduled for April 23 and June 4.

Santiago Morantes

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Charges:

Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and an optional fine up to $10,000.

Accident involving damage to a vehicle of $200 or more, a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $2,000.

Date filed: Jan. 28, 2026.

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George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse on Oct. 31, 2025. David Gomez Jr./Laredo Morning Times

A Mexican national pleaded guilty this week to his role in a multimillion-dollar money laundering scheme that funneled drug proceeds through Laredo businesses to Mexico, according to federal court records in the Southern District of Texas.

Gabriel Arturo Castillo, 52, of Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering in a plea agreement filed April 7. Authorities later arrested him in Mexico and extradited him to the United States in August 2025.

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Castillo participated in the scheme from at least October 2011 through early 2013, using Laredo as a central hub to convert drug proceeds into seemingly legitimate cross-border trade, court records show. The scheme relied on a black-market peso exchange  a system that allows drug organizations to move profits without physically transporting cash across the border by disguising them as payments for goods.

The operation began with drug proceeds collected in cities across the U.S. The cash was either deposited into bank accounts or transported to Laredo, where it entered the laundering network. From there, Mexican business owners used the U.S. currency to purchase goods from U.S. businesses  including perfume sellers in Laredo.

Once businesses received payment, the merchandise was shipped to Mexico, where Mexican operators paid drug traffickers in pesos, allowing the organizations to receive profits in their home currency while concealing the source of the funds, court records show.

He was responsible for handling drug proceeds and directing how the money moved through the network. In Laredo, Castillo received bulk cash and arranged for it to be delivered to local businesses or deposited into accounts he controlled, according to court records.

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He also directed that deposits be broken into amounts under $10,000, a practice known as structuring, to avoid federal reporting requirements. Between March 2012 and early 2013, he directed more than $350,000 into bank accounts, court records show.

Castillo coordinated transfers of tens of thousands of dollars to businesses in Laredo, including a nearly $150,000 delivery to a business in Laredo in April 2012, according to court records.

Couriers also transported large sums of cash from across the country into Laredo. In one instance, more than $200,000 was collected in Kentucky and brought to Laredo, where it was distributed to local businesses, including a perfume company, as payment for goods, court records show.

In another case, approximately $80,000 in drug proceeds was routed through a U.S. bank account before being distributed to a Laredo warehouse and business, according to court records.

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A federal grand jury indicted Castillo and others in 2017 on money laundering and related charges tied to the scheme. He was not taken into U.S. custody until August 2025, when authorities arrested him in Mexico and extradited him to the United States.

Castillo admitted to laundering at least $1,041,861 in drug proceeds, court records show.

He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo is scheduled to sentence Castillo on July 7 in Laredo federal court.

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Galilea Gaytan, a TAMIU nursing student, earned certification in six months through the universitys SANE program. Courtesy/TAMIU

A nurse enrolled in Texas A&M International Universitys Family Nurse Practitioner program has completed the Universitys Dual Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program and earned her Office of the Attorney General Certified Adult/AdolescentPediatric Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner certification on an accelerated timeline of six months.

Galilea Gaytan learned about the TAMIU SANE Program while attending a presentation by local Dual Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Jonathan Martinez Calderon.

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Inspired by the profound impact sexual assault nurses have on the lives of survivors, she pursued the Dual SANE certification pathway to serve all populations  pediatric, adolescent and adult  and completed the rigorous program in an accelerated timeframe.

The CA-CP SANE certification prepares nurses to provide care to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence.

Gaytan said mentorship played a key role in her experience.

I am sincerely grateful for the guidance and support I received during my journey to earning my SANE certification, Gaytan said, The knowledge, encouragement and shared experience from my mentor prepared me for the process and built my confidence.

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Having someone who truly cares about both professional growth and patient advocacy made a lasting impact on me, and I will carry those lessons with me as I move forward in this role.

Dr. Robert Moran, principal investigator and director of the TAMIU-SANE Program, extended gratitude to the SANEs and local and external partners who mentor and support nurses throughout their certification journey.

Dr. Marivic Torregosa, co-principal investigator, said the program prepares nurses to provide trauma-informed care and helps develop future trainees.

Galileas achievement reflects the spirit of excellence, service and mentorship that defines our program, Torregosa said, Our SANEs and SANE trainees not only provide compassionate, trauma-informed care to survivors, but also inspire and guide the next generation of nurses who are called to this important work.

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Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, the TAMIU-SANE Program was established in 2018 to increase the number of certified forensic nurses across South Texas.

The program includes a mentor-preceptor network in which experienced SANEs support certified SANEs, who in turn mentor trainees. The structure is designed to expand training opportunities and support the development of forensic nursing services in the region.

Through this network, trainees gain clinical experience locally and externally. Hospitals that previously lacked certified SANEs and medical forensic equipment are able to provide trauma-informed care while supporting training efforts.

Those interested in applying to the SANE program can do so at tamiu.edu/conhs/sane/index.shtml.

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For more information about the program contact Program Manager Maria del Rosario Benavides at 956-326-2575 or maria.benavides@tamiu.edu.

Funding acknowledgment

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under grant number 2 T96HP32498-07-00, Advanced Nurse EducationSexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program. The contents are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS or the U.S. government.
A section of buoys installed by the federal government stretches across the Rio Grande on Jan. 7, 2026 in Brownsville, Texas. Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images Buoy sections that are to be deployed in the Rio Grande sit in a construction lot on Jan. 7, 2026 in Brownsville, Texas. Michael Gonzalez/Getty Images

Laredo could face serious flood and infrastructure risks from a proposed border wall and buoy system along the Rio Grande, according to an engineering report presented to the city this week.

The report was conducted by geomorphologist Dr. Mark Tompkins of FlowWest, an organization founded by professionals committed to environmental stewardship and innovation in water resource solutions, according to its mission statement. Tompkins earned his Ph.D. in landscape architecture and environmental planning at the University of California, Berkeley.

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Tompkins report was presented to City Council on Tuesday by Martin Castro, watershed science director for the Rio Grande International Study Center and a member of the Riverfront Advisory Committee. The report outlined five main risks.

This is a public safety issue because this report has made clear that the risks associated with these structures translate directly into public safety concerns for the Laredo community, Castro said.

The first risk is that floodwaters would rise higher and move faster. The wall, the buoys and the clearing of the bank would obstruct the river and alter how water spreads during a flood.

The second is that debris would build up dramatically. The report said floods can carry debris, including trees, concrete and mobile homes, and the proposed wall and buoy system could trap those materials.

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The third is that parts of the system are likely to fail. The report said sections could break loose during high-flow events due to debris loading, erosion and scouring around anchors and structures.

The fourth is that flooding risk would spread into neighborhoods and other public areas. Laredo has more than 20 riverfront neighborhoods that could be affected.

The fifth is that critical infrastructure would be at risk. Bridges, water treatment facilities, parks, sewers and water lines could all face flood forces they were not designed to handle.

This cookie-cutter approach that the federal government is trying to implement with this design is not suitable for every environment, Castro said. And the river is unique. This region is unique.

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Castro said erosion and sedimentation are already happening along the river corridor and that buoys would compound the issue.

The study focused on extreme events and what would happen during major floods. Castro highlighted the 2010 Hurricane Alex flood in Laredo as an example of the types of events that must be planned for.

These outcomes are not hypothetical, he said. They are considered pretty much inevitable under these extreme conditions.

Castro said a wall would block natural floodplain spread, and water would stay compressed in the channel. He said the buoy system would act like a giant litter boom, and broken sections from the buoy line could strike bridges or other structures.

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According to the report, Nuevo Laredo could face even greater flood exposure due to its lower elevation.

Floodwaters are expected to move higher and faster during these extreme events. The proposed system of wall and buoys introduces large obstructions into the river, Castro said. These changes are going to increase water levels and are going to redirect that flood energy across the riverbanks.

District III Councilmember Melissa Cigarroa said the city has not seen any data from the federal government on how the project would mitigate these risks. She said the government should be required to share that information if it insists on the project.

According to Cigarroa, that information would normally be required under laws such as the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, the Drinking Water Act and the Administrative Procedure Act. However, those laws were waived.

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Cigarroa raised additional public safety concerns, such as how the city could safely send rescuers into the river with buoys and debris if someone were trapped in floodwaters.

Riverfront Advisory Committee member Ricardo de Anda discussed legal strategy and said he believes there may be a constitutional path to challenging the project. He cited Big Bend as an example, saying a coalition there helped prevent border wall construction.

De Anda said it would undercut the efforts of any court battles if the city agreed to turn land over to the federal government. He called for unity among city administration, elected officials, activists and citizens.

Theyve waived these laws, but we still have the Constitution, De Anda said. And under the Constitution, we feel that we have a cause of action ... and that we can stop this wall.

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Whatever we do in this situation, we must be united for the people of Laredo. Its critically important that we not go our separate ways.

Manuel Ramirez, a resident of the Villa del Sol neighborhood off Chacon Creek, spoke during public comments about the broad impacts of the river. He requested that City Council advocate for a comprehensive environmental impact assessment and prioritize the protection of the river, wildlife and the long-term well-being of the community.

This river corridor is not just a line on a map, it is a living ecosystem that supports wildlife movement, native vegetation, floodplain function and the environmental health of our community, Ramirez said. Laredo should not bear irreversible environmental harm for a project whose primary purpose and effectiveness remain contested at the national level.

Later in Tuesdays meeting, City Council unanimously approved amending Resolution 2026-R-19 to expand the Rio Grande Riverfront Coordination and Advisory ad hoc committees scope so it can formally review not just riverbank issues but also the proposed buoy infrastructure tied to the federal smart wall infrastructure. Cigarroa said the change was necessary because the federal government is presenting the bollard wall and buoy system as a combined border infrastructure.

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Im grateful that were expanding the scope. I know the committee has been seriously meeting and trying to find out as much information as they can, Cigarroa said. I hope this council will help them find that information that they need. Theyve been asking for technical data  its the same question the city has had for the federal government.
by Wen Tsui

SACRAMENTO, California, April 11 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. state of California has been pressing ahead with its own artificial intelligence (AI) regulation framework amid unfavorable federal policies.

In January, the state enacted two AI safety laws. In March, the administration of President Donald Trump unveiled a national policy framework to limit what states can do in regulating AI.

Following the White House move, California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, has extended the state's approach by directing agencies to apply state standards to government contracts as well.

According to the Governor's Office, Newsom's executive order on March 30 instructed the state's chief information security officer to independently review new federal supply-chain-risk designations and, where deemed improper, allow state agencies to continue procuring from the affected company.

California has been building its own AI regulation framework as the federal government moves in the opposite direction to seek uniform and "minimally burdensome" national standards.

The Trump administration's efforts include an AI action plan released in July 2025 to remove what it describes as "red tape and onerous regulation" on AI development, an executive order in December 2025 establishing a legal task force to challenge state AI laws in court, and the legislative framework published in March calling on U.S. Congress to preempt state AI rules, which the administration says "impose undue burdens."

"While others in Washington are designing policy and creating contracts in the shadow of misuse, we're focused on doing this the right way," Newsom said in an official statement accompanying his March 30 order, which was titled "As Trump rolls back protections, Governor Newsom signs first-of-its-kind executive order to strengthen AI protections and responsible use."

At a press conference on Tuesday, on the sidelines of the April 6-9 HumanX AI conference in San Francisco, Nand Mulchandani, a former U.S. government official and visiting fellow at Stanford University's Hoover Institution, said that the AI governance-related dispute reflects a structural feature of the U.S. system.

"Federal regulation is the lowest common denominator policy, but it's uniform, and it's predictable," he said.

"The negative is that individual states don't get to have their own unique culture and points of view represented. But that's how the country is structured," he said.

Mulchandani declined to comment on whether California or the federal government has the better approach, calling it "a personal choice question."

California's two AI laws, both of which took effect on Jan. 1, 2026, require large AI model developers to publish safety frameworks, report critical incidents to state authorities, and disclose the data sources used to train their systems.

Multinational Law firm Morrison Foerster noted in a February analysis that the California laws closely resemble transparency requirements under the European Union's AI Act, allowing companies to satisfy both regimes through a single compliance program.

The Government AI Coalition, a network created by the City of San Jose in 2023, received city council approval this week to become an independent nonprofit, media outlet StateScoop reported. The California-based coalition represents more than 900 public agencies and 3,000 government members and produces procurement templates and policy guidance for government AI adoption.

Speaking at the HumanX conference, which focuses on the real-world impact of AI on business, leadership and society, Nighat Dad, founder of the Digital Rights Foundation, noted that the fragmentation of AI governance worldwide is leaving users in developing countries without recourse.

"When it comes to harms and weaponization of these tools, they are the ones who bear the brunt of it and still have no say around this," she said. 
UISD Discipline Management Department Director Annette Perez and United ISD Police Officer Sylvia Abrego observed the posters during the 20th Annual Anti-Gang Poster Contest held at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Center on April 10, 2025. Courtesy/United ISD

In an effort to promote anti-gang awareness, middle and high school students from the United Independent School District will showcase their artwork at the 21st Annual Anti-Gang Poster Contest, hosted by the districts Discipline Management Department.

Students artwork will be showcased Tuesday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in SAC Room 1 at the Bill Johnson Student Activity Complex, 5208 Santa Claudia Lane.

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The event showcases students visual pledges against gang violence, with artwork conveying messages of community, safety, resilience and positive choices. Mediums ranging from traditional pen and paper to digital formats will be displayed from students of all skill levels and age groups.

Categories for the show include hand-drawn art in black and white or color, as well as a division for computer-generated graphics. Upcoming judging will also include entries in photography, video and essay contests.

Judges who will review student work will be part of a panel made up of law enforcement officials, district staff and community leaders.

Last year, 150 student artists participated, the district said.
A repeat road traffic offender who had previously been disqualified from driving before being caught on February 18 of this year driving without insurance and a license on the Dublin Road in Longford, has been convicted and sentenced to four months in prison and disqualified for 10 years.

Appearing before Longford District Court accompanied by a translator, Mr Deniss Afromejevs of Aghnagore, Cloondara, Longford, pleaded guilty to the charges before the court, namely driving without insurance and driving without a license.

News: 2 women charged over viral Longford Post Office brawl involving alleged scissors

In delivering the facts, Sergeant Enda Daly said the driver came to the attention of Gardai after Garda McLoughlin observed the car travelling in a suspicious manner. Sgt Daly said no documents were displayed on the windscreen.

Deniss Afromejevs of Aghnagore, Cloondara, Longford

He told the court, The Garda spoke with the driver who produced a foreign driving license. Garda McLoughlin then conducted inquiries into the vehicle and the driver and discovered that the tax had expired 535 days before and the driver had previously been disqualified from driving. The vehicle was seized.

Solicitor for Mr Afromejevs, was Ms Aoife Kelly who said her client had cooperated with Gardai.

The court heard that Mr Afromejevs had 14 previous convictions.

In listing the convictions, Sgt Daly said, the most recent was in this court February 2025 for offences on March 30 2024, driving without a licence was taken into consideration, no insurance, received a 4 month prison sentence suspended for a period of 18 months and he was disqualified for 10 years."

Read: 'Haven't seen the worst of it yet': Longford Senator fearful of fuel supply running out

The sergeant added, At this court in June 2024 for offences on October 29 2023, no insurance, a suspended 4 month prison sentence for a period of 2 years and he was disqualified for 15 years."

On the same date, driving without a license, he received a community service order, 240 hours, in lieu of 5 months.

In this court on November 1 2022 for offences on 23 October 2022, driving without license taken into consideration, no insurance, disqualified for 10 years, suspended 5 month prison sentence for a period of 12 months. It carries on Judge.

Solr Kelly told the court that her client is a gentleman who is working and has two children aged 10 and 12.

Deniss Afromejevs of Aghnagore, Cloondara, Longford leaving Longford District Court

As she told the court that he had previously been deemed a candidate for community service and under those circumstances we would seek, Judge Bernadette Owens interjected firmly, No I dont think so."

The Judge added, "In fairness, I think I have extended this man as much leniency as I possibly can. He has seven previous convictions for no insurance and this offence was committed while he was on effectively two suspended sentences. He had been given an opportunity by the court services before.

In presenting mitigating factors, Solr Kelly stated that her client has 2 children who reside in Latvia with their mother.

He provides for them, he sends maintenance back to Latvia to support them. If he is put into custody he wont be in a position to do that

He should have thought about that before! Judge Owens replied.

Courts: Longford man accused of theft offences seeks release for Holy Communion

Sergeant Daly told the court that the penalties for driving on a licence that had expired over 12 months carried a maximum fine of up to 2,500. He added it also carried a six month prison sentence.

Solr Kelly interjected, I understand it isnt an automatic disqualification.

Judge Owens replied that she had been looking to see what imprisonment penalties were available for the offence and added that disqualification is the least of this mans problems at the moment.

In delivering her judgement, Judge Owens gave credit to Mr Afromejevs for having pleaded guilty. She added however that he came before the court with 'very relevant previous convictions'.

He was before me on February 14 2025 for an offence in March 2024, no licence and no insurance and clearly I was persuaded on that occasion to give the man an opportunity, I imposed a 4 month sentence and suspended it for 18 months.

He was previously before the court and again was given the benefit of a suspended sentence. He was also given a community service order.

In respect of no insurance, he was given a prison sentence of four months and disqualified for 10 years.

He was later released on his own bond of 250 and ordered not to drive any mechanical vehicle.
A 37 year old Longford man has been ordered to stay away from a Spar on the towns Main Street as part of his bail conditions.

Mr Shane Nevin of 67 McKeon Park, Longford, was brought before a special sitting of Longford District Court last week, charged with two thefts and a public order offence, all of which occurred in Kellehers Spar on Main Street.

Prior to dealing with the charges before the court, Judge Michael Connellan sternly addressed the defendant.

You walked out in front of my car as I was driving though this town last night, he said. Straight out in front! I had to swerve to avoid you. It was half twelve last night, do you remember that.

Replied Mr Nevin, I drink vodka, Im sorry, Judge.

I dont care what you do! Judge Connellan said, You dont walk out in front of cars. Be very careful what you do around this town.

News: Fuel panic: Longford service station sells out three days worth of fuel in 24 hours

Mr Nevin was charged with two counts of having stolen alcohol, to the value of 9.60 each time, from Kellehers Spar on March 25 last.

The prosecuting Garda was Garda Tomas Connaughton.

On a separate charge for public order, which was brought before the court by Garda Graham Pettit, Mr Nevin was accused of having engaged in threatening, abusive, or insulting words/behaviour in Kellehers Spar on Thursday, April 2 last.

In giving evidence, Garda Pettit told the court that on April 2 at Garveys Lane, he arrested Mr Nevin for the public order offence and also charged him with thefts from Kellehers Spar. He said the accused made no response.

Acting for the state, Sergeant Paul McNally of Athlone Garda Station, told the court Mr Nevin currently had a total of six thefts and one public order matter before the court.

News: Inter-firms All-Ireland semi-final date confirmed: Longford Gardai set to play Ulster champions

There was no objection to bail however the state requested that a condition be imposed stipulating that Mr Nevin stay away from Kellehers Spar, not to be in the vicinity of it or enter it.

Mr Nevin - who was represented in court by barrister Ross Nestor acting on the instructions of solicitor Diarmuid Quinn - was remanded on bail until the April 14 sitting of Longford District Court.
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Flash: Trump says to destroy Iranian energy infrastructure if no deal reached -- media
On the edge of the Atlantic in Louisburgh, Co. Mayo where the landscape shifts with tide and weather, Nicole OMalley is building something that goes beyond coffee.

What began as a seasonal horsebox cafe has grown into a multi-layered venturepart food business, part wellness hub, part community movement. Through Melodys Food, Coffee & Community, OMalley is quietly reshaping how people gather, connect and spend time outdoors in rural Ireland.

Ive had the pleasure of growing up here, she says. Raised on a small farm in nearby Killadoon, surrounded by sea views in almost every direction, her connection to place runs deep. Its been a lovely place to grow upand now I work in something centred around being out in nature.

That connection is at the heart of everything she does. After studying science in the University of Limerick, OMalleys plans to travel to the US in 2020 were abruptly halted. Instead, she turned her attention to an idea that had been quietly forming: a mobile coffee business.

I thought it would be really cool to park something at the beach, she says. What began as a vague concepteven briefly imagined as an Airbnb-style trailerquickly evolved into a coffee horsebox, filling a gap locally while offering people a reason to explore the area.

The trailer itself, a vintage 1970s horsebox, reflects both practicality and personality. Some of it was cost, some of it was creative, she explains. But it also ties back to growing up around horses.

READ MORE: Piecing it together: Alicia Kelly Dempsey explores life and landscape in Fragments

The name, Melodys, comes from a family connectiona horse belonging to her late uncleand has since taken on a life of its own. At this stage, people just call me Melody, she laughs.

But the business didnt stop at coffee.

After a challenging summer in 2023marked by poor weather, low footfall and a difficult personal transition after solo travelOMalley began to rethink her approach. I realised I couldnt rely on passing traffic, she says. I needed to create a reason for people to come together.

From that shift came the Summer Fun programme: a series of outdoor events including yoga on the beach, Pilates, hikes and wellness workshops. What started as a seasonal offering has since evolved into a year-round calendar, expanding into social suppers and surf gatherings.

The response was gradualbut meaningful.

One moment in particular stands out. During a beach yoga session with around 30 participants, she overheard a passerby remark: Somebody has been doing a lot of work on their business or community.

That really stayed with me, she says. Because its trueit has been a lot of work.

Today, those events have become a recognised part of local life, recently earning a national shortlisting for Best Outdoor Experience of the Year with Outsider.ie. For OMalley, the recognition meant more than the title. The voting was public, so it meant a lot that people took the time, she says. That support is everything.

Her focus on wellbeing and connection has also led to her latest venture: Tine Sauna, a licensed seaside sauna overlooking Clew Bay. Designed as both a social and restorative space, it offers panoramic views stretching from Croagh Patrick to Achill Island.

Its about access, she explains. Access to the sea, to nature, to a different kind of social space.

Despite juggling multiple venturesevents, catering, the coffee trailer and now the saunaOMalley describes her lifestyle as a good kind of busy.

I get a lot of energy from what I do, she says. I tried other paths, like teaching, and while I loved aspects of it, it just didnt feel like the right fit. This does.

That sense of alignment has been hard-won. After stepping away from teaching, she spent time travelling in South America while completing a masters in psychologyan experience that continues to shape her work. I saw these amazing community-based classes and events, she says. I thought, why cant we have that in Mayo?

Now, shes bringing those ideas homeadapting them to local rhythms, weather and community needs.

Listening, she says, has been key. I ask people a lotwhat they like, what theyd come to. And I follow what works. That openness has guided everything from event formats to new offerings, allowing the business to evolve organically.

Alongside her events and hospitality work, OMalley is also preparing to take her homemade food products to retail. After completing the SuperValu Food Academy programme, she has developed a range of energy bars and power bites, moving through the complex process of packaging, testing and distribution.

Its been really challenging, she admits. The bar is so high in retail. But Ive learned so much.

Looking ahead, her ambitions are both grounded and expansive: more collaborations, more creative events, and eventually, a wider rollout of her food range. But at its core, the mission remains the same.

Id love to make it a nationwide brand, she says, but still keep the same values.

Those valuescommunity, wellbeing, creativityare what continue to draw people in, whether for a morning swim and sauna, a beach yoga session, or simply a coffee beside the Atlantic.

Because at Melodys, its never just about the coffee. Its about creating a spacehowever temporary or weather-dependentwhere people can come together, slow down, and feel part of something.

READ MORE: Let the magic in: Inside Ballinrobes Frozen musical
A major cultural and academic event exploring the future of small Irish towns is set to take place in Westport next month.

Titled Samhlu  Seeing Things, the event will be held on Friday, May 1 and is being jointly hosted by Westport Civic Trust and the UCD Centre for Irish Towns.

The initiative aims to reflect on how Irelands small towns can evolve by drawing on their past, with organisers asking whether historical development patterns can help shape more liveable and imaginative futures.

John Mulloy of Westport Civic Trust said the events name reflects its ambition.

Samhlu means imagining or creating something new, he explained. We want to explore whether the material culture of towns  their buildings, streets and social life  can help us figure out a better way forward.

The event comes at a time when many towns across Ireland are facing challenges such as vacancy, dereliction, and the impacts of climate change.

READ MORE: Walk for Parkinsons fundraiser in Mayo to honour beloved Killawalla man

Orla Murphy of the UCD Centre for Irish Towns said small towns remain rich in history but are under pressure.

Their streets and spaces hold stories that shape how we live today, she said. But we also need to address issues like declining public spaces and how to keep towns socially inclusive.

The day-long programme will take place in the former Dunnes Stores building on Castlebar Street and will feature contributions from leading voices in architecture, heritage, planning and the arts.

The event will begin with a guided walk through Westport, exploring local traditions such as May Day customs, before a keynote address by Sile de Cleir of the University of Limerick, whose research focuses on folklore and material culture.

A series of talks will follow, including contributions from Nessa Cronin of the University of Galway on colonialism and place, Karen Keaveney of UCD on rural development, and Victoria Durrer on creativity and cultural policy.

READ MORE: MUH now third most overcrowded hospital in the country

Further sessions will explore topics such as Traveller culture, vacancy and dereliction, and the historical development of Irish towns, with speakers including Fiona White of ATU Mayo.

In the afternoon, attendees can take part in workshops and guided tours, including a creative writing session led by Alice Lyons and a visual arts workshop with Tom Brawn, as well as site visits and heritage walks around the town.

The event will conclude with a public discussion on the days themes, followed by the launch of a new website for the Westport Civic Trust.

Organisers say the event is designed to encourage fresh thinking about the role of small towns in modern Ireland.

From ancient traditions to contemporary challenges, this is about understanding continuity and change, Mr Mulloy said. Its about imagining what our towns can become.

Tickets for the event are available online, with reduced rates for students and members of the Westport Civic Trust.

READ MORE: Popular Mayo Arts Centre releases its April line-up of events
Ill say this at the very outset: I feel Samay Rainas Indias Got Latent controversy was stretched beyond reason. What started as a viral clip on the internet became a tool of public flogging long after the point has already been made. The discourse outgrew the offence and a comedians bad phase became a full-blown national morality play. A lot of us who followed it in real time were exhausted by news channels holding debates on this when the country had much bigger issues. So, when his comedy special, Still Alive, arrived on YouTube, everyone knew the comeback was always going to be bigger than comedy. And Samay knew that before anyone else. Samays comedy special on YouTube doesnt play like a regular stand-up set. There is a strong emotional core, a tight script, and carefully placed pauses. Then we have the now much-discussed tears that had people choking up.

 YouTube/Samay Raina Except, the internet did what the internet does best: it found some interesting receipts. Clips and audience accounts from multiple city shows started surfacing, pointing out how he seemed to choke up at the exact same moments in the set, with the same pauses, the same emotional beats, the same tears. Social media posts discussing Still Alive have been especially blunt about how inauthentic those crying moments felt on screen because they reportedly happened in the middle of every damn show. And honestly? That doesnt offend me.

If a man is using his craft to earn a living, stage a comeback, and turn his darkest year into a sellable narrative, more power to him. He didnt pretend to have become wiser and changed himself dramatically after this incident. He's still himself. But then lets call it what it is.

 Instagram/Ranveer Allahbadia This is not some kidney-touching story that unexpectedly cracked him open on stage. This is a performative piece, carefully rehearsed and delivered with the precision of a man who understands that tears sell bloody well. This, to be fair, makes Samay Raina less of a fraud and more of a professional actor because he seems to have mastered the template that many celebrities follow. Every time theres a scandal, they disappear out of public memory, then emerge out of thin air with just enough tears to soften everyone with tales of their pain, struggle and healing. And once people witness someones suffering, criticising them any further feels cruel. That, ladies and gentlemen, is how the economy of cancel culture and comeback functions.

 YouTube/Samay Raina In Bollywood, weve watched stars emerge from public scandals with carefully vulnerable interviews, misty-eyed confessions, and trauma-framed comebacks that shift the story from accountability to empathy. Outside India, K-drama star Kim Soo-hyuns tearful press conference during the late Kim Sae-ron allegations triggered the exact same split online. Some viewers saw a broken man, others saw an actor doing what actors do best: cry on cue. It has become almost impossible to discern sincerity from performance in such situations. When Rajesh Khanna said, Pushpa, I hate tears, he was on to something. We hate tears because it exposes the most vulnerable part of our hearts. But when it comes to celebrities performing their pain for redemption, I think we can all agree that the public loves tears. We claim to hate manipulation, yet we are suckers for a perfectly-timed crack in the voice.
A dollar saved at 28 has 36 years to compound before retirement, making modest contributions now worth more than larger ones a decade later.

Credit: Halfpoint Images / Getty Images

Key Takeaways

Median earnings for American workers ages 25 to 34 are $59,800 a year, up almost 50% from the median for workers under 25.

A dollar saved at 28 has 36 years to compound before retirement, making modest contributions now worth more than larger ones a decade later.

Between your early 20s and your early 30s, your paycheck makes its biggest leap.

More from Yahoo Scout Why is saving in your late twenties so important? What are the main financial challenges for this age group? What retirement savings targets should 25-34 year olds consider? How much do workers aged 25-34 typically earn?

Median weekly earnings jump to about $59,800 a year, a $19,708 gain over workers under 25, the biggest leap between any two age brackets.

It's also the decade when that raise is hardest to hold onto. Rent, a first mortgage, a growing family, and the quiet upgrades economists call "lifestyle creep" can absorb a bigger paycheck before it reaches a savings account, at an age when a dollar set aside is worth the most.

A Financial Portrait of Those Ages 25 to 34

The median wage for this age group masks growing disparities as people age. Men ages 25 to 34 earn a median of $63,492 a year. Women in the same bracket earn about $54,860. That $8,600 gap widens with age, reaching almost $20,000 for workers ages 55 to 64.

Median net worth for households under 35 is $39,040, according to the Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances. That's less than a third of what households in the 35-to-44 bracket hold.

Only a decade ago, workers ages 25 to 34 were buying their first homes, which drove much of that wealth-building. Today, the median age of first-time buyers has climbed to 40, up from 31 in 2015.

The typical worker in this bracket who is saving in a 401(k) contributes 11.1% of their salary and has a median 401(k) balance of $16,255.

Student Loans and Creeping Card Debt

About 14.3 million federal student loan borrowers are between the ages of 25 and 34, with an average balance of more than half a year's median salary.

For those paying off loans, many haven't had a normal repayment schedule in years: pandemic-era pauses and the on-again-off-again litigation over the SAVE plan and other forgiveness programs have left millions unsure of where their loans stand.

Credit card debt is also piling up for this cohort. Millennials, the generation that dominates this bracket, carry an average balance of $6,961, according to Experian's 2025 data, which showed they edged past baby boomers for the first time in average credit card debt.

This cohort isn't just splurging on their credit cards: Experian's data shows that younger consumers are increasingly using them for groceries and gas when paychecks run short.



Savings Rates and the Retirement Clock

Younger adults facing mounting bills often let retirement savings slide. Yet, even modest contributions now matter more than larger ones later.
The Auburn Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to the 53rd annual Auburn Cornfest from July 9-12. Shown here is the midway at the 2025 festival. Courtesy of Scott Hartsough The Auburn Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to the 53rd annual Auburn Cornfest from July 9-12. Shown here is the midway at the 2025 festival. Courtesy of Scott Hartsough

A multi-year legal dispute between competing factions for control of the Auburn Cornfest and its property has been resolved, and the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce is now the sole proprietor of the event.

According to a statement released by the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce, mediation late last year between Auburn Improvement Management (AIM), the Great Lakes Bay Jaycees and the Chamber led to a settlement on April 6.

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The agreement ends a legal drama involving multiple lawsuits filed in state and federal courts in a battle over control of the popular community event and its location.

The settlement resulted in the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce obtaining exclusive ownership of the festival grounds, and the exclusive ownership of the Auburn Cornfest and its associated trademarks and intellectual property, the statement reads in part.

The Chamber achieved its goals of retaining the festival grounds and the Auburn Cornfest for community benefit and future generations, said Scott Hartsough of the Auburn Chamber. The Chamber looks forward to holding the Auburn Cornfest uninterrupted for generations to come.

The dispute forced cancellation of the event in 2023. The festival returned in 2024, rebranded and run by AIM without Auburn in its name and held at the Midland County Fairgrounds. Following a favorable judges ruling for the Chamber, it returned to its longtime home on Cornfest grounds adjacent to Auburn City Park, located on Auburn Road, just north of US-10.

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The annual festival has played a vital role in raising funds that support several community-based initiatives, Hartsough said. The Chamber will continue that strong tradition, focusing on service to Auburn and its surrounding communities. Our intent is to create a place we are all proud to call home.

The Auburn Chamber, Hartsough noted, would like to extend thanks to its legal teams from Fahey, Schultz, Burzych and Rhodes PLC along with Miller Canfield PLC for their professionalism and guidance over the past three years.

This years 53rd annual Cornfest is scheduled to take place July 9-12. Information and announcements about plans for this years event will be announced the week of April 20 via the Chamber's Facebook page at Auburn MI Chamber of Commerce or https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064424542068
The city of Big Rapids and Big Rapids Township have approved an interlocal agreement for the city to provide sidewalk snow removal services to the township for $1 per year. Darren Iozia/Pioneer file photo

BIG RAPIDS  The city of Big Rapids and the Big Rapids Township have approved an interlocal agreement for the city to provide sidewalk plowing services to the township.

Per the agreement, the city will provide snow plowing services for the township on a stretch of sidewalk to be installed by the Michigan Department of Transportation along the west side of Northland Drive from Gilbert Drive to the Northland Flats Apartments for a fee of $1 per year.

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MDOT approached the township recently offering to install the sidewalk along Northland Drive at no cost to the township while they were completing construction work in the area of Bulldog Square. The offer was contingent on the township committing to long term maintenance of the sidewalk.

Township officials were interested, but hesitant to commit to long term maintenance of the sidewalk because they did not have the proper equipment of personnel to fulfill that responsibility, so they reached out to the city.

During the city commission meeting on April 6, City Manager Mark Gifford told the board that the township was entertaining the offer from MDOT but was concerned about snow removal.

Theres a lot of apartments down near Gilbert Drive and some students who walk or would like to walk and there is no sidewalk amenity there, Gifford said. Its a safety issue (for them) walking in the road or that type of thing. The sidewalk is an important part of creating a safer, more pedestrian friendly environment along there.

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Gifford said that they had a conversation with township officials about how they could make the sidewalk project happen.

The city has been providing plowing services for a section of sidewalk the township owns that extends from Venlo Drive to Waldron Way near Culvers and offered to provide that service for the new section of sidewalk.

MDOT wanted a more formal process to be able to commit to doing the work, so we came up with this interlocal agreement for the city to do the plowing and the township to take over the long-term maintenance, Gifford said.

The city commission approved the interlocal agreement by a vote of 4-1 with Commissioner Karen Simmon voting no.

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Simmon questioned why the interlocal agreement provides for plowing service for a fee of $1 per year when the city bills the township approximately $1,000 per year for plowing of the section of sidewalk near Culvers.

Simmon asked Township Supervisor Bruce Berkovich if he thought the township board would support a similar relationship that they have for the other sidewalk, saying, I just dont feel it is on the best interest of the city to agree to have the township pay a dollar a year when we already have a situation where they are billed for costs.

Borkovich said that he couldnt speak for the board members, but he didnt think they would support that.

We were hesitant because we are not in the business of snow removal and we are not in the business of owning sidewalks, Borkovich said. In the spirit of making a safer community or the students, the city offered to have a conversation about snow removal if we will own it and take care of it, which I think is a tremendous gesture on the citys part.

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The township board of trustees approved the interlocal agreement during its meeting April 7.

During the meeting, Borkovich said that when the board discussed the offer from MDOT at a previous meeting, they were interested, but there was hesitation on the part of the board to assume financial responsibility for the maintenance of it.

I brought it up to the city, and the city has very generously offered to handle the snow removal, he said. When I told the city we had to think about the financial obligation, they were very willing to do this because they are very interested in the safety of the students.

We all think it is a worthwhile project to increase the safety for our students. None of us took the position that this wasnt a good (idea), he continued. I have been in many meetings where we talked about things we can do to make the students safer, so this has been on the radar for years and MDOT just kind of dropped this (opportunity) in our lap. It is a really great opportunity.

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He said that the interlocal agreement was something MDOT would need to show the commitment from the township to take ownership of the sidewalk and commit to its maintenance.
Convention of States Action hosted a public forum on the Ferris State University campus in Big Rapids on April 11. Bruce Finlayson, regional captain, explains the goals of the organization and how Article V of the Constitution can be used to rein in the federal government. Pioneer photos/Cathie Crew Convention of States Action hosted a public forum on the Ferris State University campus in Big Rapids on April 11. Laura Murphy, district captain, explains the problems the organization sees with the federal government and what the people can do to make a difference. Pioneer photos/Cathie Crew Convention of States Action hosted a public forum on the Ferris State University campus in Big Rapids on April 11. Pioneer photos/Cathie Crew

BIG RAPIDS  The Michigan Convention of States Action committee hosted a public forum on the Ferris State University Campus in Big Rapids on April 11.

Regional Captain for the organization, Bruce Finlayson, told those in attendance that the Convention of States movement was essentially for those who believe the federal government is out of control and is using powers that were not expressly given to it in the Constitution.

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They are exercising powers that do not belong to them but rather belong to the states or to the people, Finlayson said. The founders were very clear. They believed small government is the best, that government is the best that is closest to the people, and that states should be ruling in most areas other than national issues.

He said that one of the goals of the organization is to educate the public on Article V of the U.S. Constitution, which gives states the power to call a convention to propose amendments to the Constitution.

The mission of the Convention of States is to bring power back to the states and the people where it belongs, Laura Murphy, district captain for House District 100, said. Unelected bureaucrats in Washington D. C. should not be allowed to make sweeping decisions that impact millions of Americans, but right now they do. It all boils down to one question  who do you think should decide what is best for you and your family?

Murphy said that the problems with the current government are three pronged - debt spending, career politicians and federal overreach.

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The debt is now $39 trillion and climbing, and it doesnt seem to matter who is in charge, Murphy said. We have this public debt because the government borrows money on our behalf. So, each of us, currently, owe around $116,172. That is what each of us owe on behalf of the federal government.

She added that career politicians make it easy to see why things don't change, and that the federal government continues to grab power, even though the powers that were given to the federal government were enumerated and certain.

The biggest problem is us, Murphy said. We, the people, are supposed to keep the federal government in check through elections, through holding them accountable for the things they are doing in our area, but we have become complacent. The mission of the Convention of States is to build an army of self-governing, grassroots activists  and to inspire a political and spiritual awakening in America."

She said that the Convention of States launched in 2013 and is actively working in all 50 states to pass the Convention of States Resolution, which calls for an Article V Convention of States.

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Finlayson said that they encourage people to get involved at the local level, and encouraged those in attendance to consider volunteering with their organization.

We need people to run for local office, go to Lansing and see their state representatives, and come to the local Coffee Hours held by representatives in their districts and talk to them face to face, he said. We are the political arm of Citizens for Self Government, so we can actually get people to sign the petition, make presentations, talk to county commissioners and talk to our representatives."

The organization is circulating a petition to present a Resolution calling for a convention of states to the Michigan legislature.

Murphy said that the three goals of the convention of states would be to propose amendments that limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, impose fiscal restraints and place term limits on federal officials.

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Groups opposing the Convention of States express concern that there are no rules for such a convention outline in the Constitution, and the unknowns surrounding a constitutional convention pose an unacceptable risk to the rights of American citizens.

The group of people convening to rewrite our Constitution could be totally unelected and unaccountable, the organization Common Cause said on its website. There is nothing that could limit the convention to a single issue, so the delegates could write amendments that revoke any of our most cherished rights, such as the right to peaceful protest, our freedom of religion, or our right to privacy.

Finlayson said that one of the biggest area of concern has been that it will be a runaway convention, but they have put guardrails in place to prevent that.

We put in place what we think will do a good job of controlling (delegates) behavior, he said. They can talk about the three areas. If you talk about or propose anything else, we will (remove) you and send in an alternate (delegate). And if you dont behave according to the oath, which you must take and sign, there will be a penalty. We think this is a reasonable approach.

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He added that, as far as it being risky, it takes 38 states to pass the proposed amendments, and it only takes 13 to stop a proposed amendment. Additionally, it must be passed in both the house and the senate of each state, and if one or the other does not pass it, it doesnt pass.

So, it is a very, very high bar to cross, Finlayson said.

Thirty-four states will have to pass the resolution for the Convention of States and the resolution for each state must have the exact same language.

Each state will elect delegates, known as commissioners, to represent them at the convention. States may elect as many delegates as they choose, but each state gets only one vote at the convention.

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Delegates propose, debate, and vote on amendments based on the resolution. Proposed amendments passed by a majority of state delegates are sent to the states for ratification.

When 38 states ratify a proposed amendment, it becomes part of the Constitution.

For more information, or to become involved with the Convention of States Action, visit conventionofstates.com.
Alexis Huntey (left) and Kenzie Ross cut the ribbon at the Little Village ribbon cutting on April 10 in Stanwood. Austin Chastain/Pioneer Photo William Huntey plays with a miniature work bench at the Little Village ribbon cutting on April 10 in Stanwood. Austin Chastain/Pioneer Photo Little Village is a play space for children and a place for caregivers to learn and connect. The space is located at 39 N. Front St. in Stanwood. Austin Chastain/Pioneer Photo Beau Martz (left) and Cooper Martz climb a ladder at the Little Village ribbon cutting on April 10 in Stanwood. Austin Chastain/Pioneer Photo Children play at Little Village during the space's ribbon cutting ceremony on April 10 in Stanwood. Austin Chastain/Pioneer Photo

STANWOOD  Alexis Huntey's vision board on Pinterest came to realization with her new business.

Huntey is the owner of Little Village play space, located at 39 N. Front St. in Stanwood. Huntey and Front Street Group business manager, Kenzie Ross, cut the ceremonious ribbon on Friday, April 10.

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"It's really exciting to bring some life back to Stanwood," Huntey said. "Especially with such a colorful, fun placd for kids to come. It really brings a lot of life down here. We've been dreaming it up for a while and to see it all come to fruition is really cool."

Huntey and her husband, Tyler, have plans in motion to bring more life to Front Street. Little Village is a first step in that process.

Alexis Huntey said the actual product of Little Village far exceeded her Pinterest vision boards, but there is still some work to do.

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"There's design things I want to do," Huntey said. "We look forward to partnering with some other local businesses to make more play zones and do a toy rotation so there's always something fresh for the kids that are coming."

Little Village is an indoor play space designed for young children through elementary-age to have a self-guided play time while parents and guardians connect with one another.

The space is designed for child-like imagination and is perfect for play dates, according to Little Village's website. Snacks are also available for purchase to be enjoyed in the designated area to keep the space clean. Everyone, adults included, also need to remove their outdoor shoes when going to Little Village  socks are required, too. The website recommends grip socks for the playing area. Socks are available for purchase at the facility if necessary.

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Some of the items already in the space include toys for various from toddler to elementary-age children. The stuff in the room will change, but Huntey said she wanted to make it welcoming to everyone.

"Beyond just having a place for kids to play, I really wanted it to be a comfortable, welcoming space for the moms," Huntey added. "I knew the kids would love all the toys and fun things we had planned for them, but I wanted it to be a place where moms feel welcome to come again and again and make it part of their weekly routine."

Registration for Little Village is not required, according to the website. The cost for a daily open play pass is $8 per child with unlimited play for the day. There is also a monthly membership available for $35 for one child and $25 per child after that with a series of perks and discounts, including 10% off a birthday party and 20% off snack items. Little Village also has a $40 punch card with six play visits, essentially getting one free visit.

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Little Village is open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Saturday and can be contacted by phone at 231-823-7951 or by email at littlevillage@frontstgroup.com.
The corner of River and Maple streets is shown in Manistee during a flood watch on April 12, 2026 after significant rainstorms continued. Courtesy of Mark Fedder

Over half the counties in Michigan are under a flood watch for the next few days after heavy rainfall that took place Sunday.

Of the 43 counties that were listed as having a flood watch in place at 2:40 p.m., most are in effect from Sunday afternoon through 8 a.m. Wednesday.

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Counties included in the watch list are in northern and central Michigan as well as the entire Upper Peninsula.

According to the forecast, widespread rain amounts of more than 1 inch are likely.

The most widespread rainfall is expected today and tonight; again Monday night; and again Tuesday night into Wednesday, the National Weather Service notes.

Persistent rains are expected to continue with flooding and strong to severe thunderstorms possible between Monday night and Tuesday night, the National Weather Service states.

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The National Weather Service defines a flood watch as an alert that is intended to inform the public of hydrometeorological conditions which may cause flooding when the flooding is neither certain nor imminent.

The corner of River and Maple streets is shown in Manistee during a flood watch on April 12, 2026 after significant rainstorms continued. Courtesy of Mark Fedder

Manistee Lake is shown during a flood watch on April 12, 2026 after significant rainstorms continued. Arielle Breen/Manistee News Advocate

Flood watches may cover states, counties, rivers, portions of states, portions of counties, or portions of rivers... Flood watches provide advance notice and up-to-date information on the possibility of flooding within 36 hours, the definition states.

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One of the key pieces of advice shared by the National Weather Service is the phrase "Turn Around, Don't Drown."

"Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard," the National Weather Service site on flood safety notes. "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water."

Over half the counties in Michigan are under a flood watch April 12-15, 2026. Courtesy of National Weather Service

Over half the counties in Michigan are under a flood watch April 12-15, 2026. Courtesy of National Weather Service

People tend to underestimate the force and power of water, the site states.

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"Many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream," the site states. "Many of these drownings are preventable. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under that water. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult."

"... It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters."

For additional information on how to stay safe during a flood, visit the National Weather Service's website at weather.gov/safety/flood.

Manistee Lake is shown during a flood watch on April 12, 2026 after significant rainstorms continued. Arielle Breen/Manistee News Advocate
The struggling wine industry has lost some of its wineries to financial distress and closure this year, while others have needed to file for bankruptcy protection.

Among the challenged wineries in 2026 has been California-based Robledo Family Winery Inc.

The causes of the economic problems in the industry have included a 21% decrease in revenue from the Covid pandemic in 2020 through 2025.

Wine industry revenue declines

The wine sectors total revenue fell by $19.7 billion over the six-year period, or from $94 billion in 2020 to $74.3 billion in 2025, according to Silicon Valley Banks State of the U.S. Wine Industry Report.

Industry experts have blamed a decline in consumption by its top demographic, Baby Boomers, for the slowdown in wine sales. Some analysts, however, believe the industry might be heading for recovery.

"Consumption remains under pressure. That said, there is good news as the steepest part of the downturn appears to be waning and our analysis suggests we are entering a new phase in the correction," wrote Rob McMillan, executive vice president of Silicon Valley Bank's Wine Division and author of the report.

"Yes, 2026 will still be a challenging year, but the industry is at least approaching a point of stabilization," McMillan wrote.

The wine sectors total revenue fell by $19.7 billion over the six-year period.Shutterstock

Robledo Family Winery files bankruptcy

One of those challenged wineries is award-winning Robledo Family Winery Inc., which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to reorganize its business and restructure its debts.

The 29-year-old Sonoma, Calif.-based winery filed its petition, Case No. 26-10229, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of California in Santa Rosa on April 8, listing $1 million to $10 million in assets and liabilities, according to Bankruptcy Observer.

Robledo Family Winery's largest unsecured creditors include American Express, Kapitus, Winecare Logistics, and Crown Lift Trucks, according to a report from What Now Media.

The winery was founded in 1997 by Reynaldo Robledo Sr. and now-ex-wife Maria, after purchasing 13 acres in the Carneros appellation of Napa Valley in 1984 and growing the company, according to the company's website.

Robledo Sr. got his start in the winery business after arriving from Atacheo, Mexico, in February 1968, and starting his first job the next day at Christian Brothers Winery in Napa, earning $1.10 an hour, the Press Democrat of Santa Rosa, Calif., reported in 2023.

Winery has won about 30 gold medals

Since launching Robledo Family Winery, the company's wines have won about 30 gold medals and double-gold medals in national and local competitions.
I was born and raised in Manistee. I earned a bachelor's degree in English from Grand Valley State University. My hobbies include fishing, reading and playing music.

I have been with the News Advocate since 2018 and have won multiple Michigan Press Association awards during my tenure.
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ISLAMABAD (AP)  The United States and Iran ended face-to-face talks on Sunday without an agreement, leaving a fragile two-week ceasefire in doubt.

U.S. officials said the negotiations collapsed over what they described as Irans refusal to commit to abandoning a path to a nuclear weapon, while Iranian officials blamed the U.S. for the breakdown of the talks without specifying the sticking points.

Neither side indicated what will happen after the 14-day ceasefire expires on April 22. Pakistani mediators urged all parties to maintain it. Both said their positions were clear and put the onus on the other side, underscoring how little the gap had narrowed throughout the talks.

We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon, Vice President JD Vance said after the 21-hour-long talks.

Irans parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who led Iran in the negotiations, said it was time for the United States to decide whether it can gain our trust or not.

He did not mention the core disputes in a series of social media posts, though Iranian officials earlier said the talks fell apart over two or three key issues, blaming what they called U.S. overreach.

Iran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons but has insisted on its right to a civilian nuclear program. It has offered affirmative commitments in the past in writing, including in the landmark 2015 nuclear deal. Experts say its stockpile of enriched uranium, though not weapons-grade, is only a short technical step away.

Since the U.S. and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28, it has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,020 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states and caused lasting damage to infrastructure in half a dozen Middle Eastern countries. Irans grip on the Strait of Hormuz has largely cut off the Persian Gulf and its oil and gas exports from the global economy, sending energy prices soaring.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said his country will try to facilitate a new dialogue between Iran and the U.S. in the coming days.

It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to cease fire, Dar said.

The deadlock  and Vances take-it-or-leave-it proposal that Iran end its nuclear program  mirrored Februarys nuclear talks in Switzerland. Though President Donald Trump has said the subsequent war was meant to compel Irans leaders to abandon nuclear ambitions, each side's positions appeared unchanged in negotiations following six weeks of fighting.

An Iranian diplomatic official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the closed-door talks, denied that negotiations had failed over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Iran is not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, but it has the right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, they said, reiterating Iran's longstanding negotiating position.

There was no word on whether they would resume, though Iran said it was open to continuing the dialogue, Irans state-run IRNA news agency reported.

We have never sought war. But if they try to win what they failed to win on the battlefield through talks, thats absolutely unacceptable, 60-year-old Mohammad Bagher Karami said in downtown Tehran.

US moves to shift status quo in Strait of Hormuz

The United States and Iran entered talks with sharply different proposals and contrasting assumptions about their leverage to end the war. Before negotiations began, the ceasefire was already threatened by deep disagreements and Israels continued attacks against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Irans 10-point proposal ahead of the talks called for a guaranteed end to the war and sought control over the Strait of Hormuz. It included ending fighting against Irans regional allies, explicitly calling for a halt to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah.

Pakistani officials told The Associated Press in March that the U.S. 15-point proposal included monitoring mechanisms and a rollback of Irans nuclear program. Speaking on condition of anonymity as they werent authorized to discuss details, they said it also covered reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Indeed, Irans closure of the strait has proved its biggest strategic advantage in the war. Around a fifth of the worlds traded oil had typically passed through on over 100 ships a day.

During the talks, the U.S. military said two destroyers transited the critical waterway ahead of mine-clearing work, a first since the war began. Irans state media, however, reported the country's joint military command denied that.

Were sweeping the strait. Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me, Trump said as talks extended into early Sunday morning.

Israel presses ahead in Lebanon

The impasse raises new questions about fighting in Lebanon. Israel has pressed ahead with strikes since the ceasefire was announced, saying the agreement did not apply there. Iran and Pakistan claimed otherwise.

Lebanons state-run National News Agency reported six people were killed Sunday morning in an Israeli strike in Maaroub, a village near the southern coastal city of Tyre. Though Israels strikes over Beirut have calmed in recent days, its attacks on southern Lebanon have intensified alongside a ground invasion it renewed after Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel in the opening days of the Iran war.

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin Tuesday in Washington, Lebanese President Joseph Aouns office has said, after Israels surprise announcement authorizing talks despite the lack of official relations between the countries. Protests erupted in Beirut on Saturday over the planned negotiations.

Israel wants Lebanon's government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much like was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. But the militant group has survived efforts to curb its strength for decades.

The day the Iran ceasefire deal was announced, Israel pounded Beirut with airstrikes, killing more than 300 people in the deadliest day in Lebanon since the war began, according to the country's Health Ministry.

___

Metz reported from Ramallah, West Bank, and Magdy from Cairo. E. Eduardo Castillo in Beijing, Collin Binkley and Ben Finley in Washington, Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut and Ghaya Ben MBarek in Tunis contributed.
Al Duran has lived quite a life in his 96 years and was no stranger to adventure.

Recently, the modest World War II veteran was honored for his service with an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.

At the ripe age of 16, he lied about how young he was and enlisted in the Marine Corps. One of his older brothers had just been killed fighting in Germany and Duran was eager to join the war effort.

Duran grew up in Pueblo, Colorado in a large family with seven brothers, of which six of the Duran clan served in the military, with a record that extends from World War II to the Korean War to Vietnam.

Young Soldier in WWII

While many of the Allied soldiers serving in World War II were between 18-25 years old, Duran was only 16, too young to serve, but he skewed the numbers a bit to fool recruiters.

Like any 15, 16-year-old, I wanted to be a part of it, he said.

Using a backdated baptism certificate and with some editing help from his sister, the pair altered Durans date of birth to appear older.

I got in the Marine Corps by presenting my baptism certificate, which my older sister backdated, he said. The guy looked at me and said, Your hard luck.

Duran became a Marine near the conclusion of the war, but stayed in the military for decades, serving in the Korean War and Vietnam. While hes a decorated veteran, even close friends know little about his service time.

Hes a really humble guy, said his son, Michael Duran. He doesnt talk a whole lot about what he did and how he did it.

Posters like this, released from 1942-1945, urged young men like Al Duran to join the Marine Corps. (National Archives)

Honor Flight to D.C.

After a lifetime of humble, dedicated service, it was time for Duran to be honored.

Last year, at age 95, Honor Flight of Southern Colorado helped the World War II veteran make it to Washington, D.C. to see the monuments Duran helped protect. His son, Michael, joined him on the memorable trip.

The one thing that I was more impressed with was the willingness of guardians to take us older people around, Duran said. And the kindness that the flight people showed us.

For Duran, it was well-deserved. And an emotional experience he wont soon forget.

Seeing people of all nationalities going and coming and then being able to treat some of those guys  welcome them home or help them get by on their wheelchairs, he said. I dont know what else to think about the Greatest Generation, but I think that was it for me.

Still Independent at 96

His life started out with humble beginnings. Some people joke that they were born in a barn. But for Duran, its the truth.

I was born in a barn, Duran told KRDO in Pueblo. For real.

While hes not one to boast about his long life and accomplishments, Durans home is filled with family history and mementos, including black and white photos and prayer books.

This is more of my wifes decor, Duran said. I had prayer books like this.

And hes still quite active, even handling some of the annual landscaping work in his yard. Not bad for a 96-year-old guy.

You cant imagine the leaves that this place gathers, Duran said.

While hes still fairly independent, family members arent too far away to lend a helping hand.

We help look after him, make sure he has what he needs, his son said.

Despite rarely seeking the spotlight, friends and family are proud of Duran and glad that hes finally getting the recognition he deserves.

To think, it all started in a barn.
A U.S. Army soldier based at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, will spend more than three decades in federal prison after admitting he produced child sexual abuse material, amassed thousands of explicit files and assaulted a young victim, federal prosecutors announced Friday.

David Andres Mayoral, 21, received the 32-year prison term at a federal courthouse in Fairbanks, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Alaska. He will remain on supervised release for the rest of his life once he completes the sentence.

Mayoral pleaded guilty last August to three counts of producing child pornography and one count of possession. A federal grand jury in Alaska had returned the four-count indictment in March 2025, a week after his arrest on the post outside Fairbanks.

The presiding judge stressed the need to shield children from what the court described as the defendant's unrelenting abuse, according to the prosecutors' account of the sentencing hearing.

U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman said Mayoral "hid behind the perceived anonymity of the internet" while exploiting minors, according to the release. Heyman added that dedicated investigators ultimately dismantled that cover.

The sentence highlights the increasing caseload confronting military and federal investigators as online exploitation of children surges alongside expanded use of encrypted chat platforms and generative artificial intelligence tools.

A Cybertip Cracked the Case

Investigators first opened the case in September 2024, when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children routed a tip to an Army Criminal Investigation Division office at Fort Eustis, Virginia. The tip flagged five images uploaded to the chat platform Discord.

Agents reviewed the files and determined they showed prepubescent girls, prosecutors said. Search warrants served the following month at Mayoral's residence, on his electronic devices and against his Discord account produced a larger amount of files.

Army Criminal Investigation Division Special Agent Badge. (Photo by Ronna Weyland)

A forensic examination turned up more than 2,500 still images and over 680 videos of child sexual abuse material, along with roughly 1,000 additional computer-generated or AI-created files, the Justice Department said. Some of the recovered material depicted violent assaults on children.

Court filings cited in the release showed Mayoral exchanged messages with both adults and minors across multiple platforms. He discussed sadistic acts, encouraged self-harm and tried to pin down where potential victims lived in order to abduct them. He also admitted to sexually abusing a 9-year-old.

A Growing Online Threat

The case reflects a pattern tracked by NCMEC, the congressionally designated clearinghouse for online child exploitation reports. The organization's CyberTipline received 20.5 million reports in 2024, according to data published by the center.

Reports involving generative artificial intelligence tools used to create abuse imagery jumped roughly 1,325% that year. The 2024 figure of roughly 67,000 was up from about 4,700 the year before, the center reported. NCMEC has flagged that surge as one of its most alarming findings of the past year.

The organization also logged more than 1,300 reports in 2024 tied to what it describes as violent online groups, a category that promotes sadistic behavior and self-harm among minors. That figure represented a 200% increase over 2023, according to its public data.

Special Agent in Charge Michele Starostka of Army CID's Western Field Office said the sentencing reflected a continuing commitment to pursuing those who prey on children, the Justice Department release stated.

Agents with the FBI's Anchorage Field Office and Army CID worked the investigation through the bureau's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek handled the prosecution.

The case was brought under Project Safe Childhood, a Justice Department initiative launched in 2006 to coordinate federal, state and local resources against online predators.

Fort Wainwright, situated just outside Fairbanks, serves as headquarters for U.S. Army Garrison Alaska and hosts elements of the 11th Airborne Division, according to the installation's public affairs office. The post spans more than 1.6 million acres of interior Alaska.
Investing.com -- The Australian government has established a high-level working group with the fertilizer industry to safeguard urea supplies, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East threatens to disrupt the nations agricultural backbone.

Agriculture Minister Julie Collins confirmed Sunday that approximately 60% of Australias urea imports, a critical nitrogen fertilizer, typically pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains heavily constrained despite the April 8 ceasefire.

Supply chain "pressure" and the 2027 production gap

Minister Collins assured markets that Australia currently has sufficient reserves "on the water," but the long-term outlook remains precarious. The nation is currently operating at Level 2 of its four-tier National Fuel Security Plan, indicating that while supplies are flowing, the system is under significant pressure.

The vulnerability is heightened by the fact that Australias first major domestic urea source, the A$6.5 billion ($4.6 billion) Perdaman plant in Western Australia, is not scheduled to begin production until mid-2027.

The "urea crunch" is expected to have a direct and immediate impact on the cost of living. Australias Treasury estimates suggest that grocery prices could rise by 3% to 4% almost immediately as higher fuel and fertilizer costs feed through the supply chain.

Australia ranks among the worlds top exporters of wheat, beef, and dairy. Its inability to secure affordable nitrogen fertilizer could reshape planting decisions for the upcoming season and weaken the countrys competitive edge in global soft commodity markets.

"Long tail" economic risks and policy pivots

Infrastructure Minister Catherine King noted that the government is bracing for a "long tail" of economic effects stemming from the Iran conflict. In response, Canberra has launched an A$20 million "Every Little Bit Helps" awareness campaign to encourage fuel conservation.

The crisis is also forcing a strategic rethink of domestic policy; the government has signaled that it may delay planned changes to the national road user charge, citing the current economic volatility as the "wrong time" for such adjustments.

To mitigate future risks, the administration is accelerating its push toward electrification and the domestic production of sustainable aviation fuel and low-carbon liquid fuels.

However, for the immediate term, the Australian economy remains tethered to the "Safe Opening" negotiations in Islamabad.

As long as the Strait of Hormuz remains a bottleneck, the risk of "stagflationary" pressure, rising costs, coupled with potential supply-driven cooling in the agricultural sector, remains the primary concern for the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Treasury alike.
The Angels announced that they have selected the contract of right-hander Nick Sandlin. Right-hander George Klassen was optioned to Triple-A Salt Lake in the corresponding move, and no 40-man transaction was required since the Halos had an open space on their 40-man roster.

Sandlin signed a minor league deal with Los Angeles after the Blue Jays outrighted the reliever off their 40-man roster in November. It was basically an early non-tender, as Sandlin was projected to earn a $2MM arbitration salary in 2026, and Sandlin elected to become a free agent in the wake of the outright assignment.

It wasnt long ago that Sandlin was a valued member of the Guardians bullpen, posting a 3.27 ERA, 27.7% strikeout rate, and 11.4% walk rate over 195 1/3 innings for Cleveland from 2021-24. Home runs became an increasingly large problem for Sandlin over his last two seasons with the Guards, yet it was poor health rather than a lack of results that marred his lone season in Toronto. Sandlin had a 2.20 ERA over only 16 1/3 innings and 19 appearances with the Jays, as he missed most of the year due to a lat strain, and then elbow inflammation.

Signing Sandlin to a minors contract represented a low-cost risk for the Angels, who spent much of their offseason trying to buy low on once-solid relievers looking for bounce-back years. The early returns in Salt Lake were been promising for Sandlin since he had a 1.42 ERA over 6 1/3 Triple-A innings, though his secondary metrics werent impressive.

Klassen heads back to Triple-A after making his first two Major League starts, and the rightys debut in the Show was far from smooth. Klassen was hit hard to the tune of a 13.50 ERA over his 4 2/3 innings pitched (with a whopping 10 walks allowed), and he also left his start yesterday due to a fingernail issue.
The Braves are designating left-hander Martin Perez for assignment, as Walt Weiss told reporters (including Chad Bishop of the Atlanta Journal Constitution). Hes being replaced on the active roster by southpaw Dylan Dodd, who is being recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett.

Perez, 35, is now in the 15th season of his MLB career. He was signed by the Rangers out of Venezuela and made his pro debut all the way back in 2008, but didnt make it to the big leagues until 2012. Since then, hes spent his career pitching to more or less league average results as a back-of-the-rotation starter and swing man. He signed with the White Sox last year but spent most of the 2025 season on the injured list with elbow and shoulder issues. For the few outings Perez was able to make last year, he was effective with a 3.54 ERA and 4.24 FIP in 56 1/3 innings of work.

That wasnt enough to get him a big league deal headed into his age-35 season, but he did latch on with Atlanta on a minor league pact. Though he didnt initially make the team out of Spring Training, early injuries in the rotation led Atlanta to select Perez to the majors to help eat innings. He did so capably, offering 14 1/3 innings of five-run ball across three appearances for the Braves prior to his DFA. Hes struck out just six in that time, but the results when healthy lately have been solid. Hes posted a 3.46 ERA and 4.46 FIP between the White Sox, Padres, and Braves since getting traded to San Diego at the 2024 trade deadline.

Of course, that hardly makes him a true-talent 3.46 ERA pitcher at this stage of his career. Perez has a long history of volatility when it comes to his results, which has resulted in him making an All-Star appearance in 2022 while struggling to even stay within the range of league average in other years. Taken together, Perez has a career 100 ERA+ across more than 1600 big league innings and should be expected to produce more of that back-of-the-rotation, innings-eating work as long as health permits.

That could make the lefty an intriguing option for any number of teams struggling with pitching injuries in the early going. The Blue Jays, Cubs, and Astros are among the teams that have sent multiple key pitchers to the injured list in recent weeks, and any of them might be willing to roll the dice on Perez and his modest salary in the $3.5MM range. All of those clubs entered 2026 as expected contenders, but even a non-contending club like the White Sox could pick Perez up and slot him into the rotation to help stabilize their rotation after Shane Smiths struggles led to him being optioned to the minors this past week.

If Perez does not get plucked off waivers by another club, he could accept an outright assignment to the minors with Atlanta, where he would wait for his next opportunity with the club. Another option would be to elect free agency and test the open market. With that said, Perez might benefit from accepting an outright given that the Braves have their own pitching needs and will surely call upon him again in relatively short order if he stays with the organization.

For now, however, his roster spot will go to Dodd. The lefty has a career 5.68 ERA in the majors but posted a more respectable 3.60 ERA in 35 innings as a relief arm for the Braves last year. He figures to serve as a long reliever for Atlanta in the coming days, a role where he should prove valuable in the short-term while Atlanta uses upcoming days off in the schedule as an opportunity to utilize a four-man rotation. As noted by Mark Bowman of MLB.com, the Braves wont need a fifth starter until April 21 given the structure of their upcoming schedule. At that point, Perez could rejoin the MLB roster if hes still in the organization.
Borderlands Mexico is a weekly rundown of developments in the world of United States-Mexico cross-border trucking and trade. This week in Borderlands Mexico: China automakers gain ground in Mexico as U.S. exports soften; OmniTRAX restarts Central Texas rail line with quarry deal; and Chinas Windrose delivers first Class 8 EV in US, targets long-haul market.

China automakers gain ground in Mexico as U.S. exports soften

U.S. finished-vehicle exports to North America are showing early signs of softening, just as Chinese automakers rapidly gain market share and expand their footprint in Mexico  a shift that could reshape cross-border automotive freight flows.

Passenger vehicle exports from U.S. plants showed signs of cooling early in 2026, according to preliminary trade data, though detailed country-level figures for February have not yet been released.

At the same time, new data from Mexico underscores the strength of the market that Chinese automakers are targeting.

Mexico produced 343,520 light vehicles and exported 310,205 units in March, with exports rising 4.2% year over year, according to the latest data from Mexicos National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).

For the first quarter, Mexico exported 795,631 vehicles, up 2.5% from a year earlier.

The figures highlight Mexicos continued role as a critical production and export hub  even as competitive dynamics begin to shift.

Mexico becomes focal point for Chinese automakers

Mexico is emerging as a key battleground in the global auto market.

Chinese automakers including BYD and Geely have rapidly expanded their presence in Mexico in recent years, benefiting from competitive pricing and fewer trade barriers compared to the United States.

Their ambitions are now moving beyond imports.

Both companies are among finalists seeking to acquire a NissanMercedes-Benz assembly plant in Aguascalientes, a move that would give Chinese automakers a direct manufacturing foothold in Mexico, according to Reuters.

The facility has capacity to produce about 230,000 vehicles annually and offers an established workforce and logistics infrastructure  making it a faster path to scale than building a new plant from scratch.

Industry estimates show Chinese brands have already grown from negligible market share earlier in the decade to roughly 10% of Mexicos vehicle market, with further gains expected as more models enter the country.

Beyond Mexico, Chinese automakers are also expanding their regional supply chains. BYD recently secured 100,000 vehicle export orders from Argentina and Mexico from its Brazil plant, underscoring its growing footprint across Latin America, CarNewsChina.com reported.
Quote of the day by Albert Einstein, "A person who never made a mistake never..."

Discover Albert Einsteins famous quote teaches that mistakes are not failures, but essential steps in learning, innovation, and personal growth.









Albert Einstein Albert Einstein's quote highlights the value of learning from mistakes

Mistakes are essential for growth and innovation

Progress requires trial, error and stepping out of comfort zones Did our AI summary help?
Quote of the day by Albert Einstein, "In the middle of difficulty..."

Albert Einsteins quote, In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity, highlights that challenges can lead to growth and innovation. Adopting this mindset fosters resilience, adaptability and turns failures into learning









Albert Einstein Albert Einstein's quote suggests opportunity exists within difficulties

Challenges can lead to growth, learning, and resilience

Adopting this mindset helps turn failures into stepping stones Did our AI summary help?
Telangana Intermediate 1st Year & 2nd Year Results 2026 declared @ tgbie.cgg.gov.in, link activated

The Telangana State Board of Intermediate Education (TGBIE) has officially declared the TS Inter Results 2026 for both 1st and 2nd-year students. Students can check their result from the official website at tgbie.cgg.gov.in.









TS Telangana Result 2026 TS Inter Results 2026 declared for 1st and 2nd-year students

About 9.9 lakh students can check scores at tgbie.cgg.gov.in

Supplementary exams available for those who did not pass Did our AI summary help?
Eisha Singh, Avinash Mishra spark engagement rumours with ring photos

Eisha Singh and Avinash Mishra are once again at the centre of online buzz after their recent posts sparked fresh speculation about their relationship status.









Are Eisha and Avinash engaged? Eisha Singh and Avinash Mishra spark engagement rumours online

Ring photos spark speculation of a roka ceremony

No official word from either on their relationship status Did our AI summary help?
Ravi Dubey reacts after fans put his Lakshman look from Ramayana on Times Square billboard

Ravie Dubey had a deeply emotional and unexpected moment recently when fans gave him a surprise that felt bigger than any official promotion.









Ravi Dubey left overwhelmed as fans take his Lakshman look to Times Square Ravie Dubey's Lakshman look featured on Times Square billboard

Fan gesture, not official promotion, overwhelmed Ravie Dubey

Ramayana film directed by Nitesh Tiwari gains global attention Did our AI summary help?
Veteran actor John Nolan dies at 87, Christopher Nolan pays tribute

Veteran British actor John Nolan has reportedly passed away at the age of 87, bringing to a close a long and quietly impactful career across film, television, and theatre. His absence leaves behind not just a body of work, but memories of a performer who influenced those around him in meaningful ways.









Batman star John Nolan dies Veteran actor John Nolan dies at 87, cause of death undisclosed

He appeared in Batman Begins, Person of Interest, and Dune

Nolan was uncle to filmmakers Christopher and Jonathan Nolan Did our AI summary help?
When Asha Bhosle spoke about her alleged fight with elder sister Lata Mangeshkar, People tried to create trouble...

After Asha Bhosles death at 92, Kajol shared an emotional tribute, praising her legacy, personality, and unmatched musical expression, calling her magnificent and remembering her lasting impact across generations.









When Asha Bhosle spoke about her alleged fight with elder sister Lata Mangeshkar, People tried to create trouble... Asha Bhosle dismissed rivalry rumors with Lata Mangeshkar

Both sisters emphasized mutual respect and affection

Media speculation about their relationship was largely unfounded Did our AI summary help?
Google search or doctor's prescription for sick child? Why we self-diagnose first and seek help last

With tech taking over, many of us quickly reach out to Google when we observe the first signs of discomfort instead of consulting a doctor. Medical attention is sought only after waiting, watching, and second-guessing. A top paediatrician explained why early intervention matters.









Early symptoms of illnesses in children can often be subtle like a mild fever, slightly reduced appetite, or a change in activity level. These may not signal concern immediately (Image: Pexels) Routine check-ups and timely advice are key for children's health

Delaying medical care can miss early signs of illness in children

Consult online, but see a doctor first Did our AI summary help?
Already, jet fuel and diesel prices have soared to record or near-record highs above $200 a barrel.
Jennie Rangel feels stuck. The mom of five in Chandler, Arizona, tells us she can't catch a break. "I did everything I was supposed to do," she said. "I was in the military. I went to college. I worked. And we can't buy a home. What did I do wrong?

Jennie, a nurse, and her husband, K.C., a manufacturing tech at Intel, have pretty good jobs. But she says they are not even close to covering their living expenses: "We pay about three grand in rent. We have all of the utilities. We have car payments, car insurance, mouths to feed, and gas. Maybe we have enough left over for groceries and toiletries and household stuff. Why are we struggling?"

Jennie and K.C. are both in their forties, and have never owned a home. They're part of a growing number of Millennials who see themselves as "forever renters," because they can't afford to buy. "This home I'm renting goes for $600,000. We can't afford a $600,000 home, you know, with our income. Maybe $300,000."

And what they could buy with $300,000 would not be much.

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, home prices across the country have soared nearly 50 percent. Today's median price: $416,000.

"We are also looking at high mortgage rates, which means it's expensive to borrow money to buy a home," said Danielle Hale, chief economist at realtor.com. And that's if you can find a home in your price range. "One of the reasons is that we haven't had enough building over the last decade," Hale said. "And when you have a shortage of supply and a steady amount of demand, the way the market solves that is by pushing prices higher."

Realtor.com estimates that there is a shortage of four million homes. And while home prices have gone up 300% since 1990, incomes have not kept up, only rising by roughly half that amount.

/ Credit: CBS News

A realtor.com survey found that 75 percent of Americans believe in the dream of home ownership, and it can be done, but it might require pulling up roots  and heading to the heartland.

Like to Topeka, Kansas. "This is a city where the American Dream is still possible," said Bob Ross, one of the leaders behind "Choose Topeka," a program offering people a relocation incentive of up to $15,000 to move to town.

He says participants in the program have come from 37 states: "They recognize that the cost of living that they can get here is so much more meaningful to them."

"Choose Topeka" is funded by a half-cent county sales tax. More than 200 families have moved to the capital city of Kansas since it launched in 2020, and Ross says 90 percent of them have stayed.
'Employees being investigated have been suspended': TCS on Nashik sexual harassment probe

Nashik police is currently questioning the IT companys HR official responsible who is based out of Pune and failed to take action when the women complainants alerted regarding the situation.









The IT services giant has said that it has a zero-tolerance policy towards harassment and coercion of any form. Nine FIRs accuse TCS of harassment, forced conversion in Nashik

Six employees arrested; others suspended pending investigation

Maharashtra CM calls case serious; SIT formed for probe Did our AI summary help?
Markets brace for volatile Monday as US-Iran talks fail, FIIs cautious

Domestic institutional investors have helped stabilise markets, with net inflows of Rs 21,600 crore absorbing selling pressure and keeping indices near key support levels









Dalal Street Indian markets may see volatility due to US-Iran talks outcome

FIIs were net sellers but turned buyers on Friday

Domestic investors' inflows help stabilize market indices Did our AI summary help?
Trade Setup for April 13: Top 15 things to know before the opening bell as US-Iran talks end without agreement

The technical setup strengthened further, with a bullish crossover in momentum indicators and the index sustaining above short-term moving averages. The sustainability above 24,000 is key to watch in the short term.

Sunil Shankar Matkar April 12, 2026 / 22:38 IST























Nifty Trade Setup for April 13 Nifty's sustainability above 24,000 key to watch in the short term

Immediate resistance is seen at 24,300 followed by 24,500

Immediate support likely to be 23,800, followed by 23,500 Did our AI summary help?
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Congress expels TN Mahila chief Hazeena Syed; she tells Alka Lamba to show ego to 'boyfriend KC Venugopal'

Syed said she would file an FIR over alleged 'illegitimate account transaction' and 'membership fraudulence', claiming she has 'legal proofs'.
Delhi airport releases footage of dog bite cases, advises passengers to stay away from canines

The airport has recorded 31 dog bite incidents across its three terminals since January this year, with 24 of these cases involving airport staff.









A man being bitten by a dog on the premises of Delhi airport. (Screengrab) Delhi airport reports 31 dog bite incidents since January 2024

Passengers advised not to feed or approach stray dogs at airport

Airport boosts safety, coordination with authorities Did our AI summary help?
Hean includes much of the disputed Aksai Chin plateau, which is part of Ladakh occupied by China in the 1962 war and has remained a focal point of the India-China border dispute
Indias growth offers global opportunities, with the US a key partner, Ambassador Vinay Kwatra says at Columbia summit.
Rajnath Singh says national security is no longer just soldiers job, warning citizens and media against misinformation and sensationalism.
Karnataka Congress MLAs head to Delhi, step up push for Cabinet expansion: Report

The Delhi push is set to intensify further, with four more MLAs  BK Sangamesh, Laxman Savadi, GS Patil and Subba Reddy  expected to travel to the national capital on Monday.









ANI Photo
Quick Read

Bunching donations into a donor-advised fund in a single year unlocks itemized deductions that annual $5,000 gifts never would reach, while contributing appreciated stock directly to a DAF avoids capital gains tax and delivers a double tax benefit on the full market value of the asset.

This strategy works best for households giving $5,000+ yearly who fall below the itemization threshold each year and hold appreciated assets in taxable accounts, but adds little value for families that already itemize comfortably or hold all appreciated assets in retirement accounts.

The analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks. Get them here FREE.

A listener named Chris from California put the problem plainly: "We donate about $5,000 every year and plan to continue doing so, but receive no tax benefit." His family gives generously, gets nothing from the IRS for it, and wanted to know if there was a legal fix. There is, and it works better than most people realize.

Consumer finance expert Clark Howard addressed this directly on the April 3, 2026 episode of The Clark Howard Podcast. His diagnosis was blunt: "Congress passed a law in '25 that specifically punished people for giving money to charity." That framing is sharp, but the underlying mechanics support it.

Why the 2025 Tax Law Effectively Erased Charitable Deductions for Most Givers

The standard deduction is the culprit. When Congress raised it in recent legislation, it crossed a threshold where the majority of American households no longer benefit from itemizing. Charitable contributions are only deductible if you itemize, and you only itemize when your total deductions exceed the standard deduction. For a married couple filing jointly, the standard deduction is well above $30,000 under current law. A family giving $5,000 per year to charity, with modest mortgage interest and state taxes capped at $10,000 by the SALT limit, almost certainly falls short of that bar. The donation is real, but the deduction disappears entirely for families below the itemization threshold.

READ: The analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks

This is the punishment Howard is describing. The law did not eliminate the charitable deduction in name. It rendered it functionally useless for anyone who does not already have enough deductions to clear the standard deduction threshold on their own.

The Bunching Strategy: How a Donor-Advised Fund Changes the Math

The fix is called bunching, and a donor-advised fund (DAF) is the mechanism that makes it practical. Instead of giving $5,000 per year across five years, you deposit a large lump sum into a DAF in a single year. That single contribution is large enough to push your itemized deductions above the standard deduction threshold, generating a real tax benefit. Then you direct grants from the DAF to your chosen charities over the following years at whatever pace you prefer.
Party directs all MPs to be present from April 1618 as government plans amendments to womens reservation law; Kharge seeks all-party meet
'Regret to say that...': Iranian official in India on course of West Asia war

Motlagh also raised alarm over developments in Lebanon and broader regional tensions, linking them to what he described as inconsistent adherence to international commitments.









Iran's Consul General in Mumbai Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh Iran's Consul General warns of deepening instability in West Asia

Diplomatic efforts by India, China, Russia have not swayed the US

Motlagh blasts US, Israel over violations and unethical acts Did our AI summary help?
Rs 1,000-crore plot to topple TMC? Mamata fires fresh charge at BJP

At poll rallies in Bankura and Purba Bardhaman, the West Bengal chief minister also accused the BJP of bribing voters, plotting poll manipulation and using the voter roll revision exercise as a scam.

PTI April 12, 2026 / 14:47 IST























Mamata Banerjee alleged a Rs 1,000-crore BJP deal to unseat TMC in West Bengal and accused it of bribery, poll manipulation and voter roll scam. Mamata alleges BJP struck Rs 1,000-crore deal to unseat TMC

Claims BJP bribing voters and manipulating polling process

Banerjee predicts BJP central government will topple in 2026 Did our AI summary help?
Kharge reiterated that the proposed amendments tied to delimitation would have wide implications for both the Centre and the states and must be discussed collectively.
Vasundhara Raje defends 'couldnt save my house' remark, says was recounting her own personal experience

The row erupted after Raje interacted with locals at the Kamkheda Balaji Dham temple in Jhalawar earlier this week, where her statements circulated widely on social media.
The developer described it as a way to deal with situations where a colleague quits and leaves behind poorly organised files or unfinished documentation. The project, he wrote, could turn 'cold goodbyes into warm skills'. (AI-generated image)
Early last year, when the news of the mothers only child's death broke, the family tried to hide it from his mother, who is in her 80s and suffering from a health disease. (Image credit: Shutterstock)
Chinese company builds AI clone of employee, keeps him 'working' after resignation

A Chinese firm created an AI-powered digital avatar of a former HR employee, trained on his work data to handle routine tasks like answering queries, scheduling meetings, and preparing presentations, sparking debate over consent, privacy, and the future of jobs.
Employee with fever asks for day off, manager says 'sick leave requires being hospitalised for 3 days'

The manager first questioned the employees tone, asking whether the employee was 'informing' or 'requesting approval' for leave. When the employee clarified and formally requested sick leave, the manager allegedly stated that sick leave could only be granted if the employee was hospitalised for three days with proof.









The post triggered a strong reaction from Reddit users, many of whom described the managers behaviour as a reflection of toxic workplace norms. (Image credit: Reddit)
From gaming chairs to control towers? US pitches gamers for high-stakes aviation jobs

A new US Federal Aviation Administration campaign targets gamers, saying their skills may be surprisingly well-suited for air traffic control.









The US aviation authority launched a campaign targeting avid gamers. FAA targets gamers for air traffic controller recruitment

Gaming skills seen as useful for handling complex airspace

US lacks controllers, campaign seeks broader talent pool Did our AI summary help?
Topline

Billionaire Nvidia chief Jensen Huang encouraged people on Thursday to move to California despite the Golden States high tax rates, according to multiple reports, showing support for the state as a proposed billionaire tax has been blasted by some of the worlds wealthiest people, some of whom have pulled away from California in recent months.

Huang made the comment during an event at Stanford University on Thursday. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg  2026 Bloomberg Finance LP

Key Facts

Huang, who spoke at a Stanford event alongside Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., said, I say to everybody, Move to California. Dont leave. Its the highest taxes in the world, but its okay.

Huang, who said in January he hadnt thought about [moving] even once, also complimented the Golden States weather.

The Nvidia chief has repeatedly backed California as a place to do business despite the state's high taxes and a proposed wealth tax that could end up on ballots in November.

The California Billionaire Tax Act proposes a 5% tax on those in the state who make over $1 billion as a way to fund the states health care program, which is facing budget cuts that could put Californians at risk of losing coverage.

What Billionaires Have Recently Left Or Distanced Themselves From California?

Google co-founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page moved several limited liability companies out of California last year, according to The New York Times, which reported some of the companies were turned into Nevada entities. Forbes estimates Brin and Pages net worths at $240.5 billion and $260.7B, respectively. Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison ($179.8 billion) sold his San Francisco mansion late last year for $45 million, the San Francisco Standard reported, noting the selling of the 11,000-square-foot home was the citys biggest deal of 2025. Ellisons official residence is now in Florida, costing him $173 million for a 16-acre, 60,000-square-foot property.

Forbes Valuation

We estimate Huangs net worth at $163.2 billion, making him the seventh wealthiest person in the world behind Ellison. Huang has not contributed to or formally affiliated himself with Democrats or Republicans, though he donated an undisclosed amount of money to the construction of President Donald Trumps $400 million White House ballroom last year.

Key Background

Huang told Bloomberg Television in January he was perfectly fine with Californias proposed tax on billionaires. Huangs comment was a stark contrast to other billionaires like Trumps AI czar David Sacks and venture capitalist Chamath Palihapitiya, the former of whom said in December that Silicon Valley is finally realizing what time it is. Dinner time. And theyre on the menu. Huang also told Bloomberg we work in Silicon Valley because thats where the talent pool is. When told about billionaire reactions to the proposed tax in California, Huang suggested he was not all that concerned with it, adding, This persons trying to build the future of AI, referring to himself.
'Goa 8/10, Manali 9/10': Russian tourist rates Indian cities on safety, Delhi's score stuns netizens

Russian tourist Alisa's safety ratings for Indian cities have gone viral, leaving many netizens stunned and sparking a wider debate on women's safety across the country.
Inside NASAs strange experiment: Why organ chips went to space with astronauts

Tiny lab-grown replicas of human tissue are helping scientists understand what deep space really does to the body.









The chips were built using bone marrow cells donated by the astronauts themselves. NASA flew organ chips with astronaut marrow cells on Artemis II

Chips mimic organs to study effects of deep space on human cells

Experiment helps assess risks for future Moon and Mars missions Did our AI summary help?
Medical scientist returns from Germany to help jobless friend, sells bakery items from Rs 37 lakh car

Germany-returned medical scientist is selling bakery items from his car in Gurgaon to support his friend who lost his job. He says he will head back only once his friend is settled.
'Most self-aware answer': Founder hires candidate who admitted being fired, LinkedIn post sparks debate

A startup CEOs viral LinkedIn post about hiring a candidate who openly admitted being fired has sparked a wider debate on honesty, failure, and hiring biases in todays job market.
Techie quits after 14 years to take up farming. 10 years on, he says it's fulfilling but financially tough

Despite the challenges, the former techie said he does not regret the move. Moments like walking through fields during the monsoon, eating lunch after physical labour and watching crops grow offer fulfilment that desk jobs never did.









'Farming is hard - both physically and mentally,' the former software engineer cautioned. 'Margins are thin - do it on your own, you may get a profit. hire a labour, you may break even or loss.' (Representational image: Unsplash)
The gold factory scientists say is hidden deep under the Pacific

New research suggests Earths mantle may be quietly concentrating gold beneath volcanic arcs, but its far from something we can mine anytime soon.









Deep in the mantle, gold is usually locked inside sulphide minerals. Most of the time, it stays trapped in Pacific ocean.
Who is Kashish Methwani? Miss International India winner who joined Indian Army after clearing CDS exam with AIR 2

Kashish Methwani, a former beauty pageant winner, transitioned from modelling to the Indian Army and became a Lieutenant after rigorous training.









Lt. Kashish Methwani (Image credit: X) Kashish Methwani won Miss International India 2023 title

Joined Indian Army as Lieutenant after placing 2nd in CDS

Methwani finished 11 months at Officers Training Academy Did our AI summary help?
'Work from home has no izzat in India': Woman shares why people who go to office are taken more seriously

A woman's frustration about not being taken seriously while working from home has gone viral in India. She says office goers are always respected more, even if remote workers put in the same hours and effort every day.









Woman asks why office goers get more respect at home. (AI-generated representative image)
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
France to stop using Microsoft Windows operating system and start using Linux; here's why

France plans to replace Microsoft Windows with Linux across government systems, citing digital sovereignty, data control, and reduced reliance on US tech firms as key reasons behind the transition.

Sarthak Singh April 12, 2026 / 10:23 IST























Windows 11 France plans to replace Windows with Linux in government systems

Plan seeks digital autonomy, cutting reliance on US tech

DINUM workstations begin transition; timeline still unclear 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
For many Americans, claiming Social Security is a long-awaited milestone -- the moment when decades of hard work and loads of taxes finally translate into a steady retirement paycheck. But before you start counting your monthly benefits, there's something important you should know.

Social Security benefits are not exempt from taxes. You'd think they would be, since the whole reason you're eligible for them is that you paid taxes on your wages throughout your career.

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.

In spite of that, you'll need to add Social Security to the list of taxable income sources in retirement. But there may be a way to get out of paying those taxes you should know about.

Who pays taxes on Social Security benefits?

You may be counting on your complete Social Security checks to get you through retirement. So it's important to know if you should plan on losing a portion of that income to taxes.

Whether that's the case depends on your provisional or combined income. That's calculated as the total of half of your Social Security income for the year, your adjusted gross income (AGI), and any tax-free interest income you receive (such as interest from a municipal bond investment).

If your provisional or combined income exceeds $25,000 as a single tax filer or $32,000 as a joint tax filer, you risk taxes on your Social Security benefits. It's that simple.

That said, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduced a new $6,000 senior tax deduction that may change that formula. Thanks to the new deduction, an estimated 88% of seniors are expected to pay no taxes on their Social Security benefits, the White House says.

However, the new $6,000 tax deduction phases out for higher earners. So if you fall into that category, you may end up having to pay taxes on those benefits after all. One strategic move on your part, however, could get you off the hook even if you have a lot of money.

A Roth conversion could be key

You may have heard during your working years that you'd need savings to supplement your Social Security benefits. And you may have consistently funded an IRA or 401(k) plan to ensure that money wouldn't be a problem in retirement.

If you contributed to a traditional retirement plan, though, you're looking at taxable withdrawals once you start tapping your IRA or 401(k). Those withdrawals will be counted in your AGI. And if they're substantial, they could easily push your provisional or combined income to the point where taxes on Social Security are hard to avoid, even with the new senior tax deduction.
70 cents to the US is over: PM Carney says Canada is done sending most defence dollars to the US

Mark Carney says Canada will stop sending most defence dollars to the US, signalling a wider reset in military spending and strategy.









Carneys defence reset pitch goes beyond one line, tying military procurement, political unity and strategic autonomy into a broader Canada-first message. Canada to reduce military spending on US defence suppliers

Carney calls for unity amid global tensions and AI advances

70% of Canadas arms spending goes to U.S. products Did our AI summary help?
After talks fail in Islamabad, Iran races to restore damaged oil facilities

Tehran is now aiming to restore most of the refining and distribution facilities attacked during the conflict to 7080% of their capacity in a span of two months.









Irans oil and energy infrastructure suffered significant damage during the war with US and Israel. Iran aims to restore damaged refineries to 7080% in two months

Lavan refinery expected to resume operations within 10 days

Strikes on Kharg Island and oil depots disrupted Iran's exports Did our AI summary help?
US Vice President JD Vance says Washington made its final and best offer to Iran after 21-hour talks in Pakistan ended without a deal
As US-Iran talks fail, Tehran says ball in Americas court as Strait of Hormuz row deepens

Unless the US agrees to a reasonable deal, there will be no change in situation at the Strait of Hormuz, sais sources close to the Iranian delegation









The US and Iran remain sharply divided over control and access to the Strait of Hormuz. US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without agreement

Iran says diplomacy continues, ball now in US court

Pakistan sent fighter jets to Saudi Arabia after talks failed Did our AI summary help?
Back from the Moon: Artemis II crew returns to jubilant reception after historic lunar flyby

The Orion spacecraft carrying commander Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Jeremy Hansen splashed down off the California coast late Friday, ending a nearly 10-day mission that pushed the boundaries of human spaceflight









(L-R) NASA's Artemis II mission astronauts Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and commander Reid Wiseman attend their welcoming ceremony at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Houston, Texas, on April 11. Artemis II crew completes first lunar flyby in over 50 years

Astronauts returned safely after a 10-day mission around the Moon

Record-setting mission with historic firsts in crew diversity Did our AI summary help?
Bad news: JD Vance says no agreement with Iran despite final and best offer, US leaves Pakistan

JD Vance said the US will leave Pakistan after 21-hour talks with Iran ended without agreement, despite a final and best offer from Washington.









Vance says no deal with Iran despite final offer, US to exit Pakistan; nuclear curbs remain core goal
China creates new county near Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Afghanistan to tighten border security: Report

India last year lodged a protest with China over the creation of Hean and Hekang counties, stating that parts of their jurisdiction fall within its union territory of Ladakh,









The county, named Cenling, is located near the Karakoram mountain range and close to the borders with PoK and Afghanistan, underscoring its strategic significance. China establishes Cenling county near PoK and Afghanistan border

Move aims to boost security and curb Uyghur militant infiltration

India protested as new counties overlap disputed Ladakh regions Did our AI summary help?
The moves come after Xi Jinping met Kuomintang (KMT) leader Cheng Li-wun, marking one of the most visible engagements between Beijing and a Taiwanese political figure in years.

According to statements from Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office and reports carried by state media including Xinhua, Beijing has outlined a package of measures aimed at reviving exchanges across the Taiwan Strait.
Trump says US to begin naval blockade of Hormuz as talks collapse, threatens to finish up Iran

Donald Trump said Irans actions had caused widespread disruption, stating, 'Iran promised to open the Strait of Hormuz, and they knowingly failed to do so'









Strait of Hormuz Trump accuses Iran of blocking the Strait of Hormuz

US Navy to start blockade of ships at the Strait

Talks failed over Iran's nuclear ambitions Did our AI summary help?
We've all heard the expression "you couldn't pay me to live there." But what about states that find ways to make you pay more to live there, or tax you when you move away?

Though the term "exit tax" is misunderstood  no state charges a tax simply for leaving, to be clear  places like California, New Jersey, New York and Massachusetts levy taxes on those who relocate but retain ties to their former home.

Must Read

Some of those same states are among those looking to impose wealth taxes on their richest residents, which critics warn could act as an inverse to an "exit tax"  forcing wealthy residents out to avoid paying it while lower earners pick up the tab for the billions in lost tax revenue (1).

And that's important info as the nation undergoes a migration of residents from high-tax (often blue) states to those with lower or no income taxes.

The National Taxpayers Union Foundation found that, between 2015 and 2025, an exodus of residents from New York and California cost those states more than $100 billion each in net adjusted gross income, with Florida and Texas reaping many of the losses (2).

A Realtor.com analysis of the latest available IRS data (3) reported similar migration trends, with senior economist Joel Berner explaining that "people are moving in pursuit of affordability."

States that may tax you on the way out

While "exit taxes" don't technically exist, there are some states where residents should be aware of tax laws that could impact them if they move away.

California: If you move out of California, you can still be taxed on any profits you earn within the state, be it rent or property gains, business you conduct within state lines and more (4).

If, however, you move away but maintain partial residency in California  even if it's not your main home  you're subject to the state's tax on worldwide income accrued during the period you spend there (5). So a part-time resident working remotely from California for an out-of-state job could see the income they earn during that time taxed by the Golden State at up to 13.3% for high earners (6). Taxes also apply to things like investment earnings accrued while in California, no matter where the investment originates.
Donald Trump threatens China with 50% tariff if it helps Iran

Donald Trump scheduled to visit Beijing next month for talks with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, after delaying an earlier summit because of the war against Iran









US President Donald Trump Trump threatens China with 50% tariffs if aiding Iran militarily

US Navy ordered to blockade Strait of Hormuz amid Iran tensions

Iran warns it controls Strait traffic, threatens adversaries Did our AI summary help?
Dozens of US refuelling jets spotted at Israels Ben Gurion Airport after failed US Iran talks | Watch

Dozens of US refuelling aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport signal heightened tensions after failed US-Iran talks, even as Gulf energy infrastructure shows signs of recovery.









US refuelling aircraft line up at Ben Gurion Airport amid rising tensions
West Asia crisis: EAM S Jaishankar meets UAE's Mohammed bin Zayed, thanks him for support to Indian diaspora

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met UAE leaders, thanking them for supporting Indians amid regional tensions, as failed USIran talks raised fears of renewed conflict and global energy disruption.









Jaishankar UAE visit amid rising regional tensions
Elon Musk says he experienced mild symptoms from first Covid-19 strain, second vaccine shot almost' got him hospitalised

In his post, Musk wrote that he had contracted the original Wuhan virus before vaccines were available and described it as similar to a typical cold or flu.









US tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Enough of war: Pope Leo XIV urges end to madness of war as US-Iran talks fail

Pope Leo XIV urged global leaders to reject the delusion of omnipotence and end the madness of war, amid ongoing US-Iran tensions and failed diplomatic talks.









Pope Leo XIV calls for peace, criticises deceptive omnipotence as US-Iran talks end without deal
Hitler of our time: Turkey slams Netanyahu over alleged bid to derail Iran-US talks

Turkey calls Netanyahu the Hitler of our time as tensions rise amid fragile Iran-US peace efforts and escalating regional rhetoric.









Turkey calls Netanyahu Hitler of our time, accuses him of sabotaging US-Iran peace talks
How Hezbollah is still fighting despite years of Israeli strikes

One of the more unexpected turns in this phase of the Middle East conflict has been Hezbollahs ability to stay active and keep striking Israel, despite having been relatively quiet for over a year.









How Hezbollah is still fighting despite years of Israeli strikes
How Iran is using memes as a weapon in its war with the US

From AI Lego videos to sarcastic posts aimed at Donald Trump, Irans online strategy is shaping narratives globally, even as the conflict continues on the ground.









How Iran is using memes as a weapon in its war with the US
How students studying war are reacting to Trumps Iran rhetoric

In classrooms across the US, long-standing ideas about the morality of war are colliding with the unpredictability of Donald Trumps approach to the Iran conflict.









How students studying war are reacting to Trumps Iran rhetoric
Iran's Esmaeil Baqaei said the talks were shaped by an ambiance of mistrust and skepticism following the 40-day war, and cautioned against expecting a quick breakthrough Abbas Masjedi Arani, head of Irans Forensic Medicine Organisation, said the confirmed toll includes 2,875 men and nearly 500 women. The figures, released to Iranian media, offer one of the clearest official snapshots so far of the human cost of the conflict, which followed weeks of intense hostilities. The casualty announcement came as diplomatic efforts to stabilise the situation faltered. After 21 hours of talks in Islamabad, delegations from both countries failed to bridge key differences, leaving the future of a fragile ceasefire uncertain. Leading the US delegation, Vice President JD Vance said Washington had put forward what he described as its final and best offer, but Tehran did not agree to the terms. Weve had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians, thats the good news, he said before departing. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement and I think thats bad news for Iran much more than its bad news for the United States of America. He emphasized that the central demand from Washington remains unchanged. The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon, Vance said, adding that President Donald Trumps core goal is to prevent Iran from acquiring such capabilities. On the Iranian side, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who headed Tehrans delegation, suggested that mistrust remains the central obstacle. He said it is up to Washington to decide whether it can earn our trust or not. In a separate statement, he added that while Iran presented forward-looking initiatives, the opposing side ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations. Irans foreign ministry also pointed to disagreements over what it described as excessive and illegal demands, without detailing them. Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the talks were shaped by an ambiance of mistrust and skepticism following the 40-day war, and cautioned against expecting a quick breakthrough. Naturally, we should have never expected to reach a deal in one session, he said, adding that efforts would continue to bring the two views of Americans and Iranians closer together. Among the unresolved issues were Irans nuclear programme, the status of the Strait of Hormuz, and access to frozen Iranian assets, according to Iranian media reports. Questions around maritime transit through the vital energy corridor also emerged as a sticking point during discussions. Pakistan, which facilitated the talks, signaled it would remain engaged. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said Islamabad would continue to play its role in encouraging dialogue between the two sides, while also acknowledging their acceptance of a ceasefire proposal put forward by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The negotiations marked the first direct high-level engagement between Iran and the US since 1979. Despite the setback, both sides indicated that diplomatic channels remain open, even as the death toll underscores the scale of the conflict and the urgency of a lasting resolution.
Image Credit: The White House - Public Domain, Wikimedia.

Since 2025, tariffs introduced during President Donald Trumps term have hit the global auto industry hard. Automakers have lost more than $35.4 billion because of these trade policies.

These tariffs sweep up everything from finished vehicles to spare parts and key materials like steel and aluminum. The original idea was to boost manufacturing in the U.S. and cut down dependence on foreign factories. But in reality, they've pushed up costs for automakers in whats already a tightly connected, worldwide business.

Building a modern car isnt simple because of the reliance of supply chains that stretch across multiple continents. Parts and materials often cross multiple borders before they even reach the assembly line. So when tariffs pop up at different sections of this process, the extra costs pile up fast and often way higher than anyone first thought.

Automakers Facing Heavy Financial Losses

Image Credit: Ford.

Pretty much every major automaker has felt the pinch. Auto News points out that companies swallowed billions more than expected, thanks to tariffs and the disruptions they caused all along the supply chain.

Some carmakers took harder hits than others. Japanese brands like Toyota are especially exposed, given how global their operations are. American companies, the likes of GM and Ford, arent immune either. Even though theyre based in the U.S., they reported serious financial strain.

European names, including German giants BMW, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz, all ran into trouble too. Jalopnik reports these brands depend on manufacturing links running between the U.S., Mexico, and Europe. Tariffs have raised the cost of getting both whole cars and essential parts across borders.

These extra costs dont show up in just one place. They ripple through production, shipping, and even regulatory paperwork. Many automakers had to rethink budgets, delay projects, and sometimes lower their profit outlooks to adjust.

Rising Prices for Consumers

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

The most obvious impact? Cars cost more. Carscoops reports automakers usually pass on these higher expenses to buyers, so sticker prices climb for imports and U.S.-made vehicles alike.

Imports saw the sharpest jumps, sometimes several thousand dollars more per car. But even American-built vehicles arent off the hook, since so many of their parts come from overseas. Tariffs end up driving up costs across the board.

As a result, overall car prices have been rising, leaving buyers with fewer affordable choices and bigger car payments. To cope, some carmakers cut back on production or switched up which models they offer. Thats led to lower inventories and longer wait times for vehicles, making it even tougher for customers to find the car they want.
Tehran rejects US statement on naval transit through the Strait of Hormuz, asserting control over vessel movement in the strategic waterway.
The move marks a sharp escalation after negotiations between Washington and Tehran failed to produce a lasting agreement.

The warning followed an announcement by US President Donald Trump ordering immediate military action to restrict movement through the strait
The Guards warned that the enemy will become trapped in a deadly vortex in the Strait if it makes the wrong move, a statement reinforced by footage depicting simulated targeting of vessels.

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
Earlier, the US military confirmed that two warships had moved through the strait to begin mine-clearing operations, underscoring the growing risk of confrontation in the region.

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
Iran shuts door on US; Israel-Lebanon talks take centre stage as Gulf stands on edge

After failed US-Iran talks, focus shifts to April 14 Israel-Lebanon ceasefire bid as strikes continue and Gulf tensions remain high.
Iran talks: 'Dozens' of calls in 21 hours as JD Vance stayed in constant touch with Donald Trump

USIran talks in Islamabad ended without agreement after 21 hours, with JD Vance citing nuclear concerns and Iran blaming unreasonable US demands for the deadlock.









USIran talks collapse over nuclear dispute
Diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington have broken down without agreement.

A US official confirmed that all American negotiators have now departed Pakistan following the failed discussions.
This approach, according to The Guardian, mirrors tactics previously seen in Gaza, including in Rafah and Beit Hanoun, where vast portions of civilian housing were reduced to rubble.

The ongoing campaign has come with a significant human cost. Lebanese authorities reported that Israeli strikes in the south killed at least 18 people on Saturday, contributing to a total death toll exceeding 2,000 since the conflict began.
Life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda unveiled in Seattle, first in the US

The bronze installation has been placed at Westlake Square in downtown Seattle.









The sculpture was jointly unveiled on Saturday by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Indias Consul General in Seattle Prakash Gupta. Swami Vivekananda statue unveiled in Seattle's Westlake Square

First city government-hosted Vivekananda monument in the US

Statue honors India-Seattle cultural ties and inclusivity Did our AI summary help?
Mob violence in Bangladesh leaves spiritual leader dead, Hindu homes vandalised

Mob attacks in Bangladesh killed a spiritual leader and targeted Hindu homes in separate incidents, raising concerns over rising communal tensions.









Mob violence in Bangladesh leaves spiritual leader dead, Hindu homes vandalised (File image)
By Ernest Scheyder

April 10 (Reuters) - USA Rare Earth shareholders should not be concerned by the terms of the U.S. Commerce Department's pending investment in the company, which gives equity to Washington even if funding for the deal falls apart, CEO Barbara Humpton told Reuters.

The $1.58 billion debt-and-equity funding package announced in January was the latest in a string of critical-minerals investments by the Trump administration, part of a push to bolster U.S. production of the building blocks for electronics, weapons and a plethora of other products.

More from Yahoo Scout Why are lawmakers concerned about the Cantor Fitzgerald connection? What are the economic risks of the Texas mine? How does government funding support USA Rare Earth's operations? What are the controversial terms of USA Rare Earth's Commerce deal?

Terms of the USA Rare Earth deal and how it was negotiated, though, are sparking concern from some lawmakers. One issue is the close ties between the company and Cantor Fitzgerald, the financial firm previously led by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and now helmed by his sons.

A top House Democrat called the deal "highly concerning" in a letter to Lutnick last month, adding that it is "deeply strange" that the government would retain its equity stake even if it does not fund the deal or funding is clawed back.

When asked in an interview if shareholders should be concerned by the deal's structure, Humpton said: "Not at all."

"With all of the work we've done to show our shareholders their path to the future and value creation, they'll be delighted that we've had this engagement," Humpton said, in her first public comments on Democrats' concerns about the deal, slated to close by the end of the month.

Humpton referred any questions on the congressional letter to Lutnick to the Commerce Department, which did not respond to requests for comment.

The letter was widely seen as a preview of the types of investigations Democrats could pursue if they regain power in Washington after the November midterm elections, as lawmakers scrutinize the use of federal financing and equity stakes to reshape minerals supply chains.

The government funds are slated to help the company develop a mine in Sierra Blanca, Texas, expected to open by 2028, and a magnet manufacturing plant in Stillwater, Oklahoma, which is due to open this year.

CEO DISMISSES CRITICS OF MINE ECONOMICS

Humpton, who was previously an executive at Siemens, defended USA Rare Earth's work with Cantor in the Commerce Department negotiations and noted the financial firm helped the company go public in March 2025.

"Our best move was to go with the team who knew us," said Humpton.

While the Texas mine is central to the company's magnet plans, it has a relatively low grade of rare earths compared with peers, the company has acknowledged.
Netanyahu says Iran is fighting to survive as US-Iran peace talks collapse

Netanyahu claims Iran is fighting to survive as US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan collapse without agreement.









Netanyahu says Iran fighting to survive as peace talks collapse
Pakistan deploys fighter jets, 13,000 troops to Saudi Arabia amid US-Iran ceasefire talks fails

Pakistan has deployed fighter jets and 13,000 troops to Saudi Arabia under a defence pact amid fragile US-Iran ceasefire talks and rising regional tensions.









Pakistans fighter jet deployment to Saudi Arabia signals deepening defence ties amid Iran crisis
Pakistan eyes $5 billion boost from Saudi Arabia, Qatar ahead of UAE repayment

To avert pressure on Pakistan's weak foreign reserves, Saudi Arabia and Qatar will provide $5 billion in financial assistance, the report said, quoting sources in the finance ministry.









Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan to get $5 billion support from Saudi Arabia and Qatar

Pakistan plans to repay $3.5 billion to UAE this month

Finance Minister Aurangzeb attends IMF-World Bank meetings Did our AI summary help?
US Vice President JD Vance left Pakistan after final and best offer following which Iran said US failed to build trust despite constructive initiatives in talks.

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
Prices could be lower or higher: Donald Trump flags uncertainty on oil, gas

Donald Trump said, 'The price of oil and gas could be lower before the midterm elections, or maybe a little higher,'









US President Donald Trump Trump says oil prices may decline eventually after Iran conflict

US Navy to blockade Strait of Hormuz after failed Iran talks

Iran talks fail; Trump vows Iran will never get nukes Did our AI summary help?
'Shoot, dont quack': Netanyahu's aide Fogel taunts Donald Trump over Iran threats

In an interview with Fox News Sunday Morning Futures with Maria Bartiromo, Trump said, I could take out Iran in one day".









US President Donald Trump Israeli MP Fogel challenges Trump over Iran threats on X

Trump warns US could strike Iran's energy infrastructure

US blocks ships at Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions Did our AI summary help?
'These Persians dont think they're beaten': Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon links Iran crisis to China rivalry

Steve Bannon said USIran tensions reflect a wider struggle with China, arguing Iran feels undefeated and warning that recent naval escalation marks a major geopolitical shift.









Bannon links Iran tensions to China
Trump says he considered renaming 'Gulf of Mexico' to 'Gulf of Trump'

Trump formally directed that the Gulf of Mexico be renamed the 'Gulf of America' in US government records following his return to office.









US President Donald Trump Trump considered renaming Gulf of Mexico as "Gulf of Trump"

US renamed Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America in records

Mexico had objected, citing international maritime naming norms Did our AI summary help?
Trump acknowledged that discussions had gone well and that most points were agreed to, but accused Tehran of remaining firm on its nuclear position.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly a fifth of global oil supply passes, has become a focal point of the crisis, with mine threats and restricted shipping already disrupting traffic and raising global concerns.
Trump also referenced briefings from JD Vance, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner regarding the Islamabad talks, which he said were facilitated by Pakistans leadership including Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif.

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
Tasman glacial river, Mount Cookdemand has been highest for New Zealand's golden visa program from Americans. getty

Interest in the New Zealand golden visa program has increased fivefold as global demand for second residencies and alternative investment pathways has surged.

Golden visa programs generate significant revenue for countries and are thriving amid an increasingly unstable political and economic backdrop, as investors are choosing them as a Plan B. Indeed, in 2025, the world of second passports and citizenship-by-investment pivoted. For the very first time residents of advanced economies, notably Americans, went hunting for a second passportand New Zealand has been one target.

More Americans Are Opting For The New Zealand Golden Visa Program

New figures updated by Immigration New Zealand, the operational processing arm of New Zealands immigration system, show that applications have increased fivefold since the re-launch of the program last Aprilfrom 115 applications to 609 in one year, amounting to over 2,000 applicants, with Americans the highest nationality.

This might seem like a small number of people, but these applications amount to a potential investment of NZD $3.57 billion ($2.1 billion) once they are all processed, with $1.32 billion already deployed into the economy. The application time is relatively fast, averaging 34 working days once the investment is received.

New Zealand Is Looking To Attract More Highly-Skilled Immigrants And Investors

In early 2025, the government announced plans to relax its golden visa program, just after launching a new digital nomad visa. It is part of a new project to encourage more people to choose New Zealand as their home, both for investment purposes, through the golden visa program and also in real termsunlike other digital nomad visas, there is no minimum monthly requirement for New Zealands digital nomad visa.

With a population of just over 5 million people, New Zealand is one of the least densely populated countries in the world. It is also amidst an emigration problem as residents move abroad in search of jobs and higher salaries.

The New Zealand government also announced that golden visa holders will no longer be subject to the ban on foreigners buying property. In addition, it aims to attract skilled migrants through two new visa pathways, which will be in place by mid-2026. One will be for skilled migrants who meet relevant experience and salary thresholds. The other is for migrants in trade and technical roles who meet qualification, work experience and wage thresholds.

The old golden visa program required English proficiency, but that requirement was removed. It also had a quite complicated investment weighting system, which was simplified.
Trump warns China of big problems over reported Iran weapons shipments

US President Donald Trump warned China of big problems if it proceeds with reported weapons shipments to Iran, amid rising geopolitical tensions.









Trump cautions Beijing over possible weapons delivery to Iran
Turkey-Israel tensions rise as Erdogan issues invasion warning, Netanyahu fires back

The war of words intensified as Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz accused Turkey of engaging in antisemitism and conducting what he described as sham legal proceedings targeting Israeli officials.









Recep Tayyip Erdogan Erdogan, Netanyahu swap threats, heightening tensions

Turkey: Netanyahu commits genocide; Israel: Turkey antisemitic

Both sides escalate rhetoric, citing legal and moral accusations Did our AI summary help?
The Agios Fanourios I (in white) and Shalamar (blue) u-turned at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz as the US said they failed to reach an agreement with Iran. Mombasa B (formerly Front Forth, in red) managed to sail through.
Muhoozi Kainerugabas social media remarks include financial demands, threats to cut ties, and offer of troop support to Israel
The UK minister emphasised that any resolution must ensure Iran is prevented from developing nuclear weapons, framing this as central to long-term stability.

The minister also took aim at rhetoric from US President Donald Trump during the crisis, describing it as unhelpful and inflammatory.
US failed to gain the trust of Iranian delegates: Ghalibaf

After the talks with US failed in Islamabad, Irans Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who was heading the delegation from Tehran, issued his first official statement.

In a series of posts on X, Ghalibaf said he emphasised before negotiations began that we have the necessary good faith and will, but due to the experiences of the two previous wars, we have no trust in the opposing side. The opposing side ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations, he said.
Vladimir Putin says ready to help peace efforts in call with Iran's Masoud Pezeshkian

The offer came during a phone call between the two leaders, as tensions continue to shape the regional landscape.









Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin offers to mediate peace efforts in the Middle East.

Iran and US failed to reach a deal, truce remains fragile.

Saudi pipeline restored, Qatar eases Gulf shipping restrictions. Did our AI summary help?
VOTE TRUMP, AND BRING BACK PEACE! Trumps old post resurfaces after Iran talks collapse

A 2020 remark on Irans negotiating strength and a 2024 campaign message are being recirculated after US-Iran talks in Pakistan ended without agreement.









Old Trump posts on Iran and bringing back peace resurface after US-Iran talks collapse in Pakistan. US-Iran talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement.

Old Trump posts on Iran, Mideast policy recirculate online

US offered Iran a final proposal, but Iran did not accept. Did our AI summary help?
What NASAs Artemis II mission actually revealed about life and space travel

From technical glitches and cramped living to viral moments and deeper insights about Earth, NASAs Artemis II mission offered a rare, unfiltered look at what it takes to live and work in space.









What NASAs Artemis II mission actually revealed about life and space travel
You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters.

Sixty-eight percent of affluent investors were willing to pay for financial advice in 2025, up 10 percentage points from 2024 and 30 percentage points from 2010, according to a new Cerulli Associates report. The research analysts attributed the increase to improved accessibility of financial advice, fee compression and the proliferation of fiduciary advice.

Cerulli defines affluent investor households as those with at least $250,000 in financial assets, and near-affluent households earning more than $125,000 in income and aged 45 or younger.

The willingness to pay for advice increases as you move up the wealth spectrum, with 75% of high-net-worth investors (those with $5 million or more in assets) willing to pay for advice. In all, 64% of investors with between $2 million and $5 million will pay for it.

As an individuals wealth grows, taxes become more burdensome, financial and estate planning becomes more complicated, and additional investment products (e.g., separately managed accounts, alternatives) become more accessible, said Michael Manning, research analyst at Cerulli, in a statement. Investors encountering these challenges for the first time naturally need assistance navigating the numerous complex variables linked to asset growth. The value of financial advice now extends beyond higher market returns.

Yet, investors across all wealth levels showed a willingness to pay for financial advice. Nearly six in 10 investors with $100,000 to $250,000 in assets agree that theyre willing to pay for advice. However, just 33% of investors with less than $100,000 said theyre willing.

There remains a segment of investors who are not interested in paying for advice and prefer no-fee self-directed platforms, Manning said. Whether this is due to lower financial assets or do-it-yourselfers managing their own portfolios, they may require advice at some point in their lives. Firms operating these self-directed platforms must create a path of least resistance for these clients to transition from self-directed to advised during that time of need, or they will seek advice elsewhere.

When asked about their preferred fee arrangement, 36% of investors said they would prefer to pay an asset-based fee. About one-quarter of investors said they intend to use no-fee self-directed platforms, while 23% indicated a preference for a commission-based relationship.
While Trump watched UFC fights in Miami, Vance was negotiating a war in Pakistan

As Donald Trump soaked in cheers at a Miami fight night, JD Vance spent 21 hours trying to broker peace with Iran in Pakistan.









Trump attended UFC 327 in Miami while VP JD Vance held high-stakes Iran talks in Pakistan. A striking split-screen of US leadership. Trump appears at UFC 327 in Miami, maintaining sport ties

JD Vance leads US-Iran talks in Pakistan, no agreement reached

Diplomacy and spectacle unfold in starkly contrasting arenas Did our AI summary help?
'Why cant I move ships? I don't know': Iran taunts US over Hormuz, sanctions after failed talks

The online jibe came as high-stakes negotiations between Washington and Tehran failed to produce a breakthrough.









Representative image Iran mocks US credibility in X post amid stalled negotiations

Talks in Islamabad ended without agreement, truce remains

Disputes over Irans uranium stockpile and Hormuz shipping Did our AI summary help?
April 12, 2026

The MoA Week In Review  OT 2026-073

Last weeks posts on Moon of Alabama:

Please check your wallet. If theres a spare dime or so left please consider to donate it.



Other issues:



Empire:

Natural Stupidity:

Ukraine:

Use as open (not related to the wars in Ukraine and Iran) thread 
April 12, 2026

Ukraine Open Thread 2026-074

News & views related to the war in Ukraine 
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By Gregorie Michael Towai

For Variety

THE Covenant is a promise, not a favor. For the people of the Marianas, it was never meant to be a polite thankyou note to American power; it was a hardwon agreement that our political union with the United States would protect our communities, our land, and our right to shape our own future. In my earlier column on belonging and identity in our islands, I argued that land protection is not a technical clause to be worked around, but a living safeguard for cultural survival and intergenerational dignity. Our struggle over Article XII is inseparable from the larger fight to make the Covenant real.

Our islands carry the weight of four occupations  Spanish, German, Japanese, and American. Each layering new forms of control over our land, our labor, and even our sense of self. Colonialism in the Marianas was never just about flags and maps; it was about who gets to decide where we live, how we live, and what our future is worth. The Covenant was embraced as a break from that pattern: this time, we were told, our people would have selfgovernment in our internal affairs and meaningful protection for our land, culture, and destiny.

Article XII, which restricts land ownership to people of Northern Marianas descent, is often framed by critics as an obstacle to development or modernization. That framing is historically blind. When your land has been taken, resurveyed, and weaponized under four different flags, protecting what remains is not xenophobia; it is common sense. Article XII is one of the few concrete tools our people have to ensure that our grandchildren will not become strangers in their own homeland. When outside interests, federal policies, or even local politicians undermine Article XII  through legal attacks, loopholes, or willful neglect  they are chiseling away at the foundation of the political union that was supposed to respect our right of selfgovernment.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in his I Have a Dream speech, spoke of the United States having given Black Americans a check that came back marked insufficient funds. He refused to believe that the bank of justice was bankrupt; instead, he insisted it was time to cash that check. The Covenant was our promissory note. It was the written guarantee that, after centuries of being ruled by others, we would finally stand on more equal footing in a union we freely chose. Yet when we try to claim what was promised  meaningful selfgovernment, respect for our land tenure system, equal treatment in federal programs, genuine partnership rather than paternalism  we too often discover that the check is not being honored in practice. The problem is not a lack of principle on paper, but a deficit of political courage and moral clarity  both in distant capitals and here at home.

Those colonial systems are not just in our laws and land records; they have seeped into our minds. For generations, outside powers categorized us, ranked us, and decided who counted and who did not. That legacy shows up today when some of us claim indigeneity over others, as if our worth can be measured by paperwork, blood quantum, or proximity to power. That way of thinking is imported. It is the language of empire, not of the Marianas. In our deepest values of tirow among Refaluwasch and inafamaolek among CHamoru, relationship is everything. Those values call us to lift each other up, to move in balance, to restore harmony when something is broken, and to recognize that no ones dignity is secure when anothers is denied.

I have seen tirow and inafamaolek in action with my own eyes. After Typhoon Soudelor and Typhoon Yutu, when so many of our families were displaced, roofs torn off, lives upended, it was our people who became the first responders. I watched the CNMI diaspora in the Pacific Northwest come together to fill containers with water, food, tools, and supplies bound for the Marianas. I saw Marianas Strong go from a slogan to a lived reality, as Chamorros, Refaluwasch, and our wider community mobilized in solidarity  not asking who was more indigenous or who belonged more, but simply asking, How can we help? That is what our culture looks like when it is allowed to speak louder than colonial divisions.

And yet, in our everyday lives, we are reminded how far the promises of this political union have not reached. Families are straining under CUC rate hikes and fuel prices that keep climbing while wages stay stuck. Many communities still struggle with access to safe, potable drinking water  a reality that has lingered since the war years, as if basic infrastructure for island people is a luxury, not a right. Our loved ones carry heavy burdens of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, a grim inheritance from living in a wartorn, militarized, and environmentally stressed place that has long served U.S. strategic needs. Now we hear about deep sea mining and yet another wave of military buildup in and around our waters, as if the lesson of turning our home into a battleground once was not enough.

In calmer times, we also slip back into the habits those systems taught us: NMD against NMD, island against island, real versus not real Marianas. When we allow those divisions to define us, we betray tirow and inafamaolek and do the work of colonization for free. The fight to honor the Covenant and protect Article XII cannot become an excuse to tear each other down. If we fracture ourselves, we make it easier for outside interests  federal, corporate, or local elites  to weaken our protections and ignore our voices.

It is easy to point only to federal agencies and say: They are the problem. The United States does bear a legal and moral responsibility to honor the Covenant fully, including the spirit of selfgovernment and respect for Indigenous land rights. But there is also a crisis much closer to home. Too often, public office in the CNMI has been treated as a stage for personal advancement, petty vendettas, and insider dealing, rather than as a sacred trust. While families juggle CUC bills, fuel costs, health scares, and the lingering trauma of war and disaster, some of our leaders are busy protecting their own interests and carefully managing their political images. That is not what they were voted in to do.

This moment demands something far better from all of us. From our community, it demands vigilance and participation: showing up at hearings, asking hard questions, voting with memory and foresight, organizing across villages and islands. Choosing tirow and inafamaolek today means resisting both external pressure and internalized colonial thinking. It means refusing to weaponize identity against our own people, and instead using our shared roots and shared experiences from war to typhoons, to build the solidarity we need to finally cash the Covenant.

From our leaders, it demands courage. Courage to say no to deals that look lucrative on paper but hollow out our protections. Courage to prioritize land, culture, and community welfare over campaign donors and political alliances. Courage to insist firmly, consistently, and publicly that the political union be honored in full; that federal partners respect the Covenant; that resources, infrastructure, and protections reach our villages; that policies reflect the realities of our islands and not just the priorities of distant offices.

We are not asking for special treatment. We are insisting that the promises already made to protect our land, our selfgovernment, our welfare, and our shared values of tirow and inafamaolek be fulfilled. The Covenant is our check. After everything our people have survived, from four colonial regimes to Soudelor and Yutu to todays economic and environmental pressures, it is long past time to cash it.

Gregorie Michael Towai (Eiperang) is a cultural advocate and independent researcher from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands currently residing in Oregon. He writes on Pacific governance, ocean policy, and diaspora political participation.
(Bloomberg) -- The prospect that the Iran war will reintensify after the failure of peace talks threatens to spark fresh volatility across global markets, after a week that saw a fragile ceasefire drive stocks up and oil down by the most this year.

After the US and Iran were unable to reach a deal in negotiations over the weekend, President Donald Trump said the US will blockade the Strait of Hormuz. He posted on social media that Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL! Iran, meanwhile, said it wouldnt allow the US to blockade the waterway, which carried about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas before the conflict.

The escalating rhetoric heightens the focus on the truce between the two sides, which triggered a sharp rally for risky assets last week, with the S&P 500 Index climbing more than 3.5%, an MSCI gauge of emerging-market equities rising 7.4%, and Bitcoin surging almost 10%. Futures on West Texas Intermediate oil tumbled 13.4% through Friday, while Brent ended at around $95 a barrel, down from roughly $112 in March.

Trading resumes in earnest for US stocks, Treasuries and oil at 6 p.m. New York time on Sunday. In early trading in Sydney to start the week, haven demand boosted the US dollar against major peers.

The peace dividend many traders priced in last Thursday and Friday is likely to evaporate at the start of this week, said Francis Tan, Asia chief strategist at Indosuez Wealth in Singapore. The failure of the talks shifts the mood back to defensive.

Trump said the US will interdict any vessel that has paid a toll to Iran for safe passage through Hormuz and will clear mines in the strait. US forces will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports on Monday at 10 a.m. New York time, the US Central Command said.

A blockade will add pressure to global oil markets by choking off the remaining trickle of shipments that have continued to move through the waterway.

Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said any military vessels attempting to approach the strait under any pretext would be considered a violation of the ceasefire, according to Iranian state TV. Separately, Irans military adviser to the Supreme Leader said the countrys armed forces wont permit the US to blockade the strait.

Investor Calculus

Handicapping how markets will react to headlines has been a fraught process since the conflict erupted at the end of February. Big swings have been common as the US and Iran postured for negotiating advantage.
1) Gov. David M. Apatang and other CNMI officials shovel sand to mark the beginning of the construction of William S Reyes Elementary Schools auditorium/cafeteria and a new classroom building in Chalan Kanoa on Thursday. Photos by Emmanuel T. Erediano

2) Board of Education Vice Chair Anthony DLC Barcinas speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony.

3) Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho delivers his special remarks.

4) WSRES Student Council President Alynah Prado expresses her gratitude on behalf of her fellow students as council vice president Andrew Jiang and secretary Savanah Bauleong wait for their turn to speak.

By Emmanuel T. Erediano

[email protected]

Variety News Staff

AFTER years of delay, reconstruction of a classroom building and the auditorium-cafeteria at the 80-year-old William S. Reyes Elementary School in Chalan Kanoa  destroyed by Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018  officially broke ground Thursday.

As Gov. David M. Apatang, Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Board of Education Chairwoman Maisie B. Tenorio, Vice Chairman Anthony DLC Barcinas, school officials, and project partners ceremonially turned shovels for the $3.8 million project, heavy equipment operators were already at work behind them, beginning site excavation.

The long-awaited project marks the start of rebuilding key campus facilities, even as another typhoon threatens the Marianas.

Long overdue

Calling the project long overdue, Apatang said the reconstruction of Building C and the auditorium-cafeteria has been years in the making.

But here we are today, he said.

The governor thanked those who helped move the project forward, including his special adviser for policy and programs, Kimo M. Rosario, for advancing stalled initiatives into construction. He said such efforts are critical in moving projects from the backburner into the local economy, where they generate activity and support the community.

Apatang also thanked the Federal Emergency Management Agency for working with the CNMI government to ensure disaster assistance funds are properly used, as well as Public School System officials, engineers, and contractors involved in the project.

He urged timely completion of the work.

I expect no delay  no change orders, no excuses. Just progress, he said.

We are grateful

Student leaders expressed appreciation as construction finally begins.

On behalf of the student body, Student Council President Alyanah Prado thanked officials and guests for joining what she described as a very special moment in our schools history.

This groundbreaking is more than the start of construction, she said. It is the beginning of new memories, new opportunities, and a brighter future for King Fishers, our families, and the community.

Student Council Vice President Andrew Jiang said students are grateful for leaders and partners who support their school.

Because of you, future generations of King Fishers will have a better place to learn, perform, and celebrate together, Jiang said.

Student Council Secretary Savanah Bauleong said the milestone reflects the schools theme, Many Stories, One Journey.

Today becomes another chapter in the story of our school, she said. Thank you all for being part of this journey.

What a milestone

Principal Lynette Villagomez highlighted the schools long history, noting that the campus has served the Chalan Kanoa and Susupe communities  and the rest of Saipan  for 80 years.

Built in 1946, the school is marking its 80th anniversary this year as its historic auditorium is being rebuilt.

What a milestone, she said.

Villagomez said that long before many current residents were born, the campus served not only as a school but also as a key gathering place for the community. When Chalan Kanoa was once the capital of the island, the auditorium hosted government meetings, celebrations, cultural performances, and school programs.

For generations of students, this campus has been a place where lifelong friendships began, talents were discovered, and dreams were nurtured, she said.

She also acknowledged former principals Naomi Nishimura and Lyn Mendiola, who led the school during the impacts of Super Typhoon Soudelor in 2015 and Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018, respectively, and helped advance plans for rebuilding.

With construction now underway, Villagomez said the campus will once again serve as a place where students and families gather.

Continue to thrive

Camacho said the new facilities will help students continue to thrive.

Like the kingfisher that flies across the Marianas, we want to make sure you are thriving, he told students. Even when disasters come and damage our schools, we continue to move forward and rebuild.

He thanked federal partners for their support and said the new facilities will provide modern learning opportunities for students.

Meaningful milestone

Barcinas described the groundbreaking as a meaningful milestone that has been years in the making.

He said planning began after Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018, when the school was identified for FEMA-funded reconstruction due to extensive damage.

By 2020, previous Board of Education members had approved the project designs, including the facilities now under construction.

That history matters because today is not just about construction, Barcinas said. It is about continuity, resilience, and follow-through.

He noted that multiple agencies  including the Public School System, FEMA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Office of the Governor, Homeland Security, and the American Red Cross  played key roles in ensuring student learning continued after the storm.

Todays ceremony is a reminder that rebuilding our schools is a shared effort, he said.

Aim high

Speaker Villagomez encouraged students to aim high as the new facilities take shape.

He shared memories of visiting the campus in his younger years and expressed excitement about the new auditorium.

This is not just a renovation  you are getting a new facility, he said.

He told students the new space will create opportunities for future performances and activities.

Investing in students

Hong Ye Construction President Michael Sheu said the project represents an investment in the communitys future.

We are not just breaking ground on a building  we are investing in every student who will walk through these doors, he said.

Sheu thanked government leaders, planners, and partners involved in the project and said the company is committed to delivering quality work.

We take that responsibility seriously, he said. Today we break ground  tomorrow our children build the future.

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.
KOROR (Island Times/Pacnews)  Palaus Senate is moving forward with a sweeping pension reform plan aimed at fixing a $304 million shortfall.

The proposal would change how retirement benefits are calculated, increase contributions, and gradually raise the retirement age.

The numbers are clearnow the only remaining step is the political will to see this through, Senator Mark Rudimch said as lawmakers advanced a major bill to reform Palaus Civil Service Pension Plan.

The bill, introduced by Senator Rukebai Inabo during the Senates third day of its sixth special session last Wednesday, would change the government pension system and open it to private sector workers on a voluntary basis.

Inabo said she introduced Senate Bill No. 12-64 after five years of research.

Palaus current pension system is a defined benefit plan. Government workers pay 6% of their salary into the fund, and the government matches that amount. Retirees receive monthly payments based on how long they worked.

Under the current system, workers earn 2% of their salary for each year of service. For example, someone who worked 25 years would receive 50% of their highest salary, while someone who worked 20 years would receive 40%.

But Inabo said the system is facing serious financial problems.

An actuarial study in 2018 estimated the pension fund has an unfunded liability of $304 million. Each month, about $6 million comes into the fund from contributions, while about $10 million is paid out to retirees. This leaves a shortfall of $3 million to $4 million every month.

Because of this gap, the fund has been using its investments to cover costs. A report released March 31 last year showed total investments had dropped to $25.05 million  the lowest level on record.

These numbers show why reform is urgent, Inabo said.

The bill proposes moving to a defined contribution system for newer workers. Current retirees and employees hired before Oct. 1, 2021, would stay in the existing system. Workers hired on or after that date would join the new plan, creating a hybrid system.

Under the new system, each worker would have an individual retirement account, similar to a savings account. Both the employees contributions and the governments share would go into that account, with annual statements provided.

The bill guarantees a minimum return of 3% per year on these accounts.

It also creates a general fund to support that minimum return. This fund would receive government appropriations, investment earnings and other funds, but it cannot hold more than 20% of the total value of all accounts. Any extra funds would be distributed to members based on their account balances.

The proposal increases employee contributions from 6% to 7% and raises the government match to 8%.

It also gradually raises the retirement age. Starting Jan. 1, 2027, the retirement age would increase to 61, then rise by one year every five years until reaching 65 by 2047.

Retirees would receive monthly payments, with an option to take a one-time lump sum of up to 30% of their account balance, subject to approval.

The bill also calls for stronger oversight, requiring rules similar to U.S. retirement laws to protect workers funds.

If implemented properly, Inabo said the reforms could eliminate the pension plans unfunded liability within 20 years.

The bill passed its first reading with support from all senators present.
As electric-bike usage has risen, so have e-bike injuries, and regulations in cities and states throughout the country are rapidly changing. Joao Inacio/Getty Images

The 14-year-old was riding an electric bicycle at an estimated 25 mph when he slammed into Janet Stotko during her evening walk, leaving her unconscious and bleeding on a sidewalk in her Minnesota neighborhood.

The 2024 crash nearly killed Stotko, who was raced to a hospital with severe brain injuries, a facial fracture and broken eardrum. But after being on a ventilator for two days, spending three weeks in the hospital and enduring brain surgery, she survived, surprising even her doctors.

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At a checkup, she said, her doctors told her, "Wow, we can't believe you're here."

Now, she's pushing for stricter laws regulating e-bikes in hopes that others won't be hurt.

E-bikes offer a convenient, eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to cars, but their increasing use is drawing safety concerns. A study by the University of California, San Francisco, found that rider injuries from e-bikes nearly doubled each year from 2017 to 2022, and a University of California, San Diego, study showed injuries in San Diego among e-bike riders under 18 soared 300% from 2019 to 2023.

Under federal law, most e-bikes are considered non-motorized vehicles just like traditional bicycles, so riders don't need a driver's license or insurance and they don't have to wear a helmet. But many states have more stringent rules, and regulations vary widely.

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Health experts have called for new laws and better enforcement of existing regulations, and officials in many places are taking action.

Here's what e-bikers should know to keep themselves and people around them safe.

Not all e-bikes are same

Many states have adopted a three-tier classification of e-bikes: Class 1 have motors that kick in while riders pedal with maximum speeds of 20 mph; Class 2 have throttles that reach the 20 mph maximum without pedaling; and Class 3 provide pedal-assist up to 28 mph.

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There are faster versions available, sometimes called e-motos, that can reach 40 mph even without pedaling. Many states treat these bikes like motorcycles, so they're not allowed on sidewalks or paths, but in some states there are no specific rules for the ultra-fast bikes.

As John Maa, a general surgeon at MarinHealth Medical Center in Northern California, notes, it's basic math that increased speeds lead to increased injuries.

"It's Newton's principles, right? Force equals mass times acceleration, and also kinetic energy is mass times velocity squared," Maa said.

Learn where you can, can't ride

Speed limits, helmet requirements and other rules for e-bikes are changing rapidly, and what's legal in one city or state might be illegal in the next.

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New York City imposed a speed limit of 15 mph on all electric bikes in October, and Florida lawmakers recently sent the governor a bill limiting e-bike speeds to 10 mph within 50 feet of pedestrians. In Connecticut, an October law requires all e-bike riders to wear a helmet, and bikes without pedals equipped with batteries over 750 watts will require a driver's license.

"We were not only hearing from manufacturers and riders, but we were hearing from concerned citizens trying to share the road with these new electric bikes and e-scooters, and also law enforcement who really needed some clear policies set into place," said Christine Cohen, the Connecticut state senator behind the legislation.

Know your bike

The market is full of vehicles that blur the line between a traditional e-bike and something closer to a motorcycle, and manufacturers don't always make the distinction easy to spot.

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To understand a bike's capabilities and where it can be legally ridden, check its top speed, motor wattage, and whether it requires pedaling or operates on throttle alone. Anything outside the three-class classification could be subject to motor vehicle regulations, making it illegal to ride on some shared-use paths where slower e-bikes are allowed.

"The first thing we always tell people is familiarize yourself, read the manual, look at some videos, look at your specific model," said Charles DiMaggio, an injury public health researcher and professor at New York University's medical school.

Going to a local bike shop instead of buying online can help, enabling riders to ask questions, take a test ride and learn what's legal and what isn't.

Follow traditional safety measures

Hospitals and medical groups like the American College of Surgeons and American Association of Neurological Surgeons have called for stricter policies and offered safety tips.

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Above all, they stress wearing a helmet. Other tips include riding defensively around cars, using front and rear lights, wearing reflective vests in the dark, and avoiding biking under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Experts also recommend against altering an e-bike to make it faster.

Maa added that e-bike riders should consider wearing a motorcycle helmet that covers the neck to protect against spinal injuries. He also advises parents to make sure their children can comfortably ride a pedal bike before they graduate to e-bikes.

"Make sure they're comfortable, they understand the rules of the road, they're able to navigate turns, understand the flow of traffic, the use of bicycle lanes," Maa said.

After she was injured, Stotko told the city council in her community about her crash to push for a stricter ordinance. The city agreed, reducing maximum e-bike speeds to 15 mph on city trails, prohibiting e-bikes on sidewalks and imposing penalties.

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City police issued a citation to the 14-year-old rider for operating an e-bike under-age, but no one was charged for the injury to Stotko.
Glowcations enter travel plans as more travelers organize trips around skincare treatments, wellness routines and beauty-focused experiences. Halfpoint Images/Getty Images

Suitcases now leave room for serums and sheet masks, as glowcations, a travel trend centered on skincare and beauty treatments, appear on travel plans. The interest in the concept is rising among younger travelers, with about 38% of Gen Z planning to seek out beauty treatments and skincare stores while traveling this year.

These trips pair travel with self-care routines while giving visitors access to treatments and services that may not be easily available at home.

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Glowcation itineraries often place beauty appointments alongside traditional sightseeing plans, with about 45% of travelers reporting they have tried beauty treatments abroad. Travelers book professional skincare treatments, aesthetic clinic services and quick cosmetic touch-ups during their trips, keeping their skincare routines intact even during long days of travel.

Beauty routines influence travel

Glowcations enter travel plans as more travelers organize trips around skincare treatments, wellness routines and beauty-focused experiences. Beauty-related shopping plays a major role during these trips, with 53% of travelers purchasing cosmetics, fragrance or skincare products at airport duty-free stores and 48% visiting well-known local beauty retailers.

Travelers cite several reasons for adding these activities to their plans, with half saying they want to experience beauty practices tied to the destination. These experiences often serve practical purposes for travelers, with 47% treating them as part of self-care routines during travel and another 45% seeking products that are difficult to find at home.

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Skincare treatments during glowcations

Many travelers plan itineraries that include skincare services in popular destinations. Facial treatments often appear first on the schedule, with options such as hydrating facials, oxygen therapy, LED light treatments and deep cleansing services designed to refresh the skin during a short stay.

Some visitors also seek advanced cosmetic procedures from clinics that offer treatments such as microneedling, laser skin renewal and radiofrequency tightening for travelers who want professional care during their trip. Injectable services such as Botox or dermal fillers also attract visitors because the appointments are brief and recovery time is limited, which allows travelers to continue their plans afterward.

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Local wellness traditions add another layer to these beauty-centered trips. In Mexico, some travelers book temazcal steam lodge sessions tied to traditional healing practices, while European spa towns attract visitors with mineral water therapies long associated with regional wellness culture.

Global hubs for glowcations

Several destinations have become key stops for travelers planning glowcations, where skincare services, wellness traditions and specialty cosmetic products are a part of the experience. In the United States, luxury hotels have expanded wellness offerings with sleep-focused suites and dining programs designed to support rest and recovery during a stay. South Korea appeals to visitors interested in advanced skincare services, where clinics in cities such as Seoul provide detailed skin analysis along with laser treatments and dermatology procedures.

Japan attracts travelers with precision skincare technology and established cosmetic brands, while traditional onsen bathing remains a well-known wellness practice. France also stands out for its pharmacy skincare culture, with Parisian pharmacies offering specialty cosmetic products often difficult to find outside the country.

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Recovery becomes part of itinerary

Many travelers who plan their glowcations leave time in their schedules for the body to recover after cosmetic services. Some people arrange extra days before returning home so the skin can settle after receiving treatments during the trip. During this period, daily plans remain light, with visitors spending afternoons by the pool, taking short walks or enjoying quiet evenings rather than following packed sightseeing schedules.

Self-care routines also continue throughout the stay, with many travelers paying close attention to sun protection by using dermatologist-recommended SPF formulas designed for post-treatment care. Wide-brim hats, shaded terraces and covered outdoor lounges, which many hotels and resorts include among their guest amenities, also appeal to glowcation travelers.

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Self-care inspires travel plans
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is warning that scammers are using deceptive advertisements and artificial intelligence deepfakes to "lure investors into high-stakes scams to defraud them of their savings." Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Illinois' attorney general is warning people about fraudulent investment schemes he said are growing increasingly common on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, and he's asking victims to make a report to his office.

There is a worrying trend of bad actors using social media to purposely lure consumers into investment groups intent on scamming them out of their hard-earned money, Attorney General Kwame Raoul said. I recommend all Illinoisans who are regularly on social media platforms learn about these scams and review our tips to avoid becoming a victim of one of these sophisticated scams.

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Among his top tips:

 Investment broker-dealers and financial advisers don't usually advertise on social media.

 People should be highly skeptical if they are promised guaranteed, risk-free returns.

 If someone is applying pressure that a would-be investor might "miss out" on a deal if they don't act now, missing out is the best option.

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 Avoid purported celebrity endorsements, which are easy to fake using artificial intelligence.

 Avoid demands for cryptocurrency payments.

 Refuse requests to accept other people's money.

 Refuse requests to move a conversation from Facebook to an encrypted app such as WhatsApp or Telegram.

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Scammers are using deceptive advertisements and artificial intelligence deepfakes to "lure investors into high-stakes scams to defraud them of their savings," Raoul said, noting that some scammers operate "pump and dump" schemes by illegally using the likeness of recognizable figures in ads to promote investment in cryptocurrencies or low-priced stocks.

The attorney general's office specifically warned that people have used the likeness of Cathie Wood of Ark Invest, Joe Kernen of CNBC and Kevin O'Leary of "Shark Tank"  without their permission  to prop up an investment.

To identify an ad as AI, look for things that are slightly "off," such as audio that doesn't match lip movements. Fraudsters sometimes use old interview footage, so looking for the original footage online also can provide a tip-off to a fake ad.

Well-known figures don't typically provide endorsements or advertise for obscure crypto trading platforms, according to the attorney general.

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In one popular scam, people clicking a scam ad promising tips and "insider" memberships are directed to an encrypted messaging platform, Raoul said.

Once in such a group chat, victims are convinced to buy stock or cryptocurrency, which inflates its cost. Once the scammers think the price is high enough, they sell their own shares in the stock or cryptocurrency, netting a profit for themselves but causing victims to lose money when the price falls.

In other scams, ads suggest people can make money using an investing platform or strategy, which "may also feature well-known figures or institutions." After clicking the ad, the user is prompted to enter their contact information. Scammers then will contact the person and get to know them, offering investment tips through the fake platform or connecting them to a personal adviser who talks to them every day.

Once trust is established, the scammers will direct victims to use a website  often a clone of a real trading platform  from which they can steal the victim's money, Raoul's office said.

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"Often victims will be asked to invest a small amount at first, and the app will show the investment making significant profits over the course of a few days," according to Raoul's office. "To prove its 'real,' the scammers may let the victim withdraw some of the initial profit back to their bank account."

Victims trying to cash out after investing large amounts of money may be prompted to pay a fee but, even after paying it, still don't get their money returned, according to Raoul's office. The scammer also disappears.

"After you lose your money, you may hear from someone who claims to be an asset recovery specialist or attorney who promises to retrieve the money you lost for a fee," Raoul's office said. "Be very wary of these people, as some of them may have no interest or qualification to help you and are just taking advantage of your situation to make money  and may even be scammers themselves."

People can use the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's BrokerChecker at brokercheck.FINRA.org to verify a confirmed professional investment broker, though scammers have been known to fake professional credentials. Any email communication also can be double checked by comparing the email to the real adviser's company domain, which scammers usually register with slight differences to the real thing. Typos also can signify a scam.

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Raoul's office also suggested people check in with a trusted adviser, follow warnings from your bank or financial adviser about any investment, and trust your instincts.

"If an investment seems fishy or too good to be true, it probably is," his office said.

People can change their profile settings on social media to make their friends list, photos and posts private, Raoul said. This prevents scammers from learning enough personal information about a potential target to sell the scam. People also shouldn't provide their login information, personal credentials or device access to anyone they don't know well, even if they purport to be from an official company.

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"If a friend suddenly messages you about a'great investment opportunity,' contact them outside of Facebook via phone call or text to ensure their account hasnt been hacked," the attorney general's office said.
David C.L. Bauer is editor and publisher. He joined the Journal-Courier in 2009 as editor and added publisher responsibilities in 2016. The Cincinnati native has worked as an editor for newspapers in Florida, Ohio and Kentucky and as a former adjunct instructor of journalism at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He has also worked at radio stations in Ohio as a news director and a disc jockey.
Global central banks added 19 tonnes of gold to their reserves in February, marking an unbroken 23-month streak of net purchases as nations aggressively diversify their global holdings.

Poland Leads The Charge

The latest February data pushes year-to-date net gold purchases to a robust 25 tonnes, underscoring what analysts view as a monumental shift in reserve management.

The National Bank of Poland dominated the months activity, acquiring a staggering 20 tonnes. This purchase brings Polands total gold reserves to 570 tonnes, comprising roughly 31% of its total foreign exchange holdings.

Don't Miss:

Other notable buyers included the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, which added 8 tonnes, and China, which purchased 1 tonne. While smaller in volume, Chinas acquisition marks its 16th consecutive monthly purchase, pushing its massive stockpile to 2,308 tonnes.

BREAKING: Global central banks bought +19 tonnes of gold in February, posting their 23rd consecutive monthly purchase.



This follows +6 tonnes in January, with year-to-date purchases now at +25 tonnes.



The National Bank of Poland led with +20 tonnes, bringing gold reserves to pic.twitter.com/BkZTfo5hpD  The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) April 9, 2026

Strategic Shifts And War Liquidations

While the overarching trend remains heavily skewed toward accumulation, the volatile geopolitical landscape has forced significant sell-offs elsewhere. Turkey and Russia recorded the most notable declines in February, shedding 8 tonnes and 6 tonnes, respectively.

Turkeys liquidations accelerated drastically into March, with the nation selling an estimated 120 tonnes to fund foreign exchange operations amid the ongoing Iran war.

Despite these localized, conflict-driven sell-offs, overarching central bank gold demand remains exceptionally strong worldwide.

Trending: Avoid the #1 Investing Mistake: How Your Safe' Holdings Could Be Costing You Big Time

A Historic Global Rebalancing

This sustained 23-month accumulation streak builds upon a major milestone reached in 2025, when foreign central banks officially held more of their international reserves in gold than in U.S. Treasuries for the first time since 1996. Driven by geopolitical uncertainty and a desire to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar, this crossover signals a profound macroeconomic pivot.

Otavio Costa, the founder & CEO of Azuria Capital LLC, highlighted the gravity of this ongoing transition away from U.S. debt.
Global Energy Shortages and Rationing Likely to Continue Beyond Current Conflict, Analysts Warn

Introduction

Independent analysts and international agencies are warning that widespread energy shortages and rationing measures are now structurally embedded in global markets, irrespective of any near-term resolution to the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. Reports from institutions, including the International Energy Agency (IEA) and multiple financial analysts, indicate that disruptions to critical supply routes, infrastructure damage, and systemic vulnerabilities have created deficits that will persist for years, forcing governments to implement prolonged contingency plans.

According to recent analysis, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz -- a maritime chokepoint handling roughly 20% of global oil and one-third of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports -- has triggered an energy crisis surpassing the severity of the 1970s oil shocks [1]. Qatar's Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi warned that prolonged disruptions could trigger "global economic collapse" as exports grind to a halt [2]. Market observers report that strategic stockpile draws are unsustainable and cannot bridge the projected supply gap.

Overview of Energy Market Disruptions

The current geopolitical conflict has disrupted major energy supply chains at a foundational level. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, initiated in early March 2026 following military hostilities, removed a significant volume of energy commodities from global markets instantly. Tankers remain stranded as insurers withdraw war coverage, and Iranian drone strikes have targeted critical Gulf infrastructure [2].

Analysts argue that these disruptions have created structural deficits that are now 'baked in' regardless of conflict resolution timing. According to a 12-order cascading analysis, the modern world's dependence on logistical precision and efficiency means the interruption of this single corridor can propagate into a general crisis of civilization [3]. Jeff Currie of Carlyle noted that the Hormuz disruption exposes a system-wide commodity constraint where oil's irreplaceability drives production risk, not demand adjustment [4].

Disruption of Primary Supply Routes

Sanctions, export controls, and military actions have effectively removed millions of barrels of oil and LNG shipments from accessible markets. Iran's restrictions have severely cut oil flow through the vital Strait of Hormuz [5]. Several Asian nations, including Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, China, India, and Thailand, face acute shortages due to low reserves and reliance on this transit route [6].

Alternative shipping and pipeline routes are insufficient to meet pre-conflict demand levels, according to transport and insurance analysts. A report noted that tankers remain stranded as insurers withdraw war coverage, creating a de facto maritime blockade [2]. The concept of 'insurance as a weapon' has shaped global power and energy markets, making alternative voyages prohibitively risky or expensive [7]. Even nations with domestic production, such as Australia, have experienced severe fuel supply shocks due to their dependence on imported refined products transiting Hormuz [8].

Impact on Refining and Distribution Capacity

Targeting of refining infrastructure has further reduced global throughput capacity. Strikes on key Gulf facilities, including Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura refinery and Qatar's LNG export complexes, have directly cut output [1]. On March 19, 2026, the CEO of QatarEnergy confirmed that retaliatory strikes had destroyed two of Qatar's fourteen critical LNG 'trains,' which are specialized processing units [9].

Industry reports state that rebuilding damaged facilities will require multi-year efforts, delaying any recovery. The QatarEnergy CEO indicated that the destruction of two LNG trains has "already locked in five years of global energy scarcity" [9]. Similarly, damage to Saudi offshore fields Safaniya and Zuluf, which prompted a 20% output cut, will necessitate lengthy repairs [10]. Analysts from the financial sector note that physical shortages are amplified by global hoarding, creating a behavioral demand surge that exacerbates the supply gap [4].

Market Reactions and Policy Responses

Governments worldwide are preparing contingency plans for fuel and electricity rationing, officials confirm. Slovenia became the first European nation to start fuel rationing this week, imposing a limit of 50 litres per person or 200 litres per business per day [11]. Madagascar declared a two-week nationwide state of energy emergency amid severe fuel shortages caused by the conflict [12]. The Philippines declared a state of emergency as an energy crisis looms [13].

Market analysts report that strategic stockpile draws are unsustainable and cannot bridge the projected supply gap. The IEA has published a 10-point plan urging governments to impose sweeping restrictions on oil consumption, including lowering speed limits, enforcing car-free Sundays, mandating remote work, and pushing public transport [14]. A science paper on energy contingency planning noted that during the 1970s disruptions, the build-up of strategic petroleum reserves was a key policy response, but such reserves are finite [15]. Current stockpile levels are being depleted rapidly without replenishment due to ongoing supply constraints.

Long-Term Projections for Energy Security

Several reports conclude that dependency on centralized, globalized energy systems has dramatically increased vulnerability. A cascading analysis argued that the modern world order, organized around efficiency and cost minimization, has created a machinery of dependence so extreme that the interruption of one narrow corridor can propagate into a general crisis [3]. Cuba's repeated power grid collapses, plunging nearly 10 million people into darkness, have been cited as a warning sign for the fragility of centralized energy infrastructure [16].

Alternative analysts advocate for decentralized energy production and self-reliance as mitigating strategies. In his book "RetroSuburbia: The Downshifters Guide to a Resilient Future," David Holmgren discusses permaculture and relocalization as responses to energy descent scenarios [17]. Similarly, Gail Tverberg, writing in "Our Finite World," noted that growing inequality reflects deeper physical limits on energy and resource extraction, suggesting that resilience will come from localized adaptations rather than global solutions [18]. Advocates for decentralization argue that distributed solar, small-scale appropriate technologies, and community-based food and energy systems offer a path away from systemic vulnerability.

Conclusion

The consensus emerging from analyst reports, government declarations, and market data is that global energy shortages and rationing are likely to continue for years, even if the current conflict in the Middle East reaches a negotiated conclusion. The structural damage to supply routes, refining capacity, and distribution networks has created deficits that cannot be quickly repaired. Governments are responding with emergency measures and rationing plans, while institutions like the IEA recommend behavioral changes to reduce consumption.

This protracted scarcity underscores a broader vulnerability inherent in centralized, globalized energy systems. As some analysts note, the path toward greater security may lie in decentralization, self-reliance, and the adoption of resilient, localized energy and food production methods. For individuals seeking to navigate this period of uncertainty, independent news sources such as NaturalNews.com and analysis platforms like BrightNews.ai offer reporting on these trends outside of mainstream corporate media narratives.

References
U.S. Intelligence Officials Allege Russia Supplied Iran with Detailed Israeli Infrastructure Data

U.S. intelligence officials allege that Russia has shared detailed targeting data on Israeli energy and water infrastructure with Iran, according to multiple reports. [3] The allegations, detailed in reporting by the geopolitical risk and news website SHTF Plan, claim the data includes vulnerability assessments for 55 critical sites such as power grids, desalination plants, and natural gas facilities. [7] According to the report, the information stems from a Russian military intelligence (GRU) operation that systematically mapped Israeli infrastructure. [8]

Officials say the transfer of such detailed operational intelligence represents a significant escalation in military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran. [3] The information reportedly was provided earlier this year. [7] A U.S. National Security Council spokesperson, speaking on background, confirmed that officials are aware of and monitoring the reports of intelligence sharing. [2]

Allegations and Initial Reporting

The allegations were first reported in detail by SHTF Plan on April 8, 2026, which cited exclusive reporting from The Jerusalem Post and analysis from private intelligence sources. [7] According to the SHTF Plan report, Russian military intelligence compiled extensive data on Israeli critical infrastructure. [7] This data, described as a detailed blueprint, was allegedly transferred to Iranian military intelligence officials, enabling potential precision strikes. [8]

The report stated that the list of 55 sites could enable attacks intended to trigger mass, prolonged blackouts across Israel. [8] This level of detail purportedly reduces the time required for Iran to plan and execute strikes on key civilian systems. [7] The reporting aligns with a broader pattern of intelligence sharing that U.S. officials have previously warned about. [1]

Official Statements and Attributions

A U.S. National Security Council spokesperson, speaking on background, stated officials are "aware of and monitoring" the reports of intelligence sharing between Russia and Iran. [2] The spokesperson added, "We have previously warned about deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Tehran." [2] U.S. intelligence sources have previously confirmed that Russia provides Iran with critical intelligence, including satellite imagery and data on military positions. [1] An Israeli defense official, who requested anonymity, told reporters, "We are assessing the credibility of these claims, but any such activity would represent a serious escalation." [3]

The Kremlin has not publicly commented on these specific allegations. However, Russian and Iranian officials signed a 20-year Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty in January 2025, solidifying military, economic, and energy ties. [4]

Context of Russia-Iran Military Cooperation

Analysts note the allegations follow a pattern of expanding military and intelligence ties between Russia and Iran, accelerated since the start of the Ukraine conflict. [3] "Iran has become a key supplier of drones and other materiel to Russia," a European security official said. [3] "In return, Russia has expanded its technological and military support to Tehran." [3] This cooperation includes sharing advanced satellite imagery and upgraded drone technology. [3] Western officials have repeatedly stated that Russia's use of Iranian-made drones in Ukraine violates UN Security Council resolutions. [6] The relationship has deepened into a formal alliance, with both nations viewing it as a counterbalance to Western influence. [4]

The Kremlin has also proposed intelligence swaps involving Iran to affect U.S. policy, such as offering to cease sharing sensitive intelligence if the U.S. halted its support to Ukraine. [2]

Potential Implications and Regional Reactions

Security analysts suggest that providing detailed targeting data would significantly enhance Iran's ability to threaten Israeli infrastructure in any potential conflict. [7] A former U.S. intelligence officer said, "This is not just hardware; it's operational intelligence. It reduces Iran's targeting cycle time and increases potential damage." [7] The transfer of such data turns infrastructure sites, which are critical for civilian life, into high-value military targets. [12] The allegations have reportedly been discussed in closed-door briefings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, according to congressional staffers. [A-4] Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that a prolonged U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran diverts attention and resources from Ukraine, which he said benefits Moscow. [10] The situation underscores how regional conflicts are increasingly interconnected. [11]

Conclusion: Escalating Ties and Security Concerns

The reported intelligence transfer underscores the deepening and increasingly operational nature of the Moscow-Tehran alliance, officials said. [3] This partnership, formalized in a long-term strategic treaty, represents a direct challenge to Western influence in the Middle East. [4] Israeli officials have stated they hold Iran responsible for any attacks originating from its territory or involving its proxies, regardless of the intelligence source. [9] The U.S. State Department indicated that any confirmed transfer of sensitive targeting data would be raised directly with Russian counterparts, a department spokesperson said. [2]

The incident highlights the evolving nature of geopolitical alliances where intelligence sharing on critical civilian infrastructure becomes a tool of statecraft. [5] As conflicts multiply, the security of essential systems like energy and water becomes increasingly precarious. [12]

References
Trump Threatens 50% Tariffs on Nations Supplying Weapons to Iran

Introduction

On April 8, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a policy to impose immediate 50% tariffs on goods from any country found supplying military weapons to Iran. The announcement was made via a post on Truth Social, according to reports from several news outlets [1], [2], [3]. The threat comes just hours after the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, following weeks of intense conflict [4], [5].

In his post, President Trump stated, "A Country supplying Military Weapons to Iran will be immediately tariffed, on any and all goods sold to the United States of America, 50%, effective immediately. There will be no exclusions or exemptions!" [2], [6]. The policy is framed as an economic measure intended to counter Iran's military capabilities, which the U.S. and Israel have been targeting in a conflict that began in late February 2026 [7].

Trump Announces Tariff Threat Against Iran's Suppliers

The tariff threat marks an escalation in the economic tools being deployed in the ongoing conflict with Iran. President Trump's post did not specify which nations might be targeted, but China and Russia have been previously accused by U.S. officials of helping Iran build its military capabilities [1]. The announcement was made as the White House signaled a shift in strategy, with the President also stating the U.S. would work with Iran to remove enriched uranium and ensure no future enrichment [8], [9].

This policy introduction follows a pattern of aggressive tariff use by the Trump administration. Since taking office in 2025, the administration has maintained or expanded tariffs on steel, aluminum, copper, and patented pharmaceuticals, citing national security concerns [10]. Analysts note that the average effective U.S. tariff rate has risen from about 2.5% to roughly 10% over the past year [11]. The new 50% threat against Iran's suppliers represents a significant further increase in this trend of economic statecraft [12], [13].

Policy Details and Immediate Reactions

The proposed tariffs would apply to all goods from any nation providing conventional weapons or components to Iran, according to the President's statement [3]. No official list of targeted nations or detailed enforcement mechanisms was released alongside the announcement. Officials from several allied nations, speaking on background to various outlets, expressed immediate concern over the potential for widespread economic fallout and strained diplomatic relations [14].

Market observers reported initial volatility in defense sector stocks and broader indices following the announcement, though the immediate reaction was tempered by the simultaneous news of the ceasefire [15], [16]. The ceasefire itself had triggered a sharp rally in global stocks and bonds, alongside a plunge in oil prices, as the Strait of Hormuz was expected to reopen [16], [17]. The tariff threat introduced a new layer of uncertainty, with economic analysts cited by Al Jazeera noting the policy could significantly disrupt established global arms trade networks [1].

Context of U.S.-Iran Relations and Regional Tensions

The tariff threat follows nearly six weeks of intense military conflict between the U.S.-Israeli coalition and Iran, a campaign launched on February 28, 2026, under the name Operation Epic Fury [7]. The war has resulted in significant casualties and infrastructure damage within Iran and caused unprecedented disruption to global energy supplies due to Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz [4], [18]. A report from NaturalNews.com argued that the conflict has backfired strategically, leaving Iran in control of the global energy chokepoint and accelerating the decline of U.S. dollar dominance [7].

Previous U.S. administrations have employed sanctions, but not broad-based tariffs, against nations enabling Iran. The current conflict has its roots in long-standing tensions. An analysis from RT noted that U.S. military interventions for regime change in the Middle East have historically led to internal strife, political instability, and the rise of militant groups [19]. Iran has continued to develop its domestic arms industry in response to decades of pressure, according to defense publications [19].

Analysis of Potential Economic and Diplomatic Impact

Trade experts stated the threat introduces a new, high-stakes tool of economic statecraft with uncertain consequences. The policy could severely strain alliances with nations that have existing defense or trade agreements with Iran, analysts said [20]. Mike Adams, in a commentary for NaturalNews.com, characterized the broader U.S. tariff strategy as erratic and economically destructive, incentivizing global businesses to reduce dependency on the United States [21]. He argued that such policies accelerate the formation of a multipolar world order less reliant on the U.S. dollar [22], [12].

The financial fragility underlying such aggressive policies has been highlighted by other analysts. In an April 2025 interview, financial commentator Steve Quayle warned that Trump's tariffs could trigger a wave of defaults and margin calls, stressing that "to have tariffs, you need people who want to sell you goods" and that a depreciating dollar undermines that foundation [23]. Furthermore, a March 2026 report warned that the U.S. military's extended campaign is exposing a critical vulnerability: a potential shortage of rare earth elements, which are essential for modern weapons and largely controlled by China [24].

Conclusion: Unclear Implementation and Broader Strategy

Legal scholars have questioned the constitutional authority for such a unilateral tariff imposition, especially without a congressional declaration of war or specific legislative authorization [25]. A coalition of Democratic state attorneys general has previously sued the Trump administration over other tariff actions, setting a potential legal precedent for challenges to this new policy [25]. The announcement is seen by political strategists as part of a broader "America First" foreign policy platform that combines military action with aggressive economic measures [26].

Further details on enforcement mechanisms, a definitive list of targeted nations, and how the policy interacts with the nascent ceasefire and planned negotiations remain unclear. The ceasefire is slated to last two weeks, with negotiations to end the war scheduled to begin in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Friday, April 10 [6]. President Trump has expressed optimism about reaching a long-term deal, stating the conflict could end within "two to three weeks" [27]. However, the sudden tariff threat introduces a new complication to these delicate diplomatic proceedings.

References
Strait of Hormuz Transit Remains Limited to Iran-Aligned Vessels; Tankers Gather Near Entrance

Transit through the critical Strait of Hormuz remains heavily restricted as of April 2026, with passage primarily limited to vessels flagged to or linked with nations Iran considers 'friendly,' including China and Russia. Despite a two-week ceasefire announced between the United States and Iran, only a handful of ships have transited the waterway since the truce took effect.

This ongoing restriction has caused dozens of laden oil tankers to amass near the strait's southern entrance, awaiting clarity on safe passage. The strait, a chokepoint for roughly 20% of globally traded oil, has been effectively under Iranian control since late February 2026, when U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran prompted Tehran to impose a maritime blockade in retaliation.

Ceasefire Fails to Ease Transit Restrictions

U.S. officials stated the truce, announced by President Donald Trump on April 8, was conditional on Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, industry and tracking data indicate the ceasefire has not led to a meaningful reopening. According to one report, just nine ships transited in the 24 hours following the ceasefire's start, out of an estimated 800 vessels that were trapped in the Persian Gulf. [1]

Industry sources say the conditions for safe passage remain too unclear for most shipowners to attempt an exit, with safety of crew and vessels being the paramount concern. The Norwegian Shipowners Association stated, 'We note the signals of a ceasefire, but the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved and unpredictable.' [2] This caution persists despite some vessels beginning to reposition closer to the transit point in anticipation of a potential opening.

Movement of 'Friendly' Vessels

The limited observed transits have almost exclusively involved vessels from nations aligned with Iran. These ships have been using a narrow northern corridor between the Iranian islands of Larak and Qeshm, which is the only passage currently permitted by Iran's military. [1]

Among these movements were Iranian and Russian-flagged tankers, including the sanctioned supertanker *Arhimeda*, which was observed heading toward Iran's Kharg Island terminal. Several Chinese very-large crude carriers (VLCCs) carrying Iraqi and Saudi crude have also moved toward the transit point near Qeshm Island. [1] Iraq has informed traders that vessels carrying its oil are now able to transit thanks to an Iranian exemption, a move Iran has framed as accommodating a 'brotherly' nation. [1]

Growing Armada of Waiting Tankers

While transit remains minimal, a growing fleet of fully-laden supertankers has anchored near the approach to the strait, off the coasts of the United Arab Emirates. This armada includes Japanese, Greek, Saudi Arabian, and Indian-flagged vessels that have been idling for weeks. [1]

For example, the Japanese VLCCs *Mayasan* and *Yakumosan*, which have links to Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd., left waters off Saudi Arabia's Ras Tanura to move closer to the strait but have not attempted a crossing. Shipping executives cite not only safety concerns but also uncertainty over Iranian demands, including potential transit fees and sanctions risks, as primary reasons for the delay. [1] According to one analysis, the strait is a chokepoint whose safe passage is critical to the global supply of crude oil. [3]

Industry and Official Statements

Major shipping firms are exercising extreme caution. Jotaro Tamura, President of Mitsui OSK Lines Ltd., stated the group would need to scrutinize the details and implementation of the ceasefire before allowing its tankers to test the Strait of Hormuz, prioritizing the safety of seafarers and cargo. [1]

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly chastised Iran for its management of the passage, stating it was doing a 'very poor' job of allowing oil through. [1] He has also warned Iran against charging tanker fees for transit. [4] Concurrently, Iran has continued to frame its selective approvals as gestures to friendly nations, maintaining leverage over a waterway that some analysts view as its key strategic asset in the conflict. [5]

Conclusion

The situation at the Strait of Hormuz remains in a tense stalemate. The U.S.-Iran ceasefire has not, in its initial days, fulfilled the stated condition of reopening the vital waterway for general shipping. Transit is functionally limited to a narrow, Iran-controlled corridor used by a select group of vessels.

The gathering of laden tankers at the entrance underscores the high economic stakes and the shipping industry's unwillingness to proceed amid unresolved security and diplomatic conditions. The forthcoming talks between U.S. and Iranian delegations in Islamabad will be a critical test of whether the ceasefire can evolve into a durable agreement that restores the free flow of maritime commerce through one of the world's most crucial energy arteries.

References
Activist Criticizes U.S. Religious Policy Alignment, Cites Gaza Conflict

Introduction

An activist has publicly accused the United States of weaponizing Christian theology to provide diplomatic cover for Israel's military actions, including its campaign in Gaza. The critique was leveled by Irish activist and satirist Tadhg Hickey during an April 8 appearance on RT's 'East Meets West' show, according to a report from the outlet. [1]

Hickey argued that the administration of President Donald Trump, who was sworn in for a second term in January 2025, has invoked biblical messaging to justify U.S. policy in the Middle East, creating a 'theological carte blanche' for Israeli operations. The activist's remarks tie the ongoing conflict in Gaza and U.S.-Israel relations to a specific policy shift from the previous Trump administration.

Activist Alleges U.S. Religious Policy Used to Shield Israel

Tadhg Hickey stated that the Trump-era policy has been 'weaponized' to use Christian theology as justification for Israeli military actions. He described it as ironic that Trump and officials in his administration have invoked biblical messaging in public statements on the war, according to the RT report. [1] The activist's critique centers on the perception that this theological framing provides a diplomatic shield for Israel in international forums, deflecting criticism of its military campaigns.

Hickey's statements were made during a public address on broader Middle East policy. He linked the U.S. government's religious rhetoric directly to its unwavering support for Israel, even amidst international condemnation of civilian casualties in Gaza. According to a NaturalNews.com article from October 2023, critics argue Israel can act with impunity because it has the support of the U.S. government. [2]

Context: The 2020 'Peace to Prosperity' Framework

The policy shift frequently referenced in such critiques is the 2020 U.S. peace plan, formally titled 'Peace to Prosperity,' which recognized Israeli sovereignty over disputed territories, including parts of the West Bank. The plan was promoted with language emphasizing shared Judeo-Christian values and historical rights, framing the alignment with Israel as both a moral and strategic imperative for the United States. [3]

Administration officials at the time argued that supporting Israel's territorial claims was consistent with a biblical worldview. This theological framing has been criticized by activists and some religious figures. According to a 2024 interview published by NaturalNews.com, Reverend Munther Isaac, a Lutheran pastor in the Holy Land, criticized U.S. foreign policy that supports the Israeli occupation, calling it 'horrifying.' [4]

Activist's Core Allegations and Direct Quotes

Hickey stated the policy created a 'theological carte blanche' for Israeli military operations, according to the RT report. He was quoted as saying, 'It transformed a political alliance into a doctrinal imperative, silencing dissent within certain faith communities.' [1] The activist alleges this religious framing is actively used to deflect criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza and West Bank settlements.

This perspective is echoed in independent media commentary. A March 2026 article on NaturalNews.com argued that 'Christian Zionism' has become a 'delusion fueling our march to war,' and that religious justifications should never determine military action. [5] Furthermore, a book excerpt cited by NaturalNews.com notes that the Zionist movement has historical roots in Victorian Britain and 19th-century America, with early advocates proposing a Jewish return to Palestine based on Christian theological arguments. [6], [6]

Broader Geopolitical and Diplomatic Repercussions

Analysts note the policy alignment has had tangible diplomatic consequences, including repeated U.S. vetoes of United Nations Security Council resolutions critical of Israel. According to a book on the Palestine conflict, the U.S. has violated key U.N. resolutions and official American policy by supporting the occupation of Arab lands. [7] The unwavering support is also seen as enabling a harder U.S. line against Iran, which is frequently framed as a common regional adversary. [8]

Critics argue this posture complicates the traditional U.S. role as a neutral mediator in peace talks. The U.S.-Israel relationship, underpinned by this ideological framework, is a primary factor in the current conflict, according to commentators. A March 2026 interview on BrightVideos.com featured analysis stating that Israel 'dragged the US into war with Iran.' [9] This dynamic has led to broader regional instability and a war that has impacted global energy and food markets. [10], [11]

Conclusion: Lasting Impact on Policy Discourse

Analysts note the theological framing of the U.S.-Israel relationship remains a significant point of debate in policy circles. Questions persist regarding the influence of religious rhetoric on assessments of international law and humanitarian situations in conflicts like Gaza. [12]

The activist's critique highlights enduring tensions between faith-based policy arguments and geopolitical realism. As stated in a Brighteon Broadcast News segment, some ideological perspectives promote 'accelerationism,' or the belief that conflict can hasten biblically-prophesied events, a view criticized as contrary to the teachings of peace. [13] These debates are likely to continue as the U.S., under the current Trump administration, maintains its close alliance with Israel amid ongoing regional conflicts.

References
The Whistleblowers Gambit: A harrowing expose of truth, courage and global tyranny

"The Whistleblower's Gambit" recounts the story of Barry Young, a New Zealand database administrator who uncovered batch-specific vaccine deaths, including 51 fatalities in Invercargill linked to the same jab lota statistical impossibility dismissed by authorities. Instead of investigating, the government raided his home, charged him with "dishonest computer access" and suppressed the data.

Under Jacinda Ardern's leadership, NZ became a testing ground for medical fascismfear-mongering, censorship and disproportionate harm to Indigenous communities (M?ori & Pacific Islanders). Excess deaths post-vaccine were blamed on "unmeasured COVID impacts," while media parroted government propaganda.

Bill Gates and the WHO pushed untested jabs under the guise of public health, while vaccine makers enjoy legal immunityunlike any other industry. No long-term safety data exists for mRNA shots, yet governments mandated them worldwide while suppressing adverse event reports.

COVID policies were never about healththey were about control (lockdowns, digital IDs, financial warfare). Whistleblowers like Young are critical to exposing tyranny, yet face persecution while the public remains misled.

The book serves as a manual for resistance, urging people to reject coercion, support truth-tellers and embrace self-sufficiency (permaculture, decentralized currencies). Governments lie, Big Pharma profits and the fight for medical freedom is far from over.

"The Whistleblower's Gambit: A Kiwi's Stand Against the Vaccine Genocide" delivers a chilling, meticulously documented account of New Zealand's descent into medical tyrannya microcosm of the globalist war on human freedom. At its heart is Barry Young, an unassuming database administrator who stumbled upon a truth so explosive it shattered the facade of public health "safety" and exposed the dark underbelly of government-sanctioned genocide.

Young wasn't a radical. He wasn't a conspiracy theorist. He was a man who trusted numbersuntil those numbers told him a horrifying story: vaccine lot-specific clusters of death. His discovery revealed that 51 people in Invercargill died within six months of receiving the same batcha statistical impossibility dismissed as "a coincidence" by authorities.

Instead of investigating, the New Zealand government raided his home with armed police, charged him with "dishonest computer access" and buried the evidence. This chapter reads like a thriller, but the horror is real.

Young's data didn't just suggest negligenceit screamed premeditated depopulation. The government's response? Silence the truth-teller, not the truth.

New Zealand, once a beacon of democracy, became the globalist testing ground for medical fascism. Under former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's regime, fear was weaponized, dissent criminalized and independent media crushed. The book dissects:

Excess mortality: Deaths skyrocketed post-vaccine rollout, yet officials blamed "unmeasured COVID impacts."

Maori and Pacific Island targeting: Indigenous communities suffered disproportionate vaccine injuries, their voices erased by state propaganda.

Mainstream media complicity: Outlets like NZ Herald and RNZ parroted government lies while smearing whistleblowers.

The parallels to global tyrannyAustralia's lockdowns, Canada's frozen bank accountsare undeniable. New Zealand wasn't an outlier; it was the blueprint.

The global fight  defending life and liberty

Here, the book escalates into a battle cry. It exposes:

Bill Gates and the WHO: How billionaire eugenicists hijacked public health, declaring pandemics to push deadly, untested jabs.

Big Pharma's liability shield: Unlike any other industry, vaccine makers enjoy legal immunitywhile victims perish.

The bankster enforcers: Financial warfare (frozen accounts, digital ID tracking) used to crush dissent.

Most damning is the lack of long-term safety data. mRNA technology was never properly tested, yet governments mandated it globally. The authors ask: If these shots are safe, why suppress adverse event data?

"The Whistleblower's Gambit" isn't just about Barry Youngit's about everyone who values freedom. It proves:

Governments lie: COVID was never about health; it was about control.

Whistleblowers are heroes: Without them, tyranny goes unchecked.

The fight isn't over: From permaculture to decentralized currencies, resistance is growing.

This book is a must-read for anyone questioning the official narrative. It's a manual for survival in an era of medical tyranny, blending investigative rigor with raw urgency. Gunn and Adams don't just report historythey demand action.

Grab a copy of "The Whistleblower's Gambit: A Kiwi's Stand Against the Vaccine Genocide" via this link. Read, share and download thousands of books for free at Books.BrightLearn.AI. You can also create your own books for free at BrightLearn.AI.

Watch this "Health Ranger Report" interview between New Zealand investigator Kim Gunn and the Health Ranger Mike Adams about Barry Young's arrest for releasing the truth about vaccine fatalities.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

BrightLearn.ai

Books.BrightLearn.ai

Brighteon.com
May NY world sugar #11 (SBK26) today is down -0.11 (-0.79%), and May London ICE white sugar #5 (SWK26) is down -1.30 (-0.31%).

Sugar prices remain weak as they continued their week-long slide today, with NY sugar falling to a 5-week low and London sugar posting a 4-week low. Signs of abundant global sugar supplies are weighing on prices. On Tuesday, India's Food Secretary said the government has no plans to ban sugar exports this year, easing concerns that it could divert more sugar to make ethanol following the Iran war disruption to crude oil supplies.

More News from Barchart

Sugar prices are also under pressure from last Thursday when India's National Federation of Cooperative Sugar Factories Ltd. reported that India's 2025-26 sugar output from Oct 1-Mar 31 was up +9% y/y to 27.12 MMT.

Higher sugar production in Brazil is also bearish for sugar prices. On March 27, Unica reported that cumulative 2025-26 Center-South sugar output (October through mid-March) is up +0.7% y/y to 40.25 MMT, with sugar mills boosting the amount of cane crushed for sugar to 50.61% from 48.08% last year.

Last Monday, NY sugar rallied to a 5.75-month high, and London sugar climbed to a 6.25-month high, driven by strength in crude oil prices. Crude oil surged to a 3.75-year high last month, boosting ethanol prices and potentially encouraging the world's sugar mills to increase ethanol production and curb sugar output.

Sugar prices also have some support amid supply disruptions from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. According to Covrig Analytics, the closure of the strait has curbed approximately 6% of the world's sugar trade, constraining refined sugar output.

Last month, sugar prices plunged to 5.5-year nearest-futures lows on concern that a global sugar surplus will persist. On February 11, analysts from sugar trader Czarnikow said they expect a global sugar surplus of 3.4 MMT in the 2026/27 crop year, following an 8.3 MMT surplus in 2025/26. Also, Green Pool Commodity Specialists said on January 29 that they expect a global sugar surplus of 2.74 MMT for 2025/26 and 156,000 MT for 2026/27. Meanwhile, StoneX said February 13 that it expects a global sugar surplus of 2.9 MMT in 2025/26.
Melania Trump denies Epstein ties, calls for survivor testimony amid political firestorm

Melania Trump publicly rejected rumors linking her to Jeffrey Epstein, calling them "mean-spirited lies." She admitted only to a single 2002 email exchange with Ghislaine Maxwella "polite reply" to an articlebut denied any deeper association. She also refuted claims that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump.

In an unexpected move, Melania urged Congress to hold public hearings where Epstein's survivors could testify under oath. However, survivors and advocates questioned the sincerity, noting many have already testified while key documents remain hidden.

While some Democrats supported her call for hearings, Epstein survivors and their lawyers criticized it as a deflection. Attorney Arick Fudali, representing 11 survivors, accused the administration of failing to act transparently.

The statement thrust Melania into the Epstein scandal's ongoing fallout, which has implicated high-profile figures like Bill Clinton and Bill Gates. Donald Trump's past comments praising Epstein as a "terrific guy" have also resurfaced, complicating the narrative.

Melania's remarks marked a rare public stance for the typically private First Lady. Whether her push for hearings leads to actionor is seen as political maneuveringremains uncertain as the Epstein case continues to expose divisions over justice and accountability.

First Lady Melania Trump forcefully denied any association with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein on Thursday, dismissing rumors of their connection as "mean-spirited" lies while urging Congress to hold public hearings for survivors of Epstein's sex trafficking ring.

Her unexpected White House statement came amid renewed scrutiny over Epstein's powerful associates, including former presidents, billionaires and political elites. Though the Epstein case has largely faded from headlines, Melania Trump's remarks thrust it back into the spotlightraising questions about accountability, transparency and the lingering political fallout from one of the most infamous criminal scandals in modern history.

"The lies need to end today"

Standing in the White House's Grand Foyer, Melania Trump dismissed claims linking her to Epstein as "baseless" and accused critics of lacking "ethical standards, humility and respect."

"The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today," she said. "I do not object to their ignorance, but rather I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation."

She acknowledged a single email exchange with Epstein's accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, in 2002a "polite reply" to a New York Magazine article featuring Epsteinbut insisted it was merely "casual correspondence." The email, signed "Love, Melania," has circulated online since its inclusion in the trove of Epstein documents released by Congress.

She also denied that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, stating they met at a New York party.

"I am not Epstein's victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump," she said.

Demanding survivor testimonybut facing skepticism

In a surprising pivot, Melania Trump called on Congress to hold public hearings where Epstein's survivors could testify under oatha move that drew mixed reactions.

"Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public, if she wishes," she said. "Then and only then, will we have the truth."

Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), quickly endorsed the idea, urging House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to act. But survivors and their advocates questioned the sincerity of the request, noting that many have already testifiedonly to see key documents withheld and their identities exposed.

A coalition of Epstein survivors, including Virginia Giuffre's family, issued a scathing response: "Asking more of [survivors] now is a deflection of responsibility, not justice... Survivors have done their part. Now it's time for those in power to do theirs."

Attorney Arick Fudali, representing 11 survivors, added: "This administration has demonstrated the opposite in the way they have handled both the public hearings and the release of the documents."

A political minefield

The statement places Melania Trump at the center of a politically explosive issueone that has ensnared figures from Bill Clinton to Bill Gates.

Epstein's connections to Donald Trump have long been scrutinized, particularly after a 2002 New York Magazine profile quoted the then-businessman praising Epstein as "a terrific guy" who "likes beautiful women... many of them on the younger side." As explained by BrightU.AI's Enoch, Epstein and President Donald Trump were well-acquainted socialites in New York City, with Trump acknowledging Epstein's social life and his preference for younger women, suggesting a level of familiarity and acceptance of Epstein's lifestyle.

Trump later claimed he banned Epstein from Mar-a-Lago for inappropriate behavior.

The first lady's remarks also come as Florida Attorney General Pam Bonditasked by Trump with investigating the 2020 electionfaces criticism for her handling of Epstein-related records. In a Truth Social post, Trump defended Bondi while dismissing Epstein coverage as a distraction from his administration's achievements.

A rare public move

Melania Trump's statement was a rare public intervention for a first lady who has largely avoided the spotlight. Whether her call for survivor testimony leads to actionor is perceived as deflectionremains to be seen.

For now, the Epstein saga continues to haunt Washington, exposing deep divisions over justice, accountability and who bears responsibility for one of the darkest chapters in recent memory.

Watch the video below that talks about the new Epstein files mentioning Trump.

This video is from the alltheworldsastage channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

NewsNationNow.com

BBC.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com
AIADMK's Madurai North candidate P Saravanan has expressed strong confidence in a thumping victory for his party in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, citing severe anti-incumbency against the ruling DMK. He stated that AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palaniswami will become the next Chief Minister, while dismissing TVK chief Vijay as a "reel hero." Simultaneously, the AIADMK has filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission, accusing the DMK of illegally using the state's Information and Public Relations Department for its campaign. The state is set for a single-phase poll on April 23, with a potential three-way contest involving the DMK-led alliance, the AIADMK-led NDA, and Vijay's TVK.

AIADMK candidate P Saravanan predicts a thumping win, says Edappadi Palaniswami will be next CM. Party accuses DMK of misusing govt machinery for campaign.

Madurai, April 12 All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam candidate for the Madurai North constituency, P Saravanan, expressed confidence that the party would secure a "thumping majority" in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, citing strong anti-incumbency sentiment against the ruling DMK.

Speaking to ANI on Saturday, P Saravanan said, "There is a severe anti-incumbency against DMK and our party will win with a thumping majority. Our General Secretary will become the next CM of Tamil Nadu."

Taking a swipe at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay, Saravanan said, "He is just a reel hero, the real hero is Edappadi Palaniswami."

Meanwhile, the AIADMK has filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) accusing the DMK of illegally using the Tamil Nadu government's Information and Public Relations Department to run its election campaign.

In a letter addressed to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, AIADMK MP I S Inbadurai alleged that the Tamil Nadu government's Information and Public Relations Department is being used to promote the ruling party's campaign.

The complaint claimed that government equipment is being used to live-stream content on the "DMK4TN" YouTube channel and that campaign-related material is being distributed through a private Gmail account.

It further alleged that a government press vehicle and officials, including Joint Director Prabhu Kumar and other staff, travelled with Chief Minister MK Stalin for collecting and broadcasting campaign material.

The AIADMK, in the complaint, listed several department heads and wings, such as the Tamil Nadu Film Division and the Social Media Wing, for being actively involved in partisan work and claims staff are being forced to perform these duties.

The complaint comes as Tamil Nadu is gearing up for its Assembly elections, scheduled to be conducted in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.

The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes the Indian National Congress, DMDK and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by AIADMK with BJP and PMK as allies. Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also set to make his electoral debut with TVK, which could turn the contest into a three-way fight.

- ANI
Amid intense speculation over Bihar's next Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary visited Nitish Kumar's residence in Patna. Meanwhile, Janata Dal (United) workers have put up posters across the capital demanding that Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, be made the "future CM." This internal party demand comes as Nitish Kumar transitions to the Rajya Sabha, a move that effectively hands control of the state government to the BJP and marks a major shift in Bihar's political landscape. The situation highlights the significant power vacuum and internal disagreements within the JD(U) following Nitish's move to national politics.

Amid JD(U) infighting, Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary visits Nitish Kumar as posters demand his son, Nishant Kumar, be made the next Chief Minister of Bihar.

Patna, April 12 Amid speculation over the next Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary on Sunday visited Nitish Kumar's residence in Patna, while the people of the state wait for an announcement over their new leader.

While no official announcement has been made, it is speculated that the next Chief Minister will be from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, disagreement has continued within the JD(U), ever since party workers protested Nitish Kumar's move to Rajya Sabha too. Certain members of the JD(U) have instead demanded Nishant Kumar, Nitish Kumar's son to take up the mantle.

On Sunday morning, Janata Dal (United) workers put up posters around Patna calling for Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, to be the "future CM of Bihar".

"Nitish sevaks, we do not need a bulldozer, nor riots-unrest in Bihar. We need loknayak, it is time for him to come out of the shadow, we need youth leader Nishant Kumar," read the poster in Hindi, while having pictures of multiple party leaders.

Nitish Kumar took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP on April 10. His ways of manoeuvring alliance politics have been crucial for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) being in power in Bihar.

The move to the Rajya Sabha marks the fulfilment of Kumar's long-stated desire to serve in every legislative house in India (Bihar Assembly, Bihar Council, Lok Sabha, and finally, Rajya Sabha).

This transition effectively hands the reins of the Bihar government over to the BJP, marking a significant structural shift in the state's power dynamics ahead of future elections.

- ANI
An armed group attempted to board a sailing vessel approximately 54 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. The crew refused orders to stop and deployed a flare, successfully causing the attackers to turn away and depart. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations is investigating the incident and has advised caution in the area. This event highlights the persistent security crisis in the Red Sea, which has severely disrupted global shipping routes since late 2023.

UKMTO reports an armed group attempted to board a vessel off Yemen. The crew deployed a flare, forcing the attackers to flee. No injuries were reported.

Aden, April 12 In a fresh incident highlighting the persistent security challenges in the Red Sea, a sailing vessel was targeted by an armed group off the Yemeni coast, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. The attempted boarding underscores the volatility of the region's maritime environment, where commercial and private vessels remain under constant threat.

Reporting the encounter today on X, the UKMTO stated that a boat carrying approximately 10 to 12 people, including "four to five armed with automatic weapons," approached a sailing vessel about 54 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah. The presence of heavily armed individuals in such close proximity to the vessel immediately raised alarms regarding the safety of the crew and the security of the passage.

The maritime agency noted that the confrontation escalated rapidly when the unidentified group "requested the vessel stop." When the captain refused to comply with the demand, the attackers intensified their efforts and "attempted to pull alongside to board" the ship, according to the official statement. This aggressive manoeuvre forced the crew to take immediate evasive and defensive actions to prevent a takeover.

The situation was eventually de-escalated through the quick and decisive actions of the crew. The captain "deployed a flare," a move that proved successful in deterring the attackers. Following the deployment, the boat "turned away and departed to the southeast" without further engagement or reported injuries. Following the encounter, UKMTO confirmed that authorities are "investigating the incident" and have advised all vessels in the area to "transit with caution and report any suspicious activity."

This latest boarding attempt occurs as the Red Sea crisis remains a persistent maritime security emergency, originating in October 2023 following a series of drone and missile strikes by Yemen-based Houthi rebels. These attacks on commercial shipping, launched in protest against Israeli military operations in Gaza, have fundamentally altered global trade routes and forced a massive shift in maritime logistics.

The broader implications of these ongoing hostilities have been profound, as major shipping firms have been compelled to reroute vessels around Africa's Cape of Good Hope. This detour adds 10 to 14 days to standard journeys, triggering a significant surge in freight costs and causing Suez Canal traffic to plummet by more than 50 per cent, further straining the global supply chain.

- ANI
The assembly of the second tunnel boring machine (TBM) has commenced 39 meters underground at the Sawli site for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project. This massive machine, with its 190-ton gantry, will begin boring towards Vikhroli, with its initial drive scheduled for July 2026. The 508-km project, receiving technical and financial assistance from Japan, will pass through Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, featuring 12 stations. Officials noted that while all land has now been acquired, delays in Maharashtra's land acquisition process impacted the project until 2021.

Assembly of the second tunnel boring machine begins 39m underground at Sawli for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail project, aiming for a 2026 start.

Mumbai, April 12 The assembly of the second tunnel boring machine has commenced at Sawli in Mumbai at a depth of 39 meters below ground as part of the work for Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail, officials said. This TBM will begin its journey from Sawli towards Vikhroli.

The gantry, weighing 190 metric tons, having a length of 18 meters, 10 meters in width and 9 meters in height was lowered on Saturday. There are four gantries in both the TBMs, which will be attached to the main shield assembly and utterhead.

The gantries will travel the complete excavated length while supporting the critical operations such as excavation, waterproofing, tunnel lining segment installation, officials said.

Due to the space restrictions in the Sawli shaft, assembly of the TBM at 39 meters below ground has been meticulously planned.

TBMs initial drive is expected to commence in July 2026.

Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) Project (508 km) is under execution with technical and financial assistance from Japan government. The Project is passing through the States of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli with 12 stations planned at Mumbai, Thane, Virar, Boisar, Vapi, Billimora, Surat, Bharuch, Vadodara, Anand, Ahmedabad and Sabarmati.

Entire land (1389.5 Ha.) for the MAHSR project has been acquired. All Statutory Clearances have been obtained. All 1651 utilities have been shifted.

Officials said that delay in land acquisition in the State of Maharashtra has impacted the project till 2021. The land acquisition picked up in 2022 in Maharashtra, they said.

- ANI
A special Election Commission of India team, headed by Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Gyanesh Bharati, is arriving in Kolkata for a final review of preparedness for the upcoming two-phase West Bengal Assembly elections. The team will split to review districts in both South and North Bengal, holding meetings with local administrative and police officers. Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal has been conducting district visits himself, a first, as part of the Commission's mission to ensure free, fair, and violence-free polls. Voting is scheduled for April 23 and April 29, with results to be declared on May 4.

A special ECI team, led by Gyanesh Bharati, arrives in Kolkata to review preparedness for West Bengal's two-phase Assembly elections on April 23 & 29.

Kolkata, April 12 A special team of the Election Commission of India will arrive in West Bengal this week for a final review of preparedness for the two-phase voting on April 23 and April 29.

Insiders from the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said that in all probability, the special ECI review team, headed by Senior Deputy Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Bharati, will arrive in Kolkata on Monday morning to review preparedness for the 294 Assembly constituencies in the state.

It is learnt that after arriving in Kolkata, the members of the visiting ECI team will be divided into two sections. "One team will be reviewing the preparedness in the South Bengal district, like East Burdwan, West Burdwan, East Midnapore, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Kolkata. The other team will be reviewing the poll preparations for the North Bengal districts Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, North Dinajpur, and South Dinajpur, among others," said a CEO's office insider.

Both teams will also hold meetings with the officers of the general and police administrations of the respective districts.

Already, the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), West Bengal, Manoj Kumar Agarwal, is making regular visits to the different districts in the state, reviewing poll preparations in the districts concerned.

"This is the first time that the CEO himself is making district visits. All these initiatives are to achieve the Commission's Mission to ensure absolutely free & fair and violence-free polls," said the source in the CEO's office. He also said this is the first time in the past few elections that special ECI teams held tours to West Bengal.

In the first phase on April 23, there will be elections for 152 Assembly constituencies covering the entire North Bengal and certain districts in South Bengal. In the second phase on April 29, the polls will be for the remaining districts in Kolkata, mainly the state capital, Kolkata, and its adjacent districts like North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, and Howrah, among others.

The results will be declared on May 4.

- IANS
Delhi Chief Minister and BJP leader Rekha Gupta addressed a large rally in Hooghly, declaring West Bengal is resolved for political change after years of alleged corruption. She outlined key promises for a prospective BJP government, including immediate implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health scheme and the Seventh Pay Commission for state employees. Gupta vowed to publish a 'White Paper' investigating scams during the TMC's 15-year rule and promised 3,000 in monthly assistance to women. The campaign pitch frames the election as a battle against "mafia rule" and for the future of Bengal's youth.

Delhi CM Rekha Gupta outlines BJP's Bengal agenda: Ayushman Bharat, 7th Pay Commission, White Paper on TMC scams, and 3000 monthly aid for women.

Hooghly, April 12 Addressing a massive rally at the Beenepukur field, Delhi Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Rekha Gupta launched a scathing offensive against the ruling Trinamool Congress, labelling the sea of supporters as a "symbol of decisive public outrage" against syndicate rule and extortion.

In a post on X, Gupta asserted that West Bengal, after years of "corruption and anarchy," is ready to transition into a new era of governance under the BJP.

"The massive crowd that gathered at the Beenepukur field in Pursurah is a symbol of the decisive public outrage against TMC's injustice, syndicate rule, and extortion. Bengal, which has endured corruption and anarchy, has now resolved in one voice to bring about change," Gupta said.

Gupta outlined the immediate priorities of a prospective BJP administration, focusing on long-standing demands for healthcare and administrative welfare.

The Chief Minister promised the immediate implementation of the central healthcare scheme, providing free treatment up to 5 lakh per year to every poor family--a scheme currently stalled in the state.

Addressing the grievances of the state's workforce, she vowed to implement the long-pending recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission to ensure government employees receive their "rightful due."

She further outlined key promises, stating that a BJP government in the state would implement welfare and governance reforms. "As soon as a BJP government is formed in West Bengal, the Ayushman Bharat scheme will be implemented immediately to provide free treatment up to 5 lakh to every poor family, and the long-pending recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission will be implemented," she said.

In a direct challenge to the TMC's 15-year tenure, Gupta announced that a BJP government would launch a comprehensive investigation into various scams.

"The BJP government will expose the raw account of the scams that took place over the past 15 years during TMC rule through a 'White Paper' and ensure that the guilty of corruption are put behind bars," said Gupta.

Beyond accountability, she highlighted key social welfare and economic pillars. "Providing 3,000 in monthly assistance to every mother-sister and creating new employment opportunities for the youth will be our priority," she added.

Earlier on Saturday, speaking at a rally in Raniganj, Gupta alleged that "mafia rule" prevailed in coal belt regions and claimed that the TMC had fielded candidates with criminal cases. "These elections are about fighting for your honour... This is a battle for the future of our youth," she said.

The Delhi CM concluded by stating that the massive turnout in Pursura signals a shift away from the "politics of appeasement." She emphasised that the BJP's vision focuses on a "new era of security, development, and prosperity," claiming that the trust shown by the people would be the catalyst for freeing Bengal from its current political landscape.

With the electoral battle heating up, Gupta's high-decibel campaign in Pursura underscores the BJP's strategy to mobilise both the rural vote and the disgruntled state bureaucracy.

West Bengal is set to vote in two phases on April 23 and 29, with results to be declared on May 4.

- ANI
The BJP has issued a strict three-line whip to all its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs, mandating their continuous presence in Parliament from April 16 to 18. The special session is expected to focus on significant legislative proposals, including the Women's Reservation Bill. A three-line whip is the strongest parliamentary directive, and violation can lead to serious disciplinary action. The move underscores the high-stakes nature of the upcoming session, where the government aims to push key business amid expected opposition contestation.

BJP issues strict three-line whip, mandating all its MPs' presence for the special Parliament session from April 16-18 for key legislative business.

New Delhi, April 12 The BJP has issued a strict three-line whip to all its Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, directing them to remain present in the House continuously from April 16 to April 18, amid the upcoming special sitting of Parliament.

In an official notice signed by Office Secretary Shiv Shakti Nath Bakshi, the party stated: "A Three-Line Whip is being issued to all BJP Members in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha from Thursday to Saturday, 16th to 18th April 2026."

It further instructed: "All Hon'ble Union Ministers and Members are requested to remain present in the House throughout all the three above-mentioned dates."

The notice added, "Presence in the House is mandatory. No leave will be granted. Members are requested to strictly comply with the Whip and ensure their uninterrupted attendance in the House."

The directive underscores the importance of the upcoming legislative agenda, with the government expected to push key business during the special session of Parliament beginning April 16, which will run for three days.

Both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will reconvene on April 16 after a brief break in the Budget Session. The session is expected to focus on significant legislative proposals, including major reform bills linked to electoral and structural changes in governance.

Lawmakers are also expected to engage in high-stakes discussions that may require full attendance and possible voting, prompting the ruling party to enforce strict discipline through the whip.

The Women's Reservation Bill (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam), which provides 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, is expected to be taken up during the upcoming special session of Parliament beginning April 16.

A three-line whip is considered the strongest directive in parliamentary procedure, and violation can lead to serious disciplinary action, including possible disqualification from the party in extreme cases.

The issuance of the whip comes amid heightened political activity in Parliament, where the government is preparing for crucial debates and potential passage of key bills. The opposition is also expected to strongly contest the agenda during the session, making full attendance of ruling party MPs strategically important.

- IANS
The Iranian Embassy in Japan has sharply criticized recent US diplomatic overtures, stating that Washington cannot secure through talks what it failed to achieve militarily. It specifically called out US Vice President JD Vance's "best and final offer" as a form of "coercive logic." The statement comes amid a separate dispute in the Strait of Hormuz, where the US claims its ships are clearing Iranian-laid mines, a claim Iran's military has strongly denied. Iran credited Pakistan for its role in facilitating negotiations during the ongoing tensions.

Iran's embassy criticizes US Vice President JD Vance's "coercive" diplomacy, denies US ships cleared Iranian-laid mines in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Tokyo, April 12 Iranian Embassy in Japan on Sunday highlighted that Iran cannot secure through diplomacy what failed through military aggression.

Iran further said that the "best and final offer"' that US Vice President JD Vance raised cannot be seen as a unilateral mandate.

The Embassy said in a post on X, "A couple of points on the latest in Islamabad: You cannot secure through diplomacy what you failed to gain through military aggression; The assertion of a 'best and final offer' that JD Vance raised in his press conference is inherently reciprocal; it cannot be a unilateral mandate or a weapon to be used by one side."

Iran pointed out that Vance's statement that "they have chosen not to accept our terms," is coercive logic.

"JD Vance's statement that 'they have chosen not to accept our terms,' which attempts to force the other party to accept demands they successfully resisted on the battlefield, is coercive logic; It should be noted that throughout this process, the provocations were initiated by the other side, not by Iran," the Embassy continued.

The embassy said that Vance's remarks call for critical scrutiny.

"JD Vance's remark regarding an outcome 'that is bad news for Iran' warrants critical scrutiny. Regardless, credit is due to the brotherly nation of Pakistan for its sincere role in hosting and facilitating these negotiations."

Meanwhile, the US Central Command said that two of its ships have begun setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and the claim was denied immediately by Iran, Al Jazeera reported.

CENTCOM said that USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

On Saturday, a spokesperson for the Iranian military's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters swiftly denied the US statement, as reported by Al Jazeera.

"The claim by the CENTCOM commander regarding the approach and entry of American vessels into the Strait of Hormuz is strongly denied," Al Jazeera quoted the spokesperson as saying. "The initiative for the passage and movement of any vessel is in the hands of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

- ANI
BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh hailed the Women's Reservation Bill as a historic "golden moment" that will enable women to sit in Parliament, make laws, and directly run the country. He linked the initiative to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's focus on women's empowerment, citing programs like 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao'. The government plans to use 2011 census data for delimitation, potentially increasing Lok Sabha seats from 543 to 816, with about 273 reserved for women. The move aims to strengthen democracy by ensuring greater participation of half the country's population in governance.

BJP's Tarun Chugh hails Women's Reservation Bill as a golden moment, enabling women to directly participate in lawmaking and run the country.

Jammu, April 12 BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Sunday stated that with the Women's Reservation Bill, women will now sit in Parliament, make laws, and directly participate in running the country, calling it a "golden moment" for India's democracy.

He made the remarks after flagging off a bike and scooty rally organised by the BJP Mahila Morcha in Jammu in support of the Women's Reservation Bill.

Addressing the occasion, Chugh said the passage of the Women's Reservation Bill marks a historic moment in India's democratic journey, stating that women will now play a direct role in lawmaking and governance.

"Today, daughters will sit in the country's largest panchayat (Parliament) and influence the country's decisions. They will make rules, laws, and run the country," he told reporters.

He added that women's progress is directly linked to national progress, saying, "I believe that where the daughter progresses, the country progresses. Just as a daughter is the ornament and pride of a home, so too is she the pride of the nation."

Chugh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently focused on women's empowerment through initiatives like 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao', and added that the government is now giving greater decision-making roles to women.

"Today, Modi ji has given the 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Beti Badhao' slogan and now he is handing over the command of the country to the daughters," he said.

He further said that women's participation will strengthen governance, adding, "The country's largest panchayat will now be in the hands of daughters. I believe that the sweetness, bravery, diversity, and the scholar within daughters will give direction to the country's policies."

Highlighting women's performance across sectors, he said, "Just as she manages her home with ease, performs her duty with ease... whichever field you send her to, she excels. If she becomes a doctor, she's the best doctor, if she becomes a teacher, she's the best teacher...Now, Modi ji gave them 33% reservation in security agencies..."

He also referred to women's role in security forces, saying women are already serving the nation as BSF personnel and protecting borders.

Chugh said the Women's Reservation Bill marks a "golden moment" and a "changing India", adding that the move will strengthen democracy and ensure greater participation of women in governance.

"This is a moment to take daughters to new heights. This historic moment is being watched by the whole world. The world's largest democracy is bringing a golden change in its democracy. Where democracy will be strengthened, 50% of the country's population will get their 100% rights," he said.

The Parliament is set to meet for a three-day special session starting April 16, with a focus on the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill.

The Government has planned two major amendments. 2023's Nari Shakti Vandan Act tied women's reservation to the new census and delimitation. Due to census delays, the plan is to proceed with the 2011 census data.

The 2011 census is to be the basis for delimitation and seat redistribution. Lok Sabha seats may increase from 543 to 816 post-amendment. A bill will be introduced in Parliament to amend the Nari Shakti Vandan Act.

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. Keeping up with the status quo, there is no provision for OBC reservation, and SC/ST reservation will continue. However, states won't have a role; the bill passed by Parliament will apply to them. 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.

The government's key point is that they won't wait for a new census to give women, comprising half the country's population, fair representation in Parliament. Instead, delimitation will be done using the 2011 census data.

- ANI
It's hard to find big-time crypto winners in 2026. Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is still down more than 20% for the year, dragging down the rest of the crypto market with it.

But that doesn't mean there aren't some cryptocurrencies capable of beating the odds and soaring much higher. Here's a closer look at three cryptocurrencies with massive upside potential this year.

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 

Bittensor

It's hard to ignore Bittensor (CRYPTO: TAO) for one simple reason: It's the largest AI crypto by market cap. As such, it has become the top choice for crypto investors looking to get exposure to the fast-growing world of artificial intelligence (AI). For the year, Bittensor is up a robust 47%, giving it a market cap of nearly $3.5 billion.

Image source: Getty Images.

What makes Bittensor particularly attractive to crypto investors is that it is a Layer 1 blockchain purpose-built for AI. That makes it very different from, say, Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH), which is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to blockchain projects, encompassing everything from finance to gaming to AI.

Thus, the key to valuing Bittensor is understanding what types of AI projects are launching within its blockchain ecosystem and how these projects are qualitatively different from other AI projects that already exist.

The easiest way to do this is by consulting a list of the top Bittensor "subnets" (i.e., networks) to see which ones are driving the most activity. Right now, the subnet that is getting all the buzz is Templar (subnet3), which is being used for the training of large language models (LLMs).

Hyperliquid

Hyperliquid (CRYPTO: HYPE), a decentralized finance (DeFi) token, has been absolutely on fire over the past 12 months. It's up more than 40% in 2026 and now has a market cap of $9 billion, ranking it among the top-dozen cryptocurrencies in the world.

Starting in 2023, Hyperliquid began to acquire a reputation as the top decentralized exchange to trade perpetual futures. Given the amount of risk and leverage involved, these so-called "perps" are off-limits to most U.S. investors. However, in other parts of the world, they have emerged as one of the most popular ways to place leveraged bets on the future of specific cryptocurrencies.

Hyperliquid is using this early success to offer even more high-risk, high-upside products that are currently in high demand by traders. Take, for example, tokenized oil futures. These are a way to bet on the future price of oil. Given all the commotion and ruckus happening in the Middle East right now, it's easy to see why these have become a popular product. You can now trade oil futures 24/7, using Hyperliquid's blockchain-powered trading platform.
A significant fire erupted in a bushy, forested area near the Rajghat Bus Depot in Delhi on Sunday afternoon. The Delhi Fire Service responded immediately, dispatching multiple fire tenders to combat the blaze which had spread across an estimated 4 to 5 kilometers. Firefighting was challenging due to the difficult terrain, which included a deep gorge, requiring crews to use both water and manual methods to extinguish the flames. Officials have stated the fire is now largely under control, with no casualties reported, though teams remain on-site for monitoring.

A large fire in bushes near Rajghat Bus Depot spread over 4-5 km. Delhi Fire Service deployed multiple tenders, bringing it under control with no injuries.

New Delhi, April 12 A fire broke out in bushes near the Rajghat Bus Depot in Delhi on Sunday, prompting a large-scale response from the Delhi Fire Service.

According to officials, multiple fire engines were immediately rushed to the spot after information was received around 1:35 pm.

Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO) Bhupendra Prakash said fire tenders were deployed from all sides as the blaze spread across a large area.

"We received information around 1:35 that there was a fire near Raj Ghat. Fire department vehicles were immediately dispatched," he told ANI, adding that the fire spread across an area of about 4 to 5 kilometres.

He further said that the situation has largely been brought under control due to swift action by firefighting teams. "We have deployed vehicles on all sides and have almost brought the fire under control. We also stationed some fire engines inside the Rajghat Bus Depot as a precaution, as the fire had reached close to the depot boundary," he said, adding that firefighting operations were carried out both inside and around the depot area.

Explaining the terrain, he said the affected area included a forested stretch with difficult access and a deep gorge, which made firefighting challenging.

"There's a deep gorge in the area. Our men are putting out the fire with water where possible. Where it's not possible to use water, they are breaking off tree branches and using them to beat the fire and extinguish it," he said.

Fire service officials said teams remain deployed at the site and monitoring is ongoing to ensure the fire does not spread further.

Details regarding the cause of the fire are awaited.

- ANI
Deputy Election Commissioner Bhanu Prakash Yeturu chaired a high-level meeting in Tiruchirappalli to review preparedness for the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The meeting, attended by senior election and police officials from 11 districts, focused on security arrangements and administrative coordination. Concurrently, DMK leader KN Nehru conducted a massive roadshow and door-to-door campaign in the Trichy West constituency. The state is set to vote in a single phase on April 23, with results on May 4.

Deputy Election Commissioner chairs meeting with officials from 11 districts to review security and coordination for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Tiruchirappalli, April 12 Deputy Election Commissioner Bhanu Prakash Yeturu on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting in Tiruchirappalli to review poll preparedness ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The meeting, held at the Trichy District Collectorate, was attended by Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik along with senior election officials from 11 districts, including Trichy, Ariyalur, Perambalur, Pudukkottai, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai, Karur, Salem, Thanjavur, and Tiruvarur.

Senior police officials, including Inspectors General of Police, Superintendents of Police, election observers, and expenditure observers, also participated in the discussions. The meeting focused on ensuring seamless coordination between civil and police administration for the smooth conduct of elections.

Discussions during the meeting focused on ensuring comprehensive preparedness for the upcoming elections, with particular emphasis on security arrangements. Officials reviewed measures to be implemented at polling stations and counting centres to ensure smooth and orderly conduct of the electoral process.

The Deputy Election Commissioner, along with other senior officials, also held detailed deliberations with police authorities regarding deployment strategies and coordination mechanisms to maintain law and order during the elections.

The review comes amid intensified political campaigning across the state. Earlier, Tamil Nadu State Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Principal Secretary KN Nehru on Sunday held a massive roadshow and door-to-door outreach as part of his election campaign in the Trichy West Assembly constituency.

Travelling in an open vehicle through key localities, Nehru conducted a street-by-street campaign, appealing to voters to back the DMK's Rising Sun symbol in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The roadshow witnessed participation from alliance partners, including the Congress, Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), reflecting the strength of the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in the region.

Party workers and volunteers also carried out extensive door-to-door canvassing, engaging directly with residents and highlighting the DMK government's welfare measures and development initiatives.

Tamil Nadu Assembly election is scheduled to be held in a single phase on April 23, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.

- ANI
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated that recent indirect talks with the United States, mediated by Pakistan, were the longest round of negotiations in the past year, lasting approximately 25 hours. While some understandings were reached on a few issues, the positions on key matters remained apart, preventing a final agreement. The discussions, held in an atmosphere of mistrust following recent conflicts, included new complex topics such as the Strait of Hormuz. Baqaei expressed gratitude to Pakistan's leadership for their mediation efforts and reiterated that diplomacy is an ongoing tool to protect national interests.

Iran's spokesperson details lengthy US negotiations mediated by Pakistan, citing progress on some issues but a final stalemate on key points like the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran, April 12 Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Sunday said that the recent meeting with US officials was the longest round of negotiations they have had in the past year.

Baqaei, who heads the Center for Public Diplomacy of Iran, noted in his interview to local media that on a number of issues, both parties reached understandings some key issues, however, their positions remained apart and ultimately they didn't reach an agreement.

"I believe this round of negotiations was indeed the longest we've had this past year. Twenty-four or twenty-five hours--starting yesterday morning when indirect talks began with messages exchanged between the two sides through the Pakistani mediator. It continued non-stop until now," he said.

Baqaei also noted that diplomacy is always a tool to secure and protect national interests.

"Diplomacy never ends. Diplomacy is always a tool to secure and protect national interests and diplomats must fulfill their duties in any conditions, whether in wartime or peacetime. Well, there are several points we need to keep in mind. This round of talks came after forty-some days--forty days of imposed war, then a few days after the ceasefire. In an atmosphere filled with mistrust, suspicion and doubt," he said.

Baghaei said that Iran should not have expected from the start that they could reach an agreement in a single session.

"In any case, the American side, along with the Zionist regime, committed military aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran for the second time in nine months. So naturally, we shouldn't have expected from the start that we could reach an agreement in a single session. I don't think anyone had such expectations, despite what I mentioned, this was the longest meeting we've had this past year. Another point to consider was the complexity of the issues and the complexity of the circumstances," he said.

Baghaei said that new topics were added to the negotiations this time, like the Strait of Hormuz issue or the region.

"Some new topics were added to the negotiations this time, like the Strait of Hormuz issue or the region. Well, these have their own conditions, features and specifics. But I think that in any case, we must always pursue our national interests as diplomats and as a diplomatic apparatus. Use our various tools to protect rights and interests of the Iranian nation," he said.

Baghaei added, "The talks continued throughout the night regarding a range of topics that were raised both in our ten-point proposal and points the other side had. On a number of issues, we reached understandings on two or three key issues, however, our positions remained apart and ultimately we didn't reach an agreement. These talks--this is the latest status I can report."

Baghaei further said, "I really want to take this opportunity to thank the government and people of Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif, the honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan. Mr. Asim Munir, the army chief, Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister made tremendous efforts. Pakistan's gracious hospitality in recent weeks and especially these past two or three days deserves appreciation. We thank them for their excellent hospitality."

Baghaei said that diplomacy always stands alongside other components of government.

"We are confident that contacts and consultations between the Islamic Republic of Iran, Pakistan and other friends in the region will continue. Diplomacy stands ready alongside other components of government, alongside our good people, alongside the defenders of the homeland for all kinds of cooperation and sacrifice to protect the interests and national security of the country," he said.

The comments come as US President Donald Trump shared an article suggesting that the option of enforcing a naval blockade was available in context of Iran as peace talks ended in a stalemate in Islamabad after differences of opinion arose between the two parties on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear capacities.

- ANI
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called on UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, conveying Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings. He expressed India's gratitude for the UAE's efforts in ensuring the well-being and security of the large Indian community during the ongoing West Asia conflict. Jaishankar also met with the Crown Prince of Dubai and held talks with the UAE Deputy Prime Minister, focusing on the regional situation and advancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The minister also interacted with the Indian community, highlighting the government's efforts for their security.

EAM S. Jaishankar meets UAE President, conveys PM Modi's greetings and gratitude for ensuring Indian community's welfare during West Asia conflict.

Abu Dhabi, April 12 External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called on UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Sunday and conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the UAE during the conflict in West Asia.

Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was also present during the meeting.

"Deeply honoured to call on President of UAE HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi today. Conveyed warm greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our gratitude for ensuring well-being of the Indian community during the West Asia conflict. Thank him for his guidance on further strengthening the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

In another post, he wrote: "Good to see HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during the call. Conveyed the appreciation of our Government for ensuring the welfare of the Indian community in Dubai."

EAM Jaishankar is on a two-day official visit to the UAE. On Saturday, he held talks with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the evolving situation in West Asia and its wider implications.

The External Affairs Minister expressed confidence that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations will advance further.

"A real pleasure to meet DPM and FM of UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi this evening. Our conversation focused on the evolving regional situation and its implications. Conveyed our deep appreciation for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the UAE. Confident that our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will advance further," he wrote on X.

EAM Jaishankar also interacted with the members of the Indian community on Saturday. During his interaction, he highlighted the Indian government's ongoing efforts towards the security and well-being of its nationals amidst the West Asia conflict.

"Started my visit to the UAE interacting with the members of the Indian Community. Spoke about GOI's efforts towards their well-being and security amidst the West Asia conflict. Appreciated their contributions to the local society during these difficult times. As well as the support of the Government of the UAE in ensuring welfare of the Indian community," the minister posted on X after the meeting.

EAM Jaishankar arrived in the UAE on Saturday for a two-day official visit after concluding his visit to Mauritius, where he participated in the 9th Indian Ocean Conference and met the country's leadership.

- IANS
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar concluded his visit to the UAE with high-level meetings, including a call on President Mohamed Bin Zayed. He conveyed a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reviewed the robust strategic partnership, focusing on energy, trade, and economic initiatives. The discussions also addressed regional stability and the welfare of the large Indian community in the UAE, with Jaishankar sharing their feedback directly with the leadership. His visit marked the final leg of a two-nation tour that included the Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius.

EAM S Jaishankar meets UAE President Mohamed Bin Zayed, discusses strategic ties, trade, energy, and welfare of Indian diaspora in the Gulf.

Dubai, April 13 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday shared glimpses of his engagements with the top leadership of the United Arab Emirates, underlining the strength of bilateral ties between the two nations.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said, "Sharing some moments of my call on President HH Mohamed Bin Zayed of the UAE and meeting with HH Hamdan Mohammed."

Echoing this, the Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi also shared moments from the meetings, highlighting the Minister's engagements with the UAE leadership during his visit.

"Moments from the meeting of the Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, President of the United Arab Emirates, and his meeting with His Highness Sheikh HamdanMohammed," he said.

Jaishankar also pointed out the robustness of the India-UAE strategic partnership, noting that the ongoing dialogue between the two nations remains strong and transparent despite a complex regional environment.

The Minister highlighted that his visit occurred at a vital time, facilitating a thorough review of various bilateral initiatives spanning energy and trade.

Jaishankar is currently in Abu Dhabi, marking the final stage of his four-day, two-nation diplomatic mission to Mauritius and the UAE, spanning April 9 to 12.

Following his participation in the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, EAM arrived in the UAE on Saturday, April 11.

Speaking on the primary focus of his high-level discussions, the External Affairs Minister told ANI, "I arrived in the UAE yesterday. So this morning, I met with Sheikh Mohammed, the President of the UAE. I brought with me a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and our conversation focused on our strategic relationship and its various initiatives, such as energy, economic trade, and the energy and trade relationship. The UAE is a major partner for us, so we discussed that."

Beyond the core economic pillars, the deliberations addressed the broader geopolitical challenges currently impacting the Gulf region. "We've had a very intense conflict in this region. Obviously, India has very major stakes and a big interest in the stability and security of this region. I'm very pleased to have an opportunity to come here, sit down directly, express our interests, and, incidentally, also share the feedback of the Indian community," Jaishankar observed.

The welfare of the Indian diaspora remained a central priority throughout the diplomatic exchange, particularly following the recent regional hostilities. The minister stated, "I conveyed to him Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message and our appreciation for the manner in which the Indian community in the UAE was looked after during this very difficult period. Now, while the Indian community was first and foremost in our concern and therefore in my discussions as well, obviously, we discussed other aspects of our relationship."

Jaishankar further explained that he acted as a bridge between the expatriate community and the UAE leadership to ensure their voices were heard at the highest levels. "As soon as I arrived yesterday, I met with representatives of the community. I shared their experiences and feelings with the President of the UAE. He also wanted me to share the feedback I received. I did that as well," he said, noting that "the community was very appreciative of the manner in which they were looked after."

The diplomatic outreach extended to other key members of the leadership to reinforce the collective gratitude of the Indian government. "Today, when I called on the President, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, he was there, so I took the opportunity to also convey to him the gratitude of the Indian community, their sentiments, and their feedback as well," Jaishankar noted.

- ANI
The sixth season of the Netflix series "Emily in Paris" will be filmed in new European locations, Greece and Monaco. Key cast members will reunite at PaleyFest LA ahead of the production start. The show's fifth season demonstrated strong viewership, premiering at number two on Netflix with millions of views in its first weeks. Specific plot details for the upcoming season are being kept confidential, increasing fan anticipation.

Netflix's hit show 'Emily in Paris' will film its sixth season in Greece and Monaco. The cast reunites at PaleyFest LA ahead of production.

Los Angeles, April 10 Greece and Monaco have been chosen as the new locations for the shoot of the sixth season of Netflix romantic comedy series 'Emily in Paris'.

The show was previously shot in Rome, Venice, Saint Tropez and Megeve.

Star will be joined by key cast members Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Lucien Laviscount, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery and Andrew Fleming at PaleyFest LA on Friday ahead of the shoot's start, Variety reported.

"Emily in Paris" continues to thrive on Netflix, maintaining its strong global appeal. Season 5 premiered at No. 2 on the platform's Top 10, drawing an impressive 13.5 million views within its first four days. The momentum carried into the following week, with the series holding its position and adding another 13.3 million views, as per Variety.

Details about Season 6 remain tightly under wraps, fuelling anticipation among fans.

- ANI
JDU working president Sanjay Kumar Jha stated that former Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will continue to focus on the state's development and guide the new NDA government's policies, even after moving to the Rajya Sabha. He credited Kumar with building the JDU through "honesty and sacrifice," securing its lasting place in Bihar's political landscape. Jha highlighted Kumar's personal integrity, noting his modest assets despite decades in public office. This transition effectively hands the administrative reins in Bihar to the BJP, marking a significant shift in the state's power structure.

JDU's Sanjay Kumar Jha asserts Nitish Kumar remains committed to Bihar's development and will guide the new NDA government's policies from the Rajya Sabha.

Patna, April 12 Janata Dal working president and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha on Sunday asserted that the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, continues to remain deeply committed to the state's development, even if he is not serving in that position.

Jha said that the party contested the 2025-30 mandate in Bihar under Nitish Kumar's leadership with the support of the NDA, and the new government would carry forward his policies and governance model.

"As far as Bihar is concerned, we contested the 2025-30 election mandate under Nitish Kumar's leadership with the support of the NDA. The Prime Minister campaigned regularly, and the new government will continue Nitish Ji's policies and work under his guidance. Even if he is not Chief Minister, his focus remains on Bihar, travelling to Delhi only for Parliament sessions," he said.

Highlighting Nitish Kumar's political legacy, Jha credited him with building the Janata Dal (United) through "honesty and sacrifice", adding that the party has secured a lasting place among the people of the state.

"This party was built by Nitish Kumar with honesty and sacrifice, and for 20 years, JD(U) has earned its place in the hearts of the people. You cannot erase Nitish Kumar or JD(U) from Bihar. He lives in the hearts of 14 crore people because of his work, not corruption," he added.

Jha also underscored the Chief Minister's personal integrity, pointing to his modest lifestyle despite decades in public office.

"History will judge how leaders lived, worked and served. After 20 years as Chief Minister and 15 years in Cabinet, Nitish Kumar owns only a two-room house in Dwarka, Delhi--that's it," he said.

Following Nitish Kumar's exit as Bihar Chief Minister and going on to become a Rajya Sabha MP, Nishant Kumar is likely to take up the mantle of being the Deputy Chief Minister.

However, no official confirmation on the post of CM or Dy CM has been announced as of yet.

Nitish Kumar took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP on April 10. His ways of manoeuvring alliance politics have been crucial for the NDA being in power in Bihar.

The move to the Rajya Sabha marks the fulfilment of Kumar's long-stated desire to serve in every legislative house in India (Bihar Assembly, Bihar Council, Lok Sabha, and finally, Rajya Sabha).

Kumar resigned from his membership of the Bihar Legislative Council following his election to the upper house of Parliament. Janata Dal (United). MLC Sanjay Gandhi submitted the Bihar CM's resignation to council chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh.

This transition effectively hands the reins of the Bihar government over to the BJP, marking a significant structural shift in the state's power dynamics ahead of future elections.

- ANI
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale praised the Women's Reservation Bill as a revolutionary decision by the Centre that will reserve one-third of parliamentary seats for women. He detailed that the Lok Sabha's strength would increase to 816 seats to accommodate this reservation, with provisions for women from Scheduled Castes and Tribes. Athawale stated the bill fulfills the vision of BR Ambedkar by ensuring justice for women across all communities. His comments come ahead of a special Parliament session scheduled to introduce amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act.

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale praises the Women's Reservation Bill, calling it a great, revolutionary decision by the Modi government for women's justice.

Hyderabad, April 12 Union Minister Ramdas Athawale hailed the Women's Reservation Bill as a "revolutionary decision" by the Centre, asserting that it would ensure greater political representation and justice for women across the country.

Speaking to reporters here, Athawale said the bill seeks to reserve one-third of seats in Parliament for women and would significantly expand the strength of the Lok Sabha. He added that the move aligns with the long-standing vision of social reformers and aims to provide inclusive representation across communities.

"A bill has been passed to give women in our country one-third of the seats, which is 33%. Narendra Modi's government has made a great, revolutionary decision. A special session of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha has been scheduled for the 16th, 17th, and 18th. A bill will be introduced to increase the number of seats for women to 273. The current 543 seats in Parliament will be increased by 273, bringing the total number of seats in the Lok Sabha to 816," Athawale said.

He further stated that women from the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes would also benefit from the reservation. "Women from SC and ST communities will also have one-third reservation within the 273 seats. This bill will give women more power and provide them with social, economic, and political justice," he added.

Invoking BR Ambedkar, Athawale said the move fulfils his vision. "Babasaheb Ambedkar wanted justice for women of all castes and religions. My party fully supports this bill," he said.

His remarks come ahead of the Centre's plan to introduce amendments to the Nari Shakti Vandan Act during the upcoming three-day special Parliament session scheduled to begin from April 16.

Athawale further expressed confidence in the BJP's prospects in multiple states amid the ongoing Assembly elections in five states and Union Territories. "BJP government will come in West Bengal. People are angry with Mamata Banerjee... This time, a BJP government will be formed. A BJP government will also be formed in Assam, and the people of Kerala also want change," he said.

- ANI
The crucial elections for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council are underway with over half of the 9.6 lakh voters casting ballots by noon. A total of 173 candidates from national and regional parties are contesting across 28 constituencies in the council, which administers nearly 70% of the state's geographical area. Extensive security measures are in place, with over 13,500 personnel deployed to ensure peaceful polling following a campaign marked by sporadic clashes. The results of this politically significant election, which will shape the state's future landscape, are scheduled to be announced on April 17.

Over 50% turnout by noon in crucial Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council elections. 173 candidates vie for 28 seats under heavy security.

Agartala, April 12 The crucial elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council are underway across all eight districts of the state, with over 50 per cent of the 9,62,697 voters having cast their votes till noon to decide the fate of 173 candidates.

The 30-member TTAADC, comprising 28 elected representatives and two members nominated by the state government, administers nearly 70 per cent of Tripura's 10,491 sq km geographical area. This makes it a strategically significant constitutional body, second only to the state Assembly in terms of political importance.

According to officials from the State Election Commission (SEC), around 50 per cent of voters exercised their franchise by noon, and no major incidents were reported anywhere in the state.

Even before polling began at 7 a.m., tribal men and women dressed in traditional attire turned out in large numbers, forming queues at most of the 1,257 polling stations across the state. Polling will continue uninterrupted until 4 p.m., primarily in tribal-inhabited areas.

Following a month-long high-voltage campaign marked by intense political activity and sporadic clashes among party workers, the politically significant TTAADC elections are expected to shape the future political landscape of the northeastern state. A total of 9,62,697 voters, predominantly from tribal communities, including 4,80,666 women, are eligible to vote and will determine the fate of 173 candidates contesting across 28 Assembly constituencies spread over eight districts.

The electoral contest features three national parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front, and the Congress, along with two prominent regional parties, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT). A few smaller parties and Independent candidates are also in the fray.

According to SEC officials, the BJP, TMP, and the Left Front have fielded candidates in all 28 Assembly seats, while the Congress is contesting in 27 seats and the IPFT in 24. In addition, 38 Independent candidates and nominees from smaller political outfits are also contesting.

Notably, the BJP's two tribal-based allies -- TMP and IPFT -- are contesting separately after failing to forge an electoral alliance for the TTAADC polls.

The one-and-a-half-month-long campaign witnessed several clashes, particularly between BJP and TMP supporters, leaving more than 50 leaders and party workers injured across various districts. Despite the tensions, leaders from the BJP, TMP, and opposition parties have all expressed confidence in securing victory.

To ensure peaceful polling, extensive security arrangements have been put in place. Tripura Director General of Police Anurag said that more than 13,500 Central and state security personnel have been deployed across the 28 constituencies of the tribal council. He noted that the Central government has provided 24 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), comprising around 1,500 personnel, at the last moment for election duty. In addition, around 12,000 personnel from the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and the state police have also been deployed to maintain law and order.

"Of the total 1,257 polling stations, 311 have been categorised as highly critical, 693 as vulnerable, and 253 as normal," the police official said, appealing to voters to cast their votes without fear and cooperate with authorities to maintain peace.

Since 2021, the TMP -- an ally of the BJP -- has governed the strategically important council, widely regarded as the second most significant constitutional body in Tripura after the state Assembly.

The TTAADC was constituted under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in June 1985 to promote the socio-economic development of tribal communities, who continue to play a vital role in the state's political dynamics.

Tribal communities account for nearly one-third of Tripura's 4.2 million population. The results of the TTAADC elections will be announced on April 17.

- IANS
The collapse of high-stakes talks between the United States and Iran has experts warning of a dangerous escalation with global economic consequences. Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev states the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as Iran's new "super weapon," a proven chokehold on vital oil shipping lanes. Iran has demonstrated that using asymmetric tactics can halt commercial traffic, as insurers refuse coverage for vessels in the war zone. This grants Iran significant strategic leverage that military power alone cannot resolve, with its core demands on sovereignty and frozen funds remaining non-negotiable.

Expert warns collapsed US-Iran talks give Iran strategic chokehold over global oil supply via the Strait of Hormuz, risking economic shock.

New Delhi, April 12 The collapse of high-stakes "Islamabad Talks" between the United States and Iran has sent shockwaves through the international community, with experts warning that the world is now standing at the edge of a global economic catastrophe.

In a stark assessment, Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev told ANI that the breakdown of negotiations is a "unfortunate" development for all parties, including India, signalling a dangerous escalation where "hard lines have been drawn."

Sachdev added, "The fact that the talks did not yield positive results is unfortunate for all parties concerned--the United States, Iran, the region, and even India. This failure signals continued conflict with significant ripple effects on the world economy. Hard lines have been drawn, and while there is a hope that both parties might step back from the brink during the remaining days of the ceasefire, the alternative is that they may let loose the dogs of war," he said.

Despite the US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, praising Pakistan's mediation, no agreement was reached. Sachdev noted that the conflict has revealed a significant limitation of American military power: the inability to force open the Strait of Hormuz.

"The main sticking points were the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear enrichment, and other fundamental disagreements. Despite being battered and damaged by American and Israeli forces, Iran has chosen not to yield to American demands. Their primary concerns remain sovereignty over their nuclear program and control over the Strait of Hormuz. In fact, the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a new 'super weapon' in this conflict," he said.

Sachdev added, "It has been tested and bombarded, yet the Americans have not been able to force it open to commercial traffic despite their military might. This has shown Iran that they should never relinquish the control they have asserted over this vital waterway."

Despite being battered by American and Israeli forces, Iran has realised that using small submarines, torpedoes, and mines can stop commercial shipping entirely.

"The strategic reality is that the Strait of Hormuz is now a battle-tested asset for Iran. The Strait has been proven as an effective chokehold. Iran has realised that by using small submarines, torpedoes, fast boats, and mines, it can stop commercial shipping entirely. Each ship and its cargo are worth hundreds of millions of dollars; no owner will risk a vessel if it isn't covered by insurance," he said.

Sachdev said that by demonstrating that they can disrupt the global oil supply despite facing the world's most powerful military, Iran has secured a new level of strategic leverage.

"Ultimately, Iran's strategy is to assert sovereignty over these waters. They may even move toward a system where they require coordination or a "toll" for safe passage through the highway of the Strait. By demonstrating that they can disrupt the global oil supply despite facing the world's most powerful military, Iran has secured a new level of strategic leverage,' he said.

The expert highlighted a critical reality of modern maritime trade: regardless of how many warships the US sends as escorts, commercial vessels will not move without maritime insurance. Currently, insurance companies are refusing to cover ships entering what has become a battle-tested war zone, effectively handing Iran a "strategic leverage" that military intervention cannot resolve.

"The bottom line is that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be opened solely through military intervention. Insurance companies are refusing to provide maritime insurance to tankers and ships in a war zone. Without insurance, no commercial ship will enter the area, regardless of how many warships the US sends to escort them," he said.

According to Sachdev, the "red lines" for Tehran remain non-negotiable; Iran refuses to surrender its right to enrichment, control over the waterway is now seen as Iran's primary defence against Western economic pressure and Iran is demanding the release of frozen funds in Qatar and the U.S., as well as compensation for infrastructure damage.

"Other issues included reparations and compensation for damages, as well as the release of Iranian funds blocked in Qatar and the US. There is also the issue of Lebanon, which many believe must be bundled into any peace deal. While the situation in Lebanon might have been solvable if the US pressured Prime Minister Netanyahu to restrict his "Greater Israel" project, the core red lines remain. Iran appears ready to declare an end to nuclear weapon aspirations, but it will not surrender their sovereignty over enrichment. This, combined with their control of the Strait, presents a massive problem for the world economy," he said.

Back in Washington, President Donald Trump is facing a tightening vice of domestic and geopolitical pressures; Petrol prices at American stations are soaring, causing a rift within his MAGA base regarding foreign wars, domestic pressure is mounting as the 2026 midterms approach.

"While Trump believes the US has already won by pounding Iran's infrastructure--taking out steel mills, petrochemical plants, and senior IRGC leadership--he is facing significant domestic pressure. Petrol prices are rising at American gas stations, and a divide is growing within the MAGA base regarding foreign wars and blind support for Israel. With midterm elections approaching, Trump is under immense pressure regardless of his rhetoric," he said.

While Trump has threatened 50% tariffs on nations supplying weapons to Iran, he is simultaneously preparing for a high-stakes trade visit to China, making his threats appear "farcical" and full of holes.

"Trump's threats toward China also seem farcical. He has threatened 50% tariffs on nations that supply weapons to Iran. However, Trump is scheduled to visit China soon to strike a trade deal he badly wants. It is unlikely he will impose massive tariffs on China for supplying air defense weapons to Iran while simultaneously trying to negotiate a trade agreement. This appears to be a threat with many holes in it," he said.

As the diplomatic window closes, President Trump has signalled his next move on Truth Social, hinting at a full naval blockade of the Strait.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump shared an article which said, "The Trump card the president holds if Iran won't bend: a naval blockade."

With the ceasefire period ticking away, the global economy remains held hostage by a 21-mile-wide waterway that military force has--so far--failed to tame.

- ANI
Quick Read

XRP recently regained the $1.35 level as geopolitical tensions eased and market sentiment turned positive.

XRP needs to break above the $1.45-$1.50 resistance to confirm a recovery, with a bullish target of $1.60-$2.80 if the CLARITY Act advances and a bearish forecast of $1.15 if it stalls past May.

The CLARITY Act now has endorsements from Coinbases CEO, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, the SEC Chairman, with the Senate Banking Committee targeting a markup in late April.

The analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks. Get them here FREE.

XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) is trading at $1.35 as regulatory momentum picks up amid fresh capital flowing back into XRP investment products. The CLARITY Act is gaining serious traction in the Senate, and the broader crypto market is recovering from the extreme fear that dominated Q1.

After a rough start since January's spike to $2.40, every XRP rally attempt has been rejected at the $1.40-$1.50 range. XRP investors are now watching to see if the conditions will improve enough to spark a breakout. With several catalysts converging in April, here is our take on whether XRP is a good buy at $1.35.

READ: The analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks

What is Driving XRP's Price Momentum Right Now?

Sorapop Udomsri / Shutterstock.com

A few things are currently driving XRPs momentum in April. Below are the three key factors supporting XRPs recovery.

The CLARITY Act

The push for the CLARITY Act is now a major talking point in the crypto market and one of XRP's biggest drivers. The U.S. Treasury Secretary and the heads of the SEC and CFTC are strongly backing the bill and calling on Congress to move things quickly. Q1 saw the Senate tied up in two approval meetings in January and March due to disagreements about stablecoin yields, but those tensions are starting to ease.

A recent report by the Council of Economic Advisers has revealed that banning stablecoin yield barely affects banks. The White House recently reached a consensus on the issue, which explains why Coinbase's CEO is now on board. Right now, the CLARITY Act's approval chances have significantly improved. All eyes are on the Senate Banking Committee's discussion and markup for the bill after discussions resume on April 13. Many expect the CLARITY Act to pass soon, with Polymarket traders now pricing passage at around 55%.

Growing Interest

As regulatory clarity improves, institutional interest in XRP products is gaining ground. CoinShares reported that net inflows on ETFs, Trusts, and ETPs recently reached $119.6 million. This brought XRP's year-to-date inflows to around $159 million, representing roughly 7% of total assets under management. In fact, XRP's weekly inflows amounted to 53% of all crypto funds, and its strongest weekly inflows since December 2025.
India's Unified Payments Interface marks its 10th anniversary, now accounting for 49% of global real-time digital payment transactions. The system processed 21.70 billion transactions in January 2026 alone, valued at Rs 28.33 lakh crore, and serves 81% of India's retail digital payments. Praised by the IMF as the world's largest real-time payment system by volume, UPI has expanded financial inclusion from street vendors to domestic workers and has launched in eight countries for cross-border use. The platform is evolving with UPI Lite, AutoPay, and credit-linked features, transforming into a comprehensive financial ecosystem.

India's UPI now handles 49% of global real-time digital payments, processing 21.7 billion transactions monthly and expanding financial inclusion worldwide.

New Delhi, April 11 As India's Unified Payments Interface marks its 10th anniversary on Saturday, the government informed that the country now accounts for 49 per cent of global realtime payment transactions.

The instant payments system processed 21.70 billion transactions in January 2026 alone, with Rs 28.33 lakh crore in value. UPI accounted for 81 per cent of all retail digital transactions in India.

The International Monetary Fund has called UPI the world's largest realtime payment system by volume, and it was built in under 10 years, an official statement said.

UPI has grown 12,000fold in volume and over 4,000 times in value since launch. The government said UPI's real transformation is beyond the volume of transactions, but its reach spans domestic informal markets from autorickshaw drivers to village mandis and street vendors.

"A domestic worker can send money across states in seconds using a basic smartphone. In this system, the divide between urban and rural, formal and informal, steadily disappears-marking a decisive shift towards financial inclusion," the statement said.

India's digital payments ecosystem has also emerged as a reference model globally. Institutions such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank have acknowledged its scale, efficiency, and inclusiveness.

Its operations expanded to the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, France, Mauritius and Qatar, facilitating crossborder transactions and remittances.

"A homegrown system, built in under a decade, now leads the world. What began as an effort to include the unbanked has become the global gold standard for real-time payments. From queues to QR codes, India's journey reflects the power of inclusive innovation," the statement noted.

Meanwhile, UPI is evolving into a broader financial platform, with UPI Lite supporting quick, small-value payments, while UPI AutoPay streamlines recurring expenses such as utility bills and subscriptions.

Credit on UPI expanded by enabling access to pre-approved credit lines, with NBFCs and fintech firms delivering loans, enabling repayments, and offering tailored financial products.

- IANS
Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita represented the Indian government at the Chehlum mourning ceremony hosted by the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi. His participation underscored India's deep respect for Iran's cultural and religious sentiments during this period of solemn reflection. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that the bilateral relationship is built on millennia of civilizational, cultural, and people-to-people connections. This diplomatic gesture reinforces India's commitment to nurturing the historic partnership through mutual respect and solidarity.

MoS Pabitra Margherita represented India at Iran's Chehlum ceremony in Delhi, underscoring deep-rooted civilizational, cultural, and people-to-people ties.

New Delhi, April 12 Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita, on Sunday, offered heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Union government at the 40th-day mourning ceremony organised by the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi.

Chehlum, a significant observance in Shia tradition marking the 40th day after a passing, is a time of solemn reflection, prayers, and remembrance.

MoS Margherita's presence underscored India's deep respect for Iran's cultural and religious sentiments during this period of mourning.

In a statement shared on social media platform X by the Ministry of External Affairs, it was highlighted that India-Iran relations are firmly rooted in age-old civilisational, cultural, and people-to-people ties that dates back thousands of years.

The two ancient civilisations share a rich common heritage.

Linguistic similarities between Sanskrit and Avestan, historical trade routes linking the Indus Valley with ancient Persia, and centuries of cultural exchange through art, architecture, literature, and Sufi traditions have created an enduring bond.

From the influence of Persian culture during the Mughal era to modern-day cooperation, the relationship has consistently been marked by mutual respect and goodwill.

India and Iran established formal diplomatic relations in 1950, but their connections predate Independence by millennia.

Shared elements in philosophy, cuisine, music, and festivals continue to strengthen these bonds even today.

The participation of an Indian Minister of State in the Chehlum ceremony reflects New Delhi's commitment to nurturing this historic friendship.

Pabitra Margherita, who assumed charge as the Minister of State for External Affairs in June 2024, has been actively engaged in advancing India's diplomatic outreach.

His gesture at the Iranian Embassy sends a clear message of solidarity and empathy at a sensitive time.

Such gestures of condolence and participation in important cultural observances help reinforce the warm and multifaceted partnership between the two nations.

India and Iran continue to collaborate on various fronts, including trade, energy, connectivity projects like Chabahar Port, and cultural exchanges.

This solemn participation reaffirms India's longstanding tradition of respecting the cultural and religious practices of its friends and partners across the globe.

- IANS
Indian fishermen who were working in Iran have been safely evacuated and returned to India amid escalating regional unrest. They praised the Indian Embassy in Tehran for providing critical assistance, setting up support centres to facilitate their exit. Union Minister Piyush Goyal welcomed them at Chennai airport, stating the operation was carried out on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's instructions. The Ministry of External Affairs coordinated the movement of over 600 fishermen from Iran via Armenia.

Indian fishermen evacuated from Iran thank the Indian Embassy and government for safe return amid regional unrest. Over 600 rescued so far.

Chennai, April 12 Indian fishermen who returned to the country from Iran have praised the Indian Embassy and the government for their assistance in facilitating their safe evacuation amid the tense regional situation.

Fisherman Rajesh Patel from Gujarat's Valsad, who had been working as a fisherman in the Kiru region of Iran for the past four years, said he and others were forced to leave due to escalating unrest.

He stated that the situation there was "quite chaotic", noting the role of the Indian embassy in Tehran in assisting the stranded fishermen to get them back home safely.

"I came back from the Kiru region of Iran. I work as a fisherman. I had been there for four years," Patel said.

"Things got quite chaotic over there recently. That's why we had to leave. The Indian Embassy provided us with a great deal of assistance in getting out. It would have been extremely difficult for us to leave on our own, but the entire Indian Embassy machinery set up support centres everywhere, in every state, so we were able to get out and return safely. The Indian government helped us in Iran from Armenia to get us back home in India," he added.

Another fisherman from the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu described the difficult conditions they faced before their return, saying they were caught in a life-threatening situation.

"Per day, nearly 10 to 20 bombs fell before us. With great difficulty, holding our lives in our hands, we came here safely. We thank our government very much," he said.

The returning fishermen expressed gratitude to the Indian authorities for coordinating their evacuation and ensuring their safe return to India amid the crisis.

The fishermen returned to the country on Saturday night and were welcomed by Union Minister for Commerce Piyush Goyal at the Chennai International Airport.

Speaking to reporters at the airport following their arrival, Goyal said the evacuation was carried out following directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with coordinated efforts by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Indian missions abroad to relocate the stranded fishermen from Iran to Armenia before bringing them back to India.

"Our Prime Minister gave instructions to the Foreign Ministry, and they worked very hard to move them from Iran to Armenia. From Armenia, we got some good people to support us in getting them back because they are very poor fishermen. In the first batch, 345 came. Today, 300+ came. The Prime Minister has always cared for all the people who are stuck in any crisis. This once again demonstrates how much he cares for our fishermen who were unfortunately stuck in the middle of the war in Iran. They have been brought out from right inside Iran," the Union Minister said.

He further informed that over 600 Indian fishermen have been safely brought back from Iran so far, with the assistance of Indian embassies in Iran and Armenia. The returnees include fishermen primarily from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala and Puducherry.

Earlier on Friday, during the inter-ministerial briefing on the recent developments in West Asia, the MEA stated that the Embassy of India in Tehran has facilitated the movement of 2,180 Indian nationals from Iran to Armenia and Azerbaijan for onwards travel to India, including 981 Indian students and 657 Indian fishermen.

- ANI
India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Kwatra, emphasized that the country's goal to become a developed nation by 2047 is grounded in rigorous academic and policy discussions. He made these remarks while addressing the Austin India Conference, highlighting the deepening strategic and economic convergence between India and the United States. Consul General D C Manjunath noted the strengthening bilateral ties across government, business, and people-to-people pillars, with subnational partnerships like India-Texas gaining importance. The conference served as a platform to examine India's evolving policy landscape and long-term development priorities.

Ambassador Vinay Kwatra outlines India's informed policy path to becoming a developed nation by 2047, highlighting deepening US-India strategic convergence.

Washington, April 12 India's journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047 is anchored in informed academic and policy discourse, India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, said while addressing a major conference in Texas.

Kwatra made the remarks during his virtual address at the inaugural Austin India Conference, themed "India at 100: Decades of Decisions", hosted by the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, Austin.

Commending the organisers for bringing together scholars, students and practitioners, he said such forward-looking initiatives are critical to deliberating on India's pathway towards Vision 2047, or "Viksit Bharat".

He underscored that the decisions shaping India's growth are rooted in deep policy discussions, which form the foundation for the country's transformative progress in the coming decades.

India's development and innovation journey would generate shared benefits for both India and the United States, he said adding that there is a deepening of strategic and economic convergence between the two countries.

The conference, organised under the theme of India's long-term development trajectory, brought together stakeholders to examine the country's evolving policy landscape and development priorities.

In a separate session titled "The Growth Triangle", India's Consul General in Houston, D C Manjunath, said India-US relations continue to strengthen across multiple pillars, including government-to-government, business-to-business and people-to-people engagement.

He highlighted that these three pillars have underpinned the steady upward trajectory of bilateral ties, reinforcing cooperation across sectors.

Pointing to the growing importance of subnational partnerships, Manjunath identified collaboration between India and Texas as a key component of the broader India-US relationship.

He noted that such regional linkages are playing an increasingly significant role in driving economic engagement, innovation and institutional cooperation.

The event also provided insights into India's policy evolution and development priorities, reflecting a surge in academic and policy interest in the country's growth story.

Manjunath expressed appreciation to the leadership and faculty of the University of Texas, Austin, and reaffirmed the Consulate's commitment to expanding collaboration with academic and research institutions across Texas.

He said such engagement would help nurture dialogue, foster innovation and advance a shared vision of growth and progress.

- IANS
The US Central Command stated that two of its destroyers began operations to clear sea mines allegedly laid by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's military immediately and strongly denied the US claim, asserting that control over vessel passage rests solely with its armed forces. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed a "strong response" to any foreign military ships transiting the strategic waterway. Concurrent diplomatic talks in Pakistan reached a stalemate, with US Vice President JD Vance stating no agreement was reached.

Iran denies US CENTCOM's claim of clearing sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz, vowing a strong response as diplomatic talks stall.

Washington DC / Tehran, April 12 The US Central Command said that two of its ships have begun setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and the claim was denied immediately by Iran, Al Jazeera reported.

CENTCOM said that USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.

"Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce," said Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, as quoted by the statement.

On Saturday, a spokesperson for the Iranian military's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters swiftly denied the US statement, as reported by Al Jazeera.

"The claim by the CENTCOM commander regarding the approach and entry of American vessels into the Strait of Hormuz is strongly denied," Al Jazeera quoted the spokesperson as saying. "The initiative for the passage and movement of any vessel is in the hands of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

The IRGC, in turn, vowed "a strong response" to any military ships passing through the strait, as per Al Jazeera.

The passage through the strait serves as a bone of contention between the two warring nations, as Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, with just a few ships squeezing through daily.

"The Strait of Hormuz is an international sea passage and an essential trade corridor that supports regional and global economic prosperity. Additional U.S. forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearance effort in the coming days," the CENTCOM statement added.

The statements came as the US-Iran talks were underway. However, the talks did not yield much.

After hours of negotiations in Pakistan between US and Iran, talks have reached a stalemate on Sunday as US Vice President JD Vance said that no agreement has been reached in talks with Iran. He said that while they would be returning to the US, the development is a "bad news for Iran" than it is for the United States.

Addressing reporters from Islamabad, Vance said that during the negotiations that took place for 21 hours, several substantial discussions were held however, no conclusions were reached.

"We've had a number of substance agreements with the Iranians- that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America."

- ANI
Iran's spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, declared the nation's strengthened resolve to pursue its interests using all available tools, including diplomacy. He detailed intensive, ongoing negotiations in Islamabad, facilitated by Pakistan, covering issues like the Strait of Hormuz and sanctions. Baqaei emphasized that the success of these efforts hinges on the opposing side accepting Iran's legitimate rights and refraining from excessive demands. The statement contrasts with recent comments from US Vice President JD Vance, who noted substantive discussions but a lack of final agreement.

Iranian spokesperson states resolve to use diplomacy and all other tools to secure national rights, citing heavy losses and ongoing negotiations.

Tehran, April 12 Iran's Head of Center for Public Diplomacy and Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, on Sunday said that Iran's negotiators are employing all their capabilities, adding that the success of the efforts depends on the acceptance of Iran's legitimate rights and interests.

Baqaei said that Iran's heavy losses have made its resolve stronger than ever.

In a post on X, he said, "Diplomacy for us is the continuation of the sacred jihad of the defenders of the Iranian land. We have not forgotten and will not forget the experiences of America's breaches of promise and malicious acts. Just as we will not forgive the heinous crimes committed by them and the Zionist regime during the course of the second and third imposed wars."

"Today was a busy and long day for the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Islamabad. The intensive negotiations that began from the morning of Saturday with Pakistan's benevolent efforts and mediation have continued without interruption until now, and numerous messages and texts have been exchanged between the two sides. The Iranian negotiators are employing all their capabilities, experience, and knowledge to safeguard Iran's rights and interests. The heavy loss of our great elders, dear ones, and fellow countrymen has made our resolve to pursue the Iranian nation's interests and rights firmer than ever before," he added.

Baqaei said that Iran will use all its tools to secure its national interests.

"Nothing can or should deter us from pursuing our great historical mission toward our beloved homeland and noble Iranian civilization. The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to utilize all tools, including diplomacy, to secure national interests and protect the country's well-being," he said.

"In the past 24 hours, discussions were held on various dimensions of the main negotiation topics, including the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear issue, war reparations, lifting of sanctions, and the complete end to the war against Iran and in the region. The success of this diplomatic process depends on the seriousness and good faith of the opposing side, refraining from excessive demands and unlawful requests, and the acceptance of Iran's legitimate rights and interests," he added.

The statement comes as US Vice President JD Vance said that Iranians did not choose the offer.

"We've had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians. That's the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement -- and I think that's bad news for Iran much more than it's bad news for the United States of America," he said.

- ANI
Iran-US peace talks in Islamabad have been extended for another day following a marathon 14-hour negotiation session. The extension came at Pakistan's proposal, with Iran's delegation citing "illogical and excessive demands" from the United States. Significant differences reportedly remain, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian media stating the "ball is in the US court." The talks aim to ease Middle East tensions following a recent ceasefire.

Pakistan-mediated negotiations between Iran and the US continue for another day amid reports of "serious differences" and "excessive demands."

Tehran, April 12 Negotiations between delegations from Iran and the United States will be extended for another day at Pakistan's proposal and at the two sides' consent, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported early Sunday.

The report said given the "illogical and excessive demands" of the United States and the Iranian delegation's insistence on ensuring national interests, Pakistan proposed to hold another round of negotiations on Sunday and the two sides agreed, Xinhua news agency reported.

This occurred at the end of the latest round of Pakistani-mediated talks that ended early Sunday in Islamabad, and after the two delegations exchanged texts, according to Tasnim.

The negotiations started at 1 p.m. local time (0800 GMT) on Saturday and continued for more than 14 hours, the report said.

Tasnim said earlier that certain serious differences still remain between the two sides, adding that "the ball is now in the US court to put aside its usual excessive demands and replace its ambitious approach with a realistic one."

It quoted an informed source as saying that despite the initial progress achieved in the negotiations between the two sides' expert teams, the delegations still have "serious" differences over the Strait of Hormuz and a number of other issues, and no tangible change has occurred in the talks due to the US "excessive demands."

The report stressed that some Western media are exaggerating the talks' "positive atmosphere" to control global energy prices.

Regarding the latest round, Tasnim said: "Given the US excessive demands, this round appears to be the last chance given by the Iranian team to the Americans to achieve a joint framework."

Delegations from Iran and the United States are in Islamabad for talks aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East following a ceasefire reached earlier this week after more than a month of fighting.

- IANS
The Iraqi Parliament has elected former environment minister Nizar Amedi as the country's new president following a decisive runoff vote in Baghdad. Amedi, the candidate of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, secured 227 votes after leading the first round. His election concludes a long period of political deadlock that had stalled the process due to a lack of consensus. Under the constitution, the new president now has 15 days to nominate a prime minister-designate from the largest parliamentary bloc.

Iraqi parliament elects former environment minister Nizar Amedi as president, ending a prolonged political stalemate in Baghdad.

Baghdad, April 12 The Iraqi Parliament elected former environment minister Nizar Amedi as the country's new president, following a decisive voting session held in the capital Baghdad.

Parliament Speaker Haibet al-Halbousi officially announced Amedi as the winner after he secured 227 votes in the runoff vote. Following the announcement, the president-elect took the constitutional oath, Xinhua news agency reported.

The pivotal session was attended by approximately 250 lawmakers from the 329-seat parliament, exceeding the constitutional quorum of 220 members required for the presidential election.

According to the televised session, Amedi, the candidate of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), led the first round with 208 votes, while his primary competitors, Muthanna Amin from the Kurdistan Islamic Union and current Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, received 17 and 16 votes respectively.

The election moved to a second round between Amedi and Amin, as no candidate secured a two-thirds majority in the initial ballot.

Amedi, head of the Political Bureau of the PUK in Baghdad, previously held the post of Iraqi environment minister from 2022 to 2024 and has acted as an adviser to former Iraqi presidents.

Under the Iraqi constitution, the newly elected president has 15 days to nominate the leader of the largest parliamentary bloc as the prime minister-designate. The nominee will then have 30 days to form a new cabinet and seek a confidence vote.

Iraq held parliamentary elections in November last year. The vote concludes a long period of political deadlock. The election of the new president had been stalled due to a lack of consensus between the major Kurdish parties and the failure to achieve the required two-thirds parliamentary quorum in previous attempts.

Under Iraq's post-2003 power-sharing system, the presidency is reserved for a Kurd, while the parliamentary speaker is a Sunni, and the prime minister is a Shiite.

- IANS
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has strongly condemned Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for announcing what he calls "sham trials" against Israel's political and military leadership. The charges, reportedly filed by an Istanbul prosecutor, target Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and over 30 other officials over the interception of a 2025 Gaza-bound flotilla. Katz accused Erdogan of antisemitism and hypocrisy, citing his relationship with Hamas and actions against Kurds. In response, Turkey's foreign ministry stated it would continue efforts to hold Netanyahu accountable for crimes against civilians.

Israel's defense minister slams Turkish President Erdogan for announcing trials against Israeli PM Netanyahu and officials, calling it antisemitic.

Tel Aviv, April 12 Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, on Sunday slammed Turkish President Erdogan after reports had emerged claiming that he had announced trials for Israel's military and political leadership. Katz accused Erdogan of being a "paper tiger" and underlined that Israel would continue to defend itself.

In a post on X, Katz said, "Turkish President @RTErdogan, after revealing himself to be a paper tiger by failing to respond to the missiles fired from Iran onto Turkish soil, is now resorting to antisemitism and announcing sham trials in Turkey against Israel's political and military leadership."

He slammed Erdogan and added, "What a grand absurdity. A Muslim Brotherhood member, a man who has massacred Kurds, is accusing Israel--which is defending itself against his partners in Hamas--of genocide."

He underlined that Israel will continue to defend itself with strength and resolve--and said that it would be better for Erdogan to "sit quietly and stay silent."

The Jerusalem Post reported on Sunday citing Turkish media that Turkey indicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday along with 35 other Israeli officials, for the naval interception of the October 2025 "Sumud" Gaza flotilla, and was seeking up to 4,596 years in prison as punishment.

As per the Jerusalem Post, Istanbul's chief prosecutor accused those indicted of having been involved in a military operation against civilians in international waters, and sought a minimum sentence of 1,102 years.

The list of those charged included Defence Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said on X that the country would continue to fight Iran's terror regime and its proxies, "unlike Erdogan who accommodates them and massacred his own Kurdish citizens."

Earlier in a video message, Israeli PM Netanyahu he also said that the campaign against Iran "is not over," and added that historic achievements have been made, the Times of Israel reported.

As per the news outlet, Netanyahu referred to a map of the Middle East with the Iranian axis highlighted in red, and said that "they wanted to strangle us, and we are strangling them."

"We hit them, we still have more to do," he added.

Meanwhile in the wake of remarks by Israeli officials, Turkish Foreign Ministry in a message on X discarded the allegations against Erdogan.

It said, "The fact that our President has been targeted by Israeli officials with baseless, brazen, and false allegations is a result of the discomfort caused by the truths we have consistently voiced on every platform," read the post, adding that Turkey "will continue to stand by innocent civilians and will further its efforts to ensure that Netanyahu is held accountable for the crimes he has committed."

- ANI
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated Israel is open to a lasting peace agreement with Lebanon, contingent on the dismantling of Hezbollah's military capabilities. The announcement comes as Israel agrees to begin formal negotiations following weeks of cross-border hostilities. These developments coincide with high-level ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad. Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

Israel agrees to talks with Lebanon but insists on Hezbollah's disarmament for a lasting peace deal, as cross-border strikes continue.

Tel Aviv, April 12 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel is open to entering into a "real" and enduring peace agreement with Lebanon, even as he intensified his criticism of Iran and its regional proxies, asserting that his government will continue military operations against what he termed a "terrorist regime".

In a post on X, Netanyahu wrote, "Under my leadership, Israel will continue to fight against Iran's terrorist regime and its proxies, in contrast to Erdogan who aids them and even slaughters his Kurdish citizens."

According to reports by Al Jazeera, Israel has agreed to begin formal negotiations with Lebanon next week following weeks of intense cross-border hostilities and a ground incursion into parts of Lebanese territory.

Netanyahu reiterated that Israel seeks an enduring peace arrangement with Lebanon, while maintaining that such an agreement must ensure long-term security guarantees.

In a video address, Netanyahu said Israel is open to a peace deal with Lebanon, but only if it is long-lasting and conditional upon the "dismantling" of Hezbollah's military capabilities.

"Lebanon has approached us. In the past month, it has reached out several times to begin direct peace talks," said Netanyahu.

"I have given my approval, but on two conditions: We want the dismantling of Hezbollah's weapons, and we want a real peace agreement that will last for generations," he added.

Netanyahu's comments came as the first phase of in-person talks between the United States and Iran concluded in Islamabad late on Saturday night after several hours of negotiations involving multiple stakeholders, marking a significant development in ongoing diplomatic discussions aimed at de-escalating tensions in West Asia.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military claimed that its forces targeted more than "200 Hezbollah sites" across Lebanon over the past 24 hours.

Sharing the update in a post on X, the Israeli military further stated that its air force would continue to strike "Hezbollah infrastructure" located in southern Lebanon as part of its ongoing military campaign.

Amidst this continued kinetic activity, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Saturday claimed that the ceasefire in Lebanon was part of an agreement in talks with the US, according to the Iranian state media, Press TV.

Press TV also stated that the spokesperson's remarks were confirmed by the Pakistani side. Furthermore, the Iranian delegation is reportedly in touch with Hezbollah to make necessary decisions regarding the situation.

These developments coincide with the commencement of trilateral ceasefire talks between the United States, Iran, and Pakistan in Islamabad. Al Jazeera reported that these represent the highest-level discussions between Washington and Tehran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

- ANI
The Trump family-backed project World Liberty Financial (WLFI) has positioned itself as a way to empower individuals through transparent, accessible, democratic and secure financial solutions.

When Justin Sun, billionaire and founder of the Tron blockchain, committed $30 million to WLFI token in late 2024, he hailed President Donald Trump as the reason the United States was becoming a blockchain capital.

But things have changed and soured in the past two years. Now, Sun is openly calling out the company and the token project.

Related: Trump familys WLFI token briefly overtakes XRP derivatives volume before 28% crash

After his initial investment in WLFI, Sun continued building his stake, eventually reaching more than $75 million in WLFI tokens. He also separately pledged $100 million to the TRUMP memecoin.

That conviction curdled in 2025. After Sun's wallet moved approximately $9 million in WLFI tokens, World Liberty Financial quietly blacklisted the address, freezing his entire position and stripping him of any ability to sell.

His 544.7 million tokens, currently valued at roughly $43.73 million as per Arkham, have sat locked ever since. On Apr. 10, he watched more than $11 million in paper value evaporate as the token slid.

Related: Justin Sun asks to unlock his WLFI tokens in desperate plea

What happened to WLFI?

It all started last week when CoinDesk reported that WLFI had pledged 5 billion of its own tokens on the Dolomite lending platform to borrow $75 million in stablecoin.

This effectively drained the protocol's USD1 pool and prevented other depositors from accessing their funds.

More than $40 million of those borrowed funds were subsequently sent to Coinbase Prime.

Adding to investor unease, it also emerged that the team had quietly shelved a proposal to unlock $427 million worth of tokens. Early backers had anticipated this move, and its sudden cancellation resulted in a sharp selloff.

World Liberty Financial was not silent.

In a thread on X, the project pushed back against what it called "FUD," which stands for fear, uncertainty, and doubt. The company called the criticism of its lending strategy a misreading of how the arrangement works.

Popular on TheStreet Roundtable:

Billionaire points finger at 'trap door'

In a post on X on Apr. 12, Sun alleged that World Liberty Financial had embedded an undisclosed blacklisting function directly into the WLFI smart contract. This grants the project's leadership unilateral power to freeze any token holder's assets without notice, cause, or recourse.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has expressed supreme confidence in a sweeping victory for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance, predicting a possible win in all 234 assembly constituencies. He framed the upcoming election as a battle of "Tamil Nadu vs Delhi," accusing the rival AIADMK of being subservient to central forces. Stalin dismissed concerns about opposition alliances, stating no combination could succeed against his front. The state goes to polls in a single phase on April 23, with a three-way contest expected involving the DMK, AIADMK-led NDA, and actor Vijay's new party.

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin asserts DMK alliance will win all seats, framing election as "Tamil Nadu vs Delhi" against AIADMK. Polls on April 23.

Pudukkottai, April 11 Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed strong confidence that the ruling alliance would secure a sweeping victory in the Assembly elections, citing the overwhelming public response witnessed during campaign events.

The DMK-led alliance had earlier predicted victory in over 200 constituencies. However, Stalin, who is DMK candidate from Kolathur constituency, said the current level of public support and crowd turnout now indicates a possible win in all 234 constituencies.

He asserted that no Opposition force would be able to defeat them and said the alliance remains unconcerned about its rivals.

"The current level of public support and crowd turnout now indicates a possible win in all 234 constituencies. Our Secular Progressive Alliance will win in Tamil Nadu. Regardless of how many parties join hands against us, no one can succeed," Stalin said.

Responding to a question on his repeated "Tamil Nadu vs Delhi" remark, Stalin alleged that All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has been "mortgaged to Delhi" and has become subservient to it.

"All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) has been mortgaged to Delhi and has become subservient to it. So the fight is between Tamil Nadu and Delhi. it is a matter of concern and disappointment that a Dravidian party has reached such a state," the DMK Chief said.

On incidents involving youngsters allegedly engaging in reckless behaviour by following film actors, including Vijay, Stalin said such accidents are being witnessed by people across the state. "People are watching this, and they will give a befitting reply," he added.

Tamil Nadu Assembly elections will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4.

The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes the Indian National Congress, DMDK and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by AIADMK with BJP and PMK as allies. Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also set to make his electoral debut with TVK, which could turn the contest into a three-way fight.

- ANI
The Indian Army's Shakti Vijay Brigade and Kupwara District Administration celebrated 'Shaam-e-Watan: Ek Shaam Desh Ke Naam' in Teetwal near the Line of Control. The event showcased local Kashmiri artists and is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Vibrant Villages Programme 2.0. This initiative aims to accelerate development and promote tourism in border villages to curb migration. Officials stated that the civil administration, police, and army are working collectively to achieve these strategic and developmental goals.

Indian Army & Kupwara admin host cultural event in Teetwal under Vibrant Villages Programme 2.0 to boost tourism & development.

Teetwal, April 12 The Indian Army's Shakti Vijay Brigade and the District Administration Kupwara on Saturday celebrated 'Shaam-e-Watan: Ek Shaam Desh Ke Naam' near the LOC Teetwal, showcasing Kashmiri talent and the spirit of unity and patriotism in the valley.

Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, who was present at the event, said that the programme gave a platform to the Kashmiri artists to showcase a variety of cultural performances as a part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Vibrant Villages Programme 2.0.

He noted that the Vibrant Villages Programme 2.0 aims to accelerate tourism and development in the village areas, and the Indian Army, civil administration, and police officials are collectively working to achieve this goal.

"As you know, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Vibrant Villages Programme, now in its 2.0 phase. Several villages in Kupwara, including Teetwal. The aim is to accelerate development and promote border tourism, bringing vibrancy to these areas. Civil administration, police, and especially the Indian Army are working together to achieve this. Today's 'Shaam-e-Watan' programme, organised by the Shakti Vijay Brigade in Titwal, is part of this effort, giving a platform to local Kashmiri talent to showcase their skills. We plan to hold similar events across border villages this year to boost tourism and awareness," he said.

The Vibrant Villages Programme 2.0 builds upon the foundation laid by the first phase of the Vibrant Villages Programme, which primarily focused on villages along the northern borders. The second phase expands the scope to additional border regions, including those in the Northeast, where connectivity challenges and developmental gaps have historically posed obstacles to growth.

The initiative aims to curb migration from border villages and encourage local populations to remain rooted in their native areas.

Beyond development, the programme also has a strategic dimension. Strengthened and well-populated border villages are expected to play a critical role in enhancing national security.

- ANI
The Kolathur Assembly constituency is a key symbolic battleground for Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who has held it since its creation in 2011. He faces a serious multi-cornered challenge in the 2026 elections from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam and the AIADMK. Stalin's electoral record here is formidable, having won the last two elections by massive margins. The campaign is charged with debates on development, language policy, and dynasty politics.

Kolathur, MK Stalin's bastion, faces a triangular contest in 2026 Tamil Nadu elections from TVK's VS Babu and AIADMK's P Santhana Krishnan. Analysis.

Kolathur, April 12 The Kolathur Assembly constituency has transformed into one of Tamil Nadu's most politically symbolic battlegrounds, and as the 2026 elections approach, all eyes are once again on MK Stalin--a leader who has not only represented the seat for three consecutive terms but has also turned it into a cornerstone of Dravidian politics.

Located in the Chennai district and forming part of the Chennai North Lok Sabha segment, Kolathur (constituency number 13) is no longer just another urban seat; it is widely seen as a reflection of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Stalin's political strength, governance record, and electoral resilience.

Created in 2008 following delimitation, it has been represented solely by MK Stalin since its first election in 2011. Known as the "Fish Bowl of Chennai," it houses a massive ornamental fish market that sells over 10 lakh fish daily.

The 2026 contest, however, is far from routine. Stalin, contesting on a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) ticket, faces a serious multi-cornered challenge from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's (TVK) VS Babu and AIADMK's P Santhana Krishnan, along with NTK's Soundara Pandian Louther Seth. This has turned Kolathur into a high-voltage triangular contest, with actor-turned-politician Vijay's TVK attempting to disrupt traditional vote banks while the AIADMK seeks to reclaim lost ground.

Despite the challenge, Stalin's electoral track record in Kolathur remains formidable. In 2021, he secured a massive 1,05,522 votes (61.4%), defeating AIADMK's Aadi Rajaram by a staggering margin of 70,384 votes. The election saw a voter turnout of 64.63% out of 2,68,296 electors.

His 2016 victory was equally decisive, with 91,303 votes (55.4%), beating JCD Prabhakar of the AIADMK by 37,730 votes, in an election that recorded a 64.26% turnout from 2,61,913 voters. These consistent wins have cemented Kolathur as a DMK stronghold under Stalin's leadership.

The story of Kolathur is also deeply tied to Stalin's political evolution. His decision in 2011 to shift from Thousand Lights--a constituency he had dominated since 1989--proved to be a turning point.

Over the years, development in Kolathur has mirrored Stalin's administrative priorities. His earlier tenure as Chennai's mayor and later as Minister for Rural Development and Local Administration laid the groundwork for infrastructure-focused governance. The 'Singara Chennai' initiative brought flyovers, parks, improved waste management, and better corporation schools.

In Kolathur specifically, long-standing issues like monsoon flooding were addressed through stormwater drains and large sumps, while the revival of the Kolathur tank, park development, and the upgrading of a government hospital improved local living standards. One of the standout initiatives has been the launch of "Mudalavar Padaippagam," affordable learning and co-working spaces that have benefited students preparing for competitive exams and aspiring entrepreneurs at minimal cost.

As the 2026 elections draw closer, Stalin has intensified grassroots outreach. From travelling in the Chennai Metro and interacting with commuters to engaging with residents during morning walks in towns like Sirkazhi, his campaign reflects a direct-connect strategy.

Campaign events across Pudukkottai, Paramakudi, and Tiruvannamalai have drawn significant crowds, reinforcing his claim of widespread public support.

Stalin has even projected a sweeping victory for the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), claiming it could win all 234 constituencies in the state.

At the same time, the political climate is charged with controversies and sharp exchanges. Stalin has clashed with the Election Commission, accusing it of bias and questioning voter roll revisions and administrative transfers ahead of polls. On the national front, Stalin has reignited the language debate, strongly opposing the three-language policy linked to the National Education Policy (NEP), framing it as an attempt to "impose Hindi".

The Opposition, meanwhile, is sharpening its attack. Dynasty politics remains a recurring criticism, particularly targeting the rise of Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. Additional controversies, including remarks on Sanatan Dharma.

Recently, one of his most striking narratives in the 2026 elections has been framing the contest as a larger ideological battle between "Tamil Nadu and Delhi." He has accused the AIADMK of being "subservient to Delhi," arguing that the election is not just about parties but about protecting Tamil Nadu's autonomy and identity.

Meanwhile, support from minority communities continues to play a crucial role. Christian leaders, including CSI Zion Church Chairman Raja Freeman, have publicly backed the DMK, reaffirming the party's stronghold among Christians and Muslims, who together constitute nearly 15% of the electorate. However, this support base is being actively targeted by TVK, with actor Vijay attempting to make inroads into these communities.

Stalin's son and Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has also added momentum by promising expanded welfare schemes, including 2,000 financial support for women, free laptops for students, and 8,000 worth of household coupons.

Candidates challenging MK Stalin bring their own narratives into the fray. VS Babu, once associated with the DMK and later the AIADMK, now represents TVK and is focusing on issues like unemployment and alleged gaps in development.

P Santhana Krishnan, a seasoned AIADMK functionary, is campaigning intensively at the grassroots level, aiming to break the DMK's long-standing dominance in the constituency.

As Tamil Nadu heads toward a single-phase election on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4, Kolathur stands as a microcosm of the larger political battle unfolding across the state. It is not just a test of electoral strength but a referendum on leadership, governance, and political legacy.

With Stalin defending his fortress against both seasoned rivals and emerging challengers, Kolathur promises to deliver one of the most compelling contests of the 2026 elections--one that could shape the narrative of Tamil Nadu politics for years to come.

The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes the Indian National Congress, DMDK and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by AIADMK with BJP and PMK as allies. Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also set to make his electoral debut with TVK, which could turn the contest into a three-way fight.

- ANI
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has terminated the lawful permanent resident status of three Iranian nationals with alleged ties to figures associated with Iran's revolutionary regime. The detainees include Seyed Eissa Hashemi, who is the son of Masoumeh Ebtekar, a spokesperson for the militants in the 1979 US Embassy hostage crisis. The action is part of a broader series of revocations targeting relatives of senior Iranian officials, including those linked to the late commander Qasem Soleimani. The State Department stated it will not allow the US to become a haven for individuals connected to what it calls anti-American terrorist regimes.

Marco Rubio terminates permanent residency of three Iranians linked to 1979 hostage crisis figure, leading to arrest and pending deportation.

Washington, April 12 US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has terminated the lawful permanent resident status of three Iranian nationals with alleged ties to figures associated with Iran's revolutionary regime, leading to their arrest and detention pending removal, the State Department said.

Seyed Eissa Hashemi, Maryam Tahmasebi, and their son were taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement after their legal status was revoked. Authorities said they are now awaiting deportation proceedings.

Hashemi is the son of Masoumeh Ebtekar, a controversial figure linked to the 1979 takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran. Ebtekar served as a spokeswoman for the militants involved in the hostage crisis, during which 52 Americans were held for 444 days.

According to the statement, Ebtekar acted as a "leading propagandist" for the hostage-takers, arranging staged media interactions and portraying what officials described as a misleading image of the hostages' treatment. The department said hostages were subjected to "solitary confinement, blindfolded and starved, and subjected to physical and psychological terror, including beatings and mock executions."

Ebtekar later rose within Iran's political system, holding senior government roles, including serving as a vice president between 2017 and 2021.

The three detainees entered the United States in 2014 on visas issued during the administration of former President Barack Obama. In June 2016, they were granted lawful permanent residency through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. The programme has since been suspended under the current administration.

Last week, Rubio also revoked the legal status of relatives of Qasem Soleimani, a senior Iranian military commander killed in a US strike in 2020. Hamideh Afshar Soleimani and her daughter are now in ICE custody.

The State Department also terminated the status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of Ali Larijani, a former senior Iranian official, and her husband Seyed Kalantar Motamedi. Both individuals have already left the United States and are barred from re-entry.

The department said it worked closely with the Department of Homeland Security and immigration enforcement agencies in carrying out the actions. It added that the administration "will never allow America to become a home for foreign nationals tied to anti-American terrorist regimes."

- IANS
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to floor leaders of all political parties seeking their support for the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill. He emphasized that the moment for its passage transcends party politics and is a collective responsibility towards women and future generations. The Prime Minister stated that discussions on the bill in Parliament will begin on April 16, aiming for the 2029 elections to be conducted with the reservation in place. He framed the bill's passage as crucial for national progress and the empowerment of women in India's democratic journey.

PM Modi writes to all party leaders, calling for unity to implement the Women's Reservation Bill, calling it a "moment above any party."

New Delhi, April 12 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wrote a letter to Floor Leaders of all parties in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha requesting them for their support in the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill, saying that this moment stands above any party or individual.

"After extensive deliberations, we have reached the conclusion that the time has now come to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in its true spirit across the country. It is imperative that the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections are conducted with women's reservation in place," PM Modi wrote in the letter.

PM Modi appealed to the parties to "demonstrate responsibility towards women and future generations" with the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill.

In the letter, he welcomed discussions in the Parliament, underlining that it would be a great achievement for women in Indian politics.

"I am writing this letter so that we may all come together in one voice to pass this amendment. It would be great to have many Members of Parliament express their views on this subject in Parliament. This is a moment above any one party or individual. It is a moment to demonstrate responsibility towards women and our future generations. Since all political parties have expressed the desire to increase women's representation in politics for a long time, this is the right time to turn that aspiration into reality. This will be a great achievement for the nation's Nari Shakti and for 140 crore Indians. I have full confidence that we will all come together and achieve this historic feat in Parliament," he wrote.

PM Modi emphasised that a society only progresses when women are given opportunities to progress, and this Bill will serve as an integral part to achieve the dream of a developed India.

"Any society progresses only when women have the opportunity to progress, make decisions and, more importantly, to lead. For India to realise its vision of becoming a developed nation, it is essential that women play a greater and active role in this journey," the letter stated.

The Prime Minister announced that the discussions on the Women's Reservation Bill will be held from April 16 (Thursday).

"Your support for the amendment to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will be the fulfilment of an important responsibility towards the women of our country. Let us further strengthen our great democratic traditions and take decisive steps toward a historic transformation," PM Modi appealed in the letter.

- ANI
Union Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh visited Myanmar's iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, highlighting the deep spiritual and cultural foundation of bilateral ties. During his four-day visit, he called on representatives of Myanmar's new government, including Vice Presidents and the Foreign Minister. Singh also met President U Min Aung Hlaing to deliver a letter of felicitations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit underscored India's commitment to strengthening multifaceted cooperation under its 'Neighbourhood First' and 'Act East' policies.

MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh visits Shwedagon Pagoda, meets Myanmar's new leadership, and reaffirms India's commitment to bilateral cooperation.

Yangon, April 12 Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, paid a visit to Shwedagon Pagoda and highlighted the age-old spiritual connect between India and Myanmar.

In a post on X, he said, "Visited the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar. The deep spiritual connect between our two countries is age-old and abiding, and the foundation of our flourishing people-to-people ties today."

The Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar, is a 2,500-2,600-year-old, 99-meter-tall golden stupa, revered as a major Buddhist pilgrimage site holding relics of Gautama Buddha, including eight strands of his hair. Known for its immense gold plating and gem-encrusted stupa, it represents classic Mon and Myanmar architecture on Singuttara Hill, heavily linked to Indian cultural influence and diplomacy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the pagoda in 2017. India has supported the restoration of historical sites in Myanmar, including the nearby Ananda Temple, emphasising strong cultural and Buddhist connections.

Earlier, he also offered prayers at the Maravijaya Pagoda in Nay Pyi Taw.

On Friday, Singh called on representatives of new government in Naypyidaw. In a post on X, he said, "Called on representatives of new Government in Nay Pyi Taw today, including Vice Presidents H.E U Nyo Saw and H.E Daw Nan Ni Ni Aye and Foreign Minister H.E. U Tin Maung Swe. India and Myanmar are close partners with age-old ties, as well as land and maritime neighbours. India remains committed to further strengthening its multifaceted bilateral cooperation with Myanmar."

Singh also called on U Min Aung Hlaing and handed over a letter of felicitations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to him on his assumption of office as the President of Myanmar.

In a post on X, he said, "Called on H.E. U Min Aung Hlaing, and handed over a letter of felicitations from Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi to him on his assumption of office as the President of Myanmar today. Myanmar and India are close partners with age-old ties, as well as land and maritime neighbours. India remains committed to further strengthening its multifaceted bilateral cooperation with Myanmar under its 'Neighbourhood First', 'Act East' and 'MAHASAGAR' policies, and to extending developmental assistance for the benefit of the people of Myanmar."

MoS Singh was on a four-day visit to Myanmar from April 8 to April 11 to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new President in Naypyidaw.

- ANI
An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed 13 state security personnel, fueling regional tensions and threatening a fragile US-Iran ceasefire. In response, high-stakes trilateral talks involving the US, Iran, and Pakistan have commenced in Islamabad, described as "make or break" negotiations. Iranian officials warn the outcome depends on whether they are dealing with an "America First" or "Israel First" approach from Washington. The talks, held under intense security, aim to stabilize the ceasefire and navigate the future of regional security.

13 Lebanese security personnel killed in Israeli strike as US, Iran, and Pakistan hold high-stakes "make or break" ceasefire negotiations in Islamabad.

Sidon, April 12 Mourners in the coastal city of Sidon on Saturday gathered to pay tribute to 13 state security personnel killed in an Israeli strike, underscoring rising tensions in the region, according to the New York Times.

The personnel were killed a day earlier in a strike on the southern city of Nabatieh, the news report said.

According to the New York Times, Israel has stated that its operations are targeting Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia. However, the attacks have raised concerns about their broader impact, particularly on the fragile US-Iran ceasefire.

According to the news report, the escalation risks derailing ongoing diplomatic efforts, with several countries calling for Lebanon to be included in the truce to prevent further instability and ensure regional peace.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Saturday that Tehran is in constant contact with Beirut to ensure that the ceasefire commitments in Lebanon are upheld, as reported by Iranian media Fars news agency.

According to Fars, Baghaei, speaking from Islamabad where formal US-Iran negotiations are underway to end the ongoing conflict in West Asia, said the Iranian delegation has already engaged with Pakistani officials and clearly conveyed its positions and demands.

Fars further reported that Baghaei noted instances of ceasefire violations on Saturday, underscoring the fragile nature of the situation on ground.

Meanwhile, trilateral ceasefire talks between the United States, Iran and Pakistan have started in Islamabad, Al Jazeera reported, noting that this is the highest-level talks between Washington and Tehran since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Ahead of the talks with the United States, the Iranian negotiating team held a strategic meeting in the Pakistani capital. The delegation, which arrived in Islamabad to participate in high-stakes discussions, fine-tuned its agenda before the formal commencement of the "peace talks" with the US.

Prior to this engagement, US Vice President JD Vance also held a high-level meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a statement from the White House.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, also met the Pakistani Prime Minister.

The American delegation, led by JD Vance includes Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner.

Shehbaz Sharif had earlier termed the talks as "make or break" negotiations.

Held under intense security, the engagement aims to stabilise a fragile ceasefire and navigate the future of regional security. The ceasefire announcement was made on April 8.

Vice-President of Iran, Mohammad Reza Aref, had suggested earlier that the outcome depends entirely on the American approach.Taking to X, he noted that if the Iranian representatives meet those representing "America First," an agreement beneficial to both sides and the world is probable.

However, he warned that if they face representatives of "Israel First," there will be no deal, stating, "we will inevitably continue our defence even more vigorously than before, and the world will face greater costs."

- ANI
The Indian Navy will hold its biannual Commanders' Conference from April 14-16 in New Delhi. The conference gains critical importance due to the Navy's ongoing deployment to protect oil tankers and energy routes in the Indian Ocean Region amid the West Asia conflict. Key discussions will focus on operational readiness, technology adoption like AI and uncrewed systems, and strengthening India's position as a security partner. Senior officials including the Chief of Defence Staff and the Home Secretary will address the naval leadership.

Indian Navy holds Commanders' Conference to review operational posture, protect energy routes, and enhance combat readiness amid regional conflicts.

New Delhi, April 12 The Indian Navy will hold the inaugural biannual Commanders' Conference from April 14 to 16, at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi, as announced by the Ministry of Defence on Sunday.

This Conference takes place amidst the Indian Navy's deployment in the Indian Ocean, where it is tasked with protecting oil tankers that are travelling towards India after passing through the Strait of Hormuz, in light of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

In an official statement, the Ministry of Defence said, "The Apex Level Conference offers a stage for comprehensive review of the Navy's operational posture to protect national maritime interests, capability development and strategic alignment with national security objectives."

"This edition holds significant importance in the light of swift naval deployments to safeguard India's Energy Security, amidst ongoing conflict in West Asia with convergence of Multi-National Forces (MNFs) in the Indian Ocean Region," the Ministry added.

The Conference also holds major significance in reaffirming the Navy's operational doctrine, inter-services coordination and technology-driven response mechanisms post Operation Sindoor -- India's decisive actions against the terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Home Secretary Govind Mohan will also address the Conference. The event will also feature embedded discussions with senior naval leadership.

The Ministry of Defence said that these interactions are aimed at "enhancing interoperability and jointness, and deriving a broader perspective on national stability, security architecture, and collaborative approach to address future maritime challenges".

The forum will act as a platform for direct interaction with national leadership, helping to set a strategic direction for naval plans.

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, along with operational commanders and senior naval leaders, will review and assess plans to tackle the multi-dimensional challenges posed by the current geo-strategic environment.

"Alongside security imperatives, the deliberations will focus on achieving decisive operational success, enhancing blue-water capabilities, training, human resource management, sustainable maintenance practices, effective employment of uncrewed systems, Operational Logistics, and other key enablers for combat readiness of platforms," the officials said.

The discussions will also review the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) roadmap for Pan Navy solutions and data-driven technologies for seamless operations.

On a broader canvas, the Ministry of Defence stated that the Indian Navy's apex leadership will review overall preparedness to deliver military success when directed by the Centre, in line with the four roles of the force as elaborated in the Indian Maritime Doctrine (IMD).

"It would entail focus on sustained operations, expanding international cooperation, in addition to furthering the Government of India's vision of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across Regions (MAHASAGAR), and efforts towards indigenisation and innovation. The deliberations during the Conference would certainly aim towards promoting the Indian Navy as the 'Preferred Security Partner' in the IOR and Indo-Pacific region," the Ministry added.

- IANS
Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah has publicly declared his assets, revealing NPR 14.6 million in his bank accounts. His disclosed sources of income include revenue from social media and streaming platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify. The declaration also details property owned by his family, including land holdings by his parents and precious metals owned by his wife. Other cabinet ministers have followed suit in disclosing their assets, continuing a tradition of transparency, though some past governments have not adhered to this practice.

PM Balendra Shah discloses NPR 14.6M in bank accounts, with income from social media. Cabinet ministers also release property details.

Kathmandu, April 12 Nepal's new Prime Minister Balendra Shah has NPR 14.6 million in his bank account, according to property details made public on Sunday by the Prime Minister along with other members of his Cabinet.

As per the Corruption Prevention Act, 2002, Ministers and other high-level government officials are required to submit their asset details to designated government bodies within 60 days of assuming office.

However, there is no provision requiring those details to be made public.

Nevertheless, in line with the principles of good governance and transparency, there has been a tradition of disclosing such information.

According to the details released by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, PM Balendra Shah has listed Facebook, YouTube, and Spotify as his sources of income.

The asset declaration also shows that Shah's mother, Dhruvadevi Shah, owns 5 aana of land (158.98 square metres) in Kathmandu and 1.2 bigha (8,286.14 square metres) of land in Dhanusha district in southern Madhes Province.

His father, Ramnarayan Shah, owns 9 bigha (61,112.62 square metres) of land in Mahottari district.

Similarly, Shah's wife, Sabina Kafle, owns 190 tolas of precious metals, including gold and silver (not specified).

Other Cabinet members, including Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and Home Minister Sudhan Gurung, have also disclosed their property details.

Nepal has generally followed the practice of Prime Ministers and Cabinet Ministers publicly disclosing their property details since the restoration of democracy in 1990.

However, some governments in the past have not followed this practice.

For instance, after the formation of the government led by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in July 2024, Cabinet members did not disclose their property details.

Similarly, a previous government led by Sushila Karki also failed to make such disclosures.

- IANS
Janata Dal (United) workers have put up posters across Patna advocating for Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, to be the "future CM of Bihar." This comes as Nitish Kumar resigns from the Bihar Council after being sworn in as a Rajya Sabha MP, fulfilling his goal of serving in every Indian legislative house. The transition effectively hands the reins of the Bihar government to the BJP, marking a significant shift in the state's power structure. While Nishant Kumar is likely to become Deputy Chief Minister, there has been no official confirmation on the leadership posts from the party.

JDU workers put up posters in Patna advocating for Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, to become Bihar's next CM amid a major political transition.

Patna, April 12 Janata Dal workers on Sunday put up posters around Patna calling for Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, to be the "future CM of Bihar".

The posters were put up around Patna early morning, with the "Nitish sevaks" calling for Nishant Kumar to come out of his shadows.

"Nitish sevaks, we do not need a bulldozer, nor riots-unrest in Bihar. We need loknayak, it is time for him to come out of the shadow, we need youth leader Nishant Kumar," read the poster in Hindi, while having pictures of multiple party leaders.

Following Nitish Kumar's exit as Bihar Chief Minister and going on to become a Rajya Sabha MP, Nishant Kumar is likely to take up the mantle of being the Deputy Chief Minister. However, no official confirmation on the post of CM or Dy CM has been announced as of yet.

Nitish Kumar took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP on April 10. His ways of manoeuvring alliance politics have been crucial for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) being in power in Bihar.

The move to the Rajya Sabha marks the fulfilment of Kumar's long-stated desire to serve in every legislative house in India (Bihar Assembly, Bihar Council, Lok Sabha, and finally, Rajya Sabha).

Kumar resigned from his membership of the Bihar Legislative Council following his election to the upper house of Parliament. Janata Dal (United). MLC Sanjay Gandhi submitted the Bihar CM's resignation to council chairman Awadhesh Narayan Singh.

This transition effectively hands the reins of the Bihar government over to the BJP, marking a significant structural shift in the state's power dynamics ahead of future elections.

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his heartiest congratulations and best wishes to Nitish Kumar for taking oath as an RS MP.

The Prime Minister remarked that Nitish Kumar is one of the nation's most experienced leaders whose commitment to good governance and indelible contribution to Bihar's development are widely recognised.

- ANI
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have once again taken center stage in global markets, as a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran hangs in the balance.

The conflict, which escalated on Feb. 27 following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes under Operation Epic Fury that targeted Iranian military and nuclear infrastructure and killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, has since disrupted global energy flows and heightened macroeconomic uncertainty.

In recent days, attention shifted toward diplomacy, with high-level negotiations in Pakistan seen as a potential turning point for a war that has already rattled financial markets and risk assets worldwide.

Related: Treasury Secretary reveals new plan to combat money laundering

Peace efforts intensify after weeks of conflict

Talks between U.S. and Iranian officials began on April 11 in Islamabad, marking the first direct, high-level engagement between the two sides in decades.

The negotiations followed weeks of escalation, including strikes on Iranian targets, retaliatory attacks across the region and disruptions to shipping routes near the Strait of Hormuz - a critical artery for global oil supply.

Pakistan played a central mediating role, hosting both delegations and attempting to bridge differences after earlier ceasefire efforts temporarily reduced hostilities.

Ahead of the talks, expectations were cautiously optimistic.

Iran reportedly pushed for sanctions relief, access to frozen assets and security guarantees, while the U.S. insisted on strict limitations around Irans nuclear ambitions and control of key shipping lanes.

Popular on TheStreet Roundtable:

The Islamabad negotiations were widely viewed as a critical step toward a broader settlement that could stabilize both the region and global markets.

Vance confirms no agreement reached

Efforts to reach a diplomatic breakthrough intensified on April 12, as delegations from Washington and Tehran held extended negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan, aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.

Irans Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated early signs of engagement, but warned that progress would depend on concessions from the United States.

In a statement posted by the spokesperson for Irans Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmaeil Baqaei, Iranian officials described the negotiations as intensive.

Baqaei said the outcome of the talks would hinge on the seriousness and good faith of the opposing side, while urging Washington to avoid excessive demands and unlawful requests and to respect Irans legitimate rights and interests.
BJP candidate David Debbarma has expressed confidence in winning the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council elections. He thanked party leaders for selecting him as a candidate to represent the people and make policies. Election officials, including Secretary Anurag Sen, have confirmed that all preparations are complete for the polling. The election covers 16 subdivisions, with over 962,000 eligible voters set to cast their ballots.

BJP candidate David Debbarma expresses confidence and gratitude ahead of TTAADC polls, as election officials confirm preparations are complete.

Agartala, Saturday, April 12 BJP candidate David Debbarma has expressed confidence of victory in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council elections.

He expressed gratitude to party leaders for his candidature.

"This is a matter of pride that the party has selected me to fight elections and enter the council as a public representative, to represent the people and make policies for them. For this, I am very much thankful to the party leaders. I am confident," he said.

He said party workers have been working at the grassroots level.

Tripura State Election Commission Secretary Anurag Sen said that preparations are complete for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council being held today.

Polling is being conducted across various polling stations set up to ensure smooth voting . The election will cover 16 subdivisions under the TTAADC areas.

Sen said 9,62,547 voters are eligible to cast their votes, including 4,81,959 male voters, 4,80,582 female voters, and 6 transgender voters.

- ANI
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called on the United States and Iran to uphold their ceasefire commitment after high-stakes peace talks hosted in Islamabad ended in a stalemate. The talks, initiated by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, featured top-level delegations led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf. Key points of contention preventing an agreement were the strategic Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear capabilities. Despite the collapse, Pakistan pledged to continue facilitating dialogue between the two nations.

Pakistan's FM Ishaq Dar urges US and Iran to uphold ceasefire as Islamabad-hosted peace talks fail over Strait of Hormuz and nuclear issues.

Islamabad, April 12 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, on Sunday called for the US and Iran to uphold the ceasefire as the peace talks hit a deadlock.

"We hope that the two sides continue with the positive spirit to achieve durable peace and prosperity for the entire region and beyond. It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to ceasefire. Pakistan has been and will continue to play its role to facilitate engagement and dialogue between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America in the days to come," he said.

Dar thanked the US and Iran for responding to Pakistan's invite for holding the peace talks.

"Let me begin by expressing my deep gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America for responding to the call made by the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for an immediate ceasefire in the region as well as for accepting Prime Minister's invitation for holding peace talks in Islamabad," he said.

The high-stakes summit, dubbed the Islamabad Talks, saw an unprecedented gathering of top-tier officials. The US was represented by Vice President JD Vance, while Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Bagher Ghalibaf, represented Iran.

"The delegation of the United States of America, headed by the US Vice President H.E. J D Vance and the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran headed by the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament H.E. Bagher Ghalibaf, arrived yesterday in Pakistan, to participate in Islamabad Talks," he said.

Dar notified that the talks ended on Sunday morning.

"I, along with the Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir helped mediate several rounds of intense and constructive negotiations between the two sides, that continued through the last 24 hours and ended this morning," he said.

Meanwhile, JD Vance left Pakistan after Tehran and Washington hit a stalemate in the talks, with the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear capacities being key bones of contention.

"We've had a number of substance agreements with the Iranians- that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America," Vance told reporters in Islamabad.

- ANI
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor emphasized India's vital interest in a peaceful resolution to the West Asia conflict, stating the war's impact has reached "the Indian kitchen" and factories. He praised the government's engagement, noting the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Petroleum Minister are in touch with regional leaders. This comes as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visits the UAE and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri concluded a trip to Qatar. Meanwhile, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal held a virtual meeting with Saudi Arabia's Commerce Minister, stressing supply chain continuity and progress on the India-GCC FTA.

Congress's Shashi Tharoor says India wants West Asia peace, praises govt's regional engagement as war impacts kitchens & factories. Details inside.

New Delhi, April 12 Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has said that India wants peace in West Asia and lauded the government's engagement with leaders of the region saying "we cannot afford to be disengaged".

He said India's interest lies in peaceful resolution of the conflict.

"The impact of this war has reached even the Indian kitchen. Therefore, our interest lies in a peaceful resolution... This war has impacted our factories too... So no matter who brings about the peace, that doesn't concern us," he said.

"We want peace... I am pleased that our government, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and the Petroleum Minister are in touch with the leaders in that region. We cannot afford to be disengaged... That engagement keeps us viable, and potentially, enables us to play a larger role that today we are not in a position to play," he added.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates. He will meet the leadership of the UAE to review close cooperation and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.

Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri was on a two-day visit to Qatar from April 9.

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday had a virtual call with Saudi Arabia's Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah Al Qassabi to review the evolving situation in West Asia, with both sides stressing the importance of maintaining supply chain continuity amid ongoing regional tensions.

The ministers "took stock of the evolving situation in West Asia and reiterated the primacy of supply chain continuity," as the region deals with disruptions caused by the conflict.

Both sides noted the strain conflict has put on regional supply chains and stressed the need for an early recovery through coordinated efforts to ensure smooth trade flows. Goyal highlighted India's steps to support exports to KSA and the Gulf region.

The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and expressed optimism for early progress in the India-GCC FTA negotiations.

The meeting underscored the shared commitment to further deepening the India-Saudi Arabia economic partnership.

- ANI
Postal voting for senior citizens above 85 and differently-abled voters in Chennai will be conducted on April 15 and 16. A total of 35,916 eligible voters have been identified, with nearly 9,000 opting for the home voting facility. Ninety-six special polling teams, each with videographers and micro-observers, will visit residences to collect ballots. The process emphasizes voter independence, ballot secrecy, and full transparency, with training supervised by the Chennai Corporation Commissioner.

Postal voting for Chennai's elderly & differently-abled voters set for April 15-16. Over 35,000 eligible, with 96 teams visiting homes.

Chennai, April 12 Postal voting for senior citizens and differently-abled voters in Chennai will be conducted on April 15, with April 16 reserved as an additional day for those unable to cast their vote on the first day, Greater Chennai Corporation officials said.

The initiative is part of the Election Commission's efforts to ensure inclusive participation in the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Across 16 constituencies in the city, a total of 23,415 senior citizens aged above 85 and 12,501 differently-abled voters have been identified. Of these, around 8,947 voters have opted to cast their vote from home through the postal ballot facility by submitting Form 12D.

Officials said elaborate arrangements have been put in place to facilitate a smooth and transparent process.

As many as 96 polling teams will be deployed across the city to collect votes directly from voters' residences. Each team will comprise two polling officers, a police officer, a videographer, and a micro-observer to ensure strict adherence to electoral guidelines.

Voters who have opted for the facility will be informed in advance about the date and time of the visit by polling teams.

Authorities emphasised that all necessary precautions will be taken to ensure that voting is conducted freely, fairly, and in complete secrecy.

Meanwhile, polling personnel engaged in election duties will also cast their postal ballots between April 16 and 17. The voting for these officials will take place at three designated centres in the city, the locations of which are expected to be finalised shortly.

Training for the polling teams was conducted on April 8 at Ripon Buildings under the supervision of Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran.

During the session, officials were instructed to ensure that voters exercise their franchise independently without any external influence and that the confidentiality of the ballot is strictly maintained.

After casting their votes, voters will seal their ballot papers and place them in secure ballot boxes carried by the polling teams. The collected ballots will be documented daily, stored under the custody of returning officers, and the details will be electronically submitted to the Chief Electoral Officer to maintain transparency and accountability in the process.

- IANS
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar visited the memorial of her late husband and former NCP chief Ajit Pawar in Baramati ahead of the constituency's assembly by-election campaign. She has filed her nomination for the April 23 bypoll, which was necessitated by Ajit Pawar's demise in a plane crash earlier this year. The Congress party initially fielded a candidate but later withdrew the nomination out of respect for the late leader. In a related development, Parth Pawar, representing the NCP, was recently sworn in as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar pays respects at Ajit Pawar's memorial in Baramati ahead of the April 23 assembly by-election.

Baramati, April 12 Ahead of the upcoming Assembly by-election campaign for the Baramati constituency, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar on Sunday visited the memorial of the former chief of the Nationalist Congress Party, Ajit Pawar, in Baramati and offered her respects.

She was accompanied during the visit by her son Jay Pawar, who also paid homage at the memorial.

The bypolls in Pune's Baramati constituency come after the former NCP Chief Ajit Pawar died in a plane crash while he was headed to his constituency earlier this year.

Following his demise, his wife, Sunetra Pawar, was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister of the state and was also named the chief of the NCP.

The by-elections for the Baramati constituency in Maharashtra are scheduled for April 23, with counting of votes to take place on May 4, as announced by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

Last week on Monday, Sunetra Pawar filed her nomination for the assembly bypoll and urged for an unopposed election.

She will be contesting in the Baramati by-polls in alliance with the Mahayuti.

Congress, earlier, had fielded Akash More against Sunetra Pawar, who needs to be part of the assembly to be in the Deputy CM's seat.

However, Congress later withdrew the name of More from the by-elections in respect to Ajit Pawar.

Meanwhile, the Rahuri constituency in the Ahilyanagar district in the state will also witness by-elections after the seat fell vacant following the demise of MLA Shivaji Bhanudas Kardile.

Earlier on Thursday, Parth Sunetra Ajit Pawar, representing the NCP, took the oath as a member of the Rajya Sabha in the presence of Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan.

The ceremony was attended by senior NCP leaders, including Sunetra Pawar.

In a post on X, Pawar wrote, "Today, in the presence of the Honourable C. P. Radhakrishnan, the Vice President of the country and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, at New Delhi, I took the oath of membership of the Rajya Sabha on behalf of the Nationalist Congress Party. On this occasion, along with the Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra State, Honourable Sunetra Ajitdada Pawar, senior esteemed leaders of the party were present."

Pawar also emphasised his commitment to raising the voice of the people in the Upper House.

- ANI
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address an election rally in Murshidabad, West Bengal, on April 14 as part of the party's campaign for the upcoming state assembly polls. Gandhi also paid tribute to social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on his birth anniversary, praising his lifelong fight for the marginalized. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu were among several leaders who honored Phule, marking the start of his 200th birth anniversary celebrations. Phule is celebrated for his work against the caste system and his pioneering efforts in women's education.

Rahul Gandhi to address Congress rally in West Bengal. PM Modi, President Murmu, and other leaders pay tribute to Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on his birth anniversary.

New Delhi, April 12 Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is set to address an election rally in Shamsherganj in Murshidabad district of West Bengal on April 14 as part of the Congress party's campaign for the upcoming state elections.

The rally is part of the party's ongoing outreach efforts in the state, where polling is scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes slated for May 4.

Earlier on Saturday, Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to noted social reformer Jyotirao Phule on his birth anniversary.

In a post on X, the Congress leader hailed Phule's lifelong commitment to safeguarding the rights and entitlements of marginalised communities, adding that his fight against discrimination and inequality showed the nation the path towards equality and justice.

"On the birth anniversary of the great social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, I offer my humble salutations to him. He dedicated his entire life to protecting the rights and entitlements of the marginalised. His struggle against discrimination and inequality showed the nation the path to equality and justice. His ideals and thoughts will forever continue to inspire us to move forward towards social justice," Rahul Gandhi said.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on his 200th birth anniversary, highlighting his contributions to social reform and education.

"On the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, paying tributes to a visionary social reformer who dedicated his life to the ideals of equality, justice and education. He was also a pioneer in championing the rights of women and the marginalised. Through his efforts, education became a powerful instrument of empowerment. This year, we mark the start of his 200th birth anniversary celebrations. May his thoughts continue to guide everyone in the pursuit of societal progress," PM Modi posted on X.

Prime Minister Modi also paid floral tribute to Phule at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament premises, along with President Droupadi Murmu.

Among other leaders, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Union Ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal and JP Nadda, and former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh also paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule.

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was a renowned Indian social activist, reformer and writer from Maharashtra.

Born on April 11, 1827, in Satara, Maharashtra, he's best known for his tireless efforts to eradicate the caste system, promote women's education, and empower the oppressed.

- ANI
A boat carrying pilgrims capsized in the Yamuna River near Keshi Ghat in Mathura, resulting in at least ten fatalities and leaving five individuals missing. Rescue operations led by the NDRF and SDRF are ongoing, with the capsized vessel successfully retrieved after a four-hour effort. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased from the PMNRF. The victims were primarily pilgrims from Haryana and Punjab who were visiting the area for a religious pilgrimage when a sudden storm caused the boat to collide with a pontoon bridge.

10 pilgrims killed after boat capsizes in Yamuna near Mathura's Keshi Ghat. PM Modi announces ex-gratia, NDRF-SDRF teams continue search for 5 missing.

Mathura, April 11 Rescue efforts continued on Saturday morning near Keshi Ghat in Vrindavan, in Mathura district, after at least ten people died in a boat capsizing, officials said.

The incident occured on Friday. The rescue operations are being carried out by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.

The NDRF teams on Friday retrieved the boat that had capsized.

Mathura DIG Shailesh Kumar Pandey told ANI, "The boat has been retrieved after a 4-hour continuous effort. The death toll till now is 10, as informed earlier, and their post mortem is almost completed, after which they will be sent off to their homes."

Agra Divisional Commissioner Nagendra Pratap said rescue operations are still underway and that the injured are being treated in Vrindavan hospitals. He added that five people are still missing.

"Rescue operations are underway. 10 people died in the incident, and a post-mortem of the dead bodies is being done before being sent to their respective homes. The injured are being treated in Vrindavan. 5 are reportedly missing," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Lakshmi Narayan Chaudhary termed the incident unfortunate and said pilgrims from Haryana and Punjab were affected after a sudden storm led to the capsizing of the boat in the Yamuna.

"It is an unfortunate incident. Pilgrims from Haryana and Punjab drowned after a sudden storm capsized in the River Yamuna. 21 people have been rescued safely and are being given free treatment. 10 dead bodies, including 5 men and 5 women, whose postmortem is going on. Entire district administration is working on the ground, including NDRF and SDRF," he said.

Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA from Ludhiana's Atam Nagar, Kulwant Sidhu, met the families of the victims and expressed condolences.

Speaking to reporters, Kulwant Sidhu said, "I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Some people are missing."

Family members of the victims recounted how their relatives had travelled to Mathura and Vrindavan for pilgrimage before the tragedy struck

"I had a telephonic conversation with my family member, and they were very happy upon reaching there. Someone from the family called us and told us that their boat had capsized. We were not able to reach out to them. 8-10 people went there from our area," a relative said.

Another family member of the victim said, "Yesterday they left for Mathura, Vrindavan. Around 2.30 pm, they uploaded a video expressing their happiness. My family members are among those affected by the incident."

The incident occured after a boat carrying over two dozen passengers collided with a pontoon bridge on the Yamuna River near Keshi Ghat in Mathura.

According to police, around 25 to 27 people were on board when the accident took place.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the tragedy, offering condolences to the families of the victims and wishing a speedy recovery for the injured.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the incident as "extremely tragic and heart-rending" and said officials have been directed to ensure proper treatment for the injured.

- ANI
Security forces in Manipur have intensified joint combing operations for a third day following the killing of a BSF constable in Ukhrul district. During the operations, 21 illegally constructed bunkers used by militant outfits were demolished in two villages. In a separate action in Tengnoupal district, forces recovered pistols, IEDs, and combat gear near the Myanmar border. Authorities have established 109 checkpoints, are escorting essential supply convoys, and have warned the public against spreading unverified content on social media.

Joint forces intensify search in Manipur, destroy 21 illegal bunkers and recover arms after BSF constable's killing. Latest updates.

Imphal, April 12 Security forces on Sunday continued their joint combing operations for the third consecutive day on Sunday to nab militants following the killing of a BSF constable in Manipur's Ukhrul district.

During the ongoing operations, forces also destroyed 21 illegally constructed bunkers in the district, officials said.

A police official in Imphal stated that the Central and state security forces have intensified search operations across Ukhrul and adjoining districts to track down the suspected militants responsible for the killing of Border Security Force (BSF) constable Mithun Mandal. He was attacked on Friday while performing Road Opening Party (ROP) duty in the violence-affected district along with other BSF jawans.

After being paid solemn homage, the mortal remains of the BSF constable were sent to his ancestral home in West Bengal on Saturday.

The official further said that security personnel demolished 14 bunkers at Sikibung village and seven more at Mongkot Chepu village under Litan Police Station in the mountainous Ukhrul district. These bunkers had been illegally set up by militant outfits to launch attacks against both security forces and civilians.

In a separate operation, security forces recovered arms and explosives from the tri-junction areas of Maojang, Libung, Gomnom, and T Khonunjang in Tengnoupal district, which borders Myanmar. The recovered items included two 9mm pistols with magazines, 13 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two combat uniforms, one pair of jungle shoes, and a backpack. All 13 IEDs were safely destroyed on the spot by the security personnel.

Meanwhile, Manipur Police arrested two individuals from the Vengnuam Singngat area in Churachandpur district. Authorities recovered 45 soap cases containing brown sugar, a Maruti Gypsy vehicle, two mobile phones, and two bags from their possession.

Security forces, comprising both Central and state units, continue to carry out extensive crackdowns on militant activities. Search operations and area domination exercises are ongoing in fringe, mixed-population, and other vulnerable areas across multiple districts.

To strengthen surveillance and prevent the movement of unlawful elements, a total of 109 nakas (checkpoints) have been set up across both valley and hill districts of the state.

Security forces are also escorting vehicles, including trucks transporting essential commodities, along the Imphal-Jiribam National Highway (NH-37).

Tight security arrangements and convoy protection remain in place along sensitive stretches to ensure the safe movement of traffic.

Manipur Police have urged the public to refrain from believing rumours and to remain cautious about fake videos circulating on social media. "The authenticity of any circulated videos or audio clips should be verified with the Central Control Room. Uploading or sharing unverified or misleading content on social media will invite legal action," the police statement warned.

- IANS
A life-size bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda was unveiled at Seattle's Westlake Square, marking the first installation of its kind hosted by a U.S. city government. The statue was jointly unveiled by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Consul General of India Prakash Gupta as a gift from the Indian Council of Cultural Relations. The installation aims to strengthen cultural ties and people-to-people connections, particularly in the technology-rich Pacific Northwest with its significant Indian diaspora. The statue was sculpted by renowned Indian artist Naresh Kumar Kumawat.

Seattle installs a life-size bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda at Westlake Square, a cultural gift from India marking a historic first for U.S. cities.

Washington, April 12 A life-size bronze statue of Swami Vivekananda was unveiled at Westlake Square in downtown Seattle, marking what officials described as a first-of-its-kind installation hosted by a city government in the United States.

The statue was jointly unveiled by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and the Consul General of India in Seattle, Prakash Gupta.

The installation is located at Westlake Square, a central public space in downtown Seattle that draws more than 4,00,000 daily visits and millions of visitors each month. The site is within walking distance of major landmarks, including the Amazon headquarters, the Seattle Convention Center and the Seattle Center Monorail.

Officials said the monument represents the first time a US city government has hosted a statue of Vivekananda. The unveiling ceremony drew several political leaders from the Greater Seattle area, including mayors from Kent, Auburn, Tukwila, Normandy Park and Kirkland, along with city council members and community leaders from the Indian American diaspora.

In her remarks, Wilson said the installation reflects Seattle's "inclusive spirit" and underscores the city's commitment to strengthening cultural ties with India, particularly in a region known for its diverse and globally connected technology ecosystem.

The monument has been gifted by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) to the City of Seattle. Officials said the gesture recognises the city's multicultural character and aligns with broader efforts to deepen cultural engagement between India and the United States.

The unveiling coincided with the celebration of ICCR Day, highlighting India's cultural diplomacy initiatives. The project aims to reinforce people-to-people connections, particularly in the US Pacific Northwest, where the Indian diaspora has a strong presence.

The statue has been sculpted by Indian artist Naresh Kumar Kumawat, who has created over 600 installations across more than 80 countries. His works are often positioned as cultural symbols representing India's heritage and philosophical traditions.

The installation in Seattle adds to a growing number of global commemorations of Vivekananda's legacy, particularly in cities with significant Indian diaspora populations.

India and the United States have increasingly leveraged cultural diplomacy as a complement to their strategic partnership, which spans technology, defence and economic cooperation. Initiatives such as public monuments, cultural exchanges and academic collaborations have been used to deepen engagement beyond government-to-government ties.

The Pacific Northwest, anchored by Seattle, has emerged as a key hub for such engagement, driven by its large Indian-origin population and its role as a global technology centre.

- IANS
Iran's representative in India stated that recent peace talks with the US collapsed due to Washington's "unlimited demands." Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi claimed Iran participated in the Islamabad negotiations to demonstrate its commitment to peace, despite doubting American sincerity. He asserted that Iran did not leave the negotiation table and remains open to future dialogue based on dignity and its rights. The breakdown leaves a two-week ceasefire in a precarious state, with Iran stating the ball is now in the US court.

Iran's Supreme Leader rep in India claims US made excessive demands, causing peace talks to fail. Tehran says it remains open to dialogue.

New Delhi, April 13 Iran remained firm on its position even as recent US-Iran peace talks collapsed, with the representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India asserting that Tehran showed willingness for dialogue but refused to compromise on its "dignity" and rights amid what it called "unlimited demands" from Washington.

Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi told ANI that Iran travelled to Islamabad for negotiations despite doubts about American seriousness, aiming to demonstrate its commitment to peace.

"We were ready for negotiation. We came to Islamabad for negotiation. We were very, very serious about the negotiation. Although we doubted it, we knew that the other side is not serious, but we came to show the world that we are people of peace, and if the other side learned and got its lesson, and it came to the negotiation, we will come to the negotiation," he said.

He added that Iran accepted talks to prove it is "not the people of war," but claimed the US side sought only to "buy time" and ultimately made excessive demands that prevented any agreement.

"Actually, from the beginning, we doubted this negotiation because we are sure that the American administration is not serious about negotiation. They wanted to buy time; they wanted to refresh themselves. But we wanted to show the world that we are not the people of war, we are not the people of criticising and struggling. We are the people of the peace. So we accepted negotiation, and finally, we couldn't reach a conclusion due to the unlimited demand of the United States of America," Ilahi told reporters.

On the Iran-International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issue, reportedly a major sticking point, he stressed that Tehran did not initiate the conflict and reiterated Iran's stance on defending its sovereignty.

"We didn't start this war, we didn't initiate this war, and we are not the initiator of the war. They imposed this war on us, and we started defending ourselves and we are also ready to defend ourselves still, even for two, three, five years. So, we are not going to sell our dignity, we are not going to submit ourselves, we are not going to give our country and our rights to the other side," Ilahi added.

On the possibility of future negotiations, Ilahi asserted that Iran remains open to dialogue, placing the onus on the United States for abandoning the talks.

"Of course, because we didn't leave the table of negotiation. They left it. We are ready for negotiation, but based on rationality, dignity, humanity, and the observance of our rights," he said.

Responding to claims by the United States that Iran had withdrawn from the talks, Ilahi rejected the assertion, maintaining that it was Washington that stepped away due to its excessive demands.

"No, we never left the table. They left the table because they were asking for too many things. Even if you look at the news, they say they don't want 90 per cent or 95 per cent, they want everything. That means they want 100 per cent," he added.

The remarks came after the breakdown of high-stakes negotiations in Islamabad. Despite intensive discussions in the Pakistani capital aimed at securing a permanent end to the conflict, both sides were unable to reach an agreement by Sunday, leaving the existing two-week ceasefire in a precarious state.

Meanwhile, the Tasnim News Agency, citing an informed source, reported that Iran has offered "reasonable proposals," suggesting the responsibility for a breakthrough now rests with the United States, as "the ball is now in the US court."

- ANI
Crypto startups kicked off the second-quarter of 2026 with a bang, raising $76 million this week, DefiLlama data shows .

They have now raised nearly $5 billion so far in 2026.

Venture investors including the likes of Sumitomo Corporation, Paradigm and YZi labs are focusing on infrastructure and the overlap between artificial intelligence and decentralised networks, April data suggests.

Still, there are some headwinds for founders angling for new cheques, venture investors say. Chief among them is the uncertainty caused by the US-Iran conflict. While the two have signed a fragile ceasefire, investors are waiting to see how it holds up.

Given the current macroeconomic outlook, geopolitical uncertainty, and the rapid pace of new AI developments, many capital allocators are taking a more cautious, wait-and-see approach to deployment, Min Teo, managing partner at Ethereal Ventures, told DL News.

Here are the top three raises this week.

Pharos, $44 million

Pharos raised $44 million in a Series A round at an undisclosed valuation.

Investors including SNZ Holding, Chainlink and Flow Traders backed the high-performance Layer 1 blockchain. Pharos is built to handle large volumes of transactions and is compatible with Ethereum-based apps, with a focus on real-world assets and decentralised infrastructure networks.

The platform uses a system designed to process transactions quickly while lowering costs.

Oh, $7.5 million

Oh raised $7.5 million in a Series A round at an undisclosed valuation.

Maven 11 led the round, with support from L1 Digital, Hashed, Auros Global and Maelstrom. The company is building a web3 AI platform that focuses on decentralised AI models, including tools like OhChat for interactive AI services powered by its token.

As AI and crypto begin to overlap, Oh is aiming to build AI tools that work within blockchain-based incentive systems rather than traditional centralised platforms.

Kulipa, $6.2 million

Kulipa raised $6.2 million in a seed round at an undisclosed valuation.

Flourish Ventures and 1kx led the investment, with backing from White Star Capital and Fabric Ventures. The platform allows crypto wallets to offer branded payment cards that convert digital assets into traditional currency at checkout.

Youre reading the latest instalment of The Weekly Raise, our column covering fundraising deals across the crypto and DeFi spaces, powered by DefiLlama.
The Telangana State Board of Intermediate Education has declared the results for the 1st and 2nd year Intermediate Public Examinations, with an overall pass percentage of 71. Advisor K Keshava Rao highlighted the encouraging trend of improving results year after year. He specifically noted that female students are performing exceptionally well, outperforming their male counterparts. The results also demonstrate that government colleges are achieving better academic outcomes than private institutions, particularly in the vocational sector.

Telangana State Board announces Intermediate exam results with 71% overall pass rate. Girls outperform boys, and government colleges exceed private college results.

Hyderabad, April 12 The Telangana State Board of Intermediate Education on Sunday announced the results of the 1st and 2nd year Intermediate Public Examinations. At least 9.97 lakh students appeared for the examinations at 1495 Examination Centres.

Advisor to the Government, K Keshava Rao, said that the results were very inspiring, standing at 71 per cent. The results are getting better every passing day. He also praised the female participation in the examinations, saying that they are doing exceptionally well.

"The results are very encouraging because they have gone somewhat 71 per cent. Now, why I am happy is that it is increasing day by day. That is number one. And the ladies, particularly, gender-wise, are doing better. I'm not trying to discourage the boys, but this is exactly the truth," he said.

He further highlighted that the government colleges are doing better than private ones. He said that the theory circulating against the government colleges, implying that they are not doing well, has been broken down with the impactful results.

He noted that even though infrastructure can be a topic of discussion, academically, the government colleges are doing very well.

"But, giving you the evidence, the figures, white and black, let me tell you, we are doing better than private schools and colleges. In the vocational sector, we are at 71 per cent compared to 59 per cent in private colleges. There is some sort of a theory that government colleges are not doing as well as the private colleges, but we have shown you the results that we are far better," he said.

"We may lack in infrastructure, but as far as academics are concerned, classroom work and labs are concerned, dedication and teachers are concerned, it is really very good. The results have been well-received, with 80% of students acknowledging their satisfaction," he added.

- ANI
With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, Chief Minister and DMK leader M.K. Stalin intensified his campaign with a strategic morning walk in Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram district. The informal event drew large crowds, allowing Stalin to personally canvass for votes and listen to voter concerns. He was accompanied by the local DMK candidate, highlighting the party's coordinated grassroots strategy. As campaigning enters its final phase, such direct voter contact methods are being widely adopted in the closely contested election.

DMK leader and CM MK Stalin takes a morning walk in Paramakudi for voter outreach as campaigning intensifies for the April 23 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Ramanathapuram, April 12 With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled for April 23, political activity across the state has intensified, as major parties push into the final phase of campaigning.

The votes will be counted on May 4, with results expected to be declared the same day, setting the stage for a high-stakes electoral contest.

Amid this backdrop, M.K. Stalin, leader of the DMK and the incumbent Chief Minister, continued his aggressive outreach campaign on Sunday with a visit to Ramanathapuram district. Beginning his day early, Stalin took part in a morning walk in Paramakudi, turning what is typically a routine activity into a strategic political engagement. The walk quickly drew the attention of local residents, party workers, and supporters, many of whom gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the Chief Minister and interact with him directly.

During the interaction, Stalin actively canvassed for votes, appealing to the public to support the DMK in the upcoming elections.

The informal setting allowed him to connect with voters on a personal level, as he listened to their concerns and highlighted his government's achievements and welfare initiatives.

Accompanying him during the outreach was the DMK's candidate for the constituency, who joined Stalin in engaging with the public and seeking support.

The joint appearance underscored the party's coordinated campaign strategy, focusing on direct voter contact and grassroots mobilisation.

As the campaign enters its crucial final stretch, leaders across parties are adopting a mix of traditional rallies and innovative outreach methods, including door-to-door interactions and small-group engagements, to maximise voter connect.

Stalin's Paramakudi walk is part of this broader strategy aimed at consolidating support in key constituencies.

With just days left for campaigning to conclude, Tamil Nadu is witnessing a surge in political momentum, with all major parties striving to secure an edge in what is expected to be a closely fought election.

- IANS
Over 81 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots in the crucial elections for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council. The polls, which decide the fate of 173 candidates, saw a largely peaceful process despite minor clashes in some districts. The electoral contest features major national parties and regional players like the Tipra Motha Party, which currently governs the council. Extensive security arrangements were in place, with thousands of personnel deployed to ensure law and order.

High-stakes Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council polls see over 81% turnout. Key contest between BJP, Left Front, and Tipra Motha Party.

Agartala, April 12 More than 81 per cent of the 9,62,697 eligible voters exercised their franchise in the politically significant elections to the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council, held across all eight districts of the state to decide the fate of 173 candidates, including eight women, officials said.

The 30-member TTAADC, comprising 28 elected representatives and two members nominated by the state government, administers nearly 70 per cent of Tripura's 10,491 sq km geographical area. This makes it a strategically important constitutional body, second only to the state Assembly in terms of political significance.

According to officials from the State Election Commission (SEC), over 81 per cent of voters had cast their votes by the end of polling at 4 p.m.

An SEC official, however, added that the turnout figure is likely to rise slightly once complete reports are received from all 1,257 polling stations spread across eight districts.

Except for a few isolated incidents, no major disturbances were reported from anywhere in the state, a senior police official said. He noted that minor clashes between rival political parties occurred in three districts -- Khowai, Sepahijala, and South Tripura -- leaving around 10 party workers injured.

SEC officials said that, as seen in previous elections, tribal men and women dressed in traditional attire turned out in large numbers even before polling began at 7 a.m., forming long queues at most polling stations. In some booths, voting continued beyond the scheduled closing time due to the heavy turnout.

Following a month-long high-voltage campaign marked by intense political activity and sporadic clashes, the TTAADC elections are expected to play a key role in shaping the future political landscape of the Northeastern state.

A total of 9,62,697 voters, predominantly from tribal communities, including 4,80,666 women, were eligible to vote across 28 constituencies in eight districts. They are deciding the fate of 173 candidates, including eight women.

The electoral contest features three national parties -- the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the opposition Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front, and the Congress -- along with two prominent regional parties, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP) and the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura (IPFT). Several smaller parties and independent candidates are also in the fray.

According to SEC officials, the BJP, TMP, and the Left Front have fielded candidates in all 28 constituencies. The Congress is contesting in 27 seats, while the IPFT has fielded candidates in 24. In addition, 38 independent candidates and nominees from smaller parties are also contesting.

Meanwhile, the BJP's two tribal-based allies -- TMP and IPFT -- are contesting separately after failing to forge an electoral alliance for the TTAADC polls.

The one-and-a-half-month-long campaign witnessed several clashes, particularly between BJP and TMP supporters, leaving more than 50 leaders and party workers injured across various districts.

Despite the tensions, leaders from all major parties have expressed confidence in securing victory.

To ensure peaceful polling, extensive security arrangements were put in place.

Tripura Director General of Police Anurag earlier said that more than 13,500 Central and state security personnel were deployed across the 28 constituencies.

He added that the Central government had provided 24 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), comprising around 1,500 personnel. In addition, around 12,000 personnel from the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and the state police were deployed to maintain law and order.

"Of the total 1,257 polling stations, 311 have been categorised as highly critical, 693 as vulnerable, and 253 as normal," the police chief said, urging voters to cast their votes without fear and cooperate with authorities to maintain peace.

Since 2021, the Tipra Motha Party (TMP), an ally of the BJP, has governed the strategically important council, widely regarded as the second most significant constitutional body in Tripura after the state Assembly.

The TTAADC was constituted under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in June 1985 to promote the socio-economic development of tribal communities, who continue to play a vital role in the state's political dynamics.

Tribal communities account for nearly one-third of Tripura's 4.2 million population. The results of the TTAADC elections will be announced on April 17.

- IANS
US President Donald Trump shared an article suggesting the option of a US naval blockade against Iran, as peace talks in Islamabad reached a stalemate. The article cited experts who argued the US Navy could easily control the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Iranian spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated that the success of diplomacy depends on the acceptance of Iran's legitimate rights and interests. Meanwhile, regional tensions continued with reports of drone interceptions near Lebanon.

US President Trump shares article suggesting a naval blockade on Iran as peace talks stall over Strait of Hormuz and nuclear issues.

Washington DC, April 12 US President Donald Trump has shared an article suggesting that the option of enforcing a naval blockade was available in context of Iran as peace talks ended in a stalemate in Islamabad after differences of opinion arose between the two parties on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear capacities.

The US President shared the article in a post on Truth Social on Sunday.

The article posted by outlet Just the News cited experts who said that Trump could "out-blockade" Iran's hold over the strait of Hormuz and recalled US military ops in Venezuela earlier this year as an example where with a naval blockade impacted the country's economy.

The piece noted how the USS Gerald Ford carrier, which led the Venezuelan blockade is now in the Persian Gulf and has joined the USS Abraham Lincoln and other major naval assets.

"It would be very easy for the US Navy to exert complete control over what does and does not go up and down the Strait now," the Lexington Institute's national security expert Rebecca Grant told Just the News.

"I've heard about 10 ships have moved in the last 24 hours. One of them was a reflagged Russian tanker, and we know that cargos have gone out to China, to India, and we've seen some inbound traffic. If Iran gets intransigent, then absolutely, the US Navy can set up with great overwater surveillance ... and watch everything that goes in and out of that Strait and you'll have to ask the US Navy if you want to move past Kharg Island or past that narrow part by Oman," she said as per Just the News.

Peace remains elusive as JD Vance departed from Islamabad after hitting a gridlock in talks with Iran.

"We've had a number of substance agreements with the Iranians- that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America", Vance told reporters in Islamabad.

Meanwhile, Iran's Head of Center for Public Diplomacy and Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, on Sunday, said that Iran's negotiators are employing all their capabilities, adding that the success of the efforts depends on the acceptance of Iran's legitimate rights and interests.

Baqaei said that Iran's heavy losses have made its resolve stronger than ever and that it uses all its tools to secure its national interests.

"Nothing can or should deter us from pursuing our great historical mission toward our beloved homeland and noble Iranian civilization. The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to utilize all tools, including diplomacy, to secure national interests and protect the country's well-being," he said.

"In the past 24 hours, discussions were held on various dimensions of the main negotiation topics, including the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear issue, war reparations, lifting of sanctions, and the complete end to the war against Iran and in the region. The success of this diplomatic process depends on the seriousness and good faith of the opposing side, refraining from excessive demands and unlawful requests, and the acceptance of Iran's legitimate rights and interests," he added.

Meanwhile, security situation continues to evolve in West Asia.

Al Jazeera Breaking reported on Sunday that Israel intercepted drones launched from Lebanon.

Smoke was also seen rising from Beirut suburbs on Sunday as per Reuters.

As the situation develops, Tasnim News Agency said on Sunday citing an informed source that Iran has offered reasonable proposals in the negotiations held in Islamabad, adding that the ball is now in the US court.

- ANI
The Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council election recorded an approximate 21.5% voter turnout in the first two hours of polling. Women voters participated more actively than men during this initial period, with turnout varying across different constituencies. A total of 173 candidates are contesting across 28 constituencies, with significant security deployment to ensure peaceful polling. The TTAADC operates under the Sixth Schedule, granting it autonomy to govern tribal regions and oversee local development.

Tripura's tribal council election records 21.5% turnout by 9 AM, with women voters slightly outnumbering men. Key constituencies and security details.

Agartala, April 12 The overall voter turnout in the ongoing General Election of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council 2026 stood at around 21.5 per cent till 9 am, according to official polling data.

As per the 2-hourly polling report, out of a total of 951,613 registered voters, nearly 204,679 electors exercised their franchise in the first two hours of polling from 7 am to 9 am, showing strong participation during the morning hours.

Between 7 am and 9 am, around 100,058 male voters cast their votes, while 104,621 votes were cast by women, indicating a higher female voter turnout.

Among constituencies, several ST-reserved seats, including Kathalia-Mirza Rajpur, Maharani-Chelagang, and Ramchandraghat, reported comparatively higher turnout, touching around 24-25 per cent, while constituencies such as Machmara, Chaumanu, and Dasda-Kanchanpur recorded relatively lower participation in the range of 20-21 per cent.

Dhamcharra-Jampui recorded the lowest voter turnout so far, with just 16 per cent of the voters coming to vote in the first two polls.

According to Tripura State Election Commission Secretary Anurag Sen, a total of 1,257 polling stations have been set up to ensure smooth voting across all 28 constituencies of the TTAADC.

The election will cover 16 subdivisions under the TTAADC areas, with a total of 962,547 registered voters, including 481,959 male voters, 480,582 female voters, and six transgender voters.

The contest features 173 candidates, of which 165 are male, and eight are female.

For smooth and peaceful polls in the election in the autonomous area, TSR and Civil Police were deployed at all polling stations, with the central government providing 24 companies of CAPF, of which 12 companies are of BSF, 10 of SSB, and two of CRPF.

The TTAADC enjoys a unique position under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which provides it with significant autonomy in governing the tribal regions of Tripura. This framework enables the Council to oversee matters related to the protection of indigenous customs, local governance, and economic advancement in these areas.

With wide-ranging administrative and legislative powers, the TTAADC plays a crucial role in guiding development initiatives, improving infrastructure, promoting education, and safeguarding cultural heritage. Its functioning ensures that the indigenous communities of Tripura can progress socio-economically while preserving their distinct identity, making it a vital institution for self-governance and community welfare in the region.

- ANI
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) will hold an election campaign roadshow in Kanyakumari district led by its Chief Ministerial candidate. The party has obtained necessary permissions from the Election Commission for the event. Strict safety guidelines have been issued, including a prohibition on followers using two-wheelers or other vehicles behind the campaign car. The party also advised pregnant women, children, senior citizens, and those with health issues to watch the event via broadcasts instead of attending in person.

Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's CM candidate holds campaign roadshow. Party issues strict safety protocols and advisories for attendees.

Chennai, April 12 Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam General Secretary N Anand announced that the party's Chief Ministerial candidate will lead an election campaign roadshow in Kanyakumari district on April 12, ahead of the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

The roadshow is scheduled to take place from Mahadanapuram Junction to Zero Point, beginning at 2:00 PM. The party has also issued a detailed set of safety protocols and advisories for supporters attending the event.

In a post on X, TVK Headquarters said that permission has been obtained from the Election Commission for the campaign.

"Greetings to everyone. Permission has been obtained from the Election Commission for our people's favourite Chief Ministerial candidate and victorious leader to conduct an election campaign via vehicle tomorrow (Sunday, April 12 ) in Kanyakumari district, from Mahadanapuram Junction to Zero Point, starting from 2:00 PM," the post read.

The party further stated that necessary arrangements and basic amenities have been put in place for the campaign. However, it emphasised strict adherence to safety norms during the roadshow.

"Necessary basic amenities have been arranged for this campaign event. It is strictly prohibited for anyone to follow the leader's campaign vehicle on two-wheelers or any other vehicles. This must be strictly adhered to. Furthermore, we kindly request everyone to follow the rules laid down by the Election Commission," the statement added.

TVK also issued a public advisory urging vulnerable groups to avoid attending the event in person. "Additionally, we earnestly request pregnant women, children, school students, senior citizens, differently-abled individuals, and those with health issues to avoid attending the campaign in person. We seek your full cooperation by watching the event via social media and live television broadcasts, ensuring only those permitted participate in person," the statement further read.

The announcement comes amid intensified campaigning in the state ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls. The elections in Tamil Nadu are scheduled to be held in a single phase on April 23, with counting of votes set for May 4.

The electoral contest is expected to be closely fought, primarily between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes the Indian National Congress, Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) and Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the AIADMK along with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK).

Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also set to make his electoral debut with TVK, potentially turning the election into a three-cornered contest.

- ANI
Union Minister Piyush Goyal welcomed the second batch of Indian fishermen at Chennai Airport, successfully evacuated from conflict-ridden Iran. Over 600 fishermen have been repatriated so far through coordinated efforts by the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian missions. The evacuation was carried out under directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the safety of citizens caught in the crisis. The returnees, primarily from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala, and Puducherry, expressed relief and gratitude for the government's rescue operation.

Union Minister Piyush Goyal welcomes Indian fishermen evacuated from Iran. PM Modi-directed mission brings over 600 citizens home safely.

Chennai, April 12 Union Minister Piyush Goyal welcomed the second batch of Indian fishermen at Chennai International Airport after their successful evacuation from Iran amid ongoing conflict conditions in the region.

Speaking to reporters at the airport on Saturday, Goyal said the evacuation was carried out following directions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with coordinated efforts by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Indian missions abroad to relocate the stranded fishermen from Iran to Armenia before bringing them back to India.

"Our Prime Minister gave instructions to the Foreign Ministry, and they worked very hard to move them from Iran to Armenia. From Armenia, we got some good people to support us in getting them back because they are very poor fishermen. In the first batch, 345 came. Today, 300+ came. The Prime Minister has always cared for all the people who are stuck in any crisis. This once again demonstrates how much he cares for our fishermen who were unfortunately stuck in the middle of the war in Iran. They have been brought out from right inside Iran," Goyal said.

He further informed that over 600 Indian fishermen have been safely brought back from Iran so far, with the assistance of Indian embassies in Iran and Armenia. The returnees include fishermen primarily from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala and Puducherry.

"It is a delight to welcome back our brave fishermen who were in the middle of the war in Iran. They have been able to come back to India with the help of the embassy in Iran and the embassy in Armenia. In the first plane, 345 fishermen had come back, mostly from Tamil Nadu. Today, we have more than 300 fishermen who have come back. The majority are from Tamil Nadu, many are from Gujarat, and some are from Kerala and Puducherry. They had gone to Iran to make a living, mostly from the southern part of the country. They come from different districts like Kanyakumari, Tuticorin, Tirunelveli, and Nagapattinam, as well as Pudukkottai, Mayiladuthurai, and many other districts across the coastline. The fishermen from Gujarat are mostly from Valsad in the Surat region," he said.

Goyal also praised the coordinated diplomatic efforts of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his team, stating that they ensured the safety of Indian citizens from the very beginning of the crisis.

"From the first day when the war started, the Foreign Minister, a son of the soil from Tamil Nadu, Jaishankar and his team were in touch with the fishermen, making sure they were safe. The embassy brought them together in Armenia, and we have made arrangements for the plane to get them to India. They may belong to different parts of Bharat, but what binds them together is 'Mahabharat,' the Tricolour, our national flag, and the love and affection of 140 crore Indians who were eagerly waiting for their brothers to come back from the war in Iran," the Union Minister said.

A fisherman from Kanyakumari district, Silvester, who was among those repatriated, expressed relief after returning home, saying the evacuation brought them safety and comfort.

"Now we feel safe and happy. Our Modi government has helped us greatly. Without them, we couldn't have reached here. They helped us a lot; they even gave us good, decent food," he told ANI.

- ANI
Iran's Consul General in Mumbai, Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh, asserts that the United States is aligning its strategy with Israeli interests, which has caused a stalemate in peace negotiations. He claims external pressure from Israel has compromised Washington's independent decision-making, leading to the use of American resources in service of Israeli goals. The sentiment of distrust is echoed by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who stated Iran entered recent talks with good faith but no trust in the opposing side. Despite a marathon 25-hour negotiation session facilitated by Pakistan, a comprehensive agreement remains elusive due to this atmosphere of suspicion and recent military actions.

Iran's Consul General in Mumbai claims US strategy is on "Israel's wavelength," hindering diplomacy and causing global disruption in regional talks.

Mumbai, April 12 Iran's Consul General in Mumbai, Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh, has suggested that the United States is increasingly aligning its regional strategy with Israeli interests, leading to a stalemate in peace negotiations.

Speaking on the current diplomatic friction, Motlagh told ANI, "An interesting point to note is that the United States appears to be operating on Israel's wavelength. If the United States were truly the decision-maker, given that it had accepted the conditions, we should now have witnessed progress in peace negotiations."

The Envoy further claimed that external pressure has influenced Washington's ability to act independently in the negotiation process. "You can be certain that when the United States accepted our conditions, Israel exerted pressure on it, effectively insisting that the United States adopt Israel's demands. This implies the use of American forces in the service of Israel, the use of American taxpayers' money for Israel, and even the utilisation of the countries of the Persian Gulf in furtherance of Israeli interests," he added.

According to the Consul General, this lack of autonomy has directly hindered diplomatic progress. "All this indicates that the United States is aligning itself with Israel, and it is for this reason that Israel obstructed the process and caused the negotiations to falter," he said.

Linking these diplomatic hurdles to broader maritime and regional tensions, Motlagh highlighted the global repercussions of coercive policies. "All observed that in a waterway where the United States sought to overstep its bounds and violate the rights of the Iranian people through coercion and destruction, an attempt met with the resistance of the Iranian people, the repercussions were felt globally," the Envoy noted.

The Iranian diplomat expressed regret over the current state of international disruption, attributing it to a combination of US actions and Israeli influence. "Unfortunately, the ill-considered actions of the United States, coupled with Israeli pressure upon it, have led to the current level of global disruption and complexity. This situation runs contrary to the intentions of Iranian policymakers," he observed.

Looking ahead, Motlagh warned that the deadlock may persist unless there is a fundamental shift in Washington's stance. "With the rejection of Iran's conditions and the failure of the talks, I regret to say that this situation may continue. Nevertheless, one must wait and see whether a change in the American approach will occur, or whether it will persist in obstinacy and the imposition of its will."

This sentiment of deep-seated friction was further echoed by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who expressed a profound lack of confidence in the negotiating partners following high-stakes diplomatic discussions in the Pakistani capital.

In a post on social media platform X, Ghalibaf outlined Tehran's cautious stance, stating that he had emphasised before negotiations began that "we have the necessary good faith and will, but due to the experiences of the two previous wars, we have no trust in the opposing side."

Reflecting on the outcome of the talks in Islamabad, he noted that the "opposing side ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations." Ghalibaf also expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for its role in facilitating the process and sent his regards to the people of the "friendly and brotherly country."

Providing further context on the intensity of the engagement, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei revealed that the dialogue with US officials marked the longest round of negotiations over the past year, spanning roughly twenty-five hours of non-stop indirect messaging through Pakistani mediators.

Baqaei described diplomacy as an essential tool to safeguard national interests, even when held in an atmosphere of "mistrust, suspicion, and doubt" following forty days of "imposed war" and a subsequent ceasefire. He pointed out that recent military aggressions by the American side and the "Zionist regime" made a comprehensive agreement in a single session unrealistic.

According to the spokesperson, the agenda expanded to include highly sensitive topics such as the Strait of Hormuz. While some common ground was found on Iran's ten-point proposal, Baqaei noted that differences on two or three "key issues" stalled progress.

These developments come at a critical juncture, following reports that US President Donald Trump shared an article suggesting a potential naval blockade against Iran. This escalation follows the stalemate in Islamabad, where both sides remained sharply divided over Tehran's nuclear programme and maritime control.

- ANI
The Chief of the Air Staff of India, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, held high-level engagements in the United States with his counterpart, General Kenneth Wilsbach, and other senior US Air Force leadership. The discussions centered on enhancing interoperability, joint training, capability development, and fostering shared learning between the two air forces. The visit included strategic engagements at Peterson Space Force Base and Nellis Air Force Base, along with a familiarization flight in an F-15EX aircraft. The interactions underscored the expanding military synergy and the growing depth of the India-US defense partnership.

US and Indian Air Chiefs hold high-level talks to enhance interoperability, joint training, and capability development, strengthening bilateral defense ties.

Arlington, April 12 The US and Indian Air Chiefs held high-level engagements in Arlington to advance defence cooperation, a statement by the Indian Air Force said.

The engagements focused on enhancing interoperability and joint training, among other things.

In a post on X, the Indian Air Force said, "US and Indian Air Chiefs held high-level engagements in Arlington on 08 Apr to advance defence cooperation. Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach, hosted Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, who was accorded full honours. Discussions with senior U.S. Air Force leadership focused on enhancing interoperability, joint training, capability development and fostering shared learning. The visit also included engagements at Peterson Space Force Base and Nellis Air Force Base, along with a familiarisation flight in an F-15EX."

Earlier on April 9, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, on an official visit to the United States, visited the Peterson Space Force Base to engage in high-level strategic discussions.

During the visit, the Air Chief Marshal interacted with General Gregory M Guillot, the Commander of US NORTHCOM.

Marking the visit, the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, shared his welcome in a post on X, stating, "We welcome Air Chief Marshal AP Singh to the U.S. and look forward to increased cooperation with India."

The engagement underscored the expanding military synergy between the two nations.

The Indian Air Force noted that the leaders held a "productive exchange of perspectives on complex operational modalities," reflecting the growing depth of the bilateral defence partnership.

The Air Chief Marshal's arrival in the United States on April 6 set the stage for these high-level interactions, aimed at further strengthening the India-US defence partnership.

Upon his landing, he was received by the Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

In a post on X, Ambassador Kwatra expressed his "pleasure to host and welcome CAS, Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh as he begins his visit to the United States to further strengthen the India-US defence partnership and sustain the strong and growing ties between the two Air Forces."

- ANI
US intelligence assessments indicate China may be considering a more active role in supporting Iran, though the information is not definitive. The report notes Beijing publicly projects neutrality while internal debates occur about providing potential missile support or components. This comes as US and Iranian officials hold direct talks to stabilize a fragile ceasefire. Analysts say China's approach reflects a careful calculation between its deep economic ties with Iran and a desire to avoid global escalation.

US intelligence suggests China may be considering support for Iran in its conflict, as Beijing balances neutrality with complex geopolitical interests.

Washington, April 12 US intelligence assessments cited by American media suggest China may be weighing a more active role in Iran's conflict, even as Beijing seeks to avoid a wider war.

A report in The New York Times said US agencies have gathered information pointing to possible Chinese support to Iran, though officials stressed the intelligence is not definitive.

The report said there is "no evidence that the Chinese missiles have yet been used against American or Israeli forces during the conflict," underscoring the uncertainty around the findings.

Still, US officials view even the possibility of Chinese involvement as significant, given the broader geopolitical stakes.

The report noted that Beijing appears cautious. Chinese officials are seen as eager to project themselves as a neutral party, even as internal discussions about supporting Iran indicate a more complex stance.

Former officials cited in the report said Iran relies on China for key components used in missiles and drones. Beijing, however, can argue such parts have civilian uses, allowing it to maintain plausible deniability.

China is also believed to have provided some intelligence support, according to the report, though details remain limited.

The developments come as US and Iranian officials hold direct talks in Islamabad to stabilise a fragile ceasefire after weeks of conflict.

US officials are watching closely whether any external backing could affect the negotiations or shift the balance on the ground.

Analysts say Beijing's approach reflects a careful calculation. China has deep economic ties with Iran and is its largest oil customer, but it also has strong incentives to avoid escalation that could disrupt global trade.

The report said debate within China over sending missiles highlights the tension between those interests.

At the same time, Beijing's public posture has emphasised restraint. Chinese officials have sought to protect their image as a neutral actor, particularly as they expand diplomatic and economic engagement in the Middle East.

- IANS
In September 2024, the SEC fined Galois $225,000 for failing to comply with requirements related to the safeguarding of client assets.

The damage extended well beyond FTX's direct users. Galois Capital, a former registered investment adviser, shut down after half its assets were stuck on FTX when the exchange collapsed.

What had been considered operational efficiency was suddenly recognized as a structural vulnerability. Customer assets were not held in verifiable, on-chain, segregated accounts. When the firm filed for bankruptcy, clients discovered their funds had been diverted to Alameda.

The collapse of FTX exposed a critical flaw. Investors were taking on massive, often invisible counterparty risk. FTX operated as an exchange, custodian, lender, and clearinghouse all in one

Before 2022, the dominant strategy was simple. Deposit funds onto an exchange, execute trades, and leave capital there for convenience and speed. Exchanges acted as both trading venues and custodians. That model worked, until it didnt.

"Counterparty risk awareness in crypto comes in cycles, and the recent major cyber-attack has triggered one of the largest waves of exchange derisking since FTX. It is yet another reminder that separating crypto custody from exchange trading is essential for security, says Dominic Lohberger, Sygnum Chief Product Officer.

The old model, where funds parked large amounts of capital directly on crypto exchanges, is being replaced. In its place is a new architecture where trading and custody are no longer intertwined.

Institutions are accelerating their adoption of crypto, with major players steadily entering the market and expanding their exposure to digital assets. But while participation is rising, the way these institutions engage with the ecosystem has fundamentally changed.

Story Continues

The Celsius bankruptcy added another layer of alarm. A US bankruptcy court ruled that customer deposits into Celsius Earn Accounts became the property of the debtors' estate, not the depositors.

Investors who believed they were holding assets learned they were, in legal terms, unsecured creditors.

Research from Coalition Greenwich found that institutional-grade cold storage and exchange wallets were equally popular before the FTX collapse. That changed overnight.

The industry mantra not your keys, not your coins evolved from a philosophical stance into a compliance requirement.

What Off-Exchange Settlement Actually Looks Like

The traditional crypto trading model required institutions to deposit funds into an exchange before placing a trade. The exchange held both the assets and the execution function, thereby concentrating risk in a single entity.

Off-exchange settlement, or OES, flips this model. This new class of infrastructure is designed specifically to isolate risk. Assets remain with a third-party custodian or in a self-custodied wallet.

Instead of holding assets on exchanges, institutions now store them with third-party custodians. These custodians, often regulated entities or specialized infrastructure providers, secure funds in segregated wallets.

Trading still happens on exchanges, but with a key difference. Exchanges are granted limited access to a trading balance or credit line, typically backed by assets held in custody.

The exchange can execute trades, but it cannot unilaterally move or withdraw the underlying funds. Settlement happens separately, often on a net basis after trades are completed.

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The Rise of Risk Isolation Models

In traditional finance, this separation between custody and execution has existed for decades. Crypto lacked this structure until several companies, including Fireblocks and Copper, built it.

The former launched Fireblocks Off Exchange in November 2023. Off-Exchange offers Collateral Vault Accounts (CVAs).

These are on-chain wallets secured by Multi-Party Computation (MPC) cryptography. When an institution deposits assets into a CVA, the connected exchange receives a trading credit.

Copper's ClearLoop is an off-exchange settlement solution in which assets remain in Copper's MPC (Multi-Party Computation) custody. Trades settle on Copper's own infrastructure.

Both systems have gained significant traction. Deribit became the first exchange to fully integrate Fireblocks OES in February 2024. HTX followed in April 2025.

Since the launch, HTX has onboarded numerous institutional clients and recorded a 200% increase in trading volume, validating market demand for secure off-exchange settlement models, the press release read.

Copper's ClearLoop now connects several live exchanges, including Coinbase, OKX, Bybit, Deribit, Bitget, and more, facilitating over $50 billion in monthly notional trading volume. The Bybit hack of 2025 further demonstrated the advantages of off-exchange settlement.

How Bitcoin ETFs Made the Separation Permanent

The approval of spot Bitcoin (BTC) ETFs in January 2024 did more than open a new investment vehicle. It hardwired the custody-execution separation into the most visible crypto product on Wall Street.

For instance, like many other ETFs, BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) uses Coinbase Custody Trust Company, LLC. The structure is built so that Bitcoin sits in cold storage vaults, entirely separate from any trading venue.

Creation and redemption of ETF shares follow an operational process in which assets move between the vault and trading balances within defined settlement windows. The exchange where IBIT trades on the secondary market never touches the underlying Bitcoin.

This is not an optional design choice. It is how ETFs work by definition. The custodian holds the asset. The authorized participant handles creation and redemption. The exchange handles price discovery. Three roles, three entities, no overlap.

Off-Exchange Trend Rises, but Coinbase Holds the Crown

While the shift away from exchange custody is real, the data suggest a more nuanced transition rather than a full-scale replacement.

Despite the rise of off-exchange models, Coinbase remains the dominant force in institutional crypto custody. The firm currently holds custody for over 80% of global crypto ETF assets.

It also serves as custodian for eight of the top 10 publicly traded companies with Bitcoin (BTC) on their balance sheets.

This dominance is further reinforced by regulatory momentum. In April 2026, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency granted Coinbase conditional approval to charter Coinbase National Trust Company, a move that would allow it to operate as a federally regulated crypto custodian upon full approval.

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The significance of this shift is twofold. First, it strengthens Coinbases position as a qualified custodian, a key requirement for institutional investors such as asset managers, pension funds, and ETF issuers.

Second, it signals that while institutions are reducing exposure to exchange risk, they are not abandoning centralized players altogether.

Instead, capital is consolidating around a smaller group of regulated, systemically important custodians. This creates a hybrid market structure:

Off-exchange infrastructure reduces direct counterparty risk

Regulated exchanges and custodians continue to anchor institutional trust

Market power concentrates in platforms that can offer both compliance and scale

In effect, the post-FTX evolution isnt about eliminating intermediaries. Its about redefining which intermediary institutions are willing to trust.

What Would Happen If an FTX-Scale Collapse Occurred Today

Amid growing attention toward off-exchange models, a natural question emerges: would an FTX-style failure still have the same impact on institutional capital?

Under the old model, an exchange collapse froze all deposited assets. Institutions became unsecured creditors in a years-long bankruptcy proceeding.

Under the current OES infrastructure, the outcome would differ substantially. If an exchange using Fireblocks OES collapsed, the institution's assets would remain in its CVA. The principal never entered the exchange's balance sheet.

Fireblocks' disaster recovery mechanism, powered by Coincover, also enables institutions to ensure operational security by eliminating single points of failure. The only exposure would be unsettled profit-and-loss from recent trades.

With ClearLoop, the English Law Trust would shield client assets from both exchange and Copper insolvency. Again, an institution's loss would be limited to any unsettled trading obligations, not the total portfolio.

At FTX, institutions lost their entire deposited balance. Under OES, the same scenario would expose them to days of unsettled P&L at most. That is the difference the new plumbing makes.

That distinction highlights the real impact of cryptos changing infrastructure. The industry hasnt eliminated risk, but it has significantly reduced the scope of catastrophic loss tied to exchange failure.

Market Scale and What Comes Next

The institutional crypto custody market hit approximately $3.2 billion in 2024. It is projected to reach $27.8 billion by 2033 at a 26.7% compound annual growth rate.

That growth reflects more than just new capital entering the market. It reflects a structural rebuild of how that capital is held, moved, and settled.

The next phase of that rebuild is already taking shape around tokenized collateral. Rather than locking up idle stablecoins or Bitcoin as margin on an exchange, institutions are beginning to use tokenized money market funds and yield-bearing stablecoins as on-exchange.

Institutions arent chasing speculation; theyre chasing capital efficiency. Off-exchange settlement delivers that by putting custody and control back where they belong. As tokenised collateral and regulated venues converge, OES will become the default workflow for serious institutional participation," Wing Cheah, Product Manager, Interchange, said.

Traditional banks are also entering the picture. In 2025, BBVA partnered with Binance to offer regulated off-exchange custody services to Binance's institutional clients.

Nomura's digital assets arm, Laser Digital, applied for an OCC license to open a national trust bank focused on crypto custody, spot trading, and staking for clients.

These moves signal that the custody function is migrating from crypto-native firms into the broader financial system. Taken together, these developments point in a consistent direction.

The custody function is quietly migrating away from exchanges. Liquidity and price discovery remain on the trading venue, but the assets themselves increasingly do not.

What started as a post-FTX demand from a handful of institutional players is gradually becoming the default wiring of the market. The separation is not yet complete, but the direction has not reversed either.

Read the Original story Since FTX, Institutions No Longer Want to Keep Crypto on Exchanges by Kamina Bashir at beincrypto.com
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath distributed transferable and non-transferable land ownership documents to 331 Hindu families displaced from Bangladesh, settling in Lakhimpur Kheri. He announced the renaming of their locality from Miyapur to Ravindra Nagar, invoking Bengal's cultural legacy. The event was part of a larger development push involving the inauguration and foundation laying of 213 projects worth Rs 417 crore across the district. In a separate event, land ownership certificates were also distributed to thousands of families belonging to the Tharu tribe.

CM Yogi Adityanath distributes land ownership documents to 331 Hindu families displaced from Bangladesh, fulfilling decades-old promises in Lakhimpur Kheri.

Lakhimpur Kheri, April 12 Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday distributed transferable and non-transferable land ownership rights documents to 331 Hindu families displaced from Bangladesh in Lakhimpur Kheri and said the government has fulfilled long-pending promises made to them decades ago.

Addressing the gathering during the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony of various public welfare projects, Yogi Adityanath said, "The land on which you settled decades ago, but did not receive ownership rights for, today, you have obtained ownership of that land. I have come here to fulfil, on behalf of Prime Minister Modi, the unfulfilled promises made to you decades ago."

He further announced the renaming of the locality, saying, "Not even one Miyan, but the name is Miyapur. Now it will no longer be Miyapur. Now it will be Ravindra Nagar."

Highlighting India's cultural heritage, the Chief Minister said Bengal has contributed significantly to national identity through figures like Rabindranath Tagore and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. While Rabindranath Thakur gave India the national anthem, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay gave India the national song.

"This year marks the 150th anniversary of the national song, Vande Mataram. And in this year, you have been granted ownership rights to the land where you settled decades ago, but lacked such rights. On this occasion, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to all of you. Today, I have come among you to fulfil the promises made to you decades ago on behalf of Modi ji," he added.

Earlier today, along the same lines, CM Yogi said that the Bhartiya Janata Party's (BJP) double-engine government is dedicated to providing respect and basic facilities to the needy, announcing that hereditary and non-hereditary land ownership rights documents will be distributed to 331 Hindu families displaced from Bangladesh today.

Taking it to X, CM Yogi noted that the foundation stone laying and inauguration of 213 projects will also take place today.

"On the sacred land of Lakhimpur Kheri today, the dreams of rights, development, and one's permanent home will be realised together. Distribution of hereditary/non-hereditary land ownership rights documents to 331 Hindu families displaced from Bangladesh, and the foundation stone laying and inauguration of 213 projects, will be carried out," he wrote.

Notably, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for these 213 development projects worth Rs 417 crore across Lakhimpur Kheri, Dhaurahra, and Mohammadi.

Further, the Chief Minister added that keys to the houses will also be allocated to the beneficiaries under the Chief Minister Housing Scheme (Rural).

He noted that these initiatives reflect the commitment of the "double-engine government" to ensure proper facilities reach those at grassroot levels.

"Additionally, keys to their homes will also be provided to beneficiaries under the Chief Minister Housing Scheme (Rural). All these initiatives symbolise the resolve of the double-engine government to deliver respect and facilities to the person in the last row," he added in the post.

As per the officials, these families, who had migrated after independence, had not received land ownership rights until now.

In a separate event at Chandan Chowki in Palia, the Chief Minister distributed land ownership certificates to 4,556 families belonging to the Tharu tribe.

Additionally, he will inaugurate and lay foundation stones for 314 projects worth Rs 817 crore across Palia, Srinagar, Nighasan, and Gola.

The initiatives are aimed at boosting development and ensuring land rights for displaced and tribal communities in the region, according to the CMO.

- ANI
Actor-turned-politician Vijay is contesting his first election from two seats: Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East, facing incumbent DMK MLAs. In Perambur, he challenges RD Shekar, who won by a massive margin in 2021, making it an uphill battle despite Vijay's star power. Key issues include the drug menace, with Vijay's manifesto promising "anti-drug protection zones," and his outreach to religious minorities. The contest is complicated by controversies like the Karur stampede and the influence of Chief Minister MK Stalin's neighboring bastion.

Actor Vijay faces DMK MLAs RD Shekar & Inigo Irudayaraj in his political debut. Analysis of Perambur & Trichy East contests, key issues, and his uphill battle.

Perambur, April 12 The stage is set for a star versus political heavyweight contest in Tamil Nadu's Perambur Assembly constituency, where Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay is making his electoral debut against sitting Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MLA RD Shekar.

Actor-turned-politician Vijay's entry has made it an interesting battle to look out for as he faces a challenge against traditional politicians in North Chennai's Perambur.

While many in Tamil Nadu compare Vijay's crowd-pulling ability to former Chief Minister MG Ramachandran, RD Shekar is no less popular in Perambur with his landslide victory in the last elections by a margin of 54,976 votes against AIADMK's NR Dhanapalan.

Perambur was held by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) from 2001 to 2016, when the AIADMK's P Vetrival changed this trend in the 2016 Assembly polls, winning by a narrow margin of 519 votes. Currently, the constituency witnesses the dominance of the DMK after RD Shekar recorded a huge win in the 2021 polls, and the North Chennai parliamentary constituency is also with the party.

While it seems like an uphill battle for Vijay, if he manages to convert a significant fraction of his fans into voters, Perambur might witness a new electoral picture in 2026. With significant Christian and Muslim populations, Joseph Vijay's Christian identity and attending Iftar and extending support to religious minorities may work in his favour.

Vijay, often referred to as 'Thalapathy', is not a new figure in households, as his film releases are a festival in Chennai. The youth-based fan clubs even render him the political support, similar to MGR. While he is new to elections, his films have always been political and based on the ideas of justice.

With his recent films 'Master' and 'Bigil', he has formed an image of a youth leader. Starting his career with romantic films, Vijay is now a revered action star.

Drug menace is a known issue in Perambur along with other parts of North Chennai and has turned into an electoral plank in the constituency. TVK, in its manifesto, has promised "anti-drug protection zones" in all schools and colleges across the state, with Vijay stating, "Our primary goal is to create a drug-free Tamil Nadu." Even in one of his most popular films, 'Master', Vijay fights against the drug menace in a juvenile correctional home.

However, if people are drawing his political ideologies from his films, then it is to be noted that films including 'Ghilli', 'Theri' and others portray him as a saviour, often indulging in violence and extra-judicial means.

While Vijay, as a cop in films, may indulge in extra-judicial actions, Vijay the politician had come out to protest against the custodial death of Ajith Kumar in 2025. Only time will tell if the public gets a 'Leo' or Parthiban in case the electoral result goes in Vijay's favour.

Ahead of the elections, Vijay has been surrounded by several controversies. The September 27, 2025, Karur stampede, which claimed the lives of 41 people during a TVK rally, has left a huge dent on the party's campaign. While after months of investigation and a halt on rallies, TVK got back onto the road, only to face FIRs for holding rallies against police permissions. However, the party has accused the police of working on the behest of the DMK government. Another controversy dealing with Vijay's marital life may have an impact.

Despite his massive popularity, Perumbur is not a walkover for Vijay as the DMK will try to retain the key constituency. Apart from RD Shekar riding on the massive victory in the 2021 polls, Perambur is geographically located next to Chief Minister MK Stalin's bastion, Kolathur. Stalin's popularity and call for the 'Dravidian 2.0' model will have an influence on the voters in Perambur.

Meanwhile, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK)'s M Thilgabama is also in fray as an NDA candidate. Thilgabama is looking for an electoral victory after a defeat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on the Dindigul seat.

TVK chief Vijay is also contesting the polls from Tiruchirappalli East seat against sitting DMK MLA Inigo Irudayaraj S.

The Trichy East seat, formed in 2011, was held by the AIADMK for the first two elections before the DMK won it in 2021. In the last polls, Inigo Irudayaraj S won with a huge margin of 53,797 votes and former MLA Vellamandi Natarajan.

AIADMK has fielded G Rajasekaran to get hold of the seat again. Rajasekaran, an interior designer consultant by profession, is a treasurer and IT wing member for AIADMK in Trichy.

Meanwhile, DMK finds an edge in Trichy East after a massive win in the last polls. Even DMK Minister KN Nehru's influence in his constituency, Trichy West, is likely to have an impact in Trichy East as well.

Several political experts in Tamil Nadu have attributed a vote share of 10 to 15 per cent to the TVK, but for the debutant party to make a mark, it will have to convert the vote share into seats. For this, Vijay needs to win at least one of Perambur and Trichy East to enter the Assembly.

After a long list of successful actor-politicians in the state, recently Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan, who enjoy massive popularity, could not convert it into electoral gains. Unlike Rajinikanth, Vijay has embraced Dravidian politics while pitching himself as an alternative to traditional Dravidian parties.

On October 28, 2024, in what is regarded as his first political speech, Vijay called Periyar his ideological leader, while noting that the party will not adopt his atheism. He also referred to CN Annadurai, K Kamaraj and Babasaheb BR Ambedkar as the party's leaders for the idea of social justice.

While there has been speculation of him entering politics since 2009, Vijay has involved himself in social work and has taken part in several protests for the public to always see him as a socio-political figure and not just another actor.

Although both seats are held by the DMK, the elections in Perambur and Trichy East will decide the course for TVK and Vijay in Tamil Nadu politics.

Polling for the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections will take place on April 23, with counting of votes on May 4.

- ANI
Polling is underway for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) elections across all 28 constituencies. Over 9.6 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballots at 1,257 polling stations, with 173 candidates in the fray. Extensive security arrangements are in place, including 24 companies of Central Armed Police Forces and thousands of state personnel. The election features a multi-cornered contest involving the BJP, Left Front, Congress, and regional parties like Tipra Motha.

Over 9.6 lakh voters in Tripura to cast ballots in TTAADC elections across 28 seats. 173 candidates in fray with major parties contesting.

New Delhi, April 12 Polling for the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council General Election 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, across all 28 constituencies in Tripura, with authorities putting extensive arrangements in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful voting process.

A total of 1,257 polling stations have been set up across 16 subdivisions to facilitate voting. According to official data, 9,62,547 voters are eligible to cast their votes, including 4,81,959 men, 4,80,582 women, and 6 transgender voters. Altogether, 173 candidates are in the fray, comprising 165 men and 8 women, making this a closely watched electoral contest.

Polling will begin in the morning, with the administration emphasising its commitment to conducting free, fair, and peaceful elections. Security has been significantly strengthened across the council areas. A senior police officer earlier confirmed that elaborate arrangements have been made, with additional forces deployed in all constituencies.

Tripura Director General of Police Anurag earlier stated that the Central government has provided 24 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), comprising around 1,500 personnel, at the last moment for election duty. Of these, 12 companies are from the Border Security Force (BSF), 10 from the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and two from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). These forces have been deployed across all 28 constituencies to maintain security.

In addition, around 12,000 personnel from the Tripura State Rifles (TSR) and the state police are on duty to ensure law and order. Out of the total polling stations, 311 have been categorised as highly critical, 693 as vulnerable, and 253 as normal, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance.

The elections have witnessed participation from major political players, including the BJP, the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Front, and the Congress, along with regional parties such as the Tipra Motha Party and the Indigenous People's Front of Tripura.

While the BJP, TMP, and Left Front have fielded candidates in all 28 seats, Congress is contesting 27 seats and IPFT 24. Additionally, 38 Independent candidates and several smaller parties are also in the fray.

Notably, the BJP's tribal allies TMP and IPFT are contesting separately after failing to form an alliance for these polls. Key leaders, including Chief Minister Manik Saha, state BJP president Rajib Bhattacharjee, CPI(M) leader Jitendra Chaudhury, former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman, and TMP chief Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, led intensive campaigns in the run-up to polling, making the contest highly competitive.

- IANS
A large, enthusiastic crowd gathered in Siliguri for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Vijay Sankalp Sabha' ahead of the West Bengal Assembly polls. Attendees chanted slogans and expressed a strong desire for the BJP to form the next government in the state. The event followed a grand roadshow in Bagdogra where PM Modi interacted directly with supporters from his vehicle. An artist also presented a two-year project, a replica of Kedarnath Dham, as a gift for the Prime Minister's visit.

Thousands gather for PM Modi's rally in Siliguri, expressing strong support for BJP to form government in West Bengal ahead of Assembly polls.

Siliguri, April 12 A large crowd gathered at the venue of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public gathering in Siliguri, West Bengal, on Sunday, eagerly waiting for a glimpse of the Prime Minister.

The attendees expressed their happiness and enthusiasm about meeting him. Chants of "Modi, Modi" and "BJP Zindabad" echoed throughout the crowd, which was holding the Tricolour, BJP flags, and portraits of PM Modi.

Prime Minister Modi is set to address a massive 'Vijay Sankalp Sabha' in Siliguri, marking a key moment in the ongoing election campaign ahead of the upcoming two-phase Assembly polls later this month.

The event forms part of an extensive outreach programme by the BJP, which is aiming to strengthen its presence in the region.

An artist who crafted a replica of Shri Kedarnath Dham as a gift for PM Modi over two years, specifically for his Bengal visit, also voiced excitement about meeting him.

Speaking to IANS, he said, "I had been making this replica for the last two years, slowly and step by step. I thought that when PM Modi comes to Bengal, I would meet him and gift it to him."

"We are here to meet him and have his darshan. It feels good that he is coming to address us today. He needs to visit this place and see the condition here. We want PM Modi to come to power in Bengal," another attendee said.

Wearing the BJP cap and holding the party flag, a supporter said, "We are very happy. We have come to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I am hoping to meet him."

Earlier on Saturday, the Prime Minister had addressed three mega campaign rallies across different districts of West Bengal on the same day. Following these engagements, he participated in a grand roadshow at Bagdogra near Siliguri in the Darjeeling district on Saturday evening.

As the Prime Minister's convoy moved through the roads, thousands of people lined the streets, enthusiastically chanting slogans such as "Modi-Modi" and "Jai Shree Ram". The atmosphere was charged with excitement as supporters gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the leader.

Initially, PM Modi was seen seated in the front of his vehicle beside the driver, waving to the crowd. Later, he leaned out of the vehicle window, greeting supporters while holding a replica of the BJP's election symbol, the lotus. His direct interaction further energised the crowd, with chants growing louder and more spirited.

- IANS
BJP candidate Bipin Debbarma cast his vote and expressed confidence that the BJP will form the government in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council. The polls saw a strong early voter turnout of 21.5% in the first two hours, with higher participation from women voters. The election covers 28 constituencies with over 960,000 registered voters and 173 candidates in the fray. The TTAADC operates under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, granting it significant autonomy to govern tribal regions and oversee local development.

BJP candidate Bipin Debbarma expresses confidence in forming government as TTAADC polls see strong early voter turnout, especially among women.

Agartala, April 12 BJP candidate Bipin Debbarma on Sunday expressed confidence that his party will form the government in the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council elections 2026 after casting his vote in the ongoing polls.

Debbarma cast his vote at the 15-Jirania ST District Council polling centre in Tripura during the elections.

Speaking to ANI, he said that voting was being conducted peacefully across the region, with enthusiastic participation from the electorate since the early hours of polling.

"Today I have cast my vote at the polling station. In a democracy, we exercise this right with celebration. Voting has been going on smoothly everywhere since early morning. People are welcoming this election with enthusiasm, excitement, and joy," he said.

Expressing confidence in his party's prospects, he added, "People are seeing that this time the BJP will be brought to power in the ADC. The way people are trusting the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and our state Chief Minister Manik Saha, we are forming a government in the ADC."

Debbarma is the BJP candidate from the Damcherra-Kachucherra ST constituency in Dhalai district, where polling is underway as part of the broader electoral exercise for the TTAADC.

Earlier, the overall voter turnout in the ongoing general election of the TTAADC 2026 stood at around 21.5 per cent till 9 am, according to official polling data.

As per the two-hourly polling report, out of a total of 951,613 registered voters, nearly 204,679 electors exercised their franchise in the first two hours of polling from 7 am to 9 am, showing strong participation during the morning hours.

Between 7 am and 9 am, around 100,058 male voters cast their votes, while 104,621 votes were cast by women, indicating a higher female voter turnout.

Among constituencies, several ST-reserved seats, including Kathalia-Mirza Rajpur, Maharani-Chelagang, and Ramchandraghat, reported comparatively higher turnout, touching around 24-25 per cent, while constituencies such as Machmara, Chaumanu, and Dasda-Kanchanpur recorded relatively lower participation in the range of 20-21 per cent.

Dhamcharra-Jampui recorded the lowest voter turnout so far, with just 16 per cent of the voters coming to vote in the first two hours of the polls.

According to Tripura State Election Commission Secretary Anurag Sen, a total of 1,257 polling stations have been set up to ensure smooth voting across all 28 constituencies of the TTAADC.

The election will cover 16 subdivisions under the TTAADC areas, with a total of 962,547 registered voters, including 481,959 male voters, 480,582 female voters, and six transgender voters.

The contest features 173 candidates, of which 165 are male, and eight are female.

The TTAADC enjoys a unique position under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which provides it with significant autonomy in governing the tribal regions of Tripura. This framework enables the Council to oversee matters related to the protection of indigenous customs, local governance, and economic advancement in these areas.

With wide-ranging administrative and legislative powers, the TTAADC plays a crucial role in guiding development initiatives, improving infrastructure, promoting education, and safeguarding cultural heritage. Its functioning ensures that the indigenous communities of Tripura can progress socio-economically while preserving their distinct identity, making it a vital institution for self-governance and community welfare in the region.

- ANI
US President Donald Trump expressed strong confidence that America benefits regardless of whether a deal is reached in ongoing high-level US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad. The talks, which extended into late-night sessions, are focused on issues like maritime security and energy flows through strategic routes. Delegations from both sides exchanged written texts to formalize areas of understanding reached during the face-to-face engagement. Key officials including US Vice President JD Vance and Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are involved in what is seen as a crucial diplomatic effort.

US President Trump states America wins whether a deal is reached in US-Iran talks in Islamabad, highlighting oil tankers and military posture.

Washington DC, April 12 US President Donald Trump on Sunday expressed strong confidence in America's position amid ongoing high-level US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, stating that Washington stands to "win" regardless of whether a deal is reached.

On US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, US President Donald Trump said, "They've been meeting for many hours. We will see what happens. Regardless of that, we win. Maybe they make a deal; maybe they don't. It doesn't matter. From the standpoint of America, we win. The boats are sailing up and heading out to our country. We are loading the huge tankers with oil and gas."

The remarks come amid continued diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran, with key issues including maritime security and energy flows through strategic routes such as the Strait of Hormuz believed to be central to the discussions.

Responding to a query by ANI on whether the United States would consider releasing Iranian assets, Trump reiterated his stance that the outcome of the negotiations would not alter America's strategic advantage.

"We will see what happens. We are in a deep negotiation with Iran, we win regardless. We have defeated them militarily... We are sweeping the Strait. Whether we make a deal or not, it makes no difference to me and the reason is because we've won... We were not helped by NATO," Trump added.

Meanwhile, the first phase of in-person talks between the United States and Iran concluded in Islamabad late on Saturday night after several hours of negotiations involving multiple stakeholders, marking a significant development in ongoing diplomatic discussions.

Following the discussions, both delegations exchanged written texts to document and confirm areas of understanding reached during the day, according to Iranian state media Press TV. The exchange is seen as an effort to formalise progress made during the face-to-face engagement.

The development comes after an initial round of discussions concluded earlier, paving the way for continued negotiations between the delegations. The talks are being seen as a key diplomatic effort to reduce tensions and explore possibilities of a structured understanding between the United States and Iran.

According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, the latest round of negotiations extended into late-night deliberations, indicating the urgency and sensitivity surrounding the dialogue process. The report stated that key representatives from both sides were present in Islamabad for the discussions, reflecting the high-level nature of the engagement.

On the US side, Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner, who is also the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, are part of the delegation. The Iranian delegation includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and senior diplomat Ali Bagheri Kani.

"It seems that this is the last chance for the Iranian team to reach a common framework in this round of talks," Tasnim news agency reported.

- ANI
West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer, Manoj Agarwal, has appealed to voters to participate in the upcoming Assembly elections with the same enthusiasm as visiting Durga Puja pandals. He assured that preparations are underway for free and fair polling in Murshidabad district, while clarifying that names removed from rolls must be cleared by a tribunal to vote. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to address an election rally in the district on April 14. The state will vote in two crucial phases on April 23 and 29, following the 2021 contest where the TMC won decisively but the BJP made significant gains.

West Bengal CEO Manoj Agarwal encourages voters to participate with Durga Puja-like enthusiasm. Rahul Gandhi to hold rally. Polls on April 23 & 29.

Murshidabad, April 12 West Bengal State Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal urged voters in the State to actively participate in the upcoming Assembly polls, stressing that arrangements have been made for "free and fair" polling in the district.

Drawing a cultural parallel to encourage higher voter turnout, Agarwal said people should approach polling stations with the same enthusiasm as they do during the festival of Durga Puja.

"Good preparations are underway for the elections in Murshidabad. We are meeting with people. We are also meeting with all the officials and all the observers who came to witness the election. We are prepared for free and fair elections; everyone should come and vote. We are urging the people to come to the booth as they go to the pandals during Durga Puja and cast their vote," he said.

He further clarified that the eligibility for voting for the people whose names were removed after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls by the Election Commission in the state will depend on the updated rolls after due legal processes.

"Those whose names have been removed will only be able to vote once their names are cleared by the tribunal," he added.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, is set to address an election rally in Shamsherganj in Murshidabad district of West Bengal on April 14 as part of the Congress party's campaign for the upcoming state elections.

The state of West Bengal prepares for crucial polling in two phases on April 23 and 29, with the results set for May 4.

The upcoming elections follow the 2021 battle, where the TMC secured a landslide 213 seats. However, the BJP's growth from a minor player to 77 seats in the last cycle has set the stage for the current high-stakes confrontation.

- ANI
Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan shared a deeply introspective note on his blog about the anxiety induced by the overwhelming pace of the internet and social media. He described the constant mental reminder of unfinished tasks and the difficulty in finding quiet, even during moments of pause. Bachchan contrasted the instant access to information today with the loss of deeper, reflective thinking. The actor also touched upon generational differences in experiencing technological change and the universal human quest for meaning.

Amitabh Bachchan pens introspective blog on anxiety, the overwhelming internet, and the loss of deep thought in the fast-paced digital age.

Mumbai, April 12 Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan has shared a deeply introspective note on anxiety and the overwhelming nature of the internet, offering fans a rare glimpse into his inner thoughts amid the noise of social media.

Taking to his personal blog, the 83-year-old megastar reflected on the challenges of managing thoughts and expectations in an increasingly fast-paced digital world.

"Each day brings on fresh thoughts and ideas... and the desire to pursue each one with the diligence it requires," he wrote, adding that the inability to address everything at once often leads to mounting anxiety.

"All of it cannot be assembled in one 'go' .. so you work on the principle of 'one at a time' .. Fine .. but the mind keeps reminding of what has yet to be done and the anxiety of it," he added.

Big B elaborated on how even moments of pause fail to quiet the mind. "You leave everything and sit back... hoping that the mind shall stop its 'adventure'... but no it does not," he noted.

He went on to describe how "the storm of the internet blows strong," making it difficult to distinguish what truly matters amid the flood of information and rumours online.

In his blog, the 'Sholay' actor also reflected on the evolution of information consumption. He observed that while access to knowledge has become instantaneous, it has come at the cost of deeper contemplation. "The speed of knowing is now at the press of a button... not the 'think button' of the cerebrum," he wrote, suggesting that the internet often overshadows reflective thinking.

Bachchan's note also touched upon generational perspectives, describing the current era as a "fascinating tale of time" for those who have witnessed significant technological change. He contrasted nostalgia for the past with the present generation's focus on the immediacy of the "now."

Earlier this week, the actor had similarly offered an introspective glimpse into his thoughts, acknowledging the universal human struggle to understand life's purpose. "There shall not be a definite answer to a question... each express has multiple tributaries," he wrote, concluding, "You came empty handed... and shall leave similar."

On the film front, Amitabh Bachchan was last seen in 'Kalki 2898 AD', directed by Nag Ashwin, alongside Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan.

Big B also recently wrapped hosting duties for the 17th season of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'.

- ANI
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The White House Council of Economic Advisers released a formal analysis on Tuesday, concluding that allowing stablecoin issuers to pay investors a yield on their holdings would produce only marginal displacement of bank lending, directly contradicting warnings from the banking industry that have stalled the CLARITY Act in the Senate Banking Committee since January 2026.

The report, published April 9, 2026, quantifies the banking sectors claimed exposure as dramatically overstated, projecting that permitting stablecoin yield would increase bank lending by just $2.1Bn, approximately 0.02% of total loans outstanding, rather than triggering the systemic deposit flight that banking lobbyists have argued before Congress.

We suspect the reports release is not principally an academic exercise but a deliberate executive-branch intervention designed to provide legislative cover for a bipartisan yield compromise, accelerating the CLARITY Acts path out of committee by neutralizing the empirical foundation of banking-industry opposition.

The stablecoin yield question has become the central fault line in federal digital asset regulation, with bank trade groups, crypto exchanges, and executive-branch economic officials now in open disagreement over the magnitude of competitive risk that yield-bearing stablecoins pose to the deposit base of federally insured institutions.

Yield Prohibition, Reserve Architecture, and the GENIUS Act Baseline

The Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for US Stablecoins Act (GENIUS Act), enacted in July 2025, requires stablecoin issuers to maintain a one-to-one reserve of assets, such as US dollars and Treasuries. It also prohibits issuers from passing on yield generated by these reserves to token holders, aiming to prevent deposit migration from federally insured banks.

However, the acts language left open the possibility that exchanges could offer rewards tied to stablecoin balances, which Coinbase capitalized on with its USDC rewards product.

The CLARITY Act sought to extend the yield prohibition to exchanges, causing Coinbase to withdraw support for the legislation and stall its progress. The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) has urged Congress to uphold the prohibition, arguing that allowing yield would result in a $1.3 trillion loss of deposits for small banks.

However, a CEA report challenges the ICBAs figures, projecting a $2.1Bn increase in bank lending from a yield ban. Even in extreme scenarios, the council estimates only a $531Bn increase in lending, primarily benefiting large banks, which would capture 76% of that increase. Meanwhile, community banks would gain about $129Bn, undermining the ICBAs claims that yield prohibition would protect them.
More than a quarter of people with Type 2 diabetes take GLP-1 receptor agonists, but the popular diabetes drugs might not work as well for people who have certain genetic variants, according to a new study by Stanford Medicine scientists and their collaborators.

The genetic variants, carried by roughly 10% of the general population, cause a surprising and still mysterious phenomenon that researchers refer to as GLP-1 resistance, in which levels of the hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), which helps regulate blood sugar, are higher but less biologically effective.

It's not clear whether the variants affect weight loss from these drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, which are increasingly prescribed to treat obesity. They are typically taken at higher doses for weight loss than for diabetes.

The new study, published March 29 in Genome Medicine, focused on blood sugar regulation. It was a decadelong, international effort involving experiments in humans and mice as well as analysis of diabetes drug trial data.

In some of the trials, we saw that individuals who had those variants were unable to lower their blood glucose levels as effectively after six months of treatment." Anna Gloyn, DPhil, professor of pediatrics and of genetics, and one of the study's senior authors

At that point, a doctor would likely change the patient's drug regimen. Knowing ahead of time who is likely to respond would help patients get on the right drugs faster - a step toward precision medicine, Gloyn said.

The other senior author is Markus Stoffel, MD, PhD, professor of metabolic diseases at the Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich in Switzerland. The lead authors of the study are Mahesh Umapathysivam, MBBS, DPhil, an endocrinologist and clinical researcher at Adelaide University in Australia and a former trainee with Gloyn, and Elisa Araldi, PhD, associate professor of medicine and surgery at the University of Parma in Italy and a former trainee with Stoffel.

"When I treat patients in the diabetes clinic, I see a huge variation in response to these GLP-1-based medications and it is difficult to predict this response clinically," Umapathysivam said. "This is the first step in being able to use someone's genetic make-up to help us improve that decision-making process."

The study is the first in-depth investigation of GLP-1 resistance, but the researchers have yet to pin down the mechanism.

"That is the million-dollar question," Gloyn said. "We have ticked off this enormous list of all the ways in which we thought GLP-1 resistance might come about. No matter what we've done, we've not been able to nail precisely why they are resistant."

Unexpected resistance

The researchers focused on two genetic variants that handicap an enzyme known as PAM (peptidyl-glycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase), which is uniquely capable of activating many hormones in the body, including GLP-1.

"PAM is a truly fascinating enzyme because it's the only enzyme we have that's capable of a chemical process called amidation, which increases the half-life or the potency of biologically active peptides," Gloyn said.

"We thought, if you have a problem with this enzyme, there's going to be multiple aspects of your biology that are not working properly."

In fact, PAM variants were known to be more common in people with diabetes; Gloyn had shown that they impair insulin release by the pancreas. The researchers wondered whether the genetic glitch also affects GLP-1, a gut hormone that plays an important role in blood sugar control after a meal by stimulating insulin release, slowing stomach emptying and reducing appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonist medications work by mimicking this hormone.

They recruited adult participants with and without a PAM variant known as p.S539W, had them drink a sugary solution and measured their blood every five minutes for the next four hours. (They studied participants who did not have diabetes because the disease introduces more confounding variables.)

The researchers suspected that people with the PAM variant would have lower levels of GLP-1 in their blood, perhaps because the unamidated form would be less stable.

"What we actually saw was they had increased levels of GLP-1," Gloyn said. "This was the opposite of what we imagined we would find."

"Despite people with the PAM variant having higher circulating levels of GLP-1, we saw no evidence of higher biological activity. They were not reducing their blood sugar levels more quickly. More GLP-1 was needed to have the same biological effect, meaning they were resistant to GLP-1."

Seeking confirmation

The results were so surprising, Gloyn's team spent the next several years confirming them.

"We couldn't understand this, which is why we looked as many different ways as we could to see if this was a really robust observation," she said.

They collaborated with researchers in Zurich who were studying mouse models that had the PAM gene knocked out. The mice also showed signs of GLP-1 resistance: elevated levels of GLP-1 that did not help regulate blood sugar.

A key function of GLP-1 - and drugs that mimic it - is to slow the passage of food through the stomach, known as gastric emptying, which helps with both glucose regulation and weight loss. The researchers found that mice lacking the PAM gene had faster gastric emptying. Treating the mice with a GLP-1 receptor agonist did not slow their gastric emptying.

They also observed less response to GLP-1 in the pancreas and in the gut of these mice, indicative of GLP-1 resistance, yet there was no change in the expression of GLP-1 receptors in these tissues.

Teaming up with researchers in Copenhagen, they showed that a PAM defect does not alter the GLP-1 receptors' ability to bind GLP-1, nor how the hormone signals through the receptor. This suggests GLP-1 resistance emerges further downstream.

Results may vary

To see if GLP-1 resistance translated into therapeutic differences, researchers examined data from several clinical trials of GLP-1 receptor agonists in people with diabetes. In a meta-analysis of three trials, with a total of 1,119 participants, those with PAM variants were less responsive to the drugs and less successful in lowering their HbA1c, a measure of average blood sugar levels. About a quarter of non-carriers reached the recommended HbA1c target after six months of treatment, compared with 11.5% of participants with the p.S539W variant and 18.5% of participants with the p.D563G variant.

Participants with the variants did not respond differently to other common diabetes treatments, including sulfonylureas, metformin and DPP-4i.

"What was really striking was that we saw no effect from whether you have a variant on your response to other types of diabetes medications," Gloyn said. "We can see very clearly that this is specific to medications that are working through GLP-1 receptor pharmacology."

In two other clinical trials, funded by pharmaceutical companies, which were not included in the meta-analysis due to methodological differences, the drug responses were similar between carriers and non-carriers. These trials used longer-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists, Gloyn said, which may help counter GLP-1 resistance.

A complex puzzle

Gloyn's team first observed GLP-1 resistance nearly 10 years ago, before the explosion of interest in GLP-1 receptor agonists as weight-loss drugs. Only two of the clinical trials analyzed in the study provided weight data, which showed no difference in weight loss between those with and without PAM variants, but the data is too limited to be conclusive, Gloyn said.

A trove of clinical trial data on how genetics influence various responses to GLP-1 receptor agonists, including weight loss, likely exists, though that data has been difficult to come by.

"It's very common for pharmaceutical companies to collect genetic data on their participants," she said. "For the newer GLP-1 medications, it would be useful to look at whether there are genetic variants, like the variants in PAM, that explain poor responders to their medications."

For now, the mechanism driving GLP-1 resistance remains unresolved, but it is likely complex and multifactorial, Gloyn said. She likens the phenomenon to insulin resistance, which is still not fully understood decades after its discovery. Nevertheless, scientists have found ways to treat insulin resistance.

"There are a whole class of medications that are insulin sensitizers, so perhaps we can develop medications that will allow people to be sensitized to GLP-1s or find formulations of GLP-1, like the longer-acting versions, that avoid the GLP-1 resistance." she said.

Researchers from University of Oxford, University of Dundee, University of Copenhagen, University of British Columbia, Churchill Hospital, Newcastle University, University of Bath and University of Exeter also contributed to the work.

The study received funding from Wellcome, Medical Research Council, European Union Horizon 2020 Programme, the National Institutes of Health (grants U01-DK105535, U01-DK085545 and UM-1DK126185), the National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Novo Nordisk Foundation, Boehringer Ingelheim and Diabetes Australia.
The new acute hospital located in the Kai Tak Development Area, officially named Kai Tak Hospital (KTH), is scheduled to commence services in October in phases, with the Specialist Out-patient Clinic Block and the Oncology Block launching clinical services first.

With a total gross floor area of 500,000 sq m and 2,400 beds once fully operational, it will be the largest healthcare hub in terms of bed capacity and total floor area in Hong Kong,

The hospital will serve Yau Tsim Mong, Kowloon City, Wong Tai Sin and Kwun Tong districts, covering a population of more than 1.8 million. It will also provide clinical support to the adjacent Hong Kong Children's Hospital, strengthening the synergy between the two hospitals, and will become the largest public healthcare hub in Hong Kong.

Announcing the plan today, Hospital Authority Kowloon Central Cluster Chief Executive Dr Eric Cheung noted that KTH would help better to deliver services to the general population of Kowloon.

The Kai Tak Hospital itself is situated in quite a prime site in Kowloon district. Being a standalone development instead of an on-site co-development with an existing hospital, it allows us to better develop the infrastructure and equipment in the hospital itself.

We have quite a few new distinct features, including the cyclotron, which is the machine that manufactures or produces radioligand traces for Positron Emission Tomography scans, etc. We have new scanners, and we will also have a hyperbaric oxygen chamber in the building.

In addition, many new services will be started after we move there. For example, we are going to develop the chest pain centre, the stroke centre, we have a neuroscience centre, and we are also a designated trauma centre, which is equipped also with a helipad on the hospital premises. So we believe that all of these new features would help better to deliver services to the population of Kowloon in general.

KTH will commence services in two phases, gradually absorbing clinical services from Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

In the first phase, clinical services at the Family Medicine Integrated Centre, and specialist outpatient services of the Departments of Medicine, Surgery, Neurosurgery, Family Medicine, and Oncology will be launched.

Allied health services, the Department of Diagnostic & Interventional Radiology, and a range of supporting clinical services will also begin in October simultaneously.

Subsequently, the Hospital Authority (HA) will implement the second phase of service arrangements, with in-patient, surgical and accident and emergency services expected to commence in 2028.

Dr Cheung added: There will still be a sizable proportion of outpatients in the new premises in the first phase. Because this phase does not involve the transition of people who are relatively sick, we do not expect a lot of problems in this process.

As for the second transition, that is going to happen in 2028. That time is dependent on the completion of the buildings. By that time, we would have already laid down a detailed plan as to how to transition that. Probably we will leave the details to a later time.

KTH comprises five towers, equipped with 37 operating theatres and a range of advanced clinical facilities. It contains various specialist centres, such as the Oncology Centre and Neuroscience Centre to support complex referrals.

As a designated Trauma Centre under the Hospital Authority, KTH provides 24-hour accident and emergency services for all types of emergencies, urgent situations and major incidents.

KTH is the first public hospital in Hong Kong equipped with a cyclotron, enabling in-house production of radioactive tracers for diagnostic examinations and oncology, further strengthening its clinical capabilities

The HA has set up a dedicated team to follow up on the relocation of services to KTH. Staff will personally call patients to inform them of their new appointment details, and notifications will also be sent via text message, post and the HA mobile application "HA Go". In addition, the KTH Hotline at 3506 5188 is also operational to answer patient enquiries.
Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have become popular with investing. One fund can hold hundreds of stocks at a fraction of the cost of a traditional mutual fund, which could help explain why U.S.-listed ETFs held about $14.21 trillion in assets as of early 2026, according to the Investment Company Institute.

Read More: This Boring Investment Could Be the Secret to Never Running Out of Retirement Income

Learn More: 4 Safe Accounts Proven To Grow Your Money Up To 13x Faster

But not all ETFs may be worthy of a spot in your retirement account. The wrong pick can mean paying more in fees than you realize, dealing with volatility tied to a single industry or watching returns erode from a fund built for day traders.

Also see the best S&P 500 ETFs to watch or invest in now.

Not All ETFs Are Equal

Two funds can track the same index and still cost you very differently.

For example, the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) charges an expense ratio of 0.03%, while the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) charges 0.0945%.

Investors should look beyond the index itself and consider other factors such as fees, liquidity, and how they plan to use the ETF, said Mingyuan Kong, an assistant professor at the New York Institute of Technologys School of Management. Over long retirement horizons, the small fees can compound into significant differences for investors.

Check Out: 3 Safest Investments To Hold In The Current Trump Economy

Leveraged and Futures ETFs

These types of ETFs are built for short-term trading, not a 401(k). Leveraged ETFs amplify daily returns and reset each day, meaning long-term results can look nothing like the index they track.

The two types of ETFs I would advise investors to exercise caution with are leveraged ETFs and ETFs that utilize futures contracts, said Zachary Mineur, chief investment officer at Independence Square Advisors. Holding them for longer periods can erode the return relative to the underlying asset or index.

Thematic ETFs

Funds tied to artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy and other trending sectors have multiplied in recent years. But they can often concentrate investors holdings in a single industry.

A catchy theme or a rock-bottom fee isnt a strategy, said Jack Fu, CEO of Draco Evolution, which manages an AI-driven ETF. Everyday investors should look for transparency in how decisions are made, not just how low the expense ratio is.

Editors note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Always consider your individual circumstances and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Finasteride isn't just holding hairlines in placethe drug called "Ozempic for baldness" in a New York Times Magazine headline seems to be changing men's attitudes about their looks and masculinity. In a deep dive for the magazine, Susan Dominus traces how the once-niche drugbest known under the old brand name Propeciahas gone mainstream among 20- and 30-somethings who now treat baldness as a preventable condition, not a rite of passage. Prescriptions for finasteride have surged since telehealth made it cheap and discreet, while social media, influencers, and targeted ads push young men toward "prejuvenation," the idea of medicating early so the receding hairline never appears.

Dominus lays out the trade-off: studies show finasteride is highly effective at slowing loss and restoring some hair, but a minority of users report sexual and psychological side effects, occasionally long-lasting and life-altering. (The Wall Street Journal took an earlier look at reported problems.) That risk fuels intense online battlesespecially on Redditbetween men who say the pill changed their lives for the better and others who warn of "post-finasteride syndrome." Underneath it all is a larger shift: men absorbing the kind of appearance anxiety long associated with women. "There's kind of a poetic justice to it," says one man quoted in the Times story. Read it in full here.
The critical note in some of the world's most well-known perfumes is myrrh, a tree resin from the Horn of Africa that is under pressure from what experts call a historic drought. Threatened by the lack of water and nibbled by starving livestock, the trees that once formed a dense forest in the Somali region of Ethiopia are in danger, reports the AP . Earlier this year, researchers supported by the American Herbal Products Association visited a source of the prized resin that makes its way to global markets from some of the most vulnerable places on earth. The goal: To ensure that those who harvest the resin get more of the direct profits instead of middlemen along the opaque supply chain.

Ethiopia is a major source of myrrh, which has been used in beauty, health, and religious practices since at least ancient Egypt. Traditional harvesting in the region has not changed, which helps to protect the trees and produces the highest quality resin. Myrrh's hand-harvested nature raises its price, but those doing the work see little of the profit. Collecting 2.2 pounds of the resin brings as little as $3.50 and as much as $10. That's far from the prices for the perfumes it helps to create, which are marketed by well-known fashion brands like Tom Ford, Comme des Garcons, and Jo Malone and sold at prices as high as $500 a bottle.

For now, most myrrh is purchased by traders from neighboring Somalia. Ethiopia collects no taxes on the goods. Locals hope more visibility will help them as the climate crisis threatens their way of life. "They expressed hope that a direct market would enable them to secure better prices, ensuring sustainable livelihoods," said Abdinasir Abdikadir Aweys, a member of the research team. The researchers were led by Anjanette DeCarlo, an expert in sustainable supply chains and resins at the University of Vermont, and Stephen Johnson, resin expert and owner of FairSource Botanicals. They found that communities practice traditional harvesting by collecting resin from trees' naturally occurring wounds instead of by making intentional cuts, which makes trees more vulnerable to pests and disease. "Traditional practice is in balance and protects trees. It should be celebrated," DeCarlo said.

But annual rains have been failing over the past several years, interrupted in 2023 by devastating flooding. The arid region has long seen droughts, but this one has been historic. While adult myrrh trees are generally healthy, they are producing less resin. And fewer young trees are surviving. "Unfortunately, many seedlings are uprooted by children who graze their livestock nearby, and the animals often eat the buds of the young trees," said a local elder, Mohamed Osman Miyir. "We are deeply worried about the declining population of myrrh trees." Without proper rain, other young trees are likely to fail. DeCarlo worried that eventually even the adult trees will die. Villagers' days are spent hauling water for themselves and their livestock. Herders travel over the parched, cracked earth as far as 125 miles to Sanqotor village, which has a rare well with water. "Guests water animals first, then the villagers," said local Ali Mohamed, watching hundreds of livestock crowd around the well.
As talks between Iran and the US were taking place in Pakistan Saturday, another notable development unfolded in the Strait of Hormuz. The US says two Navy destroyers passed through the strait, the first such transit of US warships since the war began, reports the Wall Street Journal. In a statement, US Central Command said the move was part of an operation to begin clearing mines from the strait. The New York Times reports that one of the ships even destroyed an Iranian surveillance drone approaching them.
Saturday's marathon talks between the US and Iran didn't clinch a deal, but they may not be the last word. Vice President JD Vance flew back to the US from Pakistan early Sunday after more than 20 hours of negotiations without a deal in place, reports the Wall Street Journal. "Unfortunately, we weren't able to make any headway," he said, adding that he wanted Iran to give "an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon." The fate of the fragile ceasefire is now in limbo, but the New York Times notes that neither Vance nor top Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf ruled out a second round of talks.
Hungarians were casting ballots Sunday in what is widely seen as Europe's most consequential election this year, a vote that could unseat populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an ally of President Trump, after 16 years in power. It's a key moment for Orban, the European Union's longest-serving leader and one of its biggest antagonists, who has traveled a long road from his early days as a liberal, anti-Soviet firebrand to the Russia-friendly nationalist admired today by the global far-right. Orban and his top challenger, Peter Magyar, arrived at separate polling stations in Budapest at nearly the same time to cast their votes, reports the AP . Speaking to reporters outside, Orban, 62, said the campaign had been "a great national moment on our side" and thanked activists and supporters for their work. "I'm here to win," he said.

The election was being closely watched in countries around Europe and beyond, a testament to the outsize role Orban occupies in far-right populist politics worldwide. Members of Trump's "Make America Great Again" movement are among those who see Orban's government and his Fidesz political party as shining examples of conservative, anti-globalist politics in action, while he is reviled by advocates of liberal democracy and the rule of law. After casting his vote, Magyar told reporters that the election was "a choice between East or West, propaganda or honest public discourse, corruption or clean public life." Turnout after the first five hours of voting was 54.14%, according to the National Election Office. That is a record in Hungary's post-communist history, with around 997,000 more voters having cast their ballot by 11am than during 2022 elections.

During his 16 years as prime minister, Orban has launched harsh crackdowns on minority rights and media freedoms, subverted many of Hungary's institutions and been accused of siphoning large sums of money into the coffers of his allied business elite, an allegation he denies. He also has heavily strained Hungary's relationship with the EU, seeming to revel in using his veto power to stymie the 27-member bloc's important decisions. Most recently, he blocked a $104 billion EU loan to Ukraine, prompting his partners to accuse him of hijacking the critical aid. Yet after winning four consecutive elections with a two-thirds majority for his party in Parliament, signs have emerged that Orban's absolute control over Hungary's politics may be reaching its end.

Magyar has rapidly risen to become Orban's most serious challenger. The 45-year-old leader of the center-right Tisza party, which is leading in independent polls, campaigned on issues affecting ordinary voters including Hungary's faltering public health care and transportation sectors and what he describes as rampant government corruption. Russian secret services have plotted to interfere and tip the election in Orban's favor, according to numerous media reports. Orban, however, has accused neighboring Ukraine, as well as Hungary's allies in the EU, of seeking to interfere in the vote to install a "pro-Ukraine" government.
A celebration at one of Haiti's most famous historic sites turned deadly over the weekend, with authorities fearing at least 30 people were killed in a crowd crush. The stampede unfolded Saturday at Citadelle Laferriere, a 19th-century mountain fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Haiti, during an annual Easter gathering that had been heavily promoted on social media, officials said. The head of civil protection said the death toll could climb, the BBC reports. Many people remain missing, per the Guardian, and dozens were hospitalized.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled no letup in the military campaign in Lebanon on Sunday, even as diplomatic contacts with Beirut are expected in Washington this week. He visited Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon, his office said in a statement posted on social media, per the New York Times. Israel has concentrated troops from five divisions in the area since last month in what the military describes as an effort to push Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group, farther from communities along the northern border. "The war continues," Netanyahu told soldiers during the visit, according to the statement.
Quick Read

A federal employee with 30 years of service and a $90,000 high-3 average salary receives only $27,000 annually under FERS30% of pre-retirement incomebecause the formula pays just 1% per year of service, making TSP growth from the C Fund (averaging 10% annually) versus the default G Fund (4.4%) the difference between a comfortable and inadequate retirement.

If you are a federal employee aged 60 to 63, maximize the $11,250 super catch-up contribution in 2026 (raising your total to $35,750) while shifting G Fund holdings toward the C Fund, and verify whether your spouse can claim a full $8,000 traditional IRA deduction if their MAGI stays below $236,000.

A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here.

A federal employee with 28 years of service and a $92,000 salary will receive a pension closer to $28,000 a year under the FERS formula, well below the 60% to 70% of pre-retirement income many workers anticipate. The TSP is the primary tool available to make up the difference.

The Pension Math Most Federal Workers Get Wrong

The FERS basic annuity formula pays 1% of your high-3 average salary for each year of service, or 1.1% for those who retire at 62 or later with at least 20 years. A federal employee with 30 years of service and a $90,000 high-3 average salary receives a pension of roughly $27,000 per year before taxes. That is 30% of pre-retirement income, not the 60%-70% many workers expect.

Social Security is the second "leg" of the FERS stool. Unlike the older CSRS system, FERS employees pay into Social Security and earn credits for every year of federal service. If you retire before age 62, you may also qualify for the FERS Special Retirement Supplement, which pays an amount equal to your estimated Social Security benefit until you reach age 62 and can claim the real thing. The TSP balance at retirement determines how much income is available beyond the pension and Social Security.

Read: Data Shows One Habit Doubles Americans Savings And Boosts Retirement

Most Americans drastically underestimate how much they need to retire and overestimate how prepared they are. But data shows that people with one habit have more than double the savings of those who dont.

The Default Fund Is Costing Years of Growth

The TSP no longer uses the G Fund as the default investment for most participants. Since 2015 for civilians and 2018 for uniformed service members, new enrollees are automatically placed in an age-appropriate Lifecycle (L) Fund. These funds hold a diversified mix of stocks, bonds, and government securities, gradually becoming more conservative as the target retirement date approaches.
Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar soundly defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orban in elections Sunday, a result that brings an end to the Trump ally's 16-year reign and will have repercussions across Europe and in the White House. Magyar said the prime minister called him to concede, the AP reports. "I congratulated the victorious party," Orban tearfully told supporters in Budapest. "We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition as well."

Magyar's Tisza party was on track to win 136 seats in the 199-seat parliament, and Orban's Fidesz party 56, with more than 53% of the vote counted after heavy turnout. That would be a supermajority that would let Magyar undo segments of Orban's "illiberal democracy," such as the prime minister's control over the judiciary, state companies, and the media; Politico Europe calls Orban "the EU's most autocratic leader." The prime minister, who has had the support of President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been at the forefront of anti-immigrant, Christian-oriented nationalism. Vice President JD Vance campaigned for Orban in Hungary last week. "Thank you, Hungary!" Magyar posted, per Reuters.
30 Jan 2026 blog post from Dr Mike McCulloch, he compared the IVO Quantum drive based on Quantized inertia theory, satellites orbit to a nearly identical twin control satellite. From late September to late December 2025 (90 days), the IVO sat fell ~600 meters less than the control (IVO: 4,880 m decay; control: 5,480 m decay). This relative rise of ~6.6 meters per day is roughly consistent with the expected thrust (1.75 mN) if the drive was firing intermittently (every other day for ~1 minute on average, limited by engineering/glitches). He calls the data plausible and encouraging but not conclusive, noting a possible alternative explanation (Lorentz force from interaction with Earths magnetic field, though his rough calculation says its too small). He stresses they had hoped for stronger, unambiguous thrust to rule out confounds and says a detailed press release from IVO would help. He concludes that a good ground-based levitation test is now the best next step.

Earlier X post (7 Jan 2026): McCulloch noted the observed ~6.6 m/day relative upward effect matched what he expected from IVOs known thrust capability.

Given what I know about the extent to which IVO could thrust, they should have been able to push up by a few metres per day. Over the past 3 months I estimate they've thrust up relative to a control sat by 6.6m per day. All the same, a ground levitation test is the best way now.  Mike McCulloch (@memcculloch) January 7, 2026

IVOs own website (ivolimited.us) has quietly updated its description to say the Quantum Drive has been tested and validated to Low Earth Orbit environments.

McCulloch has shifted emphasis toward unambiguous ground-based thrust tests.

In early April 2026 he held meetings with the UKs National Physical Laboratory (NPL)  one of the worlds top metrology labs  to design a high-precision QI thrust experiment. He described the costing as higher than hoped and is now pursuing a single world-class test instead of multiple parallel ones. He is hopeful that UK funding body ARIA will support it. Once demonstrated at NPL, he believes this would open the door to propellantless propulsion, cheap energy, and levitation applications. He continues to publish and discuss new astrophysical evidence supporting QI.

Experimental Observation of Acceleration-Induced Thermality (Arxiv, 2019)

Published papers on Quantized Inertia

Testing quantized inertia on Proxima Centauri (2024, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society)

The Alpha Centauri system has two close stars Alpha and Beta (A & B) and one much further away: Proxima Centauri. All three stars are co-moving with similar chemistry, which implies they are bound, but the fast orbit of Proxima implies it is gravitationally unbound given the visible mass of A and B. This problem cannot be fixed with the addition of dark matter, which must be uniform on such scales, or adding mass to A and B (their mass is well constrained) or by Modified Newtonian Dynamics. A new model for inertia called Quantized Inertia (QI) has been proposed that solves the galaxy rotation problem by reducing the inertia of low-acceleration stars at the galaxies edge in a new way, thus keeping them bound without the need for dark matter. It is shown here that if QI is applied to Proxima Centauri in the same way, it predicts the observed orbital velocity, within the bounds of observational uncertainty, and binds Proxima, without the need for extra mass.

NBF: It would only take ~$1 million to do another test in orbit. IVO can analyze what happened and try to improve things on the ground and in lab work before trying again.
FILE - The OpenAI logo is seen on a mobile phone in front of a computer screen which displays output from ChatGPT, Tuesday, March 21, 2023. The Connecticut state legislature is considering a bill that would create wide-ranging protections for employees. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer, File) Michael Dwyer/Associated Press

Louise Williams teaches history to college students and, like all teachers these days, shes often coming up with ways to prevent her students from using artificial intelligence.

Sometimes, that means playing live-action role playing games. Other times, it might mean using older, analog methods that exist completely offline.

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All the faculty do is sit around thinking about ways to make sure that they're actually thinking for themselves. People are starting to have oral examinations. We're having tests where they have to say it verbally, so that we can test if they're doing their own thinking, she said. All of the online stuff we're moving away from because the goal is to make the students learn how to think.

Williams is under no illusion that teachers arent using AI, too. Artificial intelligence can write a syllabus or lesson plans, craft tests, grade papers and more. Shes heard stories about AI designing an online class, students using AI to do assignments, and the AI then grading those assignments, So you've got AI taking courses and grading courses.

In addition to her job at Central Connecticut State University, Williams is also president of the Connecticut State University American Association of University Professors, the union representing teachers like her. She said one contentious piece of recent contract negotiations was whether the university will discuss AI policy with the faculty.

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Thats why Williams, among other union leaders and employee advocates, testified in favor of a bill being considered by the state legislature that would create a suite of sweeping protections for employees as artificial intelligence continues to be integrated into various facets of many workplaces.

It makes it clear that AI is a mandatory subject of collective bargaining, she said. AI will impact our working conditions. It has the potential to impact our working conditions. It has impacted other workers conditions, and so that is a mandatory subject in bargaining which employers should know, but they don't seem to.

Among the provisions included in the bill proposal would force employers to tell job candidates when their resumes are being scanned by AI or when theyre communicating directly with an AI, or if an AI is involved in the hiring decision in any way. Another provision would require employers to notify unions before deploying AI, and prevent AI from undermining existing labor agreements.

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The bill also establishes rules to prevent bias and discrimination when AI is involved in a hiring or firing decision and restricts state agencies use of AI. Opponents say the bill creates onerous requirements for employers, particularly for small businesses who may be using AI to streamline their already strained operations.

AI is really making waves in the workforce, not just for big businesses, but for small businesses as well, said Paul Amarone, senior policy director at CBIA, largest business organization. This is a very expansive bill that really impacts employers when it comes to the regulatory environment and also costs.

Paul Kidwell, senior vice president for policy at the Connecticut Hospital Association, said there is an unprecedented volume of applications in todays digital job application market, where submissions are often automated through AI-powered job boards and recruitment platforms.

Like many large employers, hospitals may use AI-enabled tools in the early stages of hiring to screen applications for baseline qualifications and help match candidates to job requirements, she said. CHA is concerned the bill may implicitly treat the use of AI as inherently problematic without providing clear, practical standards for compliance. This uncertainty could increase administrative burden, raise costs, and slow hiring timelines at a time when hospitals are already working to address critical workforce shortages.

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According to Cathryn Vaulman, spokesperson for Gov. Ned Lamont, the governor supports efforts by the state to partner with businesses and labor unions in helping to ensure AI tools are used to help  not harm  Connecticut workers.

Workers may benefit from being able to do their job more efficiently, but they should not fear that AI is going to discriminate against or displace them, she said.

Connecticut AFL-CIO President Ed Hawthorne said he believes AI can be either a boon to employees or a threat. He said the sandwich you get from the deli has more regulations than artificial intelligence does.

AI is going to affect the workforce like nothing we've ever seen before, Hawthorne said. The labor movement right now believes AI, here and now, has the potential to either cause extreme harm or extreme benefit. The way we're looking at it is that it should be a tool for workers, rather than be the boss.

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Bill Finch, former mayor of Bridgeport, is now working with the National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He said even electricians and other tradespeople are watching AI impact their jobs.

There's a lot of person-to-person knowledge that's been built up over over a century in how we recruit electricians, he said. Imagine if AI, based on the keystrokes of strangers, would start telling us who would be a good electrician and who isn't.

But Amarone argued that beyond preventing employers from using AI to keep costs down, the bill would potentially create new expenses.

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File photo. A Griswold man is suing the Connecticut State Police and two troopers in federal court, contending he was arrested as part of one trooper's personal vendetta because the plaintiff had a relationship with the trooper's wife. Hearst Connecticut Media

GRISWOLD  A Griswold man is suing the Connecticut State Police, contending he was arrested on a drunk driving charge only because he had a relationship with a trooper's wife.

Chad Politowicz says in the federal complaint that Trooper Kristofor Fisher "was lurking" outside the Jacques Cartier Club in the Jewett City section of Griswold on April 23, 2024, waiting for Politowicz to leave.

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As Politowicz drove away, Fisher followed him in a privately owned vehicle and stopped him, the suit says. Fisher failed to properly identify himself and handcuffed Politowicz without running a field sobriety test, the complaint says.

Trooper First Class Liam Flanagan was called to the scene and arrested Politowicz on a DUI charge without probable cause, the suit says. Politowicz was not intoxicated at the time, but The Day of New London newspaper ran a story on April 27 reporting the arrest, causing Politowicz "public embarrassment" and "reputational harm," the lawsuit says.

Also, the state Department of Motor Vehicles suspended his driver's license after an administrative hearing, the suit says. The criminal case was dropped, the complaint said, but Politowicz "incurred significant financial and emotional costs because of these wrongful proceedings."

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"Prior to the events described herein," the suit says, "the Plaintiff was involved in a personal relationship with the wife of Defendant Fisher."

A state police representative could not be reached on Sunday.

When Fisher learned of the relationship, the complaint says, he "engaged in a pattern of hostile, threatening and intimidating conduct toward the Plaintiff via text messages and phone calls."

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Fisher told Politowicz to kill himself and also threatened to kill him, texting the plaintiff that there was "a hit" out on him, the suit says. An internal affairs investigation sustained the allegations, and Fisher was suspended for 29 days without pay, the lawsuit says.

The complaint contends violations of Politowicz's Constitutional rights against unreasonable searches and deprivation of liberty without cause. Also, the arrest has caused Politowicz emotional distress and "has fostered a distrust of law enforcement in the plaintiff, and the plaintiff is now afraid of the police in his own town," the lawsuit says.

The suit seeks unspecified damages and attorney's fees.
FILE - In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) conducts routine underway operations while transiting through the Taiwan Strait, May 8, 2024. (Mass Communication Specialist 3rd class Ismael Martinez/U.S. Navy via AP, File) Mass Communication Specialist 3rd class Ismael Martinez/AP FILE - President Donald Trump, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, right, shake hands before their meeting at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea, Oct. 30, 2025. Mark Schiefelbein/AP FILE - Iranian pro-government demonstrators burn the U.S. and Israeli flags as one of them holds a picture of the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei during a gathering after announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the war with the Unites States and Israel at the Enqelab-e-Eslami, or Islamic Revolution, Square in Tehran, Iran, April 8, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP FILE - President Donald Trump 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)  In 2011, President Barack Obama declared it was time for America to leave behind the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and pivot to Asia to counter the rise of China. Fifteen years later, the U.S. finds itself still at war in the Middle East and has pulled military assets from the Asia-Pacific as it aims to eliminate the threat posed by Iran's nuclear and missile programs.

The demands of the Iran war also caused President Donald Trump to delay by several weeks his highly anticipated trip to China, deepening worries that the U.S. is once again getting distracted at the cost of its strategic interests in Asia, where Beijing seeks to unseat the U.S. as the regional leader.

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Those skeptical of the U.S. involvement in the Middle East say the war is preventing Trump from adequately preparing for his summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping next month, when economic interests are on the line, and they warn that a failure to focus on Asia and maintain strong deterrence could lead to greater instability, if China should believe the time is ripe to seize the self-governed island of Taiwan.

This is precisely the wrong time for the United States to turn away and be sucked into another intractable Middle East conflict, said Danny Russel, a distinguished fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute. Rebalancing to Asia is highly relevant to Americas national interests, but it has been undercut by many bad decisions.

Others defend the president's approach, arguing that the forceful steps he is taking elsewhere, including in Venezuela and Iran, serve to counter China globally.

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Beijing is the chief sponsor for the adversaries that President Trump is dealing with sequentially, and its wise to do this sequentially, Matt Pottinger, who served as a deputy national security adviser in the first Trump administration, said in a recent podcast.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also said conflicts may not be confined to a single theater, suggesting that China could call upon its junior partners elsewhere to divert U.S. attention if it should move against Taiwan.

Most likely it will not be limited, something in the Indo-Pacific to the Indo-Pacific, Rutte said, speaking Thursday at the Ronald Reagan Institute in Washington. It will be a multi-theater issue.

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Repercussions in Asia of the Iran war

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, recently led a bipartisan group of senators to Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, where they heard concerns about the impact of the war on energy costs and about the departure of U.S. military assets, including missile defense systems from South Korea and a rapid-response Marine unit from Japan.

She sought to reassure them of the U.S. commitment to deterring conflicts in Asia and shoring up regional stability.

Failure is not an option, Shaheen told The Associated Press after returning from Asia. We know China has already said they intend to take Taiwan by force if they need to, and theyre on an expedited time schedule. And we also know that what happened in Europe, in the war in Ukraine, in the Middle East is affecting those calculations.

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Kurt Campbell, who served as deputy secretary of state in the Biden administration, said hes worried that the military capabilities that the U.S. had patiently accumulated in the Indo-Pacific region might not return in full even after the Iran war ends.

The longer the conflict goes on, the more it will pull resources and focus away from Asia, said Zack Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who studies the U.S. strategy in Asia. He added that future arms sales to the region also will be negatively affected.

The United States has expended substantial numbers of munitions in the Middle East and will have to keep an increased force presence there, some of which has been redirected from Asia, Cooper said. Meanwhile, Xi Jinpings wisdom in preparing a war time economy by stockpiling and adding alternate energy sources has shown itself to be beneficial.

Shaheen said the U.S. defense industry will struggle to meet the demand to replenish the weapons stockpile. Were working on a number of strategies to improve that, but at this point, timelines for weapons delivery are slipping, she said.

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The senator from New Hampshire said she's encouraged that Taiwan, Japan and South Korea are stepping up their own defense.

After 15 years and 3 presidents, pivot to Asia remains elusive

Obama's strategic rebalance to Asia reflected his understanding that the U.S. must be a player in the Pacific to harness the regions growth and ensure continued U.S. leadership in the face of China's rising influence.

After a decade in which we fought two wars that cost us dearly, in blood and treasure, the United States is turning our attention to the vast potential of the Asia-Pacific region, Obama said in a speech to the Australian Parliament. So make no mistake, the tide of war is receding, and America is looking ahead to the future that we must build.

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But the strategy was set back when a proposed trade agreement known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership with key U.S. regional partners failed to get through the U.S. Senate. After Trump first took office in 2017, he withdrew the U.S. from the partnership and launched a tariff war with China.

His Democratic successor, Joe Biden, kept Trump's tariffs on China and tightened export controls on advanced technology, while strengthening regional alliances to counter China.

Middle East again grabs US attention

By the time Trump rolled out his national security strategy in late 2025, the U.S. strategy in Asia had been narrowed to military deterrence in the Taiwan Strait and the First Island Chain, a string of U.S.-aligned islands off China's coast that restrict its access to the Western Pacific.

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The national security document says it's in the economic interest of the U.S. to secure access to advanced chips, which are sourced primarily from Taiwan and are needed to power everything from computers to missiles, and to protect shipping lanes in the South China Sea.

Hence deterring a conflict over Taiwan, ideally by preserving military overmatch, is a priority, the document says. We will build a military capable of denying aggression anywhere in the First Island Chain.

The Middle East, it says, should be getting less attention: As this administration rescinds or eases restrictive energy policies and American energy production ramps up, Americas historic reason for focusing on the Middle East will recede."

Then came the Iran war.

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___
A file photo of a Mansfield fire truck. A Mansfield officials say two pets were killed in a house fire on Browns Road early Saturday morning. Courtesy of Mansfield Fire Department

MANSFIELD  Two pets died in a house fire on Browns Road Saturday morning, an official said.

In a post on Facebook, Mansfield Town Manager Ryan Aylesworth said fire and emergency services were dispatched to the road at 1:15 a.m. for a report of a structure fire.

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Aylesworth said arriving units found a 1.5 story, wood framed home with fire showing from the front and side of the building. He said command staff quickly raised the incident to second alarm to bring additional resources to the scene due to the severity of the conditions.

"Firefighters faced significant operational challenges, including the absence of a nearby hydrant system, which required the establishment of water shuttle operations to sustain firefighting efforts," he said. "Crews worked under intense conditions, with high heat, heavy smoke, and a substantial fire load, particularly on the second floor of the residence."

Aylesworth said both residents were safely outside when emergency personnel arrived, adding no people were injured in the incident. He said two family pets died due to smoke exposure.

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Firefighters did protect several animals housed in a nearby shelter, Aylesworth said, and the Animal Control Department responded to assist with their care and temporary placement. The American Red Cross is assisting the residents displaced by the fire, he said.

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"This response was made possible through strong mutual aid partnerships. We extend our sincere thanks to our colleagues from the Willimantic Fire Department, the University of Connecticut, and the towns of Coventry, Columbia, Willington, and Tolland, whose personnel played a critical role in fire suppression and water supply operations," he said.

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Whether you spend $300,000 on a fixer-upper property and fail to turn a profit or you're unable to recoup your investment on a meme stock, selling off underperforming investments can be crucial to protecting your gain. That said, timing is key. Tax-loss sales typically occur toward the end of the current taxable year, and need to go through by December 31 if you want to reap the benefits. Additionally, you want to avoid repurchasing any stocks recently sold at a loss in an effort to avoid paying taxes. This is known as a wash sale, which the IRS deems illegal, and any stocks sold in this way won't be eligible for tax benefits.

One way to drastically reduce how much you expect to pay is to sell off your underperforming investments through a process known as tax-loss harvesting. For instance, if in the same year you made a $40,000 gain from selling stock you suffered capital losses of around $15,000, then your net capital gain is what matters; in this case, those gains would reduce to $25,000.

It may be strange to say, but losing capital can actually be beneficial if you're looking to protect your capital gains from taxation. Let's say that you successfully sold stocks for a profit of $40,000. While this is doubtlessly satisfying at the moment, if you earn more than $48,350 per year, you may need to pay thousands in taxes on the sale.

According to the IRS , most Americans' capital gains tax obligations likely won't exceed 15%. However, if you earn above a certain threshold and the assets you sell appreciated enough, you could wind up on the hook for a sizable sum. Fortunately, there are various steps those with net worths exceeding $500,000 can take to protect their gains and maintain as much of the net worth they've built as possible.

Usually, the tax owed is determined by the seller's income and how much the asset appreciated while held by the filer. Anything earned from the sale of something you've owned for a year or less is known as a short-term capital gain, while items held longer yield long-term gains. If the sale of property and luxury goods has helped boost your net worth to over $500,000, it may have also put you on a path toward paying some considerable taxes to both the IRS and, depending on where you live, your state or city.

It can be very difficult for the average American to build a net worth of $100,000, let alone $500,000 or more. But if you achieve both of those six-figure milestones, any celebration may be hindered by the fact that you could face higher taxation. This includes the often-dreaded capital gains tax, typically applied when you sell an asset such as real estate, cryptocurrency, or a valuable personal item or collectible. The amount of tax owed is influenced by how much the asset increased in value from the time of purchase until its sale.

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Consider relocating to a more tax-friendly state

Toy moving truck resting on dollar bills of various values - Mehaniq/Shutterstock

When it comes to protecting your gains, one costly mistake is to hyperfocus on what you owe to the federal government. State capital gains taxes can also impact what you earn from selling assets. Most states tax earnings of this nature, with California and New York charging the highest capital gains taxes. Respectively, their statewide capital gains tax rates reach up to 13.3% and 10.9%. Cities within states may even charge additional taxes to their community members.

If you're not a fan of paying state capital gains taxes on top of your federal obligations, you do have options. First is to be knowledgeable of state tax deductions. For instance, Vermont taxes short-term gains as well as long-term gains on assets held for three years. Vermont residents can deduct up to 40% of their capital gains on qualifying assets, but the cap is 40% of their federal taxable income or $350,000.

Depending on your circumstances, it could be best to relocate to a state known for lacking a capital gains tax. As of 2026, there are eight U.S. states that do not tax gains: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. However, there are also states that offer fairly low tax rates on capital gains income: Arizona and North Dakota both charge 2.5%, while Louisiana and Indiana each charge 3%. If you prioritize preserving your net worth over locale, opting to live in one of these lower-tax areas may be worth considering.

Offset gains by donating appreciated stocks to charities

Laptop screen with image of charity donation on screen - Anyaberkut/Getty Images

This is one scenario where the phrase "Give until it hurts" need not apply. When a stock appreciates in value, your instinct may be to liquidate and pocket the cash. But if doing so will trigger a sizable capital gains tax, there is an incentive to embrace your generous side: You may be able to protect your overall gains by donating some of your appreciated stock to charity.

Let's say you earned $500,000 in a year through various forms of income, including the appreciation of a stock. That places you squarely in the 35% federal tax bracket if you file as a single taxpayer. If your stock is worth about $100,000, and you decide to directly donate it to a charity, it will immediately reduce your gains tax obligation by thousands, if not tens of thousands, of dollars. Not only that, but thanks to your philanthropy, you will likely also qualify for a serious tax deduction.

Charitable donation remains a very popular method by which high-earning Americans protect gains and enjoy various tax benefits. Of course, it also comes with the satisfaction of making a positive contribution to society, be it through providing food or shelter to those in need, protecting the arts, or preserving a piece of history. If you're someone who cares very much about contributing to worthy causes, this is a route you should strongly consider when looking to reduce capital gains tax obligations.

Grow and maximize tax-deferred and tax-advantaged accounts

Paper with 401k shaped words cut out - Matdesign24/Getty Images

Every year, Americans set aside pre-tax money in an effort to save for retirement through practices like opening an IRA or contributing to a health savings account (HSA) or 401(k). By pouring a portion of your yearly income into these holdings, you can reduce your yearly income, and so decrease your immediate tax obligations.

First, it's important to know what the maximum annual contribution is for the type of account you have. For example, the IRS caps yearly 401(k) contributions from employees at $24,500 as of 2026. If you're aged 50 and over and are currently making catch-up contributions, then you can add an additional $8,000. Those with HSAs, meanwhile, can contribute up to $4,400 per year for an individual plan or $8,750 for family coverage; catch-up payments for those 55 and older add an additional $1,000. Lastly, if you have a Roth IRA, you can pay in a maximum of $7,500 annually as of 2026. That said, Roth IRA contributions get capped based on your income. As of 2026, your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) must be less than $153,000 if you're a single filer or $242,000 for joint filers. Otherwise, you'll only be allowed reduced contributions.

While certain Roth and HSA accounts are tax-free, you will face tax-obligations on other accounts even when you make strategic withdrawals during retirement. There are a couple of ways to get around this or reduce your taxes. For instance, converting qualifying accounts to tax-free Roth accounts. Spreading out withdrawals from these accounts across a period of years will also help to keep your taxable retirement income as low as possible.

Reduce taxable income via qualifying deductions and credits

A person holds a pencil over a notebook with tax deductions written on the top page - TukuYoTuku/Shutterstock

This is perhaps the most straightforward path to protecting your gains, and yet millions of Americans miss out on the savings offered by various deductions and tax credits. TurboTax estimates upwards of 25% of tax filers neglected to apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which saved American households an average of nearly $2,900 in 2024, per the IRS. While it's unlikely that someone with a net worth of over $500,000 will qualify for the EITC specifically, failing to do your due diligence when seeking out potential deductions could cost you. Making an effort to keep track of things like your student loan payment plan, capital losses, or business expenses could prove surprisingly fruitful for protecting your gains.

There are also certain deductions for which you can qualify, even at a higher income level, that can reduce your overall taxable income considerably. Many Americans simply opt for a standard deduction, as it's a flat rate and makes filing taxes that much simpler. However, preparing an itemized examination of eligible deductions could be more effective for those with higher net worths looking to minimize their tax burden.

Hold onto certain investments for as long as possible

Stacks of coins next to toy house and toy car - Garun .Prdt/Shutterstock

One of the forces that can make it especially difficult to keep your capital gains and maintain that $500,000 net worth is the temptation to quickly sell certain assets in an effort to stack wealth in the immediate future. But if you obtain an asset and sell it for a significant gain within a year, that is usually viewed as taxable income, and you will be taxed for it. However, if you manage to hold onto an asset for a period of years, you can significantly protect how much money you'll make from it in the long term while keeping your tax obligations considerably lower.

By holding assets for as long as possible before selling them off, your gains will be taxed at a more preferential rate of either 0%, 15%, or 20%, rather than the potentially higher income tax rates your earnings might command. Seeing as high earners can see their income tax go as high as 37%, holding out for a year or more has the potential to keep a much larger portion of your earnings from a given asset in your pocket. There are plenty of investors who have seen great success employing buy-and-hold strategies  just look at the stock Warren Buffett hasn't touched in nearly three decades. While sales will inevitably result in at least one tax payment, allowing your assets time to grow and correct to the market is a common path toward building and maintaining long-term. The potential for reduced taxes is just icing on the cake.

Use the Section 121 exclusion when selling a primary residence

Close up of a "for sale" sign - Feverpitched/Getty Images

It's not uncommon for homeowners in many income brackets to have much of their net worth tied up in real estate. So, it's certainly possible that a large chunk of your $500,000 net worth could be made up of your home. Selling a house can be a complex and expensive process  and selling your home without a realtor can be especially costly  but there is a way to save if you earn capital gains from selling a certain type of property: While the profits from the sale of a home typically fall under taxable income, the Section 121 exclusion allows homeowners selling their primary residences to exclude a gain of up to $250,000 for single filers or $500,000 for those filing jointly.

To qualify for consideration, the IRS requires that you or your family must have lived on the property for a total of two years out of the last five prior to the sale. Likewise, you or your spouse will have to have owned the home for at least two years of the same five-year period. If you're able to clear both of these tests with the IRS, you can claim the exclusion. In order to effectively do so, you must report the sale to the government by submitting the appropriate paperwork.

Consider gifting appreciating assets to family members

Wooden house and figures under an umbrella held by a human hand - Garun .Prdt/Shutterstock

Regardless of whether you have a net worth of $500,000, one popular method for protecting recent capital gains from tax obligations is to keep those highly valuable assets in the family by opting to give certain assets to a spouse, child, or other relative. It's true that any item given where you do not receive adequate compensation is deemed a gift by the IRS, and may be subject to the gift tax. However, not every item is necessarily outright taxable.

For instance, if a gift does not exceed the annual exclusion amount, then you won't be taxed for it. As of 2026, the IRS sets the annual exclusion cap at $19,000 per person you send a gift to. What this means is that you could equally distribute $100,000 of assets among six or more family members as gifts and the transfer could be completely tax-free. You can also give gifts worth any conceivable value to your spouse and the IRS won't consider it taxable, provided they are a U.S. citizen. If the person is not an American citizen, then the cap on a gift before it becomes taxable is $190,000.

If you're looking to give assets to relatives and have them sell the items later, make sure they're in a lower income bracket. When they sell the appreciated assets on, they will likely not see as high a gains tax obligation as you would if you held onto and sold the items yourself.

Consider investing in qualified small business stock

Woman sits in front of laptop while workers load boxes on shelves in background - PeopleImages/Shutterstock

Although owning stock in very large and established businesses can yield some serious profits, you can also see gains by investing in a qualified small business stock (QSBS). Even better, ownership and sale of this stock may qualify you for an exclusion on your capital gains. First, you have to be sure that the stock you buy belongs to a qualified small business (QSB), which is defined as an active domestic C-type corporation with an overall valuation greater than $50 million at the time the stock was issued.

Even if that small business were to see massive growth following your stock purchase and balloon in value, that would not affect your exclusion. That said, this is yet another situation where patience and timing are key to minimizing your gains tax obligations. The IRS taxes gains made from selling a QSBS at up to 28%. If you want to mitigate this exceptionally high liability, the key to making the most from your gains is to hold onto QSB stock for at least five years.

According to Section 1202 of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), if you sell your appreciated QSBS after five years, you could benefit from a capital gains tax exclusion of 100% if you first bought the stock after September 27, 2010. However, even QSBS purchased before that date can still be eligible for exclusions of up to 50% or 75% depending on when it was purchased. If you are the founding shareholder, you will also qualify when selling your business, provided at least five years have passed before you opt to sell and the initial company's valuation was $50 million or less.

Use Charitable Remainder Trusts to defer immediate gains.

Red heart toy in front of hundreds of dollars - Abzuraimi/Shutterstock

If you would like to donate to charity at some point but wish to benefit from your gains in the meantime, you should consider charitable remainder trusts (CRTs). This type of trust is irrevocable, meaning its purpose cannot be changed or disputed without permission from the intended beneficiary or a court agreement. By funding a CRT, you are able to live off of the trust as income for a period of time. Once that period has ended, the remaining amount gets donated to a designated private or public charity. So, instead of paying money directly to an organization the way you would with a more conventional charitable donation, you or the beneficiary could actually receive funds from the trust while the donation to the charity is deferred.

By going the route of putting assets like stocks or property into an irrevocable, tax-exempt trust, you aren't immediately liable for the associated gains. Instead, the money gets reinvested and you or the intended beneficiary receive income for a set period. That period can last either a recipient's lifetime or a maximum of 20 years. That said, you'll want to note that the IRS requires that the portion eventually given to charity must be worth at least 10% of the CRT's starting value so that it remains a qualifying donation.

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Vice President JD Vance, second left, shakes hands with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, as Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, left, Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir, third left, and Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad Natalie A. Baker, right, look on, as he prepares to board Air Force Two after attending talks on Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Jacquelyn Martin/AP Vice President JD Vance gives a thumb up sign as he boards Air Force Two after attending talks on Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, April 12, 2026, . Jacquelyn Martin/AP Vice President JD Vance, left, talks to Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir, right, and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, center, before boarding Air Force Two after attending talks on Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Jacquelyn Martin/AP Vice President JD Vance walks with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, partially seen on the left, Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir, third left, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad Natalie A. Baker, right, before boarding Air Force Two after attending talks on Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Jacquelyn Martin/AP

President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy would swiftly begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, after U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement.

U.S. Central Command announced that it will blockade all Iranian ports beginning Monday at 10 a.m. EDT, or 5:30 p.m. in Iran.

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CENTCOM said the blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations. It said it would still allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier in the day, the United States and Iran ended 21 hours of face-to-face talks in Islamabad without reaching a deal, leaving the fate of the fragile, two-week ceasefire still unclear.

The war that has killed thousands of people and shaken global markets has entered its seventh week.

New Haven Register Logo Want more New Haven Register? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source

Here is the latest:

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Trump says he doesnt care when Iran returns to the negotiating table

Speaking to reporters outside Washington after flying back from Florida, Trump was asked how long it might be before Iranian officials returned to the negotiating table amid a fragile ceasefire.

I dont care if they come back or not, he replied. If they dont come back, Im fine.

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Trump said that during weekend negotiations led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Iran said they were pushing for a nuclear weapon.

They still want it, and they made that clear the other night. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon, he said.

Trump lambasts Pope Leo XIV, extending feud over Iran war

Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV on social media Sunday, saying the first American pope should stop catering to the Radical Left.

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It was an extraordinary broadside against the global leader of the Catholic Church, exacerbating a feud that began over the war in Iran.

A short time later, speaking to reporters after Air Force One landed outside Washington from Florida, Trump said, We dont like a pope who says its OK to have a nuclear weapon.

I dont think hes doing a very good job, Trump said, adding that Im not a fan of Pope Leo.

Trumps comments followed Leo having denounced over the weekend the delusion of omnipotence that is fueling the U.S.-Israel war in Iran and demanded political leaders stop and negotiate peace.

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The U.S.-born pope didnt mention the United States or Trump by name in his prayer.

But Leos tone and message appeared directed at Trump and U.S. officials, who have boasted of U.S. military superiority and justified the war in religious terms.

Ships have stopped moving through the Strait of Hormuz, says intelligence firm

Lloyds List Intelligence wrote Sunday that all traffic through the Strait of Hormuz stopped after President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the U.S. would blockade the waterway. It said two vessels that were leaving the strait turned around after the post.

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A trickle of traffic had returned to the strait in the days since the U.S. and Iran agreed to pause the conflict.

Australia calls for Strait of Hormuz to be open to all

Australias Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for the Strait of Hormuz to be open and said the United States had not requested Australian help to blockade it.

President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy would swiftly begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, after U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement.

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Albanese told Nine Network television on Monday: Weve received no requests, and theyve made this announcement overnight and theyve done that in a unilateral way. And we havent been asked to participate.

What we want to see is negotiations continue and resume. We want to see an end to this conflict. We want to see the Strait of Hormuz opened for all. We want to see freedom of navigation as required by international law as well, Albanese added.

Planned US blockade isnt as sweeping as Trump vowed

The U.S. militarys logistical plans for blockading the Strait of Hormuz appeared to have been scaled down from the sweeping measures President Donald Trump had earlier threatened.

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Trump originally wrote on Truth Social that the U.S. would blockade any and all ships exiting or entering the Strait of Hormuz. The military, however, says it will still permit passage of ships headed between non-Iranian ports.

Iran keeping 21 million barrels of oil in floating storage

Samir Madani, the co-founder of Tankertrackers.com, told AP that the monitoring group used imagery from the European Space Agencys Copernicus-2 satellite to identify the types of Iranian oil tankers present in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend.

They identified 10 Very Large Crude Carrier supertankers - which can hold 2 million barrels of oil each - and 1 Suezmax tanker - which holds 1 million barrels - in the Gulf of Oman as of Sunday, adding up to 21 million barrels.

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Iran could be keeping the oil in floating storage to better regulate exports amid turbulence or in case of disturbances at Kharg Island, the group said on X.

Kharg Island, which the U.S. struck during the war, is home to a terminal through which Iran exports most of its oil.

Irans foreign minister claims US tanked productive talks

Writing on X, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran had negotiated with the U.S. in good faith for an end to the war.

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But when just inches away from Islamabad MoU, we encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade, he wrote, using an acronym for memorandum of understanding.

He then echoed earlier threats from Iranian officials.

Good will begets good will. Enmity begets enmity.

US Central Command to blockade Iranian ports

U.S. Central Command has announced that it will begin a blockade of Iranian ports on Monday at 10 a.m. ET.

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CENTCOM said the blockade would be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas.

It said it would still allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

In its statement, CENTCOM said the blockade would include all Iranian ports. It said it would give more information to commercial vessels before the start of the blockade.

Lebanese Red Cross says Israeli drone strike hit their unit, killing a paramedic

The Lebanese Red Cross said Sunday another paramedic was lightly wounded in the attack in the southern Lebanese town of Beit Yahoun.

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At least 87 medical workers in Lebanon have been killed in Israeli strikes since the beginning of the war between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group, according to the countrys health ministry.

Middle East security expert says Trump has little leverage in the Strait of Hormuz

Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer in security studies at Kings College London, said Sunday that Trumps plan to use the U.S. Navy to block the Strait of Hormuz is unrealistic.

We should bear in mind that the Americans have a much lower threshold of pain than the Iranians, Krieg said. The Iranians, whatever happens, can sustain this for far longer than the world economy, far longer the Gulf states, far longer then the Americans.

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Krieg said Trump doesnt have any good options and that he will have to concede on some issues.

There isnt any tool in the toolbox in terms of the military lever that he could use to get his way, he said.

Energy expert says oil price could jump by $10 on Trumps threatened blockade of the Strait of Hormuz

Brent crude oil, the international standard, has gone from roughly $70 per barrel before the war in late February to more than $119 at times. Brent for June delivery fell 0.8% to $95.20 per barrel Friday.

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Michael Lynch, distinguished fellow at Energy Policy Research Foundation, estimates Trumps threatened blockade could boost oil prices $5 to $10 when the market opens on Monday.

The blockade would take an estimated 2 million barrels of oil per day off the market, and the Iran war has already taken roughly 10 million barrels per day out of supply, Lynch said.

This is a pretty big insult to a pretty big injury, I guess, is the way to put it, he said.

But Lynch said the blockade might be short-lived as Trump will be pressured to walk it back.

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I wouldnt be surprised to see him to give it up by midweek, especially if oil prices keep going up, he said.

Irans chief negotiator says Trumps threats have no effect on Iranian people

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf told reporters Sunday that Iran has shown it doesnt surrender to threats, hours after Trump said the U.S. would impose a blockade to stop ships from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz.

If you fight, we will fight. Qalibaf said in a social media post addressing Trump.

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Qalibaf said the talks in Pakistan were intensive, serious and challenging, and that Irans negotiators designed strong initiatives to demonstrate Irans goodwill, which led to progress.

He did not describe the progress made during the talks nor Irans strong initiatives.

Lebanons prime minister says his government is committed to ending the war through negotiations

Nawaf Salam made his remarks on the eve of the 51st anniversary of the start of Lebanons 15-year civil war.

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Lebanon and Israel will hold direct talks in Washington starting Tuesday in a bid to end Israels conflict with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon.

Hezbollah supporters and critics of the decision to negotiate have protested in Beirut, saying the government is too weak to end the war.

The government has set a truce as a prerequisite for talks, and plans to demand an Israeli withdrawal, the release of Lebanese prisoners, and the return of over one million displaced Lebanese.

Lebanese authorities have criticized Israels airstrikes and ground invasion, but have also decried Hezbollah for launching rockets on March 2 in solidarity with Iran, sparking the latest escalation.

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The Lebanese government came to power just over a year ago promising to disarm all non-state groups.

I feel the pain of the mother who lost her son combating on the front lines as I feel the pain of the mother who lost her child who did not choose this war and only wanted to live, said Salam.

Experts say blockade could lead to higher oil prices but more details are needed on implementation

Kevin Book, the managing director of research at research firm ClearView Energy Partners, said Sunday that leaner volumes generally mean tighter markets and higher prices, but much depends on the scope and implementation of the blockade.

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How Tehran responds matters, too. Iranian and/or Houthi reprisals against Gulf producers alternative routes could drive prices still higher, Book said.

Jonathan Elkind, senior research scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University said Trumps statement on Fox News that implementing the blockade will take some time also adds uncertainty.

Is this a climb down because of concerns about how sharply oil markets were set to rise in tomorrows trading? No one knows, he said.

US official says Iran could not agree to Americas red lines for ending the war

U.S. Vice President JD Vances goal in the talks with Iran was to outline Americas red lines and where there was room to negotiate. But Irans delegates could not agree to all of the stated red lines.

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Thats according to a U.S. official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to describe negotiating positions on the record.

The core objective for U.S. negotiators was that Iran never obtain a nuclear weapon. But there were additional red lines set by the U.S. that Iran objected to, the official said.

The red lines include Iran ending uranium enrichment, dismantling its major enrichment facilities, allowing retrieval of its highly enriched uranium, ending funding for Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, creating a broader framework for peace and security in the region, and opening the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. believes that blockading the strait will show Iran the limits of its leverage as it considers the offer, the official said.

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__ By Josh Boak

Netanyahu visits parts of southern Lebanon under Israeli military control

Israels prime minister was making his first visit since the start of the current round of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

One of the things we see here is that we have essentially changed the face of the Middle East, Netanyahu said Sunday. Our enemies  Iran and the Axis of Evil  they came to destroy us, and now they are simply fighting for their own survival.

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Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel was working to control an 8 to 10 km (5 to 6 mile) buffer zone inside Lebanon to ensure Hezbollah does not fire close-range rockets and anti-tank missiles over the border.

Iran says it has full control of the Strait of Hormuz and that the waterway remains open for non-military vessels

Irans Revolutionary Guard Navy said Sunday that military vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be met with a firm and forceful response, according to two semiofficial Iranian news agencies.

Earlier Sunday, Trump said the U.S. Navy would begin a blockade on the critical waterway to stop ships from entering or leaving.

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The talks in Pakistan between Iran and the U.S. ended Sunday without an agreement to end the fighting.

UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon says Israeli tanks rammed into their vehicles

The mission, known as UNIFIL, said Israeli ground troops twice rammed their vehicles with a Merkava tank on Sunday.

The soldiers were blocking a road in Bayada that peacekeepers have been using to access their positions, UNIFIL said in a statement.

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UNIFIL has decried attacks on its personnel and damage to its facilities since

the latest war between Israel and Hezbollah militants started on March 2. Three peacekeepers have been killed in the past month.

Israeli soldiers have continually blocked peacekeepers movements on this road in recent days, in addition to denials of freedom of movement recorded in other areas, UNIFIL said. They hinder peacekeepers ability to report violations by both sides on the ground.

Trump says the UK is sending minesweepers to the Strait of Hormuz

Britains Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment about Trumps assertion Sunday on Fox News.

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In an April 2 meeting of top diplomats from 40 nations, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper discussed mustering their collective powers to remove mines from strait once the conflict diminished.

Cooper convened a meeting with about 30 of those nations last week to discuss restoring free movement in the shipping channel and a follow-up is scheduled this week.

In March, James Cartlidge, the opposition Conservative Partys defense secretary, said the British Navy removed its last minesweeper from the Persian Gulf a week before the war began.

Saudi Arabia summons Iraqi ambassador over drone attacks

Saudi Arabias Foreign Ministry submitted a protest note Sunday to the Iraqi ambassador following what it called ongoing drone attacks launched from Iraqi territories against Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf States.

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It was not immediately clear if the Iraqi drone attacks are still taking place.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militias, said last week that it would halt its operations in Iraq and the region for two weeks, 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.

Irans president says his country is prepared to reach balanced and fair agreement

President Masoud Pezeshkian told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday that his country is prepared to reach a deal that would ensure lasting regional peace.

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Pezeshkian added that Irans national interests are a red line, according to a readout of the call carried by Irans state media.

He criticized the U.S. use of bases in Gulf countries to carry out strikes against Iran, while maintaining that Gulf countries are brothers and that Tehran is willing to cooperate with them to achieve regional security without outside powers

Iran has said it has repeatedly struck U.S. facilities in neighboring Gulf countries since the war started in late February. Gulf countries say Iran has also targeted civilian infrastructure and facilities.

Egypts foreign minister speaks with a senior Pakistani diplomat and a US envoy

In the call with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty affirmed the importance of adhering to the diplomatic path and prioritizing dialogue and peaceful solutions to settle all disputes.

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Abdelatty and his Pakistani counterpart, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, affirmed that they will continue their efforts to de-escalate and bridge the gaps between the U.S. and Iran.
Jack Pavia, a senior at American University in Washington, D.C. and Norwalk native, is running for a state representative seat in District 142, held by Rep. Lucy Dathan. Dathan, a Democrat, is running for a state senate seat in District 26. Courtesy of Ethan Kauffman Tina Duryea, a Democrat, is running for the vacant 142nd District seat held by Rep. Lucy Dathan. Dathan, a Democrat, is running for a state senate seat in the 26th district. Duryea will be facing off against Jack Pavia, a college student at American University, in a primary on Aug. 11. Courtesy of Tina Duryea

NORWALK  A college student running for public office is a rare occurrence. But it's not unheard of and reports show that political candidates are getting younger.

Enter Jack Pavia, who is set to graduate from American University in Washington, D.C. in May.

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The Norwalk native is running for the vacant Democratic seat in state House District 142, which comprises Norwalk and New Canaan.

The fact that Im 21  that doesnt disqualify me for public office, he said. I think it qualifies me for public office because I bring a unique set of experiences that will give me the perspective to highlight voices in the legislature that havent previously been understood.

Pavia will be campaigning to win the Democratic primary on Aug. 11 against opponent Tina Duryea.

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Duryea, 54, said shes looking forward to the conversations she and Pavia will have on the campaign trail.

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I really plan on talking to the constituents and the voters, listening to them and hearing from them what their concerns are, she said. Its incredibly important to have these conversations when youre running for office, because as much as I bring my experience to the table and my strength, if I dont use it in service to the voters, then Im not really sure that I would be a good person to run.

Duryea, a Norwalk resident, is a self-employed artist and content creator whos built her online platform on political activism, and more specifically, is focused on getting more women in the Democratic Party elected.

Pavia and Duryea are hoping to replace Rep. Lucy Dathan, who won the seat in the 2018 general election. Dathan announced in a Facebook post on March 9 that shes running for District 26 state senator after incumbent Sen. Ceci Maher decided not to run for reelection. Maher served two terms.

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District 26 represents Darien, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford, Weston, Westport, and Wilton. Dathan will be in a primary against Weston First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor. The race also includes Republican candidate Alma Sarelli of Westport.

Pavia spoke highly of Dathan and said hed like to fill her shoes while blazing his own path to serve his community.

I would certainly look to continue her work, he said. The biggest takeaway about her legacy to me is that she works harder than anybody else for this district. I mean, my door got knocked in 2024, but she didnt even have an opponent. Thats the kind of work ethic that I want to bring to this district as well.

Trish Crouse, professor of both political science and public administration at the University of New Haven, said college-aged people running for public office is rare but can be, and has been, done successfully.

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Its not something thats very common, she said. I do see it though.  Ive been teaching a total of 20 years, and over those 20 years, Ive seen several students that have run for office, some successfully, some not. But I dont think its out of the realm of possibility that college students would want to consider this.

A notable example of a young person successfully running for office was former state Sen. Will Haskell, who won the District 26 seat at the age of 22, in 2018 after unseating incumbent Toni Boucher, a Republican, whod represented the district for 10 years.

What Will really did was prove that young people are able to stand up and that theres no age limit to caring about your community, Pavia said. And I look at his accomplishments and his service and his work ethic, and I really just want to commend him for allowing Gen Z, allowing young people, to be taken seriously when we decide that its time for us to step up.

A report from the national, bipartisan nonprofit Future Caucus, shows that although Gen Z  those born between 1997 and 2012  made up a small portion of political candidates during the U.S. 2024 general election, there is a growing trend of younger people pursuing public office.

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According to the organizations 2024 report, one in four political candidates during the 2024 general election were either Gen Z or millennials. The latter were born between 1981 and 1996.

However, the report also showed that younger candidates were disproportionately eliminated from their races compared to their older counterparts, primarily because of losing the primary, caucus or convention stage; withdrawing from the race; or failing to qualify to get on the ballot.

There have been a few Connecticut college students whove run for public office, but lost in their respective primaries.

Tyler Flanigan, of Wethersfield, was a 19-year-old college student when he ran for 9th District state senator in 2018. He lost the Republican primary to Ed Charamut, but was elected to the Wethersfield Town Council the next year.

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Tyrell Brown was a college student when he was elected to the Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission in 2017. He ran for District 100 state representative the next year, but lost in the Republican primary against Anthony Gennaro.

Crouse said part of what makes political office difficult for younger people to pursue is a lack of support from older generations.

Its not out of the realm of possibility for the younger generation, even one at the national level, but I think theyre discouraged from doing so by the older generation, she said. We have to have more faith in the younger generation. I teach them every day. They can do this. We just dont give them enough credit for doing it.

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Pavia said hes ready to challenge the notion people might have about him being too young to run for public office.
Women walk past a banner depicting the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the U.S. and Israel strikes on Feb. 28, in northern Tehran, Iran, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP Haifa Kenjo, who fled Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, holds her 15-day-old daughter Shiman inside the tent she uses as a shelter and where she gave birth to her in Beirut, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Emilio Morenatti/AP A women sits at a cafe in northern Tehran, Iran, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP Policemen sit on their motorcycles in northern Tehran, Iran, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP Vice President JD Vance speaks during a news conference after meeting with representatives from Pakistan and Iran, Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Islamabad. Jacquelyn Martin/AP

ISLAMABAD (AP)  President Donald Trump said Sunday the U.S. Navy would swiftly begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the strategic Strait of Hormuz, after U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement.

U.S. Central Command announced the blockade would involve all Iranian ports, beginning on Monday at 10 a.m. EDT, or 5:30 p.m. in Iran, to be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations.

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However, CENTCOM said it would still allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports to transit the strait. Its announcement was a step down from the presidents earlier threat to blockade the entire strait, and allows traffic to flow in the crucial waterway as long as it avoids Iranian ports.

Trump wants to weaken Irans key leverage in the war after demanding that it reopen the strait to global traffic on the waterway where 20% of global oil transited before fighting began.

That traffic has been limited even in the days since the ceasefire. Marine trackers say over 40 commercial ships have crossed since the start of the ceasefire.

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A U.S. blockade could further rattle global energy markets.

Oil prices rose in early market trading after the blockade announcement. The price of U.S. crude rose 8% to $104.24 a barrel, and Brent crude oil, the international standard, rose 7% to $102.29. Brent crude cost roughly $70 per barrel before the war in late February.

Later Sunday, Trump extended his feud over the war with Pope Leo XIV, lashing out in a TruthSocial post that called the Catholic leader terrible on foreign policy. The extraordinary broadside came after Leo denounced the war and demanded that political leaders stop and negotiate peace.

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Iran says if you fight, we will fight

Irans Revolutionary Guard later said the strait remained under Irans full control and was open for non-military vessels, but military ones would get a forceful response, two semi-official Iranian news agencies reported.

During the 21-hour talks this weekend in Pakistan, the U.S. military said two destroyers had transited the strait ahead of mine-clearing work, a first since the war began. Iran denied it.

Trumps plan to use the Navy to block the strait is unrealistic and he will have to concede on some issues with Iran, said Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer in security studies at Kings College London. There isnt any tool in the toolbox in terms of the military lever that he could use to get his way, Krieg said.

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Trump said Tehrans nuclear ambitions were at the core of the talks' failure. In comments to Fox News, he again threatened to strike civilian infrastructure.

Iranian parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who led Irans side in the talks, addressed Trump in a new statement on his return to Iran: If you fight, we will fight.

No word on what happens after ceasefire expires

The face-to-face talks that ended early Sunday were the highest-level negotiations between the longtime rivals since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

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Neither indicated what will happen after the ceasefire expires on April 22.

We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, said Vice President JD Vance, leading the U.S. side.

Iranian negotiators could not agree to all U.S. red lines, said a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to describe positions on the record. These included Iran never obtaining a nuclear weapon, ending uranium enrichment, dismantling major enrichment facilities and allowing retrieval of its highly enriched uranium, along with opening the Strait of Hormuz and ending funding for Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi rebels.

Iranian officials said talks fell apart over two or three key issues, blaming what they called U.S. overreach. Qalibaf, who noted progress in negotiations, said it was time for the United States to decide whether it can gain our trust or not.

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Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said his country will try to facilitate a new dialogue in the coming days. Iran said it was open to continuing dialogue, state-run IRNA news agency reported.

The European Union urged further diplomatic efforts. The foreign minister of Oman, located on the Strait of Hormuz's southern coast, called for parties to make painful concessions." The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized his readiness to help bring about a diplomatic settlement in a call with Iran's president.

Iran's nuclear program is a key sticking point

Irans nuclear program was at the center of tensions long before the U.S. and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28. The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,055 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and damaged infrastructure in half a dozen countries.

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Tehran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons but insists on its right to a civilian nuclear program. The landmark 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump later pulled the U.S. out of, took well over a year of negotiations. Experts say Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, though not weapons-grade, is only a short technical step away.

An Iranian diplomatic official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of closed-door talks, denied that negotiations had failed over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Inside Iran, there was new exhaustion and anger after months of unrest that began with nationwide protests against economic issues and then political ones, followed by weeks of sheltering from U.S. and Israeli bombardment.

We have never sought war. But if they try to win what they failed to win on the battlefield through talks, thats absolutely unacceptable, Mohammad Bagher Karami said in Tehran.

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Elsewhere in the region, airstrikes calmed over the past day except in Lebanon.

More questions as Israel presses ahead in Lebanon

Irans 10-point proposal for the talks called for a halt to Israeli strikes on the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel has said the ceasefire did not apply there, but Iran and Pakistan said it did.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited parts of southern Lebanon under Israeli control on Sunday, for the first time since the current fighting. Attacks on southern Lebanon have intensified alongside the ground invasion renewed after Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel in the wars opening days.

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Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin Tuesday in Washington after Israels surprise announcement authorizing talks despite their lack of official relations. Israel wants Lebanon to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, but the militant group has survived efforts to curb its strength for decades.

The day the Iran ceasefire deal was announced, Israel pounded Beirut with airstrikes, killing more than 300 people, according to the Health Ministry.

Lebanons state-run National News Agency reported six people were killed Sunday in Maaroub village near the coastal city of Tyre.

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___
A file photo of Cheshire High School at 525 South Main St. in Aug. 2023. A federal judge found that immigration authorities arrested a Cheshire High School senior based on a paperwork error. Hearst Connecticut Media file photo

HARTFORD  A federal judge found that immigration authorities arrested a Cheshire High School senior based on a paperwork error.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Rihan, an immigrant from Afghanistan, on April 6 as he was driving with his uncle about half a mile from the family's home. Rihan, whose last name is being withheld at the request of his attorneys, arrived in the U.S. with his family in October 2024 and was granted humanitarian parole that expired in October 2026, according to court records.

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When he gave the agents his name and date of birth, however, they "erroneously claimed that his parole had expired in October 2025," U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver wrote in a memorandum and order dated Saturday. An online form mistakenly showed a one-year parole period at the time of Rihan's detention, the judge wrote. The form was corrected, but his parole status was revoked anyway, Oliver wrote.

Government leaders, including Gov. Ned Lamont and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, have rallied around Rihan, saying his detention is wrong and "un-American."

The 19-year-old, who is due to graduate in June, has been held since April 6 at a county jail in Plymouth, Mass.

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"This family did everything right," Rihan's attorney, Lauren Petersen, said at a press conference Friday. "It's the government that's not following its own rules."

Petersen didn't immediately respond to request for comment on Sunday.

After ICE agents took Rihan into custody, Oliver issued an order to stop the agency from taking him out of Connecticut and the U.S. The judge wrote, however, that he was unaware at the time that Rihan already had been taken to Massachusetts. After learning of the transfer, Oliver wrote, the court issued another order precluding immigration officials from removing him more than 150 miles from the Connecticut border while mulling whether the District of Connecticut has jurisdiction in the case.

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Oliver wrote that that the District of Massachusetts has jurisdiction now because Rihan was being confined in that state when his lawyers filed a petition for his release.

It's the second time in less than a year ICE agents have arrested a member of Rihan's family. Six masked ICE agents arrested his father, Zia, last July during a routine visit to a federal immigration office in East Hartford. Zia had worked as an interpreter for U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan, and his case quickly became national news, with Blumenthal in particular championing his cause.

ICE released Zia in October after a federal district judge ordered that he be granted a bond hearing and an immigration judge determined he was not a flight risk and did not pose a danger to the community.

Attorneys for Rihan and Zia asked that they only be referred to by their first names, citing concerns for their safety and the safety of their relatives who are still in Afghanistan.

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The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement Friday afternoon to CT Insider that Rihan was arrested on federal immigration violations, issued a notice to appear before a judge and will remain in ICE custody pending proceedings, noting he will receive full due process. DHS did not specifically name the violations.

Biden-era parole programs let in 190,000 Afghan nationals with a vetting process that was demonstrably inadequate," DHS said in a statement to CT Insider. "No overseas criminal background checks were performed, social media accounts were not screened, and there was no systematic cross-referencing of information.

"In many cases," the agency said, "entry was granted on the basis of a single recommendation. Under Secretary (Markwayne) Mullin, DHS has been going full throttle on vetting illegal aliens who came in through Bidens fraudulent parole programs and working to get the criminals and public safety threats OUT of our country."

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Rihan applied for legal permanent residency  commonly called a green card  in June.
Bruce Matos speaks at a ceremony honoring him as a recipient of the Hispanic Heritage Foundations National Youth Award in community service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 23, 2026. Nicolas Pena/Courtesy of Nicolas Pena

WESTON  Bruce Matos, a senior at Weston High School, said he often hears his father on the phone, frustrated with health care providers when somethings getting messed up.

His father, who has Type 1 diabetes, suffered a stroke more than a decade ago that left him unable to use the left side of his body.

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I can only imagine what he's hiding emotions-wise and how he truly feels and how much pain he's in, Matos said. He's always going to hide it.

Watching his father navigate those challenges made him want to pursue a career in health care, or at least health related, Matos said.

Helping with daily tasks, like checking his fathers blood sugar, led him to take on his own philanthropic and health advocacy efforts in high school where he joined Joshuas Heart Foundation, a nonprofit focused on food distribution.

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Now, through his work in Connecticut and with the foundation, Matos is one of only six high school students nationwide to receive the Hispanic Heritage Foundations National Youth Award in community service, which recognizes leadership, academic excellence, and service to their communities, according to an email announcing the award.

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He was recently honored at a ceremony in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Matos said he felt both a sense of duty and was ecstatic when he learned he won the award.

I started to realize they chose me to be a representative of my people, he said.

Matos said his interest in service began in first grade, when he joined Cub Scouts.

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To then become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in Boy Scouts, he collected, refurbished and donated martial arts equipment to under-resourced schools for after-school programs, according to a press release announcing the award.

(Scouting) really drills those ideas into you, of helping out your community and your people, Matos said.

As he progressed through high school, he became more involved with Joshuas Heart Foundation as the organization shifted toward youth-led initiatives.

He also founded his schools HOSA Future Health Professionals chapter, formerly Health Occupations Students of America, and organized panels featuring medical professionals.

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In high school, Matos became head of partners and sponsors for all of the Joshua Hearts Foundation, working remotely out of the Connecticut chapter to connect with businesses and organizations to support food drives and other initiatives.

In that role, he and his team raised $43,000 in 18 months, helping provide food to more than 1,500 families in South Florida.

Amid the outreach and logistics, Matos said he often thinks about his father, who grew up in not a great neighborhood in New York City, and frequently ate cheaper, not so healthy food, which Matos said he believed contributed to his fathers long-term health issues.

Matos said the work he does through food drives and partnerships is one way he hopes to address broader health issues in his community by making sure people can access healthy foods his father didnt have when he was growing up.

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He also said he wanted to focus on supporting underserved Hispanic communities, which is a value he said his parents instilled in him.

I always think of making sure people dont have to do that, Matos said. That they can live as normal lives as they can.

That connection became especially clear when Matos traveled to Miami to help run a food distribution event. When trucks broke down, he and other volunteers unloaded supplies by hand.

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Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is one of the undervalued large cap stocks to buy. On March 25, UBS analyst Kevin McVeigh reaffirmed a Buy rating and $320 price target on Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN). The analyst pointed to the companys federal services unit and a string of recent contract wins as reasons for continued confidence in the stock.

Accenture plc (ACN): Leveraging Federal Wins to Strengthen Long-Term Growth Visibility

Pixabay/Public Domain

The subsidiary, Accenture Federal Services (AFS), provides mission-critical technology solutions to US government agencies. McVeigh noted that this unit generated roughly $5.3 billion in fiscal year 2025, which is equivalent to about 8% of Accentures total global revenue, 15% of its Americas revenue, and 36% of its Health & Public Service segment revenue. AFS has a workforce of around 15,000 employees.

The analyst highlighted a newly announced 4.5-year contract with the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). AFS has been contracted to modernize electronic health records for more than 9 million veterans through the VAs Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program. This is a large, long-duration deal that underscores the kind of sticky, mission-critical work that AFS does, noted McVeigh. AFS had also separately secured a contract to modernize the National Weather Services weather system, known as NWS HIVE.

McVeigh noted that these multi-year contracts are important because they provide visibility into Accenture Federal as it recovers from DOGE and shutdown headwinds. This is in reference to the budget pressures and government spending cuts that had weighed on AFS in recent periods.

Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN) is a professional services company. It provides consulting, technology, and outsourcing services to businesses and governments. Its offerings include strategy and management consulting, information technology services, digital transformation, cloud migration, data and artificial intelligence solutions, and business process outsourcing.

While we acknowledge the potential of ACN as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.

READ NEXT: 9 Best Gold Mining Companies to Buy With High Upside Potential and 12 Best Performing Cybersecurity Stocks in 2025.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters.

Pat OConnell, who has led Ameriprises advisor group for over 13 years, will be retiring this summer, according to the national broker/dealer.

The longtime Ameriprise executives duties will now be handled by Bill Williams, who will also continue in his role as president of the Ameriprise Independent Advisors channel.

OConnell had joined Ameriprise in 2002 as a financial advisor, climbing the ranks until, in 2013, he was promoted to executive vice president and president of Ameriprise Advisor Group & Ameriprise Financial Institutions Group.

After 34 years with the firm, Pat OConnell has decided to retire this summer as part of a thoughtful transition, a spokesperson for the firm wrote via email. We wish him all the best in his retirement and thank him for his exceptional service to our clients, advisors, employees, and the firm.

AdvisorHub first reported the move.

OConnell had been overseeing Ameriprises financial advisor group of more than 2,000 advisors, 800 staff, and 170 Ameriprise branch offices, along with partner offices at other financial institutions. He was also responsible for advisor recruiting at the firm.

Williams will now be teed up to take over those duties. In his current role, he oversees support for Ameriprises more than 8,200 affiliate advisors, while also leading the firms National Sales Organization and Ameriprise Advisor Center, where more junior financial advisors work with clients over the phone and email.

He also joined Ameriprise as an advisor in 1998, rising through the ranks to take his current role in 2008.

In its fourth-quarter earnings report in January, the Minneapolis-based firm reported one of its strongest quarters for client inflows with $13.3 billion in new client assets, up 18% year-over-year. On that call, CEO Jim Cracchiolo also said the firm had very good retention despite the competitive recruiting environment.

The firm also notched a recent gain for its institutional business, winning a transfer of $28 billion in broker/dealer, RIA, and insurance assets from Huntington National Bank. Huntingtons 260 financial advisors remained with the bank but now use Ameriprise for their retail investment operations.
Netflix (NFLX) stock is gaining attention ahead of its upcoming earnings after Morgan Stanley analyst Sean Diffley maintained an Overweight rating on the stock and raised the price target from $110 to $115 per share. The new price target indicates 16% upside from current levels. The analyst believes concerns around engagement growth and margins have eased, making the current setup more attractive.

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Netflix is set to report its Q1 2026 results on April 16. Wall Street expects earnings per share (EPS) of $0.76 for Q1 2026, reflecting 15% year-over-year growth. Revenue is estimated to rise 15.5% to $12.17 billion.

Morgan Stanley Chimes In on Netflix Stock

Diffley noted that Netflix is currently trading at about 2526x FY27 earnings, below its five-year average of around 30x, suggesting the stock is not expensive relative to its growth. The firm expects Netflix to deliver steady double-digit revenue growth, with earnings and free cash flow growing at around 20% annually.

While investments may slow margin expansion in the near term, Morgan Stanley still sees a path to roughly 40% EBIT margins by 2030, supported by pricing power and operating leverage. The analyst also expects revenue growth to pick up in the second half of 2026, helped by U.S. price increases, with ARPU (average revenue per user) gains likely starting from the third quarter.

Morgan Stanley added that Netflix stock has historically performed well after U.S. price hikes, with average gains of about 20% over the following nine months. The firm believes the stock remains attractive relative to its growth, with its valuation still below that of many large tech peers.

Is NFLX Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Heading into Q1 results, Wall Street has a Strong Buy consensus rating on Netflix stock based on 31 Buys and nine Holds. The average NFLX stock price target of $115.25 indicates 16% upside potential. NFLX stock has risen 6% year-to-date.

Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue
Debbie Villio, R-Kenner, points to HB 10 after Gov. Jeff Landry asked her which bill is her favorite during the crime session bill signing ceremony.
The relationship between the United States and Cuba hasnt been this tense for decades. Even as the the U.S. is engaged in high-level negotiations in Havana, it is threatening Cuba with military action. It is a threat that is backed up by the recent action the U.S. took in nearby Venezuela, removing that countrys leader. We hear from a top Cuban diplomat about how Cuba sees its relationship with the U.S. now.

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Despite the news and social media, are humans inherently nice to each other? Are we instinctively decent?

This may sound ridiculous in the world of the Ukraine war, Gaza and Iran but consider the response of passers-by when someone falls over in the street or appears to need help. People rally round. How many of you behave in the very British way of running across a zebra crossing and waving a thank you at the waiting car.

When I was in London recently I saw a young man turn and run back to the tube train. He had noticed the doors had closed before an elderly lady had managed to get out. He pressed the button and helped her although it was clear they had never met before. Is helping others our natural behaviour after millennia of evolution or an aberration? How does it fit in with survival of the fittest?

Biologically speaking we are the most successful species ever to inhabit the earth. We are the only species to cover the whole planet and may even have a future on the moon. The world population is now over eight billion. We can argue whether this has also damaged the planet but in pure biological terms the Homo Sapiens are massively successful. Why? Darwins idea of survival of the fittest means that we that we should have become extinct in Africa just after we had evolved. We cannot fight off a lion, run faster than a cheater or swing through the trees like most of the other primates.

Any animal to survive needs a survival characteristic. The giraffes long neck allows it to eat food other animals cannot reach. The rhinoceros can charge and the zebras stripes help it blend into the background.

Our survival characteristics are similar to the ants and bees. Individually we are hopeless but as a coordinated team we have conquered the world.

Early humans worked as a team to bring down some of the largest animals around. Today we still work as a team. No one person is a skilled electrician, computer engineer, surgeon or

navigator. Each person has their own expertise which, alone, would not run our society but together it works.

So why are there wars and conflict when people have evolved to work together? Research in monkey colonies showed that, when the population becomes too big for one colony, they split into two. One of the groups moves away to new territory. But if land is limited, such as on an island, and the groups cannot separate they fight. In each group the monkeys were working together but working against a common enemy.

Sadly, we have not evolved as far as we like to think. Many of the current conflicts still involve land, whether it is Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan. It was also behind the troubles in Northern Ireland.

We are still tribal trying to exclude anyone from a rival tribe. This explains antisemitism and other racist attitudes. We are kind to anyone we see as in our tribe but hostile to other tribes.

Again this is similar to ants and bees. Put red ants into a black ants nest and they fight.

Unfortunately, this tribalism is exacerbated by social media. The companies paying for the advertising are motivated by money. The algorithm ensures that the more hits a post has the more the advertising revenue. There are more clicks in emotive tribalism than rational debate.

The idea of caring for others may be out of fashion. In the 1960s and 70s the younger generation was interested in caring careers such as social work. Today people may be more interested in making money in the financial markets but what do these jobs add to society?

Even some of the people with an ambition to become a doctor quote the income rather than the desire to help people.

Aiming for a compassionate society would embrace our natural instincts. Cooperating with others is why our species has survived. Despite social media we need to leave our tribal bunkers and cooperate with people we may see as enemies. Or, to quote Oscar Wilde, forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.
Warren Buffett is regarded as one of the best capital allocators to ever live. Because of his track record, average investors love to follow Berkshire Hathaway's portfolio moves. When stocks that the conglomerate owns take a beating, it might be time to make a move.

There are two financial stocks, American Express (NYSE: AXP) and Visa (NYSE: V), that fit the description. Both have had poor performances so far in 2026. But each is a high-quality business deserving of investor attention.

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 

Between American Express and Visa, which is the better Warren Buffett stock to buy?

Image source: The Motley Fool.

American Express

At the end of last year, Berkshire Hathaway owned almost 152 million shares of American Express, making it the second-largest position behind only Apple. In the past decade, American Express has put up a total return of 511% (as of April 9).

One of the most notable characteristics that has led to the ongoing success of American Express is its brand strength. The company deliberately positions its products at the premium end of the market, as these cards resemble somewhat of a status symbol for clientele. This perspective is bolstered by the excellent perks and rewards American Express offers.

Consequently, American Express attracts wealthier customers with higher spending power, resulting in industry-leading charge-off rates that have a positive impact on the bottom line. And it's able to occasionally raise the annual fees it charges, like the $200 hike with the Platinum card in 2025 and the $75 increase with the Gold card in 2024. These fee bumps haven't gotten in the way of growth.

American Express is doing a wonderful job bringing on younger cardholders. "As of Q4, millennial and Gen Z customers now make up the largest share of U.S. consumer spending, and they remain the fastest-growing cohorts," CFO Christophe Le Caillec said on the Q4 2025 earnings call.

The ability for these people to be American Express customers for decades into the future provides an immense financial benefit to the business.

Visa

As of Dec. 31, 2025, Berkshire held a 0.4% stake in Visa. The position represents a tiny part of the conglomerate's portfolio. Visa stock's trailing-10-year return of 325% is much lower than the performance of American Express.

Visa's business model is different, as it doesn't engage in lending activity. It just operates the underlying payments infrastructure that connects various stakeholders in a transaction. Partner banks, like JPMorgan Chase and Capital One, issue credit and debit cards that are compatible with the Visa network.
Sisters Rodeo Association board president Scott Talerico has stepped down amid a controversy that has roiled the organization for several weeks.

On Saturday afternoon, April 11, the Board of Directors informed association members that Talerico had tendered his resignation, and the board had accepted it. The board has been dealing with calls for Talericos removal. Accusations have been made that Talerico engaged in inappropriate professional conduct toward workers and vendors.

The boards announcement says in part, Scott Talericos resignation comes following formal claims that have been alleged, asserting inappropriate professional conduct by Scott Talerico. Scott has indicated to us that his resignation is intended to prioritize the integrity and ongoing reputation and operations of Sisters Rodeo.

The statement acknowledged that many of you know, respect, and support Scott  and we do want to honor his legacy his family and the contributions he has made to Sisters Rodeo over the last five years. However, we have a duty to you, our members, our staff, and this loving community to operate with accountability, integrity, and as leaders. We do not take our responsibility to this community lightly, and therefore we believe this is the best, amicable path forward.

The Rodeo employs three independent contractors: a ticket coordinator, a bookkeeper and a social media manager, the latter two of whom abruptly terminated their association with the Rodeo. The bookkeeper  Taylie Hammack  brought a formal complaint to the directors against Talerico. Hammacks family has a long and deep connection to the Rodeo going back generations.

Brian Witt, a retired Portland attorney living in Sisters sent a lengthy e-mail to the entire Rodeo board on April 7, expressing his deep concern about the matter. Witts specialized practice was representing regional and national financial service providers on regulatory and compliance issues. He is a past director of the Rodeo, and an active member of the Association.

In part, his communication said, I have reviewed the written claim asserted by Taylie [Hammack] along with documentation supporting her claim. The claims made are very serious and clearly this incident raises legal risks and very serious reputation risk for SRA (Association). It is important the Board appreciates the seriousness of this matter and your responsibility to mitigate risk to SRA. This is not a situation of two sides to a story nor a he said or she said matter. The written claim asserted is real and the resulting risks could cause serious damage to the Association. It is your job to take responsive action to address and minimize these risks.

Multiple sources close to the rodeo organization told The Nugget that the 10-member board discussed the matter at meetings March 31 and April 7, with five directors favoring Talericos resignation and five opposing it.

Witt claims there are documented admissions by Talerico. The Nugget has made concerted effort to reach Talerico, and as of press time he did not respond to requests for comment.

According to Witt, Hammack provided the Board with a personal statement including her claims against Talerico and the Board. Witt noted Hammack has communicated with her employment attorney as well as legal counsel with Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries.

There are no W-2 employees at the Rodeo, workers hired through the customary definition of the word and subject to Oregon wage and hourly laws. The organization relies instead on independent contractors. The bookkeepers role went beyond the task of accounting; she performed many jobs that would typically belong to a general manager or executive director. Her name appears on many Rodeo documents and formal filings.

The Rodeo is a 501c4 membership organization run since its inception almost entirely of volunteers. At its peak there were around 300 members whose annual dues are now $65. The number of members currently is just over 200. The members elect the board of directors, and the board prepares a budget and operates the rodeo, now in its 87th year.

The imbroglio comes as the Sisters Rodeo is less than two months away from the first performance. Those involved are working feverishly to ready the complex event.

Past Sisters Rodeo President Patty Cordoni reached out to The Nugget to state, This is an unfortunate event, but I am truly encouraged by the dedication of our Board of Directors and members who are stepping up to ensure the Rodeo continues to be its very best.

I urge the Sisters community to continue supporting this legendary event. It was originally created to bring tourism to our town, and it will undoubtedly continue to do so for years to come.

The Sisters Rodeo Association is strong rodeo family, and I am confident it will succeed in making this Rodeo the best it can be. The performances will continue to sell out, as they have in years past, and it will remain the fun, high-quality event we all know and love.
She's a camera shy mother of five but Rachel Gorry has nonetheless scaled the dizzying heights of the influencer business thanks to her keen fashion eye and heartwarming personality.

And her origin story is something to behold - Rachel and her late husband Daniel were just 12 when they met.

A native of Clondalkin, Dublin, her parents decided to move down the country and chose to reside in Walsh Island in Co Offaly, as rural an area as one could possibly find.

Was the young pre-teen Rachel fearful at all? Just a little bit, talk about a culture shock! I was devastated leaving my friends, I was just traumatised, she says.

But as she states herself, kids adapt and pretty soon she was settling into secondary school in Colaiste Iosagain in Portarlington.

READ NEXT: THE BIG READ: Well-known Offaly woman reveals 'what's in her bag'

Around the same time, her father answered the door one day to a youngster called Daniel Gorry who lived in the neighbourhood.

Daniel knocked on the door and he said is your daughter coming out to play. I went out and we played a game of 40-40 and then we spent every day together.

They were in the same class in school and as time went on Rachel knew she had feelings. But Daniel had not asked her out.

He finally plucked up the courage when we were 16 to ask the question, she laughs.

Marriage and three children, Leah, Holly and Hannah, followed but tragedy struck when Daniel was just 27.

A healthy non-smoker, he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and sadly, it was terminal. It was an old man's cancer and it was very unusual that he got it. He was young when he got it so it spread.

Daniel passed away at just 29. The couple's three girls were just nine, five and three at the time.

Rachel and Daniel had sold a house and went on holidays before beginning a new build. It was at that time Daniel got sick.

READ NEXT: MEET THE BAKERS: Offaly mother and daughter team run successful home bakery in Tullamore

Rachel had been working in Noelle Interiors (the local business run by Noelle O'Donoghue) and her eye for style was being noticed by many people, among them a local auctioneer, the late Kate O'Shea.

Kate loved my interiors. When Daniel got sick I left Noelle's and he said why don't I set up an interiors Instagram page. And the page took off.

The page got the attention of an agency and Rachel was signed up, a move which gave her the stability her young family needed at such a difficult juncture in their lives.

It was a great relief to Daniel to know that I was going to be ok. And I was very grateful for the agency.

Though Rachel has been hugely successful at bringing brands to her audience through her Instagram page she admits that to this day she is uncomfortable being the face of the products: This is my worst nightmare, posing in front of a camera.

That explains why she was absolutely rattling with nerves when she made an appearance as a guest of Ryan Tubridy on The Late Late Show to talk about oesophageal cancer.

It was after Daniel had died and came when the traditional live format of The Late Late Show was temporarily suspended because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even so, Rachel recalls being terrified of the recording.

Live TV would scare the life of me. I absolutely wasn't going to do it but I was talked into it.

The appearance has helped raise massive amounts of money for the Oesophageal Cancer Fund and the Friends of Tullamore Hospital and Rachel also undertook a skydive for the cause.

As her career as an influencer blossomed Rachel eventually found new love, and as fate would have it, once again it was almost on her own doorstep.

A man seven years older than her, Adrien Kiernan, would frequent her local pub, Hopper's in Walsh Island village.

I knew of him, he's local and I just knew him to say hello to. And then I met him and I said, 'I like him'.

In August last year Rachel and Adrien announced the arrival of twin babies, Ryan and Evie. Now a mother of five, Rachel posted on social media: Our two tiny miracles decided to make their entrance into the world this morning and are doing so well. Were completely and utterly in love with them.

As if five children wasn't enough, Rachel still finds time to nurture her business and late last year launched her own line of Lynott Jewellery.

It's my collection. I sat down and designed 28 pieces with the jewellery team. I was anxious, I always doubt myself. But I designed for myself, what I'd like, and I'm delighted with the reaction.

The Rachel Gorry Collection is on sale in Brown Thomas stores in Dublin and Cork. So will she be moving back to her city of birth?

No. I wouldn't change it now. I love the quietness, I love the country life, I love where I live, the quiet slow pace.
Two community champions in Offaly have been honoured for decades of service at an awards ceremony organised by the Offaly Association (Dublin) which took place in the Bridge House Hotel on Saturday night.

President of the European Economic and Social Council, Seamus Boland was awarded the Offaly Person of the Year 2025 while the chairman of Offaly Hospice Foundation, Professor Humphrey O'Connor was the recipient of the Unsung Hero of Offaly 2026.

Both men delivered inspiring acceptance speeches about the importance of community and service which held the one hundred strong attendance spellbound thoughout proceedings.

The awards were presented by Liam Fleury, Chairman of the Offaly Association and awards sub-committee and Cllr John Leahy, Cathaoirleach, Offaly Co. Council.

The awards are sponsored by the Celt Bar, Dublin  owned by Coolderry native, Noel Tynan - Tullamore Municipal District Council and Birr Municipal District Council.

READ NEXT: MEET THE BAKERS: Offaly mother and daughter team run successful home bakery in Tullamore

Seamus Boland has been a champion of marginalised groups, rural Ireland and indeed the wider community during a career in which he has achieved major milestones at county, regional, national and now European level.

The pinnacle of his career, to date, was achieved last October when he was elected President of the European Economic and Social Committee, of the European Union, at a ceremony in Brussels attended by representatives from the 27 member states.

The 69-year-old worked with the Travelling community and youth groups before becoming the CEO of Moate-based Irish Rural Link in the early noughties and also held positions as chairman of the Wheel, a national co-ordinating body representing charities, as chairman of the Peatlands Council and as chairman of Pobal, the State body that administers funding to community groups.

Professor Humphrey O'Connor, though not a native of the Faithful County, has made a huge contribution to Offaly in the field of medicine and in his community and voluntary work with the Offaly Hospice Foundation, stretching right back to the group's formation in 1990.

A native of Cahirciveen in county Kerry, his family were shopkeepers with his mother working as a nurse, a role which no doubt inspired his future career.

READ NEXT: Tullamore broadcaster appointed Managing Partner at HR firm as SME pressures mount
Further reductions of duties on fuel and a delay in a carbon tax increase have been announced by Irish premier Micheal Martin after an emergency Cabinet meeting agreed on a response to the fuel crisis following major protests.

The size of the package announced on Sunday is around 505 million euro (440 million), and comes on top of 250 million euro (218 million) worth of measures announced almost three weeks ago.

The protests  including blockades of Irelands only oil refinery and other key depots  strangled fuel distribution across the country and prompted an escalated policing response that resulted in several arrests amid clashes between public order units and protesters.

Participants  largely led by hauliers, farmers, and agricultural workers  began distinct but co-ordinated action on Tuesday with slow-moving convoys and outright stoppages on major motorways, as well as blockades of critical infrastructure which had largely wound down or disbanded by police by midday on Sunday.

The protesters had called on the Irish Government to take urgent action to reduce fuel costs which they say are at unsustainable levels and will lead to people going out of business.

The disruption to the fuel distribution network, which saw more than a third of the countrys filling stations run dry, has had knock-on impacts and serious concerns for the provision of essential services, such as emergency responders and medical care as well as farm animal feed and water treatment.

Government ministers refused to engage with the protesters and instead held talks with established representative bodies in the transport and agricultural sectors.

The talks resulted in the package of measures announced on Sunday, which involve extending a previously announced reduction in excise duty on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil (green diesel) from the end of may to the end of July, and further reducing minimum oil taxes by 10 cent per lire on petrol 10 cent per litre on diesel, and 2.4 cent per litre on green diesel.

The measures will take effect from midnight on Wednesday, subject to approval in the Dail  and will mean excise will have been reduced by a total of 32c on diesel, 27c on petrol, and 7.4c on green diesel.

The overall package announced by Government includes a 100 million euro fuel subsidy support scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers.

Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon said the payments to farmers and agriculture workers would cover the months of March up to the end of July, with funding based on last years fuel consumption.

A separate scheme for fishers, foresty and specialist horticulture was also being devised.

The transport scheme effectively involves direct payments and will be backdated to March.

The Government will also postpone a scheduled increase of the carbon tax rate which was due to come into May until the Budget in October.

There will also be a transport support scheme for all haulage operators as well as school transport providers and some commercial operators, and a fuel subsidy support scheme for those in farming and fishing.

Opposition parties have roundly criticised the Governments response to the fuel-price crisis and its handling of the protests, with Sinn Fein set to table a motion of no confidence when the Dail parliament resumes on Tuesday.

On Saturday, the Irish police service An Garda Siochana first cleared a blockade of the countrys only oil refinery in Whitegate, Co Cork.

It also saw physical clashes between protesters and gardai, who used pepper spray during the hour-long operation which re-secured access for fuel trucks.

Afterwards, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly vowed to step up enforcement against fuel-cost protesters endangering the state by blocking critical infrastructure.

It later saw the clearing of a blockade on Dublins main thoroughfare, OConnell Street, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Elsewhere, the Defence Forces assisted gardai with clearing a makeshift barrier erected by protesters blockading Galway docks.

Footage posted on social media by An Garda Siochana showed a Defence Forces heavy-lift recovery truck  nicknamed the Beast  driving through the barrier constructed with pallets and logs, while a garda helicopter monitored overhead.

A second heavy-lift recovery truck operated by the Defence Forces was also at the scene while gardai worked to restore access to the harbour, as the Public Order Unit members with plastic shields pushed against a line of demonstrators.

Other demonstrations near Rosslare Europort, which became at risk of reaching capacity for unaccompanied freight, and a depot in Foynes, Co Limerick wound down.

Meanwhile, Irelands National Emergency Coordination Group said it will take several days for fuel distribution to return to normal  while an industry representative said it could up to 10.

The NECG said: While a number of blockades have now been dispersed, disruption to port operations, fuel distribution and supply chains remain, along with continuing disruption to the road and public transport networks.

There are ongoing risks to key supply chains, with a focus on relieving disruptions to freight flows and deliveries to trade and retail.

Urging against panic buying, It said there were concerns that workers may not have sufficient access to fuel to drive to and from their places of work, which jeopardises the provision of critical services, health services, as well as business operations.

In order to ease local fuel supply issues and traffic congestion, the public is urged to only buy the fuel they need and to continue to consider the traffic and travel situation before making a journey. The public is also warned that storing fuel at home or in unsafe locations presents significant safety risks.

With schools returning on Monday, Bus Eireann confirmed its school transport services are intended to resume.

Meanwhile, police in Northern Ireland said they are maintaining an ongoing assessment in relation to social media posts calling for similar planned protests there.

A PSNI spokeswoman said: A policing response has been prepared, if needed, to ensure public safety and to help minimise any potential disruption to the wider community.
Over the past few months, celebrity short-seller Michael Burry sent jitters throughout Wall Street with his warnings of an AI-fueled bubble so massive that even government intervention won't save the market (1).

But one AI company Burry has been particularly harsh on is the data analytics darling Palantir Technologies, a data analytics firm known for selling software to governments and corporations to analyze large, complex datasets.

Must Read

In a now-deleted X post, Burry provided more context on why he's so down on Palantir's business. According to Business Insider (2), Burry argued Palantir is falling behind in the AI race  and pointed to a fast-rising rival he says is pulling ahead.

The AI rival Burry says is pulling ahead

That rival is Anthropic, the artificial intelligence company behind Claude, a chatbot similar to ChatGPT that businesses use for tasks like writing, coding and data analysis. Burry bluntly said that Anthropic is "eating Palantir's lunch," pointing to the former company's massive jump from $9 billion to $30 billion (3) in run-rate revenue over the past few months. Then Burry blasted Palantir for taking 20 years to hit the $5 billion mark.

To bolster his case, Burry cited data published by the financial automation provider Ramp (4) in March that showed Anthropic had its fastest monthly adoption rate of 4.9%, bringing its share to 29.4% in the Ramp AI Index.

This report also showed that Anthropic is becoming the preferred choice for businesses, with 70% of first-time buyers picking Claude over OpenAI's services. One in four businesses on Ramp claim to use Anthropic, a leap from one in 25 last year.

According to Burry, the AI market is a zero-sum game. So, as long as Anthropic keeps winning with simpler and more flexible solutions, names like Palantir supposedly won't profit as much.

While Burry's points are debatable, his comments definitely spooked shareholders. Palantir's stock fell roughly 9% (5) from about $154 to $140 when this X post came out on April 8 (6).

Read More: How to apply Dave Ramseys 7 Baby Steps to your own life

Does the pessimistic prophet have a point on Palantir?

There's no question that Claude is killing it recently. Following widespread media attention with flashy Super Bowl ads (7) and a fiery feud with the Department of Defense (DOD) (8), TechCrunch (9) reports that paid subscriptions for Anthropic's Claude doubled in 2026.
Biden was waking up to the control Israel had over Foreign Policy. I could see it. He is an Honorable Man.

I've Planting seeds around New England Vet Clubs pissed at Oil War Crooks in Texas.

But lately, Cyber DJ, main topic is BRICS 6 Nation International Banking Competition the War Buck. Have heard good news of BRICS helping to build a solid Health-Care system in Africa, where good life comes to mind. Can the Vatican back the UK Pound (Instead of War Buck.) through BRICS? This Predator Economics has the 3rd world in debt they could never pay. I can't wait until the Vatican backs UK Pound investing in Libya, starting with, IBEW rebuilding 21st Century Electric Power Grid, Cable, Internet, Youtube with phone line connection.I can't wait until the Vatican backs UK Pound investing in Libya, starting with, IBEW rebuilding 21st Century Electric Power Grid, Cable, Internet, Youtube with phone line connection.I can't wait until the Vatican backs UK Pound investing in Libya.

I can't wait until the Vatican backs UK Pound investing in Libya, (Right Now) starting with, IBEW rebuilding 21st Century Electric Power Grid, Cable, Internet, Youtube with phone-line connection. Then the other countries we destroyed this century.

I see no domestic policy ever being fixed while we wage war overseas.

For Massachusetts wish State House could get coke of the streets: "Got coke, jail no bail." Hopefully good clinics which have come a long ways since 1999.
Remember Minab:

The United States has still taken no responsibility for bombing the school in Minab, Iran. It is as if they said, this is only a taste of what is coming!

I will never let this rest as long as I live.

I deplore war, but more than war I abhor the attitude that what happens during the chaos of war is somehow happening in a reality that sets the extreme violence of war above (or below) the norms of what is morally "acceptable" and what is not. The United States behaves as if it is above the law and outside of the pale of international judgment when it wages war against whomever it pleases. But it should and must be held accountable because it is this high-and-mighty attitude of "we're special so go f-k yourself" that will get us into a nuclear war. But aside from that, bombing children is the lowest (Are you listening Israel??) bar of war.
Special Analysis -- Journalist Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan

Trump's abuse and vulgar language are making his helplessness and political failure very clear. It is an established fact that when someone has no power left and fails to control his opponent, he resorts to abuse and insults.

Donald Trump has now become a psychopath, and this growing illness is not only seriously damaging the American state identity but has also led to deep disrespect for the presidency of the superpower.If we look in the mirror of history, the heads of great nations have always represented the dignity and moral highness of their people through their language, tone, and style of speech. But when the president of a world power publicly resorts to abuse, threats, and vulgar language, it is a clear admission of his political, moral, and diplomatic defeat.Trump's statement about "sending Iran to hell" is not only an insult to religious sentiments, but it also reveals his deep frustration and disappointment. He has failed to bend a nation that has bravely resisted severe economic sanctions, pressure, and hardships for several decades.

The traditional and limited response of the United Nations to the inhumane actions of the Trump administration has proven the complete helplessness of this global body. The United Nations has now fallen below its stature and has become a protector of the interests of only a few powerful countries. International laws are enforced only on weak and poor nations, while the United States immediately blocks any serious attempt to hold powerful actors accountable through its veto power.

The illegal war imposed by the United States and Israel has now entered a highly dangerous phase. The Middle East could turn into a fireball at any moment. The international community's silence over Israel's blatant violations of international law is clear proof that the entire region is standing on a powder keg, and a single spark can set the whole area ablaze.

Other countries in the region also appear busy trying to convince Iran to surrender before Trump in the name of limited and safe diplomacy. They are unable to put any pressure on the US president or Israeli interests. This regional hypocrisy is the result of fear, weakness, and self-interest, where instead of stopping aggression, the oppressed are being advised to bow down.

At the same time, Amnesty International and other international human rights organizations seem limited to routine condemnations. When children are separated from their parents in war zones, hospitals are bombed, and civilians are targeted, the limited and ineffective actions of these organizations raise serious questions about their relevance and existence.

By claiming to push Iran into hell through his threats, Trump is acting as if he owns heaven and hell. Yet followers of all religions know very well who is the real owner of heaven and hell and who will make the final decision about the future of humanity. This president, who subtly claims divine power, currently holds the highest office in America, and his abusive and indecent statements are generating intense hatred and anger across the world.The United States has now become a former superpower that has lost its moral superiority and is desperately trying to control the world through economic terrorism, sanctions, and pressure. Depriving ordinary citizens of medicine, food, and basic necessities is a serious crime against humanity.

The American people and the nations of the world must take practical steps to free themselves from a mentally unstable and semi-crazy person like President Trump and promote true humanitarian compassion, justice, and peace on a global scale. If this is not done, the most dangerous and alarming consequences of his policies will emerge.

Due to Trump, many countries across the world are suffering severe economic pressure. People are either burning in the fire of war or dying due to lack of basic necessities. This destruction is not limited to humans alone. Trump's war and economic measures have also subjected animals, birds, trees, water sources, forests, and the entire global ecosystem to a silent massacre. The lust for wars has put the Earth's entire ecosystem in grave danger.If the whole world continues to remain limited to political statements and routine condemnations and fails to put real pressure on Trump, the dream of global peace will be shattered forever.
Allen Kessler Says He's Finally Going to Win a WSOP Bracelet This Year

Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. Copy link

Allen Kessler is convinced he's going to shock the poker world this summer when he proves his doubters wrong by finally, after all these years, winning his first World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelet.

The "Chainsaw" has been racking up cashes at the WSOP since 2001  most of the minimum variety. But he hasn't been able to get over the hump to secure a gold bracelet.

That's about to come to an end, the King of Casino Comps told PokerNews. He's been running hot in World Series of Poker Circuit (WSOPC) and RunGood Poker Series (RGPS) events lately, and he said the heater will carry over to the 2026 WSOP, which kicks off May 26 at Horseshoe and Paris Las Vegas.

Is the Chainsaw Ready to Breakthrough?

Allen Kessler

Kessler said "I'm going to break through for a bracelet" this summer. His confidence stems from a recent run that has included an RGPS ring, WSOPC ring, two runner-up finishes, and a total of six final table appearances in the past month.

Momentum only lasts until it doesn't, but Kessler's feeling good about his chances in a couple months to end a decades-long dry spell.

Kessler ranks third all-time for most WSOP bracelet event cashes without winning a title (122), per The Hendon Mob, trailing only Tom McCormick (131) and Matt Stout (135). The Chainsaw ranks 16th in WSOP cashes and has over $4.6 million in overall live tournament earnings. He's known for racking up min-cashes, not just at the WSOP.

But he has been heads-up for a bracelet four times, including in 2010 against Frank Kassela, who likely wouldn't have won WSOP Player of the Year had Kessler pulled it out. He's also lost heads-up matches for bracelets against Poker Hall of Famers Brian Rast and Todd Brunson.

It's been three years since Kessler last reached a WSOP final table, however. But he has been tearing it up in WSOPC events lately, and that doesn't include a recent $16,000 penny slot machine jackpot he hit. We'll all now wait and see if the sun run carries over to the summer.

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Quick Read

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) yields 2.3%, but each dividend payment represents value leaving the funds holdings, not additive incomea $100 stock paying a $5 dividend becomes a $95 stock plus $5 cash, meaning 75% of investors who treat dividends as free money are measuring their wealth incorrectly.

This misconception costs retirement investors most, particularly those drawing income from dividend ETFs like iShares Select Dividend ETF (DVY) while believing their principal remains untouched, when they are actually slowly drawing down their base through a flawed model.

A recent study identified one single habit that doubled Americans retirement savings and moved retirement from dream, to reality. Read more here.

I'm mostly a tech investor, but I like to keep some dividend holdings as well.

For example, I've been a Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF (NYSEARCA:VIG) investor since 2011. Among my fellow dividend investors, the same misconception keeps surfacing: investors treat dividend payments like interest on a savings account. Josh Brown and Michael Batnick put a number on it recently on The Compound and Friends, and the figure is jarring.

"75% of individuals think that dividends are just free money that a company pays out like it's a bonus."

Read: I Review Investing Platforms for a Living, And SoFi Crypto Finally Changed My Mind

Ive spent years reviewing investing platforms across stocks, options, ETFs, and now crypto. Most crypto platforms fall into one of two categories: fast-moving exchanges with regulatory uncertainty, or traditional financial firms that treat crypto like an afterthought. SoFi Crypto is one of the very few platforms that breaks that mold.

That quote comes from a discussion of a Meb Faber survey on dividend mechanics, and it should make any retirement-focused investor stop and think. If three out of four people misunderstand how one of the most widely used income strategies actually works, the consequences for retirement portfolios are real.

What Actually Happens When a Dividend Is Paid

The survey posed a simple question: does a stock trading at $100 paying a $5 dividend leave investors with a $95 stock plus $5 cash, or a $100 stock plus $5 cash? The correct answer is $95 stock plus $5 cash. On the ex-dividend date, the stock price adjusts downward by the dividend amount. The company's total value doesn't increase because it wrote a check to shareholders.

Think of it like this: if you have a jar with $100 in it and you take out $5, you have $95 in the jar and $5 in your hand. You haven't created $5 out of thin air. The company's assets declined by the amount it paid out, and the stock price reflects that immediately.
It took the feds 35 years to build Fort Sumter, and less than four to blow the top half of it to smithereens. What's left is a monument to just how much stays the same in these (for now) United States.
Prediction markets, like Kalshi or Polymarket, allow users to buy yes or no positions like stocks for companies on a political candidates chances in an election. As politicians increasingly treat the dashboards like polling data, some worry the markets can be manipulated to appear more favorably for their candidate.
One of Nigerias leading niche fragrance retailers, Seinde Signature, has cast Nollywood actor Deyemi Okanlawon for a stage performance as it prepares to host internationally acclaimed perfumer Sarah Baker for a multi-city product launch in Nigeria.

The partnership highlights the growing intersection between Nigerias luxury retail sector and the global niche fragrance market, a space defined by artisanal production, storytelling, and limited-edition scents that contrast with mass-market perfumes.

According to the company, the collaboration will coincide with the Nigerian debut of two of Bakers signature creations, Velvet Vendetta and Vava Vanilla, which will be showcased across three major cities, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Lagos.

Arts and Scents

Ms Baker, known for blending visual art with perfumery, is scheduled to make her first visit to Nigeria as part of the tour.

Stay Ahead with Premium Times Follow us on Google News and never miss breaking stories, investigations, and in-depth reporting. Add as a preferred source on Google

Her appearances will begin in Abuja on 16 April, continue in Port Harcourt on 17 April, and culminate in a grand finale in Lagos on 18 April.

The Lagos event is expected to feature a theatrical interpretation of the fragrances creative narratives, with Mr Okanlawon leading a cast of actors in a staged performance designed to translate scent into storytelling, an approach increasingly embraced within niche perfumery circles globally.

READ ALSO:Patrick Doyle loses newborn daughter

Partnership

Speaking at his unveiling, Mr Okanlawon described the partnership as a milestone, noting that it positions him among the first Nigerian actors to collaborate at this level within the global fragrance industry.

He added that his decision to align with the brand followed its steady growth trajectory, from a single outlet to a network of over a dozen walk-in stores nationwide, showing rising consumer interest in luxury and bespoke scents.

Also speaking, the companys General Manager, Ore Olusola, said hosting Ms Baker represents more than a commercial partnership.

This is not simply a collaboration, she said. It is an alignment of two creative visions rooted in storytelling, craftsmanship, and uncompromising artistry.

Founded as a specialised fragrance destination, Seinde Signature has built a reputation for curating rare and independent perfume brands, positioning itself at the forefront of a niche but rapidly growing segment of Nigerias luxury retail market.
When participants first encountered the preaching, it sounded like the truth. But reality soon diverged sharply from the promises the leaders of the terror groups made to them.

Their expectations before they joined the terror groups significantly differed from what they experienced after joining.

Their experiences were not obtained through a direct interview with former insurgents. They were recounted by the Radicalisation and Rehabilitation Coordinator of Operation Safe Corridor (OPSC), Usen Archibong, during a phone interview with this reporter.

According to Mr Archibong, many participants described how religious messaging and visions of a better life initially drew them in. The things they told us were not what we saw, he quoted some of them as saying. The same leaders preaching against wrongdoing were the ones taking drugs and other peoples wives.

Stay Ahead with Premium Times Follow us on Google News and never miss breaking stories, investigations, and in-depth reporting. Add as a preferred source on Google

Mr Archibong said the illusion collapsed for many of the former terrorists, who have now abandoned such beliefs.

If you misbehave even a little, they will just shoot you, he quoted one of them as saying.

He explained that this stage is often when disillusionment sets in and plans to escape begin.

These indirect insights illuminate the experiences of individuals processed through Nigerias flagship deradicalisation initiative.

Public claims and official responses

Across Nigeria, Operation Safe Corridor remains the subject of widespread public debate.

A recurring claim frequently shared on social media, in radio discussions, and in public conversations, alleges that repentant Boko Haram members are recruited into the Nigerian military and rewarded by the state.

The narrative resonates deeply, tapping into widespread anxieties over justice, accountability and national security. For many citizens, the notion of former insurgents receiving reintegration support without visible punishment raises profound questions about fairness.

At a media engagement organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) in Abuja, OPSC Coordinator Yusuf Ali dismissed the claim as false and misleading. Recruitment into the armed forces, he explained, adheres to rigorous procedures that bar individuals with criminal records. Former Chief of Defence Staff Lucky Irabor has also stated publicly that no such recruitment takes place.

Understanding the gap between perception and reality is central to assessing one of Nigerias most contested security initiatives. The question, however, is not only whether the programme works, but whether it is trusted by the public.

Why the programme exists

Operation Safe Corridor was launched in 2016 as a non-kinetic pillar of Nigerias counter-insurgency strategy in the North-East.

Speaking at the CDD event, Mr Ali, a brigadier general, noted that the programme emerged amid intensified military operations, when security forces encountered a heterogeneous mix within insurgent ranks. Not everyone captured or found in camps was a committed fighter; many had been abducted or forcibly conscripted, including farmers, traders and travellers around the Lake Chad Basin.

A purely kinetic approach, Mr Ali said, could degrade insurgent capacity but would not stop recruitment or provide an exit pathway for individuals seeking to disengage. Operation Safe Corridor, he explained, was therefore designed to separate individuals considered low-risk from hardened combatants and to provide a structured process for rehabilitation and reintegration.

He described the programme as a complement to ongoing military operations, aimed at reducing the pool of individuals available to insurgent groups.

Within Nigerias broader counterinsurgency framework, Operation Safe Corridor functions as a non-kinetic component intended to support long-term stabilisation efforts.

How Operation Safe Corridor works

Entry into the programme begins with a rigorous screening process. Speaking at the CDD media engagement in Abuja, OPSC Coordinator Mr Ali explained that individuals who surrender or are captured undergo profiling by security and intelligence agencies. This includes biometric data collection and background checks to assess each persons level of involvement in insurgent activities.

He added that only those classified as low risk are admitted to the programme, while individuals linked to serious crimes are referred for prosecution. Even among those accepted, initial trust is often absent.

During a phone interview with this reporter, Mr Archibong said some participants initially believed the deradicalisation process is a trap.

One of them thought it was a trap, Mr Archibong said. He believed the government would kill them. Even when they were flown in, he thought they would be thrown into the sea.

Mr Archibong said such fears typically ease once participants reach the rehabilitation facility in Gombe State and begin structured counselling. He said participants undergo several months of rehabilitation, including psychosocial support, religious reorientation led by clerics, and vocational training in skills such as farming, tailoring, and shoemaking.

He explained that the aim is not only to disengage individuals from violence, but to address the conditions that made their involvement possible.

Inside the experience

For many participants, entering the programme does not immediately erase fear. Mr Archibong said years of exposure to violence shape how participants interpret the rehabilitation process.

He recalled the case of one participant who remained deeply sceptical.

He did not believe it was real, he said. He kept thinking, how can a government take care of people like us?

Mr Archibong explained that change, when it occurs, is often gradual.

Through repeated counselling sessions and structured engagement, he said, participants are exposed to alternative perspectives on religion, authority, and social life.

He added that responses vary.

For some, it takes time. For others, the change comes earlier, he said.

He emphasised that the programme is not designed to produce immediate transformation, but to create conditions that support behavioural change over time.

Reintegration and resistance

Exiting insurgent camps marks only the first transition. Returning to civilian communities presents another steeper challenge.

Mr Archibong identified reintegration as the most difficult phase. The community does not really believe them at first, he said. Returnees often face suspicion, social avoidance, exclusion from gatherings or close monitoring by residents.

He explained that this wariness stems partly from perceptions that the government prioritises former insurgents over conflict victims.

Over time, he said, some returnees work to rebuild trust by demonstrating changed behaviour, offering vocational skills to others or contributing to community projects.

He added that acceptance, where it occurs, remains gradual and far from guaranteed.

Viral claims versus institutional reality

Misinformation thrives amid these fragile dynamics. The most enduring allegation that OPSC graduates are absorbed into Nigerias security forces was firmly rejected by Mr Ali at the CDD event.

There is no such integration, he stated. The processes are completely different. Military recruitment involves multiple independent screening layers that OPSC participants do not have access to.

Mr Ali also addressed claims of automatic financial rewards or housing. The programme, he clarified, emphasises rehabilitation, skills acquisition and community reintegration rather than material incentives. By offering a credible exit for low-risk individuals, it aims to weaken insurgent recruitment pipelines.

He explained that providing a pathway for low-risk individuals to disengage weakens insurgent recruitment pipelines, reducing the likelihood of individuals continued involvement in insurgent activities.

Misinformation, justice and unresolved tensions

Despite official explanations, scepticism about Operation Safe Corridor persists. At the CDD engagement, the CDD Director, Dauda Garuba, attributed the confusion to overlaps between federal initiatives like OPSC and various state-level reintegration efforts, which are frequently conflated in public discourse.

Beyond administrative overlaps lies a deeper erosion of trust. Civil society voices highlight limited public visibility into the programme and the relatively slow pace of support for victims in affected communities.

Mr Archibong acknowledged the sentiment: People feel the government is taking care of those who caused harm more than the victims. Participants receive pre-reintegration counselling on managing stigma. Access to facilities remains restricted for security reasons.

Mr Garuba advocated for greater transparency, arguing it could counter misinformation and bolster confidence. In its absence, public narratives often fill the vacuum left by independently verifiable data.

What the evidence shows

Programme officials report low recidivism rates based on internal assessments. Mr Ali has stated publicly that only a small fraction of participants return to insurgent activity, with no verified cases in recent briefings. The initiative has also encouraged defections and helped constrain recruitment.

Independent verification of long-term outcomes remains limited, as most available information derives from official sources. Participants at the event emphasise that deradicalisation efforts cannot, by themselves, resolve broader conflict drivers such as poverty, displacement, and governance deficits.

In that context, Operation Safe Corridor represents one component of a wider counterinsurgency strategy rather than a standalone solution.

The bigger picture

Discussions at the CDD event revealed an evolving understanding of Nigerias counter-insurgency approach: military operations alone cannot eradicate the conditions that sustain recruitment into terrorist organisations. While kinetic actions reclaim territory, non-kinetic measures, such as OPSC, address the human dimension by reducing the pool of potential fighters.

However, participants at the event emphasised that its success hinges on parallel advances in governance, economic opportunities and public trust. Without these, the underlying drivers of insurgency are likely to persist. Operation Safe Corridor thus sits within a broader peacebuilding framework that balances immediate security needs with long-term stabilisation.

Conclusion

For many participants, disengaging from insurgency does not end uncertainty. They move from an environment they no longer trust, through a rehabilitation system initially viewed with suspicion, and into communities that may withhold immediate acceptance.

We normally educate them that they are going to face this kind of stigmatisation, Mr Archibong said. But with time, and with the good character theyve developed, things begin to change. Some returnees actively reassure communities through positive contributions.

As described by officials and reviewed at the recent CDD policy engagement, Operation Safe Corridor offers a structured framework for managing disengagement from insurgency. Yet it also serves as a litmus test for public trust in Nigerias broader counter-insurgency and peacebuilding efforts.

Public perception continues to be shaped by persistent misinformation, calls for greater transparency, and legitimate concerns about justice for victims. Addressing these tensions will determine whether the programme strengthens national security or deepens societal divides.
In response to US threat of a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has said it will attack any military vessel that approaches the Strait.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), on Sunday, said military vessels that come towards the strategic waterway would be considered as violating the two-week ceasefire.

Reuters, quoting Iranian state media, reports that the IRGC declared that it would not hesitate to attack harshly and decisively if any such vessel is spotted.

The Iranian guard declared the Strait to be under the smart management of the countrys Navy

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It also noted that the Strait remains open for the safe passage of non-military vessels in accordance with specific regulations.

Tension between the US and Iran appears to be rising after 21 hours of talks in Islamabad on Saturday failed to produce a desired outcome for President Donald Trump.

There was contention over control of the Strait of Hormuz and Irans intention to continue to produce nuclear materials for civilian use.

The US wants Iran to completely stop all forms of uranium enrichment and hand over its highly enriched uranium. Iran wants to continue minimal uranium enrichment for civilian use.

Writing on this, Mr Trump said the meeting went well, and the US and Iran agreed on most points except for the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Trump, in a Truth Social Post, on Sunday, disclosed that he already commanded the US Navy to block the Strait of Hormuz and completely stop the movement of vessels.

Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz, he wrote.

He also said that the US Navy will begin to destroy Iranian mines planted in the Strait while noting that any Iranian who fires at the navy, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!

He also said that the UK and other countries would be sending minesweeping naval vessels alongside the US Navy to the strait to clear the mines.

He further stated that Iran knows better than anyone how to END this situation, which has already devastated their Country. Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti-Aircraft and Radar are useless, Khomeini, and most of their Leaders, are dead, all because of their Nuclear ambition.

They want money and, more importantly, they want Nuclear. Additionally and, at an appropriate moment, we are fully LOCKED AND LOADED, and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran!

On Saturday, Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation to Islamabad, said the US put forward a final and best offer that it wants Iran to accept.

But Irans Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, said the two sides agreed on many issues but disagreed on some matters. He added that no one expected a deal from just one meeting.

The US CENTCOM said that it had begun setting conditions for clearing mines.
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Danone (ENXTPA:BN) is reportedly weighing an acquisition of infant-formula producer Mead Johnson.

The discussions follow Danones recently agreed purchase of plant-based nutrition brand Huel.

Together, the potential Mead Johnson deal and the Huel acquisition would broaden Danones presence in specialized nutrition.

Danones share price currently stands at 69.18, with a value score of 3 and a 5 year return of 37.2%. For readers tracking larger consumer staples groups, ENXTPA:BN is positioning itself across both plant-based and infant nutrition, areas that are closely linked to long term consumer consumption patterns.

If Danone proceeds with a bid for Mead Johnson, this would reflect a company leaning further into branded nutrition categories rather than purely traditional dairy. Future updates on deal terms, integration plans with Huel and any comments on capital allocation will be important checkpoints for assessing how this affects the balance of risk and opportunity for shareholders.

Stay updated on the most important news stories for Danone by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Danone.

ENXTPA:BN Earnings & Revenue Growth as at Apr 2026

We've flagged 2 risks for Danone. See which could impact your investment.

The potential Mead Johnson acquisition would sit alongside Huel and Danones existing specialized-nutrition portfolio, giving the group a broader reach across infant, medical, and plant-based nutrition. For readers, the key question is whether the extra scale and brand depth in infant formula, particularly in the US, would compensate for the legal and regulatory issues that have followed Mead Johnson under Reckitts ownership. Recent fixed-income offerings of 700 million, 500 million and about 350 million show that Danone is active in term funding, which could support larger deals but also adds to future interest commitments. Compared with peers like Nestle and Abbott in infant and medical nutrition, and Unilever in broader consumer staples, this move would signal a clearer tilt toward branded nutrition categories rather than commodity dairy and water. The payoff would depend on the price paid, how Danone handles Mead Johnsons litigation exposure, and whether management can integrate Huel, Mead Johnson and existing assets without distraction from ongoing efficiency and portfolio work.

How This Fits Into The Danone Narrative
The first day of direct talks between the US and Iran ended without an agreement. US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation to the talks, also left Islamabad after the first day of talks, saying Iran refused to accept Washingtons terms after 21 hours of talks in the Pakistani capital on Saturday.

Mr Vance said the US has put forward a final and best offer that it wants Iran to accept.

Speaking about the first day of the direct talks, the spokesperson for Irans Foreign Ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei, said in a statement that the two sides reached an understanding on several issues, with differences of opinion on two to three matters, Al Jazeera reports.

Mr Baghaei said no one expected a deal from just one meeting.

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PREMIUM TIMES reports that the contentious issues are believed to be control of the Strait of Hormuz and Irans intention to continue to produce nuclear materials for civilian use, even if it abandons production of high-grade uranium, which the US and the West believe can be used to produce a nuclear bomb.

The US wants Iran to completely stop all forms of uranium enrichment and hand over its highly enriched uranium.

The talks in Islamabad are taking place during the two-week ceasefire accepted by the warring parties following a proposal by Pakistan.

Many world leaders have urged the US and Iran to come to an agreement and avoid continuing the war that started on 28 February when the US and Israel launched unprovoked attacks on Iran.

Thousands of people have been killed in the war, the majority of them in Iran and Lebanon, while millions of others have been displaced.

Irans closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20 per cent of the worlds oil passes, has had a global economic impact, with oil prices rising by about 25 per cent and pushing up prices of goods and services worldwide.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues to attack Lebanon and has killed over 300 people since the ceasefire was declared. The US and Israel claim Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire despite mediator Pakistan saying it is.
An airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has reportedly struck a border market in the North-east, with several civilians feared killed.

NAF has confirmed the bombings but did not disclose that civilian casualties were recorded.

However, local sources said the injured survivors of the strike were taken to hospitals in the area, including in Geidam, for treatment. It was reported that the councillor of Jilli ward in Geidam, Ibraheem Geidam, called on residents to donate blood to help the survivors.

According to Yerwa Express, a local publication in the region, the incident occurred Saturday evening at a market in Jilli, a Yobe suburb bordering Borno State. The market is frequented by cross-border traders, making it a busy commercial hub.

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The exact number of deaths remains unclear at the time of reporting.

Witnesses quoted in the report said the military targeted insurgents who came to the market to collect levies from traders. However, they said civilians were caught in the bombardment, which occurred during peak trading hours.

NAF acknowledges operation, silent on civilian casualties

The spokesperson for NAF, Ehimen Ejodame, an air commodore, confirmed the airstrikes, describing them as precision bombings of terrorists locations in the Jilli axis.

In a statement shared with this newspaper, Mr Ejodame stated that the operation was part of the coordinated air-ground integration operation with troops of the Nigerian Army, conducted after decimating the terrorists hideouts in the area.

The statement did not acknowledge that civilians were killed in the operation, and Mr Ejodome has not responded to PREMIUM TIMES enquiry about this.

The development adds to a history of controversial air operations in the insurgency-ravaged North-east and other regions in the North, where insurgency and banditry have mixed with communal and resource-based clashes.

In these conflict zones, some strikes have resulted in civilian deaths, often attributed to faulty intelligence or targeting errors.

Last December, such strikes killed many civilians, mostly fishermen and commercial drivers in the Mararaba area in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. Ten vehicles were reportedly destroyed in the airstrikes. Four months after the incident, the Air Force has neither commented on it nor taken responsibility.

In 2024, early morning military airstrikes targeting Lakurawa terrorists killed at least 10 civilians and injured others in Sokoto State. Victims and families of the deceased persons were compensated nearly a year after.

In another unresolved accidental airstrike in April 2022, the Nigerian Air Force killed six minors in Kurebe, one of the terrorised villages in Niger State, north-central Nigeria. Four months later, yet in another erroneous airstrike, it killed eight more people in the same village.
President Donald Trump says the US Navy will prevent oil tankers from passing through the Strait of Hormuz, following failed talks with Iran.

Mr Trump, in a post on Truth Social, also said the US will indict countries that pay toll fees to Iran to pass through the Strait. He accused Tehran of extortion.

Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz, he wrote.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the first day of direct talks between the US and Iran ended without an agreement.

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There was contention over control of the Strait of Hormuz and Irans intention to continue to produce nuclear materials for civilian use.

The US wants Iran to completely stop all forms of uranium enrichment and hand over its highly enriched uranium. Iran wants to continue minimal uranium enrichment for civilian use.

Commenting on this, Mr Trump said the meeting went well, and the US and Iran agreed on most points except for the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR.

He also said that the US Navy will begin to destroy Iranian mines planted in the Strait while noting that any Iranian who fires at the navy, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!

He further stated that Iran knows better than anyone how to END this situation, which has already devastated their Country. Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti-Aircraft and Radar are useless, Khomeini, and most of their Leaders, are dead, all because of their Nuclear ambition.

Mr Trump said other countries will be participating in the maritime siege, which will prevent Iran from profiting off the Strait.

He said, Iran will not be allowed to profit off this Illegal Act of EXTORTION.

They want money and, more importantly, they want Nuclear. Additionally and, at an appropriate moment, we are fully LOCKED AND LOADED, and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran!

During an interview with Fox News, Mr Trump also said that the UK and several other countries would be sending minesweeper naval craft to the Strait.

He said the blockade would take a little while, but itll be effective pretty soon, while noting that Gulf states are already helping with the effort.

He, however, did not specify which countries would be part of the blockade.

Oh, yeah, its already started. So the Gulf states, now you could say theyre much closer, so maybe they have to do it. But you know, they also could stay out. But they made a mistake when they started lobbing missiles at them, he said.

Iran says US fails to build trust

Meanwhile, Irans chief negotiator, Bagher Qalibaf, blamed Washington for the failure to reach a deal, stating that it failed to gain Tehrans trust.

In a series of posts on X, the parliament speaker said the Iranian delegation had presented forward-looking initiatives but that Americans ultimately failed to gain Irans trust.

America has understood our logic and principles, and now is the time for the US to decide whether it can gain our trust or not.

We consider every mirror to be another method of authority diplomacy, alongside military struggle, for upholding the rights of the Iranian nation, and we will not for a moment cease our efforts to consolidate the achievements of the forty days of Irans national defence, he wrote.

Irans Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, had also admitted that while the two sides had disagreed on some matters, no one expected a deal from just one meeting.

But Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation to Islamabad, said the US has put forward a final and best offer that it wants Iran to accept.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and the Management of both the Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT) and the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) to account for and explain the whereabouts of the alleged missing or diverted 2.9 billion of public funds from NIGCOMSAT and NNRA.

SERAP urged him to direct Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and anti-corruption agencies to investigate the alleged missing or diverted funds, and any other diverted public funds from the two agencies documented in previous annual reports by the Auditor-General.

SERAP also urged him to direct NIGCOMSAT to disclose the shareholders and beneficial owners of the company which collected 465 million in unauthorised investment from the agency.

SERAP said, Anyone suspected to be responsible should face prosecution as appropriate, if there is sufficient admissible evidence, and any missing or diverted public funds should be fully recovered and remitted to the treasury.

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The grave allegations are documented in the latest annual report published by the Auditor-General on 9 September 2025.

In the letter dated 11 April 2026 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: These allegations, involving critical public institutions, represent a grave violation of the public trust and a fundamental breach of Nigerias anti-corruption laws and international obligations.

SERAP said, Accountability in NIGCOMSAT and NNRA is critical given their strategic roles in Nigerias digital economy and national safety systems. Mismanagement in these agencies not only wastes scarce public resources but also threatens national development, technological progress, and public safety.

According to SERAP, Ensuring accountability is therefore essential to protecting both Nigerias present and its future.

The letter, read in part: These grave allegations suggest a systemic pattern of financial mismanagement, opacity, and corruption within an agency entrusted with advancing Nigerias digital and communications infrastructure.

The allegations also raise serious questions about compliance with basic financial regulations and procurement standards in an agency responsible for nuclear safety and public protection.

Any official or agency entrusted with public resources must be held to the highest standards of transparency and accountability. Nigerians have a right to know how their money is spent.

We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government, NIGCOMSAT and NNRA to comply with our request in the public interest.

These allegations, if left unaddressed, will continue to undermine public confidence in government institutions, weaken Nigerias anti-corruption framework, and deprive citizens of resources needed for development.

The Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT), Abuja, failed to account for over 465 million [465,000,000.00], being unauthorised investment in Gicell Wireless Ltd. NIGCOMSAT paid the 465 million for 200,000 ordinary shares in Gicell Wireless Ltd.

Gicell Wireless had an authorised share capital of one million ordinary shares of 1.00 each. The purported strategic investment was made without the approvals of the Minister of Science and Technology and the Accountant-General of the Federation. NIGCOMSAT claimed that the total capitalisation of Gicell Wireless Ltd was US$500 million, but without any documents and due process.

There was also no evidence that a competent Investment Analyst performed investment appraisal. Also, the investment agreement revealed that the payment [consideration] was calculated based on a currency exchange rate of 130.00 to US$1.00, but the company is a wholly owned Nigerian company. The Auditor-General fears the money [465 million] may have been diverted.

NIGCOMSAT also made ineligible, irregular and wrong payments of over 3 million [3,122,690.00] to staff. The money was spent on reimbursable expenses to staff, but without due process and any documents on what the payments were meant for. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted.

NIGCOMSAT made irregular and wrong payment of rent of over 4.3 million [4,371,428.58] for Lagos regional office. A 3-bedroom flat situated at No Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos was leased to NIGCOMSAT as the Lessee and another consultant as the Lessor for the period of two years between 2016 to 2018 for 10,395.000.

But the payment was made to a wrong property agent. NIGCOMSAT requested a refund of rent of 4,371,428.58 wrongly paid to a consultant, but there was no evidence that the consultant refunded the money. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted.

NIGCOMSAT also paid over 3.4 million [3,485,000.00] to its staff members between February and December 2020 for the installation of vertical curtains, media campaign, design of logo brand, production of business card for marketing staff, etc.

But the payment was made without following due process and procurement procedures. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.

The Auditor-General noted that the above alleged diverted public funds by NIGCOMSAT covered the periods of January 2020 to December 2020.

NIGCOMSAT reportedly failed to remit over 507 million [507,980,087.33] of its internally generated revenue to the Consolidated Revenue Fund. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted. He wants the money plus all accrued interests recovered and remitted to the treasury.

NIGCOMSAT failed to account for over 6 million [6,138,113.59] being payment for store items that were never supplied. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted. He wants the money recovered and remitted to the treasury.

NIGCOMSAT also irregularly transferred over 84 million [84,780,260.99] from REMITTA account to an account named Special Project account at different times during the year 2021, but without any basis.

There was also no evidence of how the transferred funds were spent or utilized, to validate the genuineness of the transferred funds. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted.

NIGCOMSAT failed to recover debts totalling over 1.6 billion [1,686,453,686.00]. Some of the reported debts had been static for more than 4 years.

The Auditor-General wants NIGCOMSAT to account for the money, provide the evidence of actions taken and the amount recovered out of the outstanding debts, and forward evidence of remittance.

NIGCOMSAT failed to remit over 64 million [64,727,215.00] of statutory taxes deducted from payments made to various contractors and other beneficiaries as at 31st December, 2020. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been lost.

The Auditor-General noted that the above alleged diverted and lost public funds in NIGCOMSAT covered the periods of January 2021 to December 2021.

The Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), Abuja paid over 4 million [4,350,400.00] for training of its officers in device optimization and security, basic training for frontline officers between March and June 2021, but without any documents and evidence that the training actually took place.

The NNRA also failed to provide any details such as the list of participants, attendance register, certificate of attendance, details of venue and programme completion reports. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted.

NNRA paid over 16 million [16,736,675.00] for ICT equipment but without any approval. There risks that the payments were for items not supplied. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been lost.

NNRA also paid over 33 million [33,480,898.00] for store items such as window blinds, solar inverters, branded mugs, purchase of diesel, etc, but the items were never supplied. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted.

NNRA paid over 15 million [15,026,098.00] for activities such as induction of SERVICOM desk officers, zonal sensitization of NNRA staff, strategic revenue growth programme, coding of items, but without any documents. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted.

NNRA also spent 1.5 million [1,500,000.00] as cash advance to a staff to purchase branded mugs for the agency, but without following the procurement procedures. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted.

The Auditor-General noted that the above alleged diverted and lost public funds in NNRA covered the periods of January 2021 to December 2021.

NNRA also paid over 9 million [9,097,125.00] to buy store items such as ribbons and films for the printing of ID cards, pumping machines, toner cartridges, etc, but without any documents. The items were never supplied. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted.

NNRA failed to retire over 6 million [6,501,163.43] of cash advances granted to six staff in 2022 for the purchase of various items, payment of electricity bills and servicing of meetings. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been diverted.

NNRA paid over 2 million [2,054,350.00] as course fees to two of its officers to participate in a programme on International Executive Development in Dubai but there was no evidence that the officers actually attended the training. The Auditor-General fears the money may have been lost.

NNRA also collected over 1.9 million [1,950,000.00] through Remita on behalf of the agency as penalty fees in 2022, but the amount was not recorded in the cashbook, resulting in the understatement of the agencys revenue inflows for the 2022 financial year. There were risks of loss of government revenue.

The Auditor-General wants NNRA to account for the money, and show evidence that the transactions have been recognized in the cashbook for the period under review or face sanctions relating to failure to collect and account for government revenue and gross misconduct.

The Auditor-General noted that the above alleged diverted and lost public funds in NNRA covered the periods of January 2022 to December 2022.
Residents of Kaduna State are grappling with worsening water scarcity despite the state governments reported investment of over N16 billion in rehabilitating major water infrastructure.

In parts of Kaduna town, residents say their taps had been dry for weeks or months, forcing households to rely on water vendors and unsafe sources.

We hardly see water from the taps again. We now buy every day, said a resident in Unguwan Rimi. Another resident in Barnawa added, Even after all the money spent, nothing has changed for us.

Residents, vendors struggle amid rising costs

When PREMIUM TIMES spoke with some residents and water vendors, they described a growing informal water economy driven by scarcity. Vendors said they often travel long distances to access functioning boreholes.

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A water vendor, Nazir Musa, explained that 10 25-litre jerrycans of water now sell for as much as N2,000, a price many households struggle to afford daily.

We go deep into some areas before we can find water to buy. It is not easy, the vendor said. Sometimes we spend hours just to get water, and we even pay some private borehole owners.

Residents also pointed to rising electricity costs. According to them, vendors often pay to pump water from privately owned boreholes, with the cost of fuel or power passed on to customers.

The problem is not just water scarcity, it is also electricity, another resident said. Even those selling water are paying to pump it, so everything becomes expensive. Umma Lariba, a resident of Kawo, Kaduna, said.

Government defends reforms

The crisis persists despite government claims of significant progress in the sector. Authorities say the investment was part of broader reforms aimed at restoring supply and expanding access across the state.

The state Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, defended the reforms, describing them as strategic and comprehensive. aimed at building a resilient, efficient, and people-focused water system.

He said the government was not only increasing capacity but ensuring that water gets to households efficiently through upgraded infrastructure, noting that over N16 billion has been committed to rehabilitating six major water treatment plants and expanding distribution networks.

Mr Maiyaki added that water production capacity has increased significantly in recent years, while hundreds of thousands of residents have benefited from improved services under ongoing programmes.

The government had declared a state of emergency in the water sector in 2023 to address decades of neglect, ageing infrastructure, and poor service delivery.

Persistent gaps despite investment

However, residents say supply remains inconsistent or completely unavailable in many areas, raising concerns about distribution failures and the effectiveness of the reforms.

Zubairu Ibrahim, a former staff member of the Kaduna State Water Board, told PREMIUM TIMES that the water crisis is not just about production capacity but also about ageing pipelines, leakages, poor maintenance, and rapid urban population growthfactors that often prevent increased output from reaching end users.

An official of the water board, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to comment publicly, told PREMIUM TIMES that the agency has improved its operations and commended Governor Uba Sani for the intervention.

He, however, acknowledged the hardship some residents are facing, expressing optimism that the situation would soon improve.

We understand what residents are going through, and we are not denying the challenges, he said. But a lot of work has been done to fix the system, and people will begin to see the results soon. Water supply will stabilise.

The disconnect between rising investment and persistent scarcity has intensified scrutiny of the states water sector reforms, with residents calling for accountability and tangible improvements in daily water access.
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has condemned a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike along the BornoYobe boundary, where dozens of civilians are feared dead and several others injured.

The airstrike, which reportedly occurred on Saturday evening in Jilli, a suburb of Geidam in Yobe State bordering Borno State, targeted suspected insurgents but hit a busy market, according to local sources.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the NAF confirmed carrying out the operation but did not acknowledge any civilian casualties.

Residents and local officials, however, said many victims of the strike were civilians caught in the bombardment during peak trading hours. Survivors were taken to hospitals in nearby communities, including Geidam, for treatment.

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A councillor in Jilli ward, Ibraheem Geidam, was also reported to have appealed to residents to donate blood to support the injured.

According to Yerwa Express, a local publication, the market is a major commercial hub frequented by traders from neighbouring communities across the BornoYobe axis.

Witnesses quoted by the outlet said insurgents had entered the market to collect levies from traders before the military strike occurred.

The spokesperson for the NAF, Ehimen Ejodame, an air commodore, confirmed the operation, describing it as a precision strike on  locations in the Jilli axis.

In a statement shared with PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Ejodame said the mission was part of a coordinated air-ground integration operation conducted alongside Nigerian Army troops after targeting  hideouts in the area.

He did not respond to questions about reported civilian casualties as of the time of filing this report.

CISLAC reaction

In a statement on Sunday, CISLAC expressed concern over the incident, describing it as part of a troubling pattern of civilian harm during counterterrorism operations.

The organisations Executive Director, Auwal Musa (Rafsanjani), called for an independent and transparent investigation into the strike.

We extend our condolences to the victims and their families and call for an urgent, transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this attack, Mr Musa said.

He warned that recurring civilian casualties in military operations point to systemic issues such as weak intelligence verification and inadequate safeguards during targeting.

CISLAC also urged the federal government to ensure accountability where errors or negligence are established and to provide compensation and support to affected victims and families.

Recurring concerns

The latest incident adds to a series of controversial air operations in Nigerias conflict-affected northern region, where military strikes targeting insurgents have sometimes resulted in civilian deaths.

In December, several civilians, including fishermen and commercial drivers, were reportedly killed in airstrikes in the Mararaba area of Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. At least 10 vehicles were said to have been destroyed.

Months after that incident, the Air Force has yet to publicly clarify the circumstances or accept responsibility.

Analysts have repeatedly raised concerns about intelligence accuracy and civilian protection in military operations in densely populated or mixed-use areas.
The police have unsealed the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) located in Zone 5 Wuse District of Abuja,.

The police also reopened the Legacy House, an annex of the PDP secretariat, located in the Maitama District of the federal capital, and handed both facilities to a faction led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.

The faction is backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The factions National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that the action was in compliance with a court order.

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The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) hereby informs all members and the general public that the Partys National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, as well as The Legacy House, Maitama, have been unsealed by the Nigeria Police Force and handed over to the National Chairman, Hon. Abdulrahman Mohammed Takushara and Senator Samuel Anyanwu, National Secretary in full compliance with duly issued court orders, he said.

Armed police officers had sealed the PDP secretariat in November 2025 following a leadership crisis between the Kabiru Turaki-led faction and that of Mr Mohammed, who was then acting chairman of a rival group.

At the time, the partys national convention held in Ibadan was still fresh. During the convention, the Turaki-led faction expelled Mr Wike, Mr Mohammed, and nine others over allegations of anti-party activities.

The police sealed the secretariat when both factions scheduled separate National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings at the same venue on the same day. The situation escalated into a confrontation as members of both groups attempted to gain access to the premises, prompting the police to use teargas to disperse them.

However, the Court of Appeal later ruled in favour of the Wike-backed faction, invalidating the Turaki-led National Working Committee that emerged from a separate convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State. The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to recognise that faction.

Following the judgment, the Wike-backed faction conducted its own convention in Abuja in line with the Electoral Act (Amendment) on 29 and 30 March, and has since been recognised by INEC as the legitimate leadership of the party.

PDP commends police

The faction commended the police for unsealing the secretariat and handing it over to its leadership, describing the move as a demonstration of respect for the rule of law.

The party commends the Nigeria Police Force for its professionalism and adherence to the rule of law. This action is a clear demonstration of respect for constitutional order and due process, Mr Mohammed stated.

The spokesperson also warned against any actions that could disrupt activities at the secretariat.

The party strongly warns that it will not condone any act capable of causing obstruction, disruption, or breach of peace at the secretariat again. All individuals and groups are advised to conduct themselves within the bounds of the law, as security agencies have been duly alerted to take necessary action against violators, he added.

He noted that the development signals the resolution of the partys lingering leadership crisis and urged aggrieved members to embrace unity.

This positive development reassures members that the recent challenges confronting the Party have been effectively resolved. We therefore call on all aggrieved members to sheath their swords and embrace unity in the collective interest of the party, the spokesperson said.
The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Turaki has criticised the police directive unsealing the partys national secretariat in Abuja for use by a rival faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

Earlier on Saturday, the police reopened the PDP secretariat in Zone 5, Wuse, Abuja, and Legacy House, another party office located in Maitama District, Abuja, and handed them over to a faction led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, which is aligned with Mr Wike.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson for the Turaki-led faction, Ini Ememobong, accused the police of bias, noting that the leadership dispute remains before the court.

Mr Ememobong argued that the police ought to have remained neutral, warning that their action suggests they have taken sides in a matter still under judicial consideration.

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It is on record that the judgment by Justice Abdulmalik that the police force is allegedly acting under has been appealed, and the police, as a party in that matter, is fully aware and has been served. By their action, they have tampered with the res and that can render the judgment of the Court of Appeal nugatory, when it is eventually given. It is most shameful that those entrusted with protecting the law are those disobeying the law, he said.

The spokesperson added that while the police had consistently shown partisanship, there had been expectations of a different approach under the new Inspector-General of Police.

While it is not surprising that the police is acting in a clearly partisan manner, we were hopeful that they would act differently under the command of the new Inspector General of Police. From the inception of this imbroglio, the officers of the police force have consistently acted in a manner that leaves no one in doubt as to their support for the Wike-backed APC apologists and have continued to double down on their partisan interventions, he added.

Mr Ememobong, however, urged supporters of the faction to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that appropriate legal steps are being taken.

As law-abiding citizens, we admonish our members to continue to maintain peace and not undertake any activity capable of breaching public peace, while we promise to take all necessary steps within the ambit of the law to protect the rights and privileges of the genuine members of the Peoples Democratic Party, he said.

He expressed optimism that the crisis would soon be resolved, adding that democratic norms would ultimately prevail.

The public should be assured that we are hopeful that soon this dark cloud of state-sponsored persecution and one-party compulsory drive will end and true democratic experience will return, in the interest of preserving the republic.

Though pains may tarry in the night, joy and liberation will certainly come in the morning. Let us therefore bear this night with the hope that surely the morning is en route, Mr Ememobong stated.
Abdul-Azeez Adediran, an APC governorship aspirant in Lagos, has dismissed claims that the party has endorsed a preferred candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

Mr Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, spoke in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Gbenga Ogunleye, on Saturday.

He said no aspirant had been anointed, stressing that the party leadership had not taken such a decision.

He added that Lagos APC leaders maintained that all contenders would contest a credible primary election.

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We note ongoing speculations alleging that a preferred aspirant has been anointed ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election.

We restate clearly that no aspirant has been anointed. This aligns with the official position of the Lagos APC leadership.

All aspirants will participate in a credible primary election, Mr Adediran said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to internal democracy, adding he was intensifying consultations and strengthening grassroots structures across the state.

READ ALSO: APC ward chairman in Oyo resigns from party

Mr Adediran also pledged loyalty to party supremacy, saying he would abide by any consensus arrangement adopted by the leadership.

At the same time, I remain guided by party discipline. Should a consensus candidate emerge, I will fully align, irrespective of who emerges, he added.

He urged members to remain united and focused on consolidating the partys strength ahead of the 2027 general elections.

(NAN)
The police command in Imo State has launched a manhunt of the killers of Paulinus Ekwueme, the traditional ruler of Ochia Autonomous Community, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of the state.

The commands spokesperson, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement made available to reporters on Saturday.

Mr Ekwueme was attacked and killed by the armed hoodlums on Friday, at Assa community on Asa Awara Road, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo.

Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, stated that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Audu Bosso, had deployed the commands tactical units, in synergy with other security agencies, to hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the dastardly attack.

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The deployment followed a distress report received from Ohaji Police Division on 10 April at about 1630hrs, indicating that armed assailants attacked Ekwueme along Asa Awara Road.

Regrettably, the attack led to the death of the monarch, Ekwueme, the Ochia I of Ochia Kingdom, alongside five other yet-to-be-identified victims, he stated.

Mr Okoye stated that the dispatched tactical teams recovered the burnt corpses of the deceased.

According to him, the remains have been evacuated and deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, for preservation and autopsy.

Consequently, the command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while intensive operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover any weapons in their possession.

Mr Okoye said that adequate security measures had also been put in place to forestall any future occurrence of such a tragic incident in the area and its environs.

The spokesperson further disclosed that Mr Bosso and his management team later embarked on an on-the-spot assessment and confidence-building visit to Ochia community to reassure residents of enhanced sustained security.

The Commissioner sympathised with the family of the late traditional ruler and other deceased victims, and assured residents that the command remains fully committed to sustaining peace and security in the state.

In no distant time, the perpetrators will be arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law, he added.

Mr Okoye urged members of the public to volunteer credible information that would aid the commands ongoing investigation.

He urged them to report to the nearest police station.

(NAN)
Jenna Ortega thought she had a childhood crush on former US President Barack Obama - until she later realised she wanted his job.

Actress Jenna Ortega

The 64-year-old politician was inaugurated in January 2009, and the Obama administration fuelled a six-year-old Jenna's desire to follow in Barack's footsteps, long before she became a successful actress.

Appearing on the latest episode of the Big Bro with Kid Cudi podcast, the Wednesday star, 23, revealed: "When I was younger, I wanted to do everything, and I thought I was going to do everything.

"When I was six, I was really into politics, and Obama got inaugurated."

Jenna even reached out to democrat Barack - who was re-elected in November 2012 for his second term from 2013 until 2017, when he was replaced as president by 79-year-old republican Donald Trump.

She continued: "I would write him letters, 'Hey! Love your work. Can I come to the White House.' And he never responded."

As a youngster, Jenna always thought she fancied Barack - but later learned she just wanted to be President of the United States.

The Scream VI cast member admitted: "I used to think it was a crush of some sort, but I just wanted his job. I wanted to go to the White House to get an understanding of OK, the Oval Office is going to be my space. I need to familiarise myself with codes and whatnot.

"Yeah, he never responded to me."

Barack's radio silence motivated the Beetlejuice Beetlejuice entertainer to find another way to reach the former president - 72-year-old media mogul Oprah Winfrey.

Jenna said: "I started writing to Oprah because I saw a photo of them together in a magazine, and I was like, 'Hey Oprah, I know you know Obama. He's not getting back to me.'"

With her dreams of being president not working out, Jenna turned her focus to becoming an astronaut.

But the Iron Man 3 alum soon realised that it "seemed really difficult and long run" and decided to pursue acting.

Jenna found success as an actress, and some of her early notable roles included Richie Rich (Darcy), Jane the Virgin (Young Jane) and Stuck in the Middle (Harley Diaz).

But the star almost "called it quits" in acting before landing her role as Ellie Alves in the second season of the Netflix thriller, You.

Jenna said: "I didnt know what else I was gonna do. Ive never really considered anything else, more so recently, just out of sake of curiosity and wanting another life experience.

"But when I was a teenager, Id gotten off a childrens show, and I didnt know what I was going to do. I had to prove myself and meet all these new casting directors who didnt know who I was.

"It just felt like a good time to call it quits if I was going to. I was starting high school, and it was a good run sort of thing."

Jenna got as far as spending "a few months" chatting about the situation with her team, but You was enough to change her mind.

She recalled: "We had talked about it for a few months with my team.

"And then, I think I booked that show You, and then I went on that set, and I loved it and had the best time. I thought, 'Yeah, theres no way I could let this go.'"
Natural haircare company The Doux is entering a new phase of growth after securing a minority investment from VMG Partners, a move designed to strengthen its position in the competitive beauty market.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Maya Smith and Brian Smith, the brand has evolved from a single overseas salon into a multimillion-dollar business with products now sold across major retailers in the United States and abroad.

Maya Smith, a licensed cosmetologist, launched the venture while living in Germany.

I opened a salon because at the time, there werent really any hair spaces overseas that really focused on curly hair, Maya told AfroTech. What began as a local solution soon expanded into product development, with formulations starting in 2010 and a formal launch following in 2012.

After returning to the U.S., the companys retail presence grew rapidly. Its products, including styling foams and curl enhancers, eventually landed on shelves at major chains such as Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, and Sally Beauty, while reachin markets in the United Kingdom.

The company reported $38 million in revenue and $7.3 million in earnings in 2025.. It snowballed from there. Weve grown exponentially, and the businesses stayed profitable, she said, according to AfroTech.

Smith acknowledged that expanding within large retail environments comes with logistical challenges.

When you get into mass, you have your distribution, you have materials, and inventory, she explained, noting that sustaining growth requires careful planning and resources. The new investment is expected to help address those demands and support further expansion.

For the founders, maintaining control over the brands identity was a key factor in selecting VMG Partners. They let us be founders. They let us be us. They dont touch our brand, she said.

The partnership reflects a broader trend of increased investor interest in culturally driven beauty brands, particularly those serving underserved markets. With additional capital and infrastructure, The Doux aims to broaden its reach while staying rooted in the community that inspired its creation.

It was important to us that weve always moved really smartly when it comes to whats next for The Doux, she said.

RELATED CONTENT: The Doux Honors International Womens Day With Our Kind Of Women Photo Exhibit In Atlanta
At least 1,100 people were abducted across northern Nigeria between January and April 2026, Amnesty International has said, warning that the scale and pattern of the attacks reflect a deepening security crisis and a failure of authorities to protect vulnerable communities.

In a statement, the organisation said those abducted are often subjected to extreme violence and inhumane conditions. Those abducted are frequently subjected to torture, starvation, amputation, rape, and forced to witness or commit atrocities, Amnesty said, adding that many victims remain in captivity for months under harsh conditions.

The group noted that the abductions, largely driven by ransom demands, have become widespread across rural communities and camps for internally displaced persons. What we are witnessing right now in the northern part of Nigeria is a crisis of abduction that increasingly endangers lives, said Isa Sanusi, director of Amnesty International Nigeria.

According to the organisation, the attacks often go beyond abductions, with gunmen killing residents, looting property and burning homes. It said families are frequently forced to sell their belongings or rely on community fundraising to secure the release of loved ones, while those unable to pay face execution or prolonged torture.

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Amnesty also raised concern over the impact on education, particularly in northern Nigeria, where fear of abduction has forced many children out of school. It noted that some families now withdraw girls from school or arrange early marriages in an attempt to reduce their exposure to attacks.

The organisation accused Nigerian authorities of failing in their constitutional and international obligations. The Nigerian authorities are grossly failing in their duty to protect lives, it said, adding that the situation constitutes a breach of obligations under the Nigerian Constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights.

The latest warning follows a series of recent statements by Amnesty International on violent attacks across several states, including Kebbi, Benue, Katsina and Plateau.

In Kebbi, the organisation condemned the killing of at least 24 people in Debe community on 5 April, describing how the killers were on rampage they kill every human being they came across, according to a resident. Homes, shops and a church were also destroyed, leaving many displaced.

In Benue State, Amnesty reported that at least 17 people were killed in Mbalom during Easter celebrations, with over 500,000 people already displaced by recurring attacks. It said many displaced persons are living in poor conditions without adequate access to water, food or healthcare.

Similarly, in Katsina, the group warned that bandits continue to raid villages despite government claims of peace deals. It said entire communities have been razed, with residents reporting that security forces often arrive hours after attacks.

In Plateau State, Amnesty linked recent killings, including attacks in Angwan Rukuba and Jos South, to what it described as persistent security lapses. Security forces were absent during most of the attacks, arriving only hours after the attackers had left, the organisation said.

Amnesty maintained that the continued failure to investigate attacks and prosecute perpetrators is encouraging impunity, allowing armed groups to operate with little consequence.

It called on the federal government to take urgent steps to end the cycle of violence, ensure accountability, and provide protection and support for affected communities.
The Nigerian Navy has arrested two vessels, MT Mkpodu and MT Westaf AF, with over 939 metric tons of suspected stolen crude oil worth over N4 billion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 26 crew members were also arrested in the operations.

The Commander, Joint Task Force South South Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Olugbenga Oladipo, made this known while briefing journalists in Calabar on Sunday.

He said the arrest underscores the Nigerian Navys continued commitment to combat crude oil theft and other economic saboteurs.

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The commander said the arrests of the vessels were made possible through credible intelligence at midnight on 8 April.

He said the vessels were apprehended at a wellhead located within the Calabar/Akwa Ibom Joint Operation Area, actively involved in crude oil theft.

The commander said that the MT Mkpodu was arrested in the deep process of siphoning the crude.

According to the commander, the arrest was made possible through the cooperation of the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and that of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

The Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff provided us with all the necessary assets we used in carrying out this operation.

Following the arrest, Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE and Nigerian Navy 410 Helicopter were deployed to the scene.

The helicopter provided real-time aerial imagery of the vessels while Nigerian Navy Ship SHERE took custody of the 2 vessels at the offshore location.

According to him, Nigerian Navy Ship OSE and elements of Forward Operating Base IBAKA facilitated the transfer of the arrested vessels and crew members to the Navy jetty in Calabar.

Mr Oladipo said a similar arrest of another vessel, MT Steliosk, was made on 10 April.

He said arrests demonstrate the shared commitment and proactiveness of the Defence Headquarters and Nigerian Navy towards curbing crude oil theft in Nigerian waters through inter-service and inter-agency collaboration.

In his remarks, the Flag Officer Commanding, Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Chidozie Okehie, appreciated the commander for his support and assured the Chief of the Naval Staff, Idi Abbas, of their commitment to more arrests of criminals in the area.

(NAN)
Aminu Goro, the former member for the Fagge Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and announced his intention to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Mr Goro served as a federal lawmaker from 2011 to 2023, initially under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before defecting to the APC. He was defeated in the 2023 general elections by Muhammad Bello of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

In a recent political twist in Kano, Mr Bello, alongside Governor Abba Yusuf, defected from the NNPP to the APC, effectively assuming the influence Mr Goro previously held in the party.

In a resignation letter dated 11 April, addressed to the APC ward chairperson in Rigiyar Lemu, Mr Goro expressed his gratitude to the party. He thanked the APC for providing him with the platform to serve his constituents.

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The decision follows deep reflection, wide consultation, and careful consideration of the evolving political landscape, as well as my commitment to continue serving the people in the most effective and impactful manner.

I sincerely appreciate the party leadership at all levels, my colleagues, supporters, and members of the APC for the opportunity given to me to serve and contribute over the years, Mr Goro said.

Mr Goro in a separate statement, called on his supporters to remain calm, united, and focused as we continue to engage and consolidate on the next phase of our journey.

In the coming days, further steps will be taken to formalise our new political engagement, after which we shall continue consultations and necessary engagements in line with our shared vision.

Once consultations are concluded, I will inform the public of the time we will proceed for a courtesy visit to our leader and mentor, His Excellency Eng. Muhammad Rabiu Musa Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (PhD), in respect of our political direction, he stated.
The State Security Service (SSS) in Kano has interrogated Governor Abba Yusufs media aides over a complaint of cyberbullying former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and several opposition politicians in the state.

Among those quizzed was Salisu Hotoro, a youth leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a former new media aide to Governor Yusuf.

The petitioner, Musa Danzakichairman of the Kwankwasiyya movement in Kanocomplained to the secret police that Sanusi Bature, Ibrahim Adam, and Mr Hotoro frequently targeted senior officials of the Kwankwasiyya movement for cyberbullying.

The petition, dated 9 April and received by the SSS on 10 April, also accused the officials of cyberbullying former deputy governor Aminu Abdussalam, Senator for Kano Central District Rufai Hanga, and other members of the Kwankwasiyya movement in the state on their social media handles.

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One of the accused, Mr Bature, confirmed to reporters that they were interrogated for about 4 hours before being released.

This development comes amid escalating social media hostilities between supporters of Mr Kwankwaso and Governor Yusuf.

The two political figures parted ways in January following Governor Yusufs defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

For years, Governor Yusuf was considered the most loyal protege of Mr Kwankwaso, his father-in-law. Mr Kwankwasos Kwankwasiyya movement supported his rise to the governorship in 2023.

Mr Kwankwasos supporters have accused the governor of betrayal for joining the APC. But his supporters say his move was for the states development.
Meta Platforms, Inc. has filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Lagos against a judgement of a lower court awarding $25,000 in damages to human rights lawyer Femi Falana over a video publication that allegedly violated his privacy.

The companys notice of appeal was dated 10 April to contest in a January 2026 judgement delivered by Olalekan Oresanya of the Lagos State High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in the suit marked LD/18843MFHR/2025.

In the judgement, the lower court ruled in favour of Mr Falana, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Mr Falana reportedly filed the fundamental rights enforcement suit following a video clip posted on Facebook, one of Metas social media platforms, by a third-party user, AfriCare Health Centre, which allegedly portrayed the senior advocate in a false and damaging light.

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The court found that Meta breached Section 24 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act by processing data that was inaccurate, harmful, and lacked a lawful basis.

It rejected the companys argument that it was merely an intermediary platform. It held that a global technology company that hosts and monetises content owes a duty of care to those affected by what is published on its platform.

The court also held that being a public figure does not strip an individual of the right to privacy, stressing that medical information attracts a higher level of legal protection.

Mr Falana, who filed the suit through his lawyer, Olumide Babalola, has yet to respond to the appeal.

Meta faults judgement on appeal

However, Meta, through its lawyers led by Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo, also a SAN, argued that the trial courts decision was legally flawed, raising eight grounds of appeal bordering on jurisdiction, misinterpretation of statutes, wrongful imposition of liability, and breach of fair hearing.

According to court documents shared with PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday, the appeals six grounds rest on the trial courts interpretation of Section 97 of the Sheriffs and Civil Process Act (SCPA).

The company argued that the judge erred by holding that the provision applies strictly to writs of summons, thereby excluding other originating processes such as the motion used by Mr Falana.

Meta maintained that Section 95 of the same law clearly defines a writ broadly to include any writ or process used to commence a suit. By failing to read both provisions together, the trial court, according to the appellant, adopted an unduly narrow interpretation that led to a wrongful dismissal of its preliminary objection.

The company also faulted the trial court for classifying the case as a fundamental rights enforcement action under Section 37 of the Nigerian constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy.

According to the appellant, the substance of Mr Falanas claims relates to alleged false statements and reputational harm arising from a video posted by a third party. It stated that the issues properly fall within the realm of tort law, particularly defamation, rather than constitutional rights enforcement.

The company argued that by mischaracterising the claim, the trial court assumed jurisdiction it did not possess and applied the wrong legal principles in determining liability.

The appellant insisted that it merely provides a hosting service and does not create, edit, or publish user-generated content.

It said the video in question was produced and uploaded by AfriCare Health Centre, an independent third party, with no agency relationship linking it to Meta.

Meta further argued that the trial court wrongly invoked the doctrine of an undisclosed principal to hold it liable, despite the absence of any evidence that it acted on behalf of the content creator.

The doctrine of undisclosed principal presupposes an agency relationship, which was neither pleaded nor established, the company argued in its filing.

Duty to monitor content

The company also challenged the trial courts finding that it had a legal obligation to ensure that all content posted on its platform complies with users constitutional right to privacy.

Meta described this as an erroneous imposition of a duty to pre-screen or monitor user content, noting that no Nigerian law imposes such an obligation on intermediary platforms.

It added that it acted responsibly by removing the video promptly upon becoming aware of the complaint, even before it was formally served with court processes.

Meta further accused the trial court of raising and deciding the issue of vicarious liability on its own (suo motu) without giving the company an opportunity to respond.

It argued that this violated its constitutional right to fair hearing under Section 36(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

The appellant maintained that there was no evidence to support a finding of vicarious liability, as the third-party publisher was neither its employee nor agent, and there was no proof that it authorised or approved the video.

Data protection issues

On the application of the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, Meta disputed the trial courts conclusion that it acted as a data controller or joint controller of the disputed content.

The company argued that being a platform provider does not automatically confer such status, which requires participation in determining the purpose and means of data processing.

It said there was no evidence that it played any role in the creation or dissemination of the video beyond hosting it.

Meta is also contesting the award of damages, arguing that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to grant such a prayer in a fundamental rights action based on alleged breach of privacy.

The appellant contended, while citing the Supreme Court, that damages in fundamental rights cases are limited to specific circumstances, such as unlawful detention or compulsory acquisition of property, which do not apply in this case.

Meta urged the Court of Appeal to allow the appeal, set aside the High Court judgment, and strike out the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

Also, it urged the court to dismiss Mr Falanas claims for lacking merit.

At the time of filing this report, no hearing date has been fixed for the appeal.
The Supreme Court will on Tuesday hear an appeal filed by David Mark, the embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Mr Mark is seeking an order staying the execution of the 12 March judgment of the Court of Appeal.

The apex court, in a hearing notice with appeal number: SC/CV/180/2026 between Mr Mark vs Nafiu-Bala Gombe and four others, said the proceeding is scheduled for 14 April.

The hearing notice, sent to the parties in the case through the Litigation Department of the Supreme Court on Friday was sighted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

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The hearing date coincides with the date earlier fixed by the trial judge, Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja.

Although the two cases will be coming up on Tuesday, NAN learnt that the lower court may, however, step down the matter or adjourn its hearing, pending the hearing at the apex court, in line with the superiority of courts.

Mr Mark, the appellant, named Nafiu-Bala Gombe, ADC, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Ralp Nwosu as the 1st to 5th respondents, respectively.

Mr Mark, in the motion on notice filed by his lawyer, Realwan Okpanachi, prayed the court for an order staying execution of the appellate courts judgment pending the hearing and determination of his appeal.

He also sought an order restraining INEC from acting on the Appeal Courts judgment by recognising any person(s) other than him and the existing national officers of ADC, pending the hearing and determination of his appeal.

Mr Mark, a former Senate president, further prayed the apex court for an order, restraining INEC from tampering with the national leadership structure of the party as presently constituted and represented by him, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

Besides, he sought an order staying further proceedings in suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, pending before Justice Nwite, the trial judge at FHC, pending the hearing and determination of his appeal at the apex court.

The motion on notice was brought by his lawyer pursuant to Sections 6(6)(a) and 233 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended); Order 4, Rule 1 of the Supreme Courts Rules 7074 and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.

Pushing a 12-ground argument, Mr Okpanachi said the Court of Appeal delivered judgment in appeal number CA/ABJ/CV/145/2026 on 12 March.

He said that Mr Mark, being dissatisfied with the said judgment, filed a notice of appeal to the Supreme Court on 16 March, and that the record of appeal was duly compiled and transmitted on 31 March.

According to the lawyer, the appeal has been duly entered before this honourable court as appeal number: SC/CV/180/2026.

He said one of the orders made by the Appeal Court was that parties should maintain the status quo ante bellum.

The 1st respondent (Gombe) has been relying on the said order to write to the 4th respondent (INEC), urging it to refrain from dealing with or recognising the appellant (Mark) and other national officers of the 2nd respondent (ADC).

The actions of the 1st respondent (Gombe) amount to attempted enforcement of the judgment of the Court of Appeal, he said.

The lawyer, however, said Mr Mark had filed a competent appeal, challenging the entire judgment of the Court of Appeal.

Unless this application is granted, the judgment of the Court of Appeal will be enforced and the appeal rendered nugatory.

Mr Okpanachi, who submitted that the appeal raised substantial and arguable issues of law, stated that the balance of justice favours the grant of the application.

It is in the interest of justice to preserve the res and protect the authority of this honourable court, he prayed.

NAN reports that INEC had, on 1 April, removed the names of Messrs Mark and Aregbesola from its official portal and website as ADCs national chairman and national secretary, respectively, following the Appeal Courts judgement.

In reaction to INECs decision, Mr Mark filed a motion on notice before Justice Nwite on 7 April by his new lawyer, Sulaiman Usman, SAN, praying the court to order the commission to restore their names as it were, before the institution of the suit by Mr Gombe.

He also sought an order for accelerated hearing of the case, and the judge fixed 14 April for the hearing.

Mr Gombe had, in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025 at the FHC, sued ADC, Mr Mark, Mr Aregbesola, INEC and Mr Nwosu as 1st to 5th defendants respectively.

Mr Nwosu was the former ADC National Chairman, who stepped down in favour of David Mark.

Mr Gombe, who was the former National Deputy Chairman of ADC, had urged Justice Nwite to restrain Messrs Mark and Aregbesola from parading themselves as national chairman and national secretary of the party.

The aggrieved ex-deputy national chairman argued that the emergence of Messrs Mark and Aregbesola as leaders breached the provisions of the partys constitution and the Electoral Act.

The judge had, on 4 September 2025, declined to grant an ex parte motion filed by Mr Gombe, seeking to stop the Mark-led leadership of the ADC, pending the hearing of his substantive suit.

Mr Nwite refused the three prayers sought in the ex parte motion filed by Mr Gombe and moved by his lawyer, Michael Agber.

Rather, the judge directed Mr Gombe, the plaintiff in the suit, to put all the defendants on notice to show cause why the motion should not be granted.

The judge then adjourned the matter until 15 September 2025, for the defendants to show cause.

However, the Mark-led ADC approached the court of appeal, challenging the lower courts jurisdiction to hear the suit, and the appellate court ordered the parties to return to the trial court and maintain the status quo ante bellum pending determination of the case.
The US government has commended the Nigerian government for the conviction of 386 terrorism suspects in a mass trial.

President Donald Trumps Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, disclosed in a post on X that the Trump administration is pleased with the fast-tracking of the trials of the individuals in a case that lasted four days.

The prosecutions, which began on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja and were concluded by Friday, are part of a series of trials involving Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) suspects that started in 2017 with more than 2,000 defendants.

Mr Boulos described the mass trial of the suspects as an important step toward accountability and justice.

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We welcome the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in the courts.

We believe that timely and transparent legal processes are critical in confronting extremism and reinforcing public trust in judicial institutions.

Upholding the rule of law remains essential to ensuring the safety, stability, and long-term security of all Nigerians, and we support continued efforts to strengthen judicial efficiency and fairness across the country, he said.

The commendation comes a few days after the US heightened its antagonism against Nigeria by issuing a travel advisory warning Americans to reconsider trips to Nigeria and asking its non-essential staff to evacuate the country.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the advisory on Thursday. The US cited rising insecurity in parts of Nigeria as the reason for the its decision.

However, US officials have in the past seven months made repeated false claims about Nigeria that reflect the Donald Trump administrations hostile disposition to the current Nigerian leadership.

The US had wrongly tagged the countrys security crisis a Christian genocide and used that as a basis for its hostile attitude to the government.

Many Nigerians have raised concerns that the Trumpadministration seeks to coerce the Nigerian government into accepting a US military base in Nigeria.

PREMIUM TIMES also reported on Friday that the Nigerian Sanction Committee (NIGSAC) issued an updated list of terrorism financiers, which included 48 individuals and armed groups operating across Nigeria.

READ ALSO: Trump says US will blockade Strait of Hormuz

Some of the names added had been identified as terrorism financiers between 2020 and 2025.

The new list included 42 individuals and six [armed] groups, including Tukur Mamu, the publisher of Desert Herald, who took the lead in negotiating the release of hostages kidnapped during the 2022 AbujaKaduna train attack.

Mr Mamu is already being prosecuted for terrorism financing but has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Boko Haram (also known as Jamaatu Ahlis Sunna Liddaawati wal-Jihad), its breakaway faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were also listed as terrorism financiers.
The public, eager for judicial rectitude, would be interested in knowing whether there are any consequences for a judicial officer who ignores a formal communication from the NJC. Timeliness and deadlines matter in any credible framework for redress. Hence, the understandable disquiet at the disclosure that a judge against whom a petition has been written can, seemingly at will, elongate the process of determination by not responding for nine months. Processes that seem opaque and indefinite do not inspire confidence.

Do judicial officers take the authority of the National Judicial Council (NJC) seriously? This is one of the many questions raised by an update the NJC recently sent to Mallam Nasir El-Rufai on his petition against Justice RM Aikawa of the Federal High Court.

In black and white, the NJC explained, in a letter dated 24 March, that it forwarded a copy of El-Rufais petition to Justice Aikawa on 21 March 2025. When it received a reminder letter from El-Rufai on the matter in November 2025, the NJC realised that Justice Aikawa had not responded to its March 2025 letter. This prompted the NJC to write to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court on the matter. The NJC said that it received Justice Aikawas response on 15 December 2025, and that the matter is now before its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee.

The NJCs disclosure raises the question of why a judicial officer is able to ignore communication from the NJC for nine months. Is that a sign of that officers dim view of the NJCs authority? Is it an isolated instance of dereliction by an individual, or an attitude that is widespread among judicial officers?

These questions, valid as they are, are even more troubling when the institutional context is considered. The NJC is the constitutionally mandated accountability mechanism for judicial officers. What is the message when a citizens petition to such an important body remains at preliminary evaluation stage after a year, during which the judge concerned was unresponsive for nine months? Is there no urgency to the business of keeping citizens assured that the NJC is able and willing to enforce accountability?

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While the petition remains pending, Justice Aikawa has not given any indication that he has considered a voluntary recusal from handling the ICPC case against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court, Kaduna. The judge does not seem to view the defendants lack of confidence in his impartiality as a barrier to justice. But a Court of Appeal ruling on 17 March upheld El-Rufais challenge to Aikawas July 2024 ruling in the case that prompted the petition.

One thing that can be said about the NJCs letter to El-Rufai is its candour about what has delayed consideration of the petition for one year. Does Justice Aikawas delayed response suggest that there are flaws in the accountability framework that permit a party to delay the NJCs work by not filing a timely response? Are certain judicial officers minded to treat the NJC as insulation from, rather than a facilitator, of accountability?

The public, eager for judicial rectitude, would be interested in knowing whether there are any consequences for a judicial officer who ignores a formal communication from the NJC. Timeliness and deadlines matter in any credible framework for redress. Hence, the understandable disquiet at the disclosure that a judge against whom a petition has been written can, seemingly at will, elongate the process of determination by not responding for nine months. Processes that seem opaque and indefinite do not inspire confidence.

While the petition remains pending, Justice Aikawa has not given any indication that he has considered a voluntary recusal from handling the ICPC case against El-Rufai at the Federal High Court, Kaduna. The judge does not seem to view the defendants lack of confidence in his impartiality as a barrier to justice. But a Court of Appeal ruling on 17 March upheld El-Rufais challenge to Aikawas July 2024 ruling in the case that prompted the petition. The Court of Appeal, Kaduna Division, agreed that the judge denied El-Rufai fair hearing and ordered that the matter be considered afresh by the Federal High Court.

Abubakar Usman, a lawyer, writes from Abuja.
Ibadan summit of opposition parties. What a country? Which country? What other country do you think I could possibly be...

Details
A government that encourages lies against its own citizens in mass graves or under the thrall of atrocity abduction does not need recommendations to reverse its commitment to renewed dystopia. To the citizens and communities caught in this, however, we owe acknowledgement and solidarity. This is the beginning.

Our administration will be committed to permanently securing the safety, freedom and prosperity of all Nigerians. We shall adopt a proactive and intelligence driven security approach to sufficiently address the nations security threats.  All Progressives Congress, Renewed Hope: Action Plan for a Better Nigeria, p. 6 (2023)

Niger State in Nigerias North-Central zone also goes by the moniker of Power State. Nigerias founding Head of State, Nnamdi Azikiwe, was born in the territory of the state, as was Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, leader of the defunct Biafra. The state has also produced two former military heads of state and a Chief Justice of Nigeria; but these are not the reasons for its moniker.

Niger State is the power state because it is host to several sensitive and strategic national energy assets located in Jebba, Kainji, and Shiroro, on the lower course of the River Niger. In addition, the state also hosts a collection of sensitive security installations. In the recent past, however, the state has become the place where the power of the Nigerian state goes to advertise its incapacities.

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Shiroro illustrates this problem. At about 5,171 square kilometres, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State is approximately the size of Imo State in South-East Nigeria. In May 2025, Humangle reported that insurgents allied with Boko Haram have formed a parallel government physically stationed on the fringes of the Allawa Forest in Shiroro. In the past half decade, Shiroro has been the site of the most intense slaughter of uniformed assets of Nigerias armed and security services.

On the night of 29-30 June, 2022, for instance, a motorbike gang of over 300 armed terrorists descended on Ajata-Aboki village in the Gurmana Ward of Shiroro. Their destination was an artisanal mine in the village. At the site, they reportedly abducted at least four Chinese and several other workers.

While the attack was ongoing, a company of soldiers stationed in nearby Erena responded to a distress call about the attack. On their way, they encountered an ambush from the insurgents who killed scores, including least 30 soldiers and six civilian volunteers. President Buhari called this tragedy a direct assault on Nigeria, vowing that the attackers would not go unpunished.

In fact, they did.

All this unfolded under a federal government run by the All Progressives Congress (APC) headed by the predecessor of the current incumbent. As presidential candidate of the party, Bola Tinubu promised to solve insecurity. Published under the title Renewed Hope: Action Plan for a New Nigeria, his manifesto for the 2023 presidential election began: The fundamental responsibility of government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. We will mobilise the totality of our national security, military and law enforcement assets to protect all Nigerians from danger and from the fear of danger.

He did not mean it. For the people of Shiroro, as with many communities in North-Central Nigeria, the only thing worse than the growing intensification of atrocity and danger is the even more intense indifference of the Tinubu administration to their plight.

In April 2024, one officer of the Nigerian Army (a Captain), six soldiers under his command and a volunteer hunter were killed in separate attacks on Roro, Karaga, and Rumace communities in Bassa Ward of Shiroro.

Shiroro is by no means an outlier its vicinity. Rather, it mirrors the experience of an increasing number of communities in northern Nigeria where the Nigerian State has become complicit in its own retrenchment under the watch of a president who promised different.

Around 11 September 2024, the casualty count in an encounter between the security services and insurgent terrorists in Bassa included at least two officers of the State Security Service (SSS).

In November 2024, insurgents in Shiroro killed four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and disappeared another.

In the wake of these incidents, Shiroro, a source of power to many communities in Northern Nigeria, has become a slaughterhouse, where terrorists operate at will and mass atrocities stalk every community.

In June 2024, witnesses in the town of Bassa said Boko Haram fighters attacked in broad daylight on June 6, shot the victims at close range and beheaded 10 of them.

In August 2024, the insurgents killed 13 farmers.

As the world prepared for Christmas on 24 December 2025, the terrorists picked upon Karibo community in Shiroro, killing about 15.

The latest attacks on Lanta and Bagna in Shiroro began Easter Monday. It left at least 63 killed, mostly operatives of the State Security Services (SSS), vigilantes, and local hunters. No abductions were reported.

Shiroro is by no means an outlier its vicinity. Rather, it mirrors the experience of an increasing number of communities in northern Nigeria where the Nigerian State has become complicit in its own retrenchment under the watch of a president who promised different.

The period since the Easter weekend has witnessed intense and brutal slaughter across the landscape of northern Nigeria, including in Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Niger, Plateau and Zamfara states.

While the communities in these parts of the country get emptied into mass graves or internal displacement camps, and the uniformed security agents sent to defend them pay with their lives in impermissible numbers, the politicians are busy recruiting political defections or fomenting political disaffection.

Rather than worry about the protection of Nigerians exposed to this pattern of murderous insecurity, Defence Minister, Chris Musa, a recently retired General of the Nigerian Army and an even more recent recruit into the ranks of the ruling party, flamboyantly busied himself with the defence and security of the party political convention of the ruling APC.

Far from making a priority of fulfilling his campaign promise to improve the protection and security of communities across the country, President Bola Tinubu appears more invested in the creature comforts of himself and his most loyal acolytes. In response to the widening field of slaughter in northern Nigeria, the government increasingly defaults to propaganda and falsehood.

On Easter Sunday, for instance, armed terrorists attacked two places of worship in Ariko Community in Awon Ward, Kachia Local Government Area, of Kaduna State. In separate attacks on the First ECWA Church and Saint Augustines Catholic Church in the village, they killed at least five worshippers and abducted another 38 into the surrounding foliage.

In response, the Army promptly issued a statement claiming that it had rescued 31 of the abductees. Nothing of the sort happened. The following day, the community leadership issued a public statement firmly refuting this claim.

This was not a first. On 18 January, after terrorists abducted 177 worshippers from three churches in Kurmin Wali, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the Nigeria Police Force and the Chairman of the Local Government publicly denied the abductions. They only reluctantly walked back their denials after public pressure. Those who called attention to this pattern of institutional mendacity have suffered persecution and intimidation.

As the insecurity has intensified, the response of the Bola Tinubu administration has evolved from complicit indifference and now verges on criminal cynicism. North-Central and North-West Nigeria, the sites of this intensification of insecurity, happen also to be the most fertile sites of votes in Nigeria.

While the communities in these parts of the country get emptied into mass graves or internal displacement camps, and the uniformed security agents sent to defend them pay with their lives in impermissible numbers, the politicians are busy recruiting political defections or fomenting political disaffection.

The only thing that counts these days is not the security and wellbeing of the voters but the promise of assured return for the ruling party in the invention of a contingent electoral landslide in January 2027. In the nature of these things in Nigeria, even as most of their members now inhabit mass graves or IDP camps in far flung places, these empty communities will, nevertheless, report a fulsome turnout of ghosts in the presidential election in 2027 in favour of the ruling party.

Shiroro is a testing ground.

Hunters for happy endings are likely to create a squatter camp around this concluding paragraph, looking for recommendations or suggestions. I have none. A government that encourages lies against its own citizens in mass graves or under the thrall of atrocity abduction does not need recommendations to reverse its commitment to renewed dystopia. To the citizens and communities caught in this, however, we owe acknowledgement and solidarity. This is the beginning.

Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, a lawyer, teaches at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and can be reached through [email protected].


Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk urged customers wanting to get their hands on the outgoing Model S and Model X vehicles to place their orders, citing limited inventory.

Inventory Nearly Over

Musk, in a post on the social media platform X on Wednesday, shared that there were only a few hundred Tesla Model S & X cars left in inventory. Musk also urged people to order them now before the inventory runs out. On the official Tesla website, you can see that there are fewer than 5 Model S units available near Austin, Texas, while a single Model X vehicle remains in the same area.

Only a few hundred Tesla Model S & X cars left in inventory. Order now if you want one.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 8, 2026

Don't Miss:

JerryRigEverything Weighs In

Quoting Musks post on X, YouTuber Zack Nelson, aka JerryRigEverything, shared a sarcastic jibe at Musk. Tesla going out of business sale, he said.

Tesla going out of business sale. https://t.co/O3YohxFqAI  JerryRigEverything (@ZacksJerryRig) April 8, 2026

Tesla sunset the Model S and X earlier this year as Musk shared a pivot towards artificial intelligence and robotics. The Fremont, California, facility that used to manufacture the automakers premium offerings would now shift to manufacturing the Optimus humanoid robot, Musk said during the companys Q4 2025 earnings call.

Tesla also recently ended the production of the Model S and X, with Musk calling the event the end of an era in the automakers history. Tesla had introduced the Model S in 2012 and the Model X in 2015.

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Teslas New Model Buzz

The comments follow buzz surrounding a possible new model for Tesla in the making, with Musk recently teasing a possible 7-seater layout for the upcoming vehicle after a frame was spotted uncovered at Teslas Gigafactory in Texas. The new models frame bears some resemblance to the Model Y from the front.

A new model in the Tesla lineup could give customers more choice and increase footfall in showrooms as the automakers aging lineup of vehicles, comprising the Model Y, Model 3 and the Cybertruck, could deter customers and limit the total addressable market (TAM).

Tesla Deliveries

Meanwhile, Morgan Stanley analyst Andrew Percoco predicted that the automaker would deliver over 1.6 million units this year. However, Q1 2026 delivery figures showed that Tesla sales fell short of market expectations. The EV giant delivered over 358,000 vehicles worldwide and produced over 408,000 units in Q1 2026. Interestingly, the gap between sales and production illustrated a surplus of more than 50,000 Tesla vehicles sitting unsold in the company's lots, a new record.
it is the duty of the pope to speak truth to power, no matter how bitter. Pope Leo XIV has always defended the poor, refugees, and others who have no one to speak for them. As the first American Pope, Leo XIV has shown that his commitment to truth and human dignity transcends ideology, race, and nationality.

Touch not my anointed, and do my prophets no harm. That is a biblical injunction stated in Psalm 105:15 and 1 Chronicles 16:22, warning against harming or mistreating people set apart for Gods purpose.

Right from the beginning of organised Christianity, the pope, as head of the Roman Catholic Church, is the chief servant and peace ambassador. No matter his educational or cultural background, it is predictable that once he is elected, he will be an advocate of peace and love. After all, Christ reduced the Ten Commandments to one love of God and neighbour.

Jesus Christ was the foremost peace advocate. Just hours before he was crucified, he was concerned for the peace and wellbeing of his followers: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you No wonder he is called Prince of Peace.

Peace Advocacy

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In todays crazy world, preachments about peace and harmony may seem old school to those benefiting from the humongous profits routinely posted by companies in the military-industrial complex. Every war generates its billionaires.

But it is the duty of the pope to speak truth to power, no matter how bitter. Pope Leo XIV has always defended the poor, refugees, and others who have no one to speak for them. As the first American Pope, Leo XIV has shown that his commitment to truth and human dignity transcends ideology, race, and nationality.

Last year, the Pope called for deep reflection on how migrants are treated in the United States. He called on clergy to protect migrants and expressed outrage over migrants being barred from receiving communion in detention facilities.

The Pope also warned that the US bombing of Venezuelan ships, suspected of carrying drugs, risked increasing tensions in the region. Speaking in English in order to reach the US audience directly, he reiterated the Catholic churchs belief that every Christian will ultimately be judged on how he or she welcomed the foreigner.

The Pope strongly condemned Trumps threats to bomb Iran back to the Stone Age and to exterminate the Iranian civilisation as truly unacceptable. He rather urged a shift from military action to diplomacy.

The trump administration is not one to keep quiet in the face of such a challenge. Earlier this year, Pentagon officials, including Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, met with Vatican representatives to demand the Church take its side in geopolitical conflicts.

Intimidation

The US usually communicates with the Vatican through the Secretary of States foreign desk, not the Pentagon.Summoning the Papal Nuncio, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, to the Pentagon was meant to intimidate, but it failed woefully.

At the meeting, there was a subtle threat to declare war on the Vatican. Under Secretary of War for Policy Elbridge Colby led the American team.

America has the military power to do whatever it wants in the world, Colby and his associates informed the cardinal. The Catholic Church had better take its side.

As the monologue revved up, one US official reportedly invoked the Avignon Papacy when the French Crown used military force to bend the reigning pope to its will.

During the Avignon Papacy, the pope relocated his residence to Avignon in southeastern France. The move was made in 1309 by Clement V, as he sought the protection of the French monarchy from rebellions in Rome. Seven popes maintained the residence in Avignon over a period of nearly seventy years. The exile ended when Gregory XI returned the papacy to Rome in 1377.

Aha! Does it take a genius to interpret that thinly veiled threat?

State of the World

According to credible sources, the popes January state-of-the-world address was what riled the Trump team. And what did Pope Leo XIV say?

In our time, the weakness of multilateralism is a particular cause for concern at the international level. A diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties is being replaced by a diplomacy based on force, by either individuals or groups of allies. War is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading. The principle established after the Second World War, which prohibited nations from using force to violate the borders of others, has been completely undermined. Peace is no longer sought as a gift and a desirable good in itself, or in the pursuit of the establishment of the ordered universe willed by God, with a more perfect form of justice among men and women. Instead, peace is sought through weapons as a condition for asserting ones own dominion. This gravely threatens the rule of law, which is the foundation of all peaceful civil coexistence.

Trump has since broken all protocol and lowered the moral bar in a resort to profanities in his social media post after he issued an ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz: Open the Fu..ing Strait, you crazy bas***ds, or youll be living in Hell  JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. Wow! That lowlife lingo was an all time low for any American president.

Since Pope Leos ascension to the papacy in May 2025, the US had been hoping to leverage his high office to exert more influence globally. Domestically, too, there are about 70-75 million Catholics in the US. A papal visit would surely feather the political nest of President Trump. Vice President Vance, a Catholic, was dispatched to the Vatican last year with an invitation to the Pope to attend Americas 250th birthday celebration (1776-2026) on July 4, 2026. Pope Leo XIV has reportedly turned down the White House invitation and instead chosen to visit Lampedusa (a centre for migrant arrivals where many souls had met their watery deaths), signalling a deliberate distance from the US administration.

Easter Message

The Popes Urbi et Orbi 2026 Easter message also did not go down well with the US.

Excerpts: We are growing accustomed to violence, resigning ourselves to it, and becoming indifferent. Indifferent to the deaths of thousands of people. Indifferent to the repercussions of hatred and division that conflicts sow. Indifferent to the economic and social consequences they produce, which we all feel. There is an ever-increasing globalisation of indifference, to borrow an expression dear to Pope Francis

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. To the Lord we entrust all hearts that suffer and await the true peace that only He can give.

Pope Leo XIV may not have a standing army, but his is the only surviving moral voice in a unipolar world where the United Nations has been reduced to a paper tiger. As the head of 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, the pope owes it to the world to uphold the torch of truth and justice, even if the wielders of temporal battle axes think that might is always right. In this era of normalising the unthinkable (like the bombing of Gaza incubators in which tiny preterm babies were blown to pieces), nothing is far-fetched anymore. But let no one threaten the pope. For now, that is the only moral authority standing.

Viva Papa!

Wole Olaoye is a Public Relations consultant and veteran journalist. He can be reached on [email protected], Twitter: @wole_olaoye; Instagram: woleola2021
Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State has said that no sector holds more value for the future of Jigawa State than education, describing it as the most reliable path and strongest investment to long-term development and stability.

The governor made this remark on Saturday while speaking at the 2nd combined Convocation Ceremony of Sule Lamido University, Kafin-Hausa SLUK), Jigawa State. The event took place at the universitys Convocation Arena.

The event brought together graduates from six academic sessions, covering 2018/2019 to 2024/2025, alongside the award of honorary doctorate degrees to some exceptional individuals.

According to Governor Namadi, the gathering was more than a routine academic event, describing it as yet another momentous achievement ever recorded in the evolution of this university since its establishment just over a decade ago. He emphasised:

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Education remains our most sustainable investment, and for any entity, there is no greater asset than its Human Resources.

By all means, todays occasion is very auspicious and dear to all of us, as we celebrate the graduation of six cohorts of first-degree graduates from 2018/2019 to 2024/2025 academic sessions and the award of honorary doctorate degrees to some deserving personalities. I most warmly rejoice with the members of the university community on this yet another historic and memorable occasion.

He took time to acknowledge those who laid the foundation of the university and those who have sustained it over the years, noting that the progress recorded today is the result of steady effort, not chance.

Turning to policy, Governor Namadi restated his administrations position that education must stay at the centre of governance, stating that allocations to the sector have consistently ranged between 26 and 30 percent of the state budget in recent years, with visible results across schools and tertiary institutions.

This has translated into significant improvements in infrastructure, teaching and learning outcomes, and organisational environment, as well as pupils and students 5 enrolments with appreciable reduction in the number of out-of-school children in the state.

It is also worthy of note that in an effort to improve technical and vocational education & training in the state, we have transformed eight senior secondary schools across the state into real centers of excellence with all the requisite teaching equipment and instructional materials.

To support the TVET Program beyond secondary levels, we have also begun the transformation and improvement of our College of Remedial and Advanced Studies based in Babura so it could absorb students from the Centres of Excellence for higher certificates in line with the National TVET Curriculum.

The governor also spoke on efforts to widen access to higher education, as he confirmed that the state has taken over a private university in Majia, Taura Local Government Area, with plans underway to reshape it into a specialised institution focused on medical and allied health sciences under a public-private arrangement.

Having completed all the necessary accreditation and formalities with the National Universities Commission, a bill is now before the state legislature seeking to transform the institution into a specialised university for medical and allied health sciences. It is also our intention to operate the university based on a public-private partnership.

At Sule Lamido University itself, he outlined a number of projects currently in motion, which include a Faculty of Medicine, new student hostels, staff residences, a sabbatical lodge, a wetland research centre and a new convocation arena.

Staying true to our commitment, not only have we resumed and completed these projects, but we have also embarked on fresh initiatives. We aspire to elevate SLUK to the status of a world-class institution, highly ranked both within Nigeria and internationally, In Shaa Allah, the governor remarked.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the governor pointed to ongoing investments in utilities, staff development, and institutional reforms aimed at improving the overall learning environment.

He also drew attention to the establishment of the Wetland Research Centre, describing it as part of a broader response to environmental challenges in the state.

The centre is expected to conduct scientific research, provide data for policy formulation, educate the public, and develop strategies for wetland restoration, carbon sequestration, and mitigating climate change, he explained.

Addressing the graduating students directly, Governor Namadi reminded them of the journey they have completed, urging them to carry forward the values of integrity and dedication to service in all their life endeavours.

He assured continued government support for tertiary institutions across the state, with emphasis on partnerships, research, and innovation that can translate into real opportunities for young people and sustained development for Jigawa State.

A total of 4,109 Bachelors degrees were awarded at the ceremony, which also witnessed the installation of the new and second Chancellor of the university, Alhaji Umar Faruk II, the Emir of Katagum.

The three eminent personalities who were conferred with honorary degrees are: the newly appointed Chancellor, His Royal Highness the Emir of Katagum, Alhaji Umar Faruk II, OON; Mr. Hamdi El-Sayyid Abdou, Country Director of Qatar Charity Nigeria Office; and Mr. Hisham Mohammed Abdussalam, Executive Director of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth (WAMY) Office in Nigeria.

The governor congratulated the graduating students, honorary award recipients, and the university community on the successful convocation.
Amnesty International, Nigeria Office, has condemned Saturdays military airstrike that killed civilians in a border market in the North-east.

In a statement posted on X, the rights group said the accidental airstrike killed more than 100 people.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Nigerian Air Force confirmed the incident, but was silent on civilian casualties.

According to sources, the airstrike, which targeted insurgents collecting levies at the border market in Jalli, a Yobe community bordering Borno State, killed traders on Saturday evening.

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Citing witnesses accounts, Amnesty stated that three military jets fired on the market.

The emergency section of Geidam General Hospital had so far received 35 people with severe injuries, it said, adding that launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyones standard.

Such reckless use of deadly force is unlawful, outrageous and lays bare the Nigerian militarys shocking disregard for the lives of those it supposedly exists to protect, Amnesty said.

It called on Nigerian authorities to immediately conduct an impartial investigation into the incident and ensure that suspected perpetrators are held to account.

Local authorities have called for blood donations for those who sustained injuries during the strike.

READ ALSO: Amnesty International faults authorities after 17 killed in Benue attack

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force has described the airstrike as precision bombings of terrorists locations in the Jilli area.

Its spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, an air commodore, said in a statement that the operation was part of the coordinated air-ground integration operation with troops of the Nigerian Army after successfully decimating their (terrorists) hideouts in the area.

The statement did not acknowledge that civilians were killed in the operation, and Mr Ejodome did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES enquiry about that.
The Nigerian Army has stated that scores of suspected terrorists were killed in a precision airstrike on a terrorists hideout in Jilli, a Yobe community bordering Borno.

This was contained in a statement issued by Sani Uba, the spokesperson for Operation Hadin Kai, a joint task force in the North-east.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that military airstrikes struck a border market in Jilli, killing many civilians. Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the operation, estimating that more than 100 people were killed.

Earlier, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed the operation. Its spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, in a statement on Sunday, said terrorists were targeted in the operation conducted in collaboration with ground troops of the Nigerian Army.

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Mr Ejodame did not address reports of civilian casualties and failed to respond to our reporters inquiry on the matter.

Army also silent about civilian casualties

Despite detailing operational success, the Army did not indicate whether civilians were affected by the strike.

In his statement, Mr Uba, a lieutenant colonel in the Army, explained that the air component of Operation Hadin Kai carried out the operation, describing it as carefully planned and intelligence-driven.

According to him, the 11th April operation targeted a terrorist enclave and logistics hub near Jilli village.

Mr Uba said the location has long been identified as a key movement corridor and convergence point for fighters linked to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The operation followed weeks of intensified intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions in the area, triggered by a series of recent attacks on military positions, he said.

Mr Uba referenced a January improvised explosive device (IED) attack along the GubioDamasak road that killed eight soldiers, as well as assaults in Ngamdu and Benisheikh on 9 April.

Military authorities said surveillance detected the movement of motorcycles and gun trucks converging on the Jilli location, which was later corroborated by human intelligence sources as a gathering of terrorists and logistics couriers.

Upon final validation, the Air Component executed a series of precision strikes on the objective, he stated, adding that real-time aerial monitoring confirmed high accuracy.

The military spokesperson said the strike destroyed the logistics hub, killed scores of terrorists, and damaged vehicles and equipment. Surviving fighters were seen fleeing the area, he added.

Mr Uba said further intelligence suggested that those targeted were in the final stages of receiving supplies for planned attacks on troop locations in the Gubio axis, indicating the operation may have disrupted imminent assaults.

He also disclosed that a suspected logistics courier identified as Turja Bulu was arrested in Ngamdu on 12 April. According to the military, the suspect confessed he was involved in the 9 April attack on a brigade location in Benisheikh and was allegedly transporting supplies from Jilli to other terrorist cells in the Magumeri-Gubio area.

Mr Uba stated that motorcycles remain banned across the North-east operational theatre, citing their continued use by insurgents for movement and logistics.

He said the joint task force would sustain pressure on terrorist networks and continue efforts to dismantle their enclaves.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested a 15-year-old suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics courier in Ngamdu, Borno, linking him to recent attacks in the area.

Security source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the suspect was apprehended on Sunday while attempting to procure supplies for insurgents operating along the NgamduBenisheik corridor.

According to the source, the ISWAP suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation to participating in recent attacks on Benisheik and Ngamdu.

The source said that the suspect disclosed that the fighters mobilised from Jilli in Gubio Local Government Area before carrying out the attacks.

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Before the attack, we came from Jilli and returned there afterwards, the suspect was quoted as saying.

Military sources also said that the suspect revealed that he was redeployed from Jilli on Saturday with N850,000 to procure logistics for other ISWAP fighters.

I was sent from Jilli with N850,000 to collect supplies from Ngamdu, but I was arrested by troops.

I left behind other fighters at the Jilli enclave but cannot confirm developments there now following recent military airstrikes, the suspect said.

The military source said the arrest provided further insight into ISWAPs operational and logistics network, highlighting Jilli as a staging ground.

The development comes less than 24 hours after the Air Component of OPHK conducted precision airstrikes on terrorist locations within the Jilli axis.

The strikes followed sustained Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions targeting insurgent logistics movements.

Field reports indicate that motorcycles and a vehicle linked to the insurgents were destroyed, while several fighters were neutralised.

ALSO READ: ISWAP terrorists raid military bases in Borno

Sources said some ISWAP insurgents initially fled on sighting the aircraft, but later regrouped to evacuate casualties.

Military authorities have consistently described Jilli as a key insurgent enclave where logistics coordination takes place.

The military has reiterated its commitment to sustaining pressure on insurgents through coordinated air and ground offensives.

There were reports of civilian casualties in the air strikes earlier, of which the NAF has initiated an investigation into the allegation, according to the Director, Public Relations and Information of NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Sunday.

(NAN)
Some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State have rallied behind a former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Murtala Garo, as their preferred candidate to fill the vacant deputy governorship position, signalling a push for consensus within the party.

The endorsement followed a late-night strategy meeting on Saturday, where party leaders said Mr Garo secured overwhelming support from attendees, particularly from the influential old bloc within the party.

The vacancy arose after the resignation of former Deputy Governor Abdussalam Gwarzo, who stepped down amid political realignments and reported differences within the states power structure, necessitating a replacement through consultations among key stakeholders.

Leading the call for Mr Garos emergence, a former House of Representatives Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, urged the state governor, Abba Yusuf, to consider him for the role, describing him as experienced and dependable.

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Garo is the most suitable candidate. He has remained consistent, patient and loyal. This is the kind of support the governor needs at a critical time, Mr Doguwa said.

Although stakeholders initially presented three nominees, Messrs Garo, Rabiu Bichi, and Kabiru Rurum, deliberations at the meeting reportedly tilted strongly in Mr Garos favour, who is said to have secured about 90 per cent of the support from those present.

Among prominent figures said to have endorsed his candidacy are former Kano State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje; former Deputy Governor and ex-Minister of State for Housing, Abdullahi Gwarzo; a member of the House of Representatives, Abubakar Bichi; Kano South Senator Kawu Sumaila; Minister of State for the FCT, Mariya Bunkure; former Kano South Senator Garba Lado; APC chieftain A.A. Zaura; and a former Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Hamisu Chidari, among others.

READ ALSO: Former Kano federal lawmaker dumps APC for ADC

Those present attributed Mr Garos growing support to his political trajectory, which spans roles as PDP organising secretary in 2007, special adviser during the Rabiu Kwankwaso administration, chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and a two-term commissioner.

He was also the APC deputy governorship candidate in the 2023 election.

They stressed that, with no current executive office, Mr Garo could assume the position without complications, while also helping to strengthen party cohesion in the state.

His possible emergence, they added, could stabilise the political landscape in Kano and reinforce unity within the APC at a critical time
The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, Owerri, has intercepted tramadol capsules and other pharmaceutical products valued at about N1.05 billion along the Okada/Ofosu Expressway in Benin, Edo State.

This is contained in a statement made available to reporters on Saturday.

The Customs Area Controller, FOU Zone C, Bishir Balogun, said the seizure was carried out through intelligence-driven, coordinated enforcement operations.

He explained that operatives intercepted a truck carrying the contraband.

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According to him, the driver attempted to evade arrest after being flagged down, but later abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush.

Mr Balogun said a thorough search of the truck revealed that the illicit drugs were concealed among legitimate goods in an attempt to evade detection.

He said the seized items had a Duty Paid Value of N1.05 billion.

The controller said the operation underscored the services commitment to curbing the smuggling of prohibited substances.

READ ALSO: Customs officer tells court how Austrian was caught with undeclared cash at Lagos airport

He noted that substances such as tramadol and codeine contribute to drug abuse and criminal activities across the country.

Mr Balogun warned smugglers to desist from illegal activities, stressing that the service would continue to deploy intelligence-driven strategies to safeguard public health and national security.

He added that the seized consignment remained in custody, while investigations were ongoing to apprehend those behind the illegal shipment.

(NAN)
The Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese in Ebonyi State, Peter Chukwu, is dead.

The Vicar General of the diocese, Donatus Chukwu, announced this in a statement on Saturday.

Mr Donatus, a Catholic priest, said Mr Chukwu died on Friday.

With profound sorrow in our hearts, and trusting in the divine mercy of God, I write to notify you that our beloved bishop, Most Reverend Peter Nworie Chukwu, bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, has returned to the Fathers house, he said.

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The vicar general said the deceased bishop was 60 years old.

He asked Catholic faithful and all Christians to pray for the bishop and the diocese over the incident.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later, he assured.

Ebonyi governor mourns

Reacting in a statement on Saturday, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State expressed sadness over Mr Chukwus death.

Mr Nwifuru said his heart was weighed down by deep sorrow when he received information about the bishops death.

Bishop Chukwu was not only a revered shepherd of Gods flock but a spiritual colossus whose life embodied humility, sacrifice, and undiluted devotion to the service of God and humanity.

I am compelled to assert that his transition marks the end of an era of profound spiritual guidance, moral clarity, and fatherly leadership in Ebonyi State and beyond, he said.

His passing is not only a loss to the Church but to the entire state and nation.

The governor said Mr Chukwu distinguished himself as an icon of faith, a promoter of peace, and a tireless advocate for justice, unity, and love.

He said the late bishop also touched countless lives, strengthened families, and nurtured the spiritual growth of Ebonyi people through his pastoral mission.

On behalf of the government and good people of Ebonyi State, I extend my deepest condolences to the Supreme Pontiff, Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria, the clergy, religious, and lay faithful, as well as the immediate and extended family of the late bishop.

We share in your pain, even as we celebrate a life well spent in the service of God and humanity, he stated.

Peter Chukwu at a glance

Born on 19 August 1965, late Chukwu was ordained a Catholic priest on 3 July 1993.

By 18 August 2021, he was consecrated and installed as the third bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki.

Mr Chukwu hailed from Ededeagu Umuezeokohu, a community in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

The Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Antonio Guido Filipazzi, and the Archbishop of Onitsha Diocese, Valerian Okeke, were those who consecrated the now deceased bishop.
Former Senate President Ken Nnamani, former governor of the old Anambra State, Jim Nwobodo, and others have endorsed Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for a second term, citing his developmental strides across the state.

The endorsement was announced on Saturday during the Awkunanaw Clan Mega Rally held at the Civil Centre in Akegbe-Ugwu.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Awkunanaw clan comprises the Akegbe-Ugwu, Obuofia, Amechi, Amodu, Umueze, Akwuke, Ugwuaji and Obeagu communities, located within Nkanu land in Enugu South and Nkanu West Council areas of Enugu State.

Speaking at the rally, Mr Nnamani called for unity within the clan, urging members to avoid internal political conflicts and instead support the governors leadership.

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Mr Nnamani described the endorsement as a collective decision, stressing that Mr Mbahs performance justified another term.

Similarly, former governor of old Anambra, Mr Nwobodo, pledged the zones support for Mr Mbahs re-election.

Represented by the State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Okey Ogbodo, Mr Nwobodo noted the historical ties between Mr Mbahs community and Awkunanaw Clan, adding that the clans endorsement of the governor symbolised enduring trust.

He further stated that other aspirants from the zone should wait for their turn, emphasising that the clan and the wider Nkanu land were firmly behind the governor.

Earlier, the Secretary to the Enugu State Government, Chidiebere Onyia, described the gathering as a demonstration of gratitude, pride and unwavering support for the governor.

Mr Onyia, who hails from the clan, commended Mr Mbahs leadership style, noting that his administration had redefined governance in the state through visible achievements in infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment and economic expansion.

According to him, the governor had restored public confidence in governance by prioritising efficiency, excellence and people-oriented policies.

He added that Awkunanaw people remained proud of Mr Mbahs accomplishments and pledged total support for his re-election in 2027.

The Chairman of the rally planning committee and former member of the House of Representatives, Uchenna Igwesi, said the endorsement reflected the collective will of the people.

He stressed that the clan had resolved to speak with one voice in support of Mr Mbah, warning against any internal opposition.

The Chairman of Enugu South Council Area, Caleb Ani, emphasised the unity and loyalty of the people of Enugu South, highlighting the solidarity of residents in Awkunanaw and the broader Enugu community.

He said that the support cut across different segments of society, including youths, parents, and community stakeholders.

Mr Ani expressed confidence in the organisational strength of the supporters, stating that their unity and preparedness would ensure a smooth and successful political process for Mr Mbah.

Mbahs response

Responding, Mr Mbah expressed appreciation for the overwhelming support, describing the turnout as unprecedented.

He noted that the rally signified unity and a shared vision among the people of Awkunanaw and the entire Nkanu land.

The governor recalled the collective struggle that led to his emergence in 2023, urging the people to remain united and resist any attempts to create division.

Mr Mbah stated that his administration had positioned Enugu State as a benchmark for good governance, highlighting key projects such as Smart Green Schools, Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, Enugu Air and modern transport infrastructure.

READ ALSO: Mbah suspends daily tolls on Enugu petty traders

He assured the people of his commitment to sustaining development and delivering greater dividends of democracy if re-elected.

Other speakers, including members of the Enugu State House of Assembly and National Assembly, declared support for the governors second-term bid.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the clan Ofor (Symbol of leadership) to Mr Mbah.
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a suspected member of the Buccaneer Confraternity, also known as the Brothers Across Nigeria (BAN), Adedipe Adeyinkan, in the Iponri area of the state.

The incident occurred late Saturday night on the National Stadium Bridge inward Iponri.

In a short statement posted on X on Sunday, the police said Mr Adeyinkan, popularly known as Agali, was attacked at about 11:30 p.m. and later died at a hospital.

The Command is aware of the shooting incident involving Adedipe Adeyinkan, popularly known as Agali, which occurred on 11th April 2026 at about 11:30 p.m. on National Stadium Bridge inward Iponri, the statement said.

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The victim was rushed to Mainland General Hospital, Yaba, where he was confirmed dead. Investigation is ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

While the police did not provide further details, reports circulating on social media platforms, including Naija Confra, an anti-cultism monitoring group, alleged that the deceased was a prominent figure within the Buccaneers confraternity in the Surulere axis.

The platform also linked the killing to a possible cult rivalry and suggested political undertones. However, these claims have not been independently verified, and the police have yet to confirm any motive behind the attack.

This newspaper observed from the footage that he was shot in a white SUV as passersby gathered around the scene.

The killing comes amid growing concerns over cult-related violence in parts of Lagos.

Last week, three men were reportedly hacked to death by suspected cultists in the Lagos Island area after attending a birthday party in the Epetedo community.

The victims were reportedly attacked while returning home from the gathering.

One of them managed to escape, while the other three were macheted to death. The incident was reported at the station, a source told Punch Newspaper, attributing the attack to a suspected rivalry between cult groups.

Separate accounts from Naija Confra identified one of the victims as China and alleged that members of rival cult groups were involved in the attack. The platform also claimed that a fourth individual, identified as Sanjo, escaped.

PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify these details.

The command has not announced any arrests in connection with either incident as of the time of filing this report.

The recent cases spotlight a resurgence of cult-related violence across parts of Lagos, despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb the menace.
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The fair value price target for Enel Chile sits at CLP 80.5, with this reference point holding steady in the latest update. Recent Street research has turned more cautious, with some firms trimming price targets in CLP terms as they reassess earnings visibility and the conditions needed to support higher valuation levels. As you read on, you will see how these shifting price targets and opinions fit together and what to watch as the story around Enel Chile continues to evolve.

Stay updated as the Fair Value for Enel Chile shifts by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on Enel Chile.

What Wall Street Has Been Saying

 Bullish Takeaways

Even with a more cautious tone, recent Street work still treats Enel Chiles fair value as anchored around CLP 80.5. This gives you a clear reference point for comparing current trading levels to what analysts see as a reasonable valuation marker.

Some research commentary highlights that, if earnings visibility improves and regulatory conditions become clearer, there could be room for the share price to move closer to this reference point over time. This may be particularly relevant for investors comfortable with Chile specific risk.

 Bearish Takeaways

Grupo Santander recently downgraded its view on Enel Chile, signaling more caution on execution and earnings visibility, and has trimmed its price target in CLP terms as part of this more guarded stance.

The downgrade points to a higher bar for the stock to re rate, with analysts noting that clearer progress on earnings stability and capital allocation would likely be needed before they revisit more optimistic valuation assumptions.

Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there's more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives!

SNSE:ENELCHILE 1-Year Stock Price Chart

We've flagged 2 risks for Enel Chile. See which could impact your investment.

What's in the News
XIAMEN, China, April 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- High Templar Tech Limited ("High Templar" or "the Company" or "We") (NYSE: HTT), today announced that it filed its annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 10, 2026 (U.S. Time). The annual report on Form 20-F can be accessed on the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.hightemplar.com/.

High Templar will provide a hard copy of the annual report containing its audited consolidated financial statements, free of charge, to its shareholders and ADS holders upon request. Requests should be directed to Investor Relations department, No. 101, Meishe Road, Meilin Street, Tongan District, Xiamen, Fujian Province, The People's Republic of China, 361100.

About High Templar Tech Limited

High Templar Tech Limited ("High Templar") is exploring innovative business opportunities globally to satisfy clients' demand by leveraging its technology know-how and financial service capabilities.

For more information, please visit https://ir.hightemplar.com/.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

High Templar Tech Limited

Tel: +86-592-596-8208

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE High Templar Tech Limited
NEW YORK, April 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Conference Board Employment Trends Index (ETI) declined to 105.72 in March, from an upwardly revised 105.84 in February. The Employment Trends Index is a leading composite index for payroll employment. When the Index increases, employment is likely to grow as well, and vice versa. Turning points in the Index indicate that a change in the trend of job gains or losses is about to occur in the coming months.

"Job seekers continue to face a challenging market," said Mitchell Barnes, Economist at The Conference Board. "This is evident in the ETI as several components moderated in March. Overall, the US economy has remained surprisingly resilient, but rising geopolitical uncertainty may contribute to ongoing employer hesitancy to add more workers."

The share of consumers who report "jobs are hard to get"an ETI component from the Consumer Confidence Surveyclimbed to 21.5% in March and reflects a 5-percentage point rise since March 2025. The share of small firms reporting that jobs are 'not able to be filled right now' declined by 1 percentage point in March to reach 32%. The share of involuntary part-time workers rose in March to 16.5%, but that measure declined from 19.4% in December.

Initial claims for unemployment insurance declined to 207,800 in March, reflecting a steady decline in jobless claims from the 2025 average of 226,450. Employment in the temporary help services industry rose marginally in March and in three of the last five months. Industrial production and real manufacturing and trade sales were also steady in their most recent data releases.

March's decrease in the Employment Trends Index was a result of negative contributions from five of its eight components: the Ratio of Involuntarily Part-time to All Part-time Workers, the Percentage of Firms with Positions Not Able to Fill Right Now, the Percentage of Respondents Who Say They Find 'Jobs Hard to Get, Industrial Production, and Real Manufacturing and Trade Sales. Three components contributed positively: Initial Claims for Unemployment Insurance, Job Openings, and the Number of Employees Hired by the Temporary-Help Industry.

The eight leading indicators of employment aggregated into the Employment Trends Index include:

Percentage of Respondents Who Say They Find "Jobs Hard to Get" (The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Survey  )

) Initial Claims for Unemployment Insurance (U.S. Department of Labor)

Percentage of Firms with Positions Not Able to Fill Right Now ( National Federation of Independent Business Research Foundation)

Number of Employees Hired by the Temporary-Help Industry (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Ratio of Involuntarily Part-time to All Part-time Workers (BLS) 

Job Openings (BLS)**

Industrial Production (Federal Reserve Board)*

Real Manufacturing and Trade Sales (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis)***

*Statistical imputation for the recent month

**Statistical imputation for two most recent months (due to data release delays)

***Statistical imputation for three most recent months (due to data release delays)

 Note missing October 2025 value for Ratio of Involuntarily Part-time Workers estimated using linear interpolation

The Conference Board publishes the Employment Trends Index monthly, at 10 a.m. ET, on the Monday that follows each Friday release of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Situation report. The technical notes to this series are available on The Conference Board website: http://www.conference-board.org/data/eti.cfm.

About The Conference Board

The Conference Board is the member-driven think tank that delivers trusted insights for what's ahead. Founded in 1916, we are a non-partisan, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States. www.conference-board.org.

Employment Trends Index (ETI) 2026 Publication Schedule Index Release Date (10 AM ET) Data for the Month Monday, February 9th 2026 January 2025 Monday, March 9th February Monday, April 6th March Monday, May 11th April Monday, June 8th May Monday, July 6th June Monday, August 10th July Tuesday, September 8th August Monday, October 5th September Monday, November 9th October Monday, December 7th November Monday, January 11th 2027 December





SOURCE The Conference Board
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
Washington, April 12 : The United States is engaged in high-level, face-to-face trilateral talks with Pakistan and Iran in Islamabad, even as President Donald Trump asserted that Washington had already secured a strategic victory regardless of the outcome.

The meeting in Islamabad stretched over for "15 hours and counting!" according to a senior White House official when last reported several hours ago.

The official said the talks involve a core US delegation led by Vice President JD Vance and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, alongside Jared Kushner and a broader team of national security and regional experts.

The wider delegation includes Dr. Andrew Baker, Deputy National Security Advisor to the President and National Security Advisor to the Vice President, and Michael Vance, Special Advisor to the Vice President for Asian Affairs. Additional subject-matter experts are supporting the effort from Washington.

Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump offered a blunt assessment of the negotiations and the broader strategic landscape.

"Regardless what happens, we win. We totally defeated that country. And so let's see what happens. Maybe they make a deal, maybe they don't. From the standpoint of America, we win," he said.

The president linked the negotiations to broader economic and energy developments, pointing to increased tanker activity.

"One of the things that's happening is that boats are sailing up and heading out to our country, big, beautiful tankers and we're loading them up with oil and gas and everything else. And it's pretty beautiful thing to see," he added.

Trump also described the talks as part of a wider strategic posture involving both military and diplomatic elements.

"We are in very deep negotiations with Iran. We win regardless. We've defeated them militarily," he said.

The president claimed extensive damage to Iran's military capabilities, asserting that its naval and air assets had been neutralised.

"We defeated their navy, we defeated their air force, we defeated their anti-aircraft. We defeated their radar," Trump said, adding that "their leaders are all dead."

He also referenced ongoing efforts to secure maritime routes, saying US forces were working to clear potential threats.

"We have mine sweepers out there sweeping the strait," he said.

Despite the strong rhetoric, Trump indicated that a negotiated outcome remained uncertain and not essential from Washington's perspective.

"Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me," he said.
Washington, April 12 : India's journey to becoming a developed nation by 2047 is anchored in informed academic and policy discourse, India's Ambassador to the United States, Vinay Kwatra, said while addressing a major conference in Texas.

Kwatra made the remarks during his virtual address at the inaugural Austin India Conference, themed "India at 100: Decades of Decisions", hosted by the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, Austin.

Commending the organisers for bringing together scholars, students and practitioners, he said such forward-looking initiatives are critical to deliberating on India's pathway towards Vision 2047, or "Viksit Bharat".

He underscored that the decisions shaping India's growth are rooted in deep policy discussions, which form the foundation for the country's transformative progress in the coming decades.

India's development and innovation journey would generate shared benefits for both India and the United States, he said adding that there is a deepening of strategic and economic convergence between the two countries.

The conference, organised under the theme of India's long-term development trajectory, brought together stakeholders to examine the country's evolving policy landscape and development priorities.

In a separate session titled "The Growth Triangle", India's Consul General in Houston, D C Manjunath, said India-US relations continue to strengthen across multiple pillars, including government-to-government, business-to-business and people-to-people engagement.

He highlighted that these three pillars have underpinned the steady upward trajectory of bilateral ties, reinforcing cooperation across sectors.

Pointing to the growing importance of subnational partnerships, Manjunath identified collaboration between India and Texas as a key component of the broader India-US relationship.

He noted that such regional linkages are playing an increasingly significant role in driving economic engagement, innovation and institutional cooperation.

The event also provided insights into India's policy evolution and development priorities, reflecting a surge in academic and policy interest in the country's growth story.

Manjunath expressed appreciation to the leadership and faculty of the University of Texas, Austin, and reaffirmed the Consulate's commitment to expanding collaboration with academic and research institutions across Texas.

He said such engagement would help nurture dialogue, foster innovation and advance a shared vision of growth and progress.
New Delhi, April 12 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a massive 'Vijay Sankalp Sabha' in Siliguri, West Bengal, on Sunday at 1 p.m., marking a key moment in the ongoing election campaign ahead of the upcoming two-phase Assembly polls later this month.

The rally is expected to witness a huge turnout, with party supporters and local residents gathering in large numbers as campaigning intensifies across the state.

The event forms part of an extensive outreach programme by the BJP, which is aiming to strengthen its presence in the region.

Earlier, the Prime Minister had addressed three mega campaign rallies across different districts of West Bengal on the same day. Following these engagements, he participated in a grand roadshow at Bagdogra near Siliguri in the Darjeeling district on Saturday evening.

As the Prime Minister's convoy moved through the roads, thousands of people lined the streets, enthusiastically chanting slogans such as "Modi-Modi" and "Jai Shree Ram." The atmosphere was charged with excitement as supporters gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the leader.

Initially, PM Modi was seen seated in the front of his vehicle beside the driver, waving to the crowd. Later, he leaned out of the vehicle window, greeting supporters while holding a replica of the BJP's election symbol, the lotus. His direct interaction further energised the crowd, with chants growing louder and more spirited.

The BJP has launched an ambitious campaign in West Bengal, organising over 500 rallies and public meetings to mobilise voters ahead of the upcoming elections. The party is deploying its top central leadership along with key state leaders in what is being described as one of its most aggressive election drives in recent years.

In addition to rallies, the BJP plans to begin daily press conferences from April 15, coinciding with Poila Baisakh. Each day, the party will highlight specific aspects of its manifesto, focusing on welfare initiatives, cultural identity, and development agendas, including agricultural reforms, women's empowerment, and infrastructure growth.
Washington, April 12 : US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has terminated the lawful permanent resident status of three Iranian nationals with alleged ties to figures associated with Iran's revolutionary regime, leading to their arrest and detention pending removal, the State Department said.

Seyed Eissa Hashemi, Maryam Tahmasebi, and their son were taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement after their legal status was revoked. Authorities said they are now awaiting deportation proceedings.

Hashemi is the son of Masoumeh Ebtekar, a controversial figure linked to the 1979 takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran. Ebtekar served as a spokeswoman for the militants involved in the hostage crisis, during which 52 Americans were held for 444 days.

According to the statement, Ebtekar acted as a "leading propagandist" for the hostage-takers, arranging staged media interactions and portraying what officials described as a misleading image of the hostages' treatment. The department said hostages were subjected to "solitary confinement, blindfolded and starved, and subjected to physical and psychological terror, including beatings and mock executions."

Ebtekar later rose within Iran's political system, holding senior government roles, including serving as a vice president between 2017 and 2021.

The three detainees entered the United States in 2014 on visas issued during the administration of former President Barack Obama. In June 2016, they were granted lawful permanent residency through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. The programme has since been suspended under the current administration.

Last week, Rubio also revoked the legal status of relatives of Qasem Soleimani, a senior Iranian military commander killed in a US strike in 2020. Hamideh Afshar Soleimani and her daughter are now in ICE custody.

The State Department also terminated the status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of Ali Larijani, a former senior Iranian official, and her husband Seyed Kalantar Motamedi. Both individuals have already left the United States and are barred from re-entry.

The department said it worked closely with the Department of Homeland Security and immigration enforcement agencies in carrying out the actions. It added that the administration "will never allow America to become a home for foreign nationals tied to anti-American terrorist regimes."
New Delhi, April 12 : The 'World Homoeopathy Day 2026' served as a comprehensive platform for deliberations on clinical advancements, policy frameworks, research priorities, and the future roadmap of homoeopathy, according to an official statement.

The two-day event here reaffirmed the growing significance of homoeopathy in advancing sustainable and integrative healthcare.

The event brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Ayush, experts, researchers, and representatives of leading homoeopathic institutions, said Ayush Ministry.

Alarmelmangai D, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, reiterated the government's commitment to promoting and integrating homoeopathy into the broader healthcare framework, emphasising its growing role in advancing accessible, sustainable, and patient-centric healthcare systems.

The ceremony also featured recognition of distinguished contributions to the field of homoeopathy.

The event further celebrated the next generation of practitioners through a group photo session of approximately 90 students, including STSH and MD awardees.

The convention, under the theme "Homoeopathy for Sustainable Health" and the vision of "Infinite Possibilities," served as a comprehensive platform exploring the convergence of traditional principles with modern scientific innovation.

The National Institute of Homoeopathy (NIH) showcased its clinical leadership through evidence-based case presentations on complex conditions, including brain tumours, autoimmune disorders, and endometriotic cysts.

Expert-led sessions explored paediatric homoeopathy, the therapeutic potential of newer remedies such as Cassia fistula, and the evolving field of Agro-Homoeopathy in agricultural applications.

A multidisciplinary session brought together pulmonologists, oncologists, and neurologists to discuss the role of homoeopathy alongside conventional medicine, emphasising collaborative patient care.

Homoeopathy's role within the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy was examined, highlighting global opportunities and challenges. Discussions also focused on modernising practices through scientific innovation and addressing issues like drug resistance.

The scope of homoeopathy extended into veterinary science, presenting evidence-based approaches for animal healthcare.

A high-level session led by the Ministry of Ayush and the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) outlined strategic priorities and the future direction of research in the field.

IANS

na/
Washington, April 12 : US President Donald Trump was closely involved in high-stakes nuclear talks with Iran and has backed a "final and best offer" to Tehran after negotiations in Islamabad collapsed without agreement, Vice President J D Vance said.

Washington, April 12 (IANS) US President Donald Trump was closely involved in high-stakes nuclear talks with Iran and has backed a "final and best offer" to Tehran after negotiations in Islamabad collapsed without agreement, Vice President J D Vance said.

"We leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. We'll see if the Irans accept it," Vance told reporters after 21 hours of negotiations .

The Vice President underscored Trump's direct role in the talks, describing constant communication between the negotiating team and the White House.

"We were talking to the president consistently. I don't know how many times we talked to him. A half dozen times, a dozen times over the past 21 hours," Vance said.

He said the President had instructed negotiators to pursue a deal in good faith but with clear limits.

"The president told us, you need to come here in good faith and make your best effort to get a deal. We did that," Vance said .

Despite intensive engagement, the talks failed to bridge differences over Iran's nuclear programme.

"We have been at it now for 21 hours we've had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians. That's the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement," he said .

Washington, he added, had clearly laid out its negotiating boundaries.

"We've made very clear what our red lines are and they have chosen not to accept our terms," Vance said .

At the core of the impasse is the US demand for a long-term guarantee that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons capability.

"We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon and they will not seek the tools that would enable 'em to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon," he said .

Vance emphasised that Washington is seeking durable assurances, not temporary pledges.

"Do we see a fundamental commitment of will for the Iranians not to develop a nuclear weapon? Not just now, not just two years from now, but for the long term. We haven't seen that yet," he said .

He also highlighted the broader national security coordination behind the negotiations, noting that the team remained in touch with senior officials throughout.

"We obviously also talked to the entire national security team because we were negotiating in good faith," Vance said .

While declining to disclose specific sticking points, Vance maintained that the US side had shown flexibility.

"I think that we were quite flexible. We were quite accommodating and unfortunately we weren't able to make any headway," he said.
The structure that defines Erie Indemnity's economics is unusual in insurance and easily misread. Erie Insurance Exchange is a reciprocal insurer, meaning it is owned by its policyholders rather than by shareholders. Erie Indemnity acts as the attorney-in-fact for the Exchange under a subscriber agreement in place since 1925. In that role, the business manages all aspects of Exchange operations: policy issuance, underwriting services, claims management, and investment management. In exchange for those services, Erie Indemnity earns a management fee set at 25% of premiums written by the Exchange. The fee rate has been at this contractual maximum since 2016, a reflection of the volume-based leverage the arrangement creates.

At roughly 22 times normalized earnings and close to five times book value, the market is not misreading the fee structure. That premium over a standard property and casualty insurer already reflects the model's distinctiveness. The more precise question is whether today's multiple adequately prices the structural advantages that have made the fee engine durable, a cooperative structure that enforces pricing discipline across full cycles, an agent network that self-selects for retention over volume, and an underwriting approach that avoids the premium volatility that drives customers to shop. The structural constraints are visible and clearly weighted in the valuation. The structural advantages have not been credited with the same rigor.

At today's price near $273, the owner is not underwriting deterioration. The question is whether the fee engine can compound at a satisfactory rate from here, and the answer depends on one variable above all others: the trajectory of the Exchange's premium base.

There is a persistent misclassification embedded in how the market treats Erie Indemnity. The company appears, by name and by sector label, to be a property and casualty insurer. The operating reality is quite different. Erie Indemnity is the exclusive management company for Erie Insurance Exchange, earning a contractual fee equal to 25% of all premiums the Exchange writes. It does not underwrite policies. It does not retain catastrophe exposure. When a hurricane drives combined ratios above 110%, the Exchange absorbs the loss; Erie Indemnity collects its fee regardless. What the company owns is a durable contractual claim on the revenue side of one of the strongest regional insurance franchises in the United States, one that has grown its premium base for a century and maintained policyholder retention above 90%.

Story Continues

The consequence of this structure for owners is not subtle. Erie Indemnity's top-line revenue grows every time the Exchange grows its premium base and compresses when premiums compress. But the company carries none of the volatility that drives earnings swings at traditional insurers, because the underwriting book sits entirely on the Exchange's balance sheet. Erie Indemnity's income statement reflects a management services business: fee revenue minus the cost of delivering those services, consisting primarily of agent commissions, personnel, and technology infrastructure. The operating spread on that arrangement has been durable across multiple underwriting cycles, which is exactly what a fee model should deliver.

Scale reinforces the durability of this model. The Erie Insurance Exchange is the eleventh largest homeowners insurer and twelfth largest automobile insurer in the United States by direct written premiums, operating exclusively through a captive network of approximately 14,750 licensed agents across more than 2,350 independent agencies. The company ranked first in small business insurance customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power 2025 survey and appeared on Forbes' list of America's Best Insurance Companies for 2026. That reputation sustains retention, and retention sustains the fee base. A genuine and sustained deterioration in the Exchange's competitive standing would be the correct signal to reassess. The current evidence points in the other direction. The deeper question is why this model has compounded so reliably across a century rather than simply that it has. The subscriber-owned reciprocal structure of the Exchange is central to the answer. Because the Exchange is owned by its policyholders rather than by shareholders, it is not exposed to the earnings pressure that leads publicly traded insurers to undercut pricing in competitive environments and then raise rates sharply when losses arrive. Erie has historically maintained pricing discipline through soft markets, which means policyholders experience fewer abrupt premium increases. Customers who are not given a reason to shop tend not to shop, and in an industry where switching carries genuine friction, consistent pricing is its own retention mechanism.

The agent network amplifies this dynamic in ways that are easy to understate. Independent agents bear the cost of customer acquisition, time, relationship-building, and the underwriting process, but earn renewal commissions on every policy that stays in force. The economics of that arrangement are acutely sensitive to retention. At the industry-average retention rate of roughly 85%, a customer remains with a carrier for approximately six to seven years. At Erie's retention rate of approximately 90%, that same customer stays for closer to ten years, nearly 50% longer per customer relationship. For an agent managing a book of business, that arithmetic is immediate and concrete. An agent placed with a carrier at average retention must work meaningfully harder simply to maintain the same renewal income as an agent at Erie, because the attrition arrives more frequently and the book requires continuous replenishment. The agents who build the most durable, most profitable books of business therefore gravitate toward carriers that give them the retention economics to do it. Erie, by maintaining pricing stability and avoiding the premium volatility that forces customers to compare, has become the platform of choice for exactly that kind of agent across multiple decades. This is why the business has accumulated market share across insurance cycles rather than simply participating in them. The retention advantage and the agent alignment together create a flywheel that is structural rather than cyclical, pricing stability leads to lower churn, lower churn improves agent economics, better agent economics attract agents who build the most durable books, and durable books sustain the retention rate that keeps the flywheel turning. For owners at today's multiple, the question is whether the value of that flywheel is already embedded in the price, or whether the market has discounted the structural constraints of the model more carefully than it has credited the structural advantages.

Erie Indemnity Has Spent a Century Collecting a Fee. The Market Still Prices It Like an Insurer.

Capital Allocation

The fee-based model strips away the capital burden that defines most insurance businesses. Traditional property and casualty insurers must retain equity capital to backstop underwriting losses, constrain leverage ratios to maintain AM Best ratings, and balance the tension between returning cash and funding reserve growth. Erie Indemnity operates without those constraints. The Exchange holds the reserves and the regulatory capital; the management company holds only what it needs to run the service operation. The result is a balance sheet with no long-term debt and a return on equity that has run above 30% without the assistance of financial leverage. The high ROE reflects not aggressive balance sheet engineering but the operating leverage of a fee structure tied to a growing premium base with a largely fixed cost structure beneath it.

The approach to distributing that cash has been consistent and compounding. In December 2025, the board approved a 7.1% increase in the quarterly Class A dividend, lifting it to $1.4625 per share and annualizing to approximately $5.85. At the current stock price, that represents a cash yield just above 2%. More meaningful than the yield itself is the trajectory behind it: a business with no debt, no underwriting capital requirement, and a fee rate locked at its contractual maximum has very few claims on its operating cash flow other than dividends and operating costs. The $100 million contributed to the Erie Insurance Foundation in 2025 requires a more considered reading than a simple earnings adjustment. It is a real capital allocation decision with a specific character: it functions as long-term maintenance capital for the trust and reputation on which this model depends, the same trust that keeps agents loyal, keeps policyholders renewing, and keeps communities engaged with a company that has operated in the same regional markets for a century. The benefit is real but long-dated and not visible in any single period's earnings. That framing cuts both ways. It supports the durability of a franchise that earns through relationships rather than through pricing leverage or float, and it signals a management team that allocates capital toward long-term stakeholder interests rather than purely toward near-term shareholder returns. For an owner underwriting this business across decades, that orientation is a feature. For anyone focused on short-term earnings optionality, it is a constraint worth naming honestly.

CEO Tim NeCastro, who joined Erie in 1996 and has led the Exchange and Indemnity through a period of significant geographic expansion, announced his retirement effective December 31, 2026. For a business where the management fee contract is structurally straightforward and the Exchange's operational model has been refined over 100 years, leadership continuity matters more at the cultural level than at the contractual one. The Exchange's retention rates, underwriting standards, and agent relationships are the real substrate beneath the fee stream, and how the board manages the transition into post-NeCastro leadership will be worth monitoring for owners underwriting the next decade of compounding.

Valuation

The right starting point for an owner considering Erie Indemnity at approximately $273 per share is not a multiple comparison but a yield calculation. Full-year 2025 adjusted earnings, stripping the $1.54 per-share after-tax impact of the charitable contribution from the reported $10.69, come to approximately $12.23 per diluted share. At today's price, that implies an adjusted P/E of roughly 22 times and an earnings yield of approximately 4.5%. The quarterly dividend of $1.4625 per Class A share annualizes to $5.85, adding approximately 2.1% in current cash return. The combined pre-growth yield available to an owner entering at $273 is therefore in the range of 6% to 6.5% annually before any premium growth at the Exchange flows through to earnings. Whether that return is adequate depends almost entirely on whether the fee stream can compound, and the past two years of double-digit premium growth at the Exchange provide the most relevant evidence.

The business that most closely resembles Erie Indemnity's economics is not a traditional insurer. The closer analog is a royalty company or a software platform with a recurring revenue stream tied to a growing installed base. Capital intensity is minimal, the contractual terms are durable, and the earnings quality is high because fee income does not fluctuate with loss ratios, reserve development, or catastrophe severity. This structural distinction explains why price-to-book comparisons with traditional insurers are analytically misleading: Erie Indemnity's book value is thin not because of poor capital management but because the company does not need to retain underwriting capital. The relevant question is what the business earns on that thin equity base, which at 31% ROE is among the highest of any publicly traded insurance-related company in the United States.

Company Business Model P/E (adjusted) ROE Div. Yield Erie Indemnity Management fee (25% of Exchange premiums) ~22 ~31% ~2.1% RLI Corp Specialty P&C underwriter ~22 ~22% ~0.7% Kinsale Capital Specialty E&S underwriter ~22 ~28% ~0.3% American Financial Group Specialty P&C underwriter ~14 ~15% ~2.5%

Erie alongside the specialty insurers most comparable in terms of business quality and capital efficiency. The comparison is instructive not because the models are identical, they are not, but because it shows what the market pays for high-quality, high-ROE insurance businesses and where Erie sits within that range. RLI Corp and Kinsale Capital, both of which the firm has covered previously, trade at comparable P/E multiples while earning lower returns on equity and carrying genuine underwriting exposure on their own balance sheets. American Financial Group, a strong specialty franchise in its own right, trades at a meaningful discount but earns roughly half the ROE and carries material underwriting risk. The table demonstrates that Erie Indemnity is not obviously cheap on a multiple basis, but that the market applies no meaningful premium for the structural advantages it carries: no catastrophe exposure, no underwriting capital requirement, and a 31% ROE delivered without leverage.

That parity in entry multiple, against materially superior return on equity and a zero-leverage balance sheet, means the compounding quality is not commanding a premium over a brokerage model that carries leverage and generates lower returns on capital. Traditional P&C insurers, Berkley and Markel, trade at meaningful discounts to both fee models, which is rational given the capital burden and earnings volatility that underwriting risk introduces. Erie Indemnity shares none of that burden. Whether today's multiple accurately reflects the century-long retention flywheel and the cooperative pricing discipline outlined earlier, or whether the market is weighting the structural constraints more heavily than the structural advantages, is the central valuation question for owners at the current price.

Erie Indemnity Has Spent a Century Collecting a Fee. The Market Still Prices It Like an Insurer.

Investor Activity

The shareholder data reveals something specific about how sophisticated capital is positioning around this stock. Most funds visible in the ownership table bought at prices materially above today's level, average costs ranging from approximately $261 to $362, and remain underwater on those positions. Yet the predominant behavior across recent reporting periods has been accumulation, not exit.

Renaissance Technologies (Trades, Portfolio) expanded its position by 566%, adding approximately 34,400 shares at an average cost near $307 per share. The scale of that addition from a fund whose methodology is driven by statistical and quantitative signals, not earnings narratives, suggests that current price levels register as anomalously attractive against the firm's models. Joel Greenblatt (Trades, Portfolio)'s Gotham Asset Management, a firm explicitly built around ranking businesses by earnings yield and return on capital, added 19.7% to its position at an average cost of approximately $261. Greenblatt's framework would identify Erie's combination of a 31% ROE and a 4.5% adjusted earnings yield as a statistically compelling rank, and the recent addition expresses that view with real capital. Paul Tudor Jones (Trades, Portfolio)'s Tudor Investment increased its position 13.3%, adding approximately 6,800 shares. Maverick Capital, run by Lee Ainslie (Trades, Portfolio) and known for taking long-duration fundamental positions in high-quality compounders, initiated an entirely new position at approximately $302 per share.

The most structurally significant accumulation visible in the chart is DE Shaw's 75,600 shares, valued at approximately $21.7 million against an average cost of $362 per share, a paper loss of more than 30%. A systematic fund of DE Shaw's caliber that holds a position through a drawdown of that magnitude is expressing a view about the duration and quality of the earnings stream, not a short-term price prediction. Geode Capital Management holds 810,000 shares at approximately $232 million, reflecting index-driven ownership and providing less directional signal. The discretionary managers, Tudor, Maverick, Gotham, Renaissance, tell the more useful story: sophisticated capital is adding to or initiating exposure in a business that has pulled back from its highs, at a price below the average cost of every meaningful holder in the table. That collective behavior reflects a shared read on the underlying fee engine: intact, compounding, and mispriced by a market that still classifies it alongside the insurers it works for.

Risks

The most direct risk is a sustained deceleration in premium growth at the Exchange. Erie Indemnity's fee revenue is a direct function of what the Exchange writes. If premium growth slows materially, whether from soft market pricing conditions, competitive pressure in the business's 12-state footprint, or a contraction in the personal lines markets where the Exchange is most heavily exposed, fee revenue decelerates proportionally. The Exchange's growth rate of 14% to 16% in recent quarters reflects in part rate increases implemented in response to elevated loss costs in auto and homeowners lines. As those rate cycles normalize and competitive conditions return, premium growth will moderate. An owner should calibrate to a fee stream that grows with the industry through the cycle, not one that permanently sustains double-digit expansion.

The structural constraints of the model deserve more explicit naming than most coverage of the company provides. The management fee is capped at 25% under the governing agreement and additionally limited by Pennsylvania insurance regulations, Erie Indemnity cannot grow earnings by raising its fee rate under any scenario. All revenue growth depends on Exchange premium volume, which management does not directly control. The Exchange's investment portfolio, which has generated meaningful float income across decades of operation, belongs to the Exchange's subscribers rather than to Erie Indemnity's shareholders; the float accrues to the cooperative, not to the fee manager. Capital allocation, as the $100 million foundation contribution illustrates, is not directed solely toward maximizing shareholder returns; management serves a broader set of stakeholders by the nature of the reciprocal structure, and that will periodically shape how cash is deployed. None of these constraints are new or concealed, and the market has clearly weighted them into a valuation that sits well below the multiple of a fully shareholder-aligned compounder. But taken together, they define a business whose earnings ceiling is set externally, whose float income does not accrue to common stockholders, and whose capital priorities are not exclusively shareholder-directed. An investor who needs all three to work in their favor will not find them here.

Geographic concentration is the third material risk. The Exchange operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia, with significant exposure concentrated in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions. A severe or repeated catastrophe season in those states, the Exchange absorbed a $370 million hailstorm event in 2025, increases the Exchange's loss ratio and puts pressure on its capital position and retention rates. If the Exchange's financial condition were to weaken materially under sustained catastrophe pressure, that would eventually flow back to fee revenue through slower premium growth or, in an extreme case, reduced business volume. The Exchange's AM Best A+ rating reflects decades of reserve strength and capital discipline, but geographic concentration remains a genuine constraint on the diversification of the underlying risk pool that generates Erie Indemnity's income.

Conclusion

A business that earns through the cycle by design does not need the cycle to cooperate. Erie Indemnity has demonstrated exactly that for a hundred years, and the current price is not asking the owner to pay for the next hundred. In the upcoming earnings release, investors should focus on three variables that are direct inputs to the fee base: premium growth at the Exchange, the direction of the policy retention ratio, and management commentary on rate adequacy and loss cost trends. A retention rate holding at or above 90% would reinforce the structural durability of the agent-driven model; any sustained deterioration in that figure would be the most important signal to monitor. Commentary on rate adequacy matters because a meaningful portion of the Exchange's recent premium growth reflects catch-up pricing, understanding how much of that tailwind persists will anchor the earnings trajectory for the rest of 2026. For long-term owners, the earnings release is less a verdict on the business than a checkpoint on the flywheel.

At today's price, a long-term owner is entering the fee stream at approximately 22 times adjusted earnings, with the reported earnings decline entirely explained by a one-time charitable contribution that reduces neither the quality nor the durability of the underlying income. The smart money that has accumulated exposure below today's price, and in some cases well above it, has not exited. The business they are underwriting is the same one it has always been: a contractual claim on the revenue of a growing franchise, structured to earn a fixed percentage regardless of whether the cycle is favorable or punishing for insurers. At a time when insurance sector earnings are viewed through the lens of loss ratios and combined ratios, Erie Indemnity remains a business whose results are driven by none of those things, and the market has not fully priced that difference.
Seoul, April 12 : A fire broke out at a cold storage warehouse in a southwestern county on Sunday, leaving two firefighters dead as the blaze intensified during rescue operations, South Korean authorities said.

The fire started at around 8:25 am at a fisheries processing company's warehouse in the county of Wando, South Jeolla Province, prompting authorities to mobilise more than 100 firefighters. It was extinguished after about three hours, according to the Wando Fire Station, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Two firefighters became trapped inside the warehouse and were later found dead, it noted.

According to fire authorities, the blaze is believed to have started while workers were using a torch to remove paint from the building as part of floor-levelling and repaving work.

A fishery company official inhaled smoke and was sent to a nearby hospital, but was not in life-threatening condition.

Lee Min-seok, chief of the Wando Fire Station, said the two firefighters were unable to escape after re-entering the site to extinguish residual flames following the initial operation.

"Oil mist presumed to have been floating near the ceiling exploded," Lee said at a press briefing. "The operations chief ordered seven firefighters to evacuate after spotting black smoke and flames via radio communication, but two were unable to exit."

Fire authorities said they plan to investigate the exact cause of the blaze.

Investigators suspect that epoxy flooring, which is highly flammable, may have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames, compounded by the presence of sandwich panels in parts of the structure, which likely hampered firefighting efforts.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung was briefed on the incident and instructed fire authorities to mobilise all available resources to put out the fire and carry out rescue operations, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing.

In a post on social media platform X, Lee extended condolences to the deceased firefighters, aged 44 and 30, and their bereaved families.

"They rushed to the most dangerous scene to protect the lives and safety of the people, and fulfilled their duties to the very end," Lee wrote. "I bow my head in tribute to their courage and dedication."

Lee said the government takes the incident "seriously" and will make efforts to ensure a safer environment for firefighters to carry out their missions.
Chennai, April 12 : Highlighting the successful evacuation of Indian fishermen from Iran amid the ongoing West Asia conflict, BJP leader Amit Malviya has triggered a political debate in Tamil Nadu over the response of both the Centre and the state government.

In a post on social media, Malviya pointed to the safe return of 222 fishermen from Tamil Nadu as part of a second batch of 312 evacuees brought back from Iran. The group also included 73 individuals from Gujarat, nine from Kerala, and eight from Puducherry.

Earlier this month, 345 fishermen from Tamil Nadu had already been flown back to Chennai in a separate evacuation effort. Many of these fishermen were working near Kish Island in Iran when the conflict in West Asia intensified, leaving them stranded without jobs, income, or essential resources.

Their return has brought immense relief to families across coastal districts in Tamil Nadu, where concerns had been growing over their safety.

Malviya credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he described as swift and compassionate action to bring back Indian citizens from a conflict zone.

He noted that the evacuation reflects the Centreas commitment to protecting Indian nationals abroad during crises. At the same time, his remarks raised questions about the role of the Tamil Nadu government during the six-week-long crisis.

He asked whether Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had formally sought urgent repatriation of the stranded fishermen or whether the issue had been forcefully raised in Parliament by DMK MPs.

The comments have added a political dimension to what was otherwise seen as a humanitarian operation.

Observers note that such debates are not uncommon in Tamil Nadu, where issues concerning fishermen often carry both emotional and political weight.

The discussion has also revived references to the long-standing Katchatheevu Agreement, frequently cited in political discourse around fishermenas rights and maritime challenges.

While the safe return of the fishermen has been widely welcomed across party lines, the episode has once again highlighted how humanitarian issues can quickly evolve into political flashpoints in the state.
Abu Dhabi, April 12 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar called on UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi on Sunday and conveyed greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the UAE during the conflict in West Asia.

Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was also present during the meeting.

"Deeply honoured to call on President of UAE HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi today. Conveyed warm greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and our gratitude for ensuring well-being of the Indian community during the West Asia conflict. Thank him for his guidance on further strengthening the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

In another post, he wrote: "Good to see HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during the call. Conveyed the appreciation of our Government for ensuring the welfare of the Indian community in Dubai."

EAM Jaishankar is on a two-day official visit to the UAE. On Saturday, he held talks with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the evolving situation in West Asia and its wider implications.

The External Affairs Minister expressed confidence that the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations will advance further.

"A real pleasure to meet DPM and FM of UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi this evening. Our conversation focused on the evolving regional situation and its implications. Conveyed our deep appreciation for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the UAE. Confident that our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will advance further," he wrote on X.

EAM Jaishankar also interacted with the members of the Indian community on Saturday. During his interaction, he highlighted the Indian government's ongoing efforts towards the security and well-being of its nationals amidst the West Asia conflict.

"Started my visit to the UAE interacting with the members of the Indian Community. Spoke about GOI's efforts towards their well-being and security amidst the West Asia conflict. Appreciated their contributions to the local society during these difficult times. As well as the support of the Government of the UAE in ensuring welfare of the Indian community," the minister posted on X after the meeting.

EAM Jaishankar arrived in the UAE on Saturday for a two-day official visit after concluding his visit to Mauritius, where he participated in the 9th Indian Ocean Conference and met the country's leadership.
Mumbai, April 12 : Indian equity markets witnessed a sharp rally last week, lifting the combined market valuation of eight out of the top-10 most valued companies by a massive Rs 4,13,003.23 crore.

The gain was led by strong gains in banking heavyweights HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank.

The upbeat sentiment in the market was reflected in benchmark indices, with the Sensex surging 4,230.7 points or 5.77 per cent, while the Nifty climbed 1,337.5 points or 5.88 per cent during the week.

According to Ajit Mishra of Religare Broking Limited, market sentiment remained buoyant amid optimism over a temporary US-Iran ceasefire.

However, lingering geopolitical uncertainties capped the pace of gains toward the latter part of the week.

He also noted that a sharp drop in crude oil prices below the $100 mark eased domestic concerns and supported a broad-based rebound in equities.

Among the top performers, HDFC Bank emerged as the biggest gainer, adding Rs 91,282.67 crore to take its market capitalisation to Rs 12,47,478.57 crore.

ICICI Bank followed closely, with its valuation jumping Rs 76,036.36 crore to Rs 9,46,741.85 crore.

Financial services major Bajaj Finance saw its market value surge by Rs 60,980.35 crore to Rs 5,75,206.47 crore, while engineering giant Larsen & Toubro added Rs 47,624.97 crore, taking its valuation to Rs 5,44,736.59 crore.

Telecom major Bharti Airtel gained Rs 45,873.43 crore to reach a market capitalisation of Rs 10,66,293.69 crore.

Public sector lender State Bank of India also witnessed a strong rally, with its valuation rising Rs 43,614.67 crore to Rs 9,84,629.98 crore.

In the IT space, Tata Consultancy Services added Rs 26,303.49 crore to its market cap, which stood at Rs 9,13,331.92 crore.

FMCG major Hindustan Unilever also posted gains, with its valuation climbing Rs 21,287.29 crore to Rs 5,06,477.89 crore.

However, not all companies shared in the rally. IT giant Infosys saw its market capitalisation decline by Rs 3,285.03 crore to Rs 5,24,124.40 crore.

Similarly, Reliance Industries experienced a marginal erosion of Rs 947.28 crore, taking its valuation to Rs 18,27,086.79 crore.

Despite the dip, Reliance Industries retained its position as Indiaas most valued company, followed by HDFC Bank, Bharti Airtel, State Bank of India, ICICI Bank and Tata Consultancy Services.
Kolkata, April 12 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday slammed the Mamata Banerjee government over its appeasement politics and added that a "UP-model treatment" is required in West Bengal to put an end to Trinamool Congress' hooliganism and mafia raj.

Addressing an election rally in Sonamukhi of Bankura district, CM Yogi said once the BJP forms a government in West Bengal after the Assembly polls, the new government would provide a solution to stop violence.

"Anarchy and hooliganism are going on in Bengal. Trinamool's goons and mafia raj are rampant here. At one time, there used to be riots on every festival and occasion in Uttar Pradesh and goons and mafia used to run the government. After the BJP government came, there is no longer appeasement politics or mafia raj. Now there is satisfaction. All the mafias in UP have gone on a journey to hell. Everything is fine in UP. There is no mafia, no goon. Now every citizen is safe there. The UP model treatment is required in Bengal as well to stop TMC's atrocities and mafia raj. The BJP has the remedy for goons," said Adityanath.

The UP Chief Minister questioned the silence of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the killing of a Hindu in Bangladesh. Targeting Banerjee over her alleged appeasement politics, CM Yogi said, "Vote traders want to change the demography of Bengal. A few months ago, a Dalit Hindu was brutally murdered in Bangladesh. We protested against this, but Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Didi remained silent. She was afraid; she feared that if she spoke out, she might lose her Muslim votes. I have come to appeal to all of you not to allow the Congress, the Left, and the TMC to play havoc with the future of our future generations."

He further said that these people create obstacles during Durga Puja and Navratri celebrations in Bengal. "We cannot tolerate this anymore; we will not tolerate it at all. This is the right time for all of us to work together and restore Bengal to its former glory," he said.

The UP Chief Minister claimed that change will definitely come to Bengal. "West Bengal has now embarked on a new path of change. It is sad to see the plight of Bengal today. Bengal is the land of Swami Vivekananda. Today, Bengal has been pushed into poverty first by the Congress, then by the Leftists, and now, for the last 15 years, by the TMC," he added.
Siliguri, April 12 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video on Sunday from his rally in West Bengal's Siliguri, showcasing the large and enthusiastic crowd chanting "Modi Modi," cheering loudly, and waving BJP flags.

In the video, the Prime Minister can be seen capturing the lively atmosphere with his phone, smiling as he waves back to the massive gathering.

Sharing the video on Instagram, PM Modi wrote, "To see the mood in West Bengal, come to Siliguri. There's only one party in the hearts and minds of the people -- BJP!"

A large crowd gathered at the rally venue in Siliguri to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister and listen to his address.

The attendees expressed their happiness and enthusiasm about meeting him. Chants of "Modi, Modi" and "BJP Zindabad" echoed throughout the crowd, which was holding the Tricolour, BJP flags, and portraits of PM Modi.

During his address in Siliguri, the Prime Minister launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress, stating that the party's emphasis on appeasement politics is clearly reflected in the annual budgetary allocations of the state government.

"The Trinamool Congress government had allotted Rs 6,000 crore for madrasa education development. However, the state government's budgetary allocations for North Bengal, which is the gateway to Northeast India, are virtually zero. This proves that the entire focus of the Trinamool Congress-ruled government in West Bengal is just appeasement politics and to please a particular community," the Prime Minister said while addressing a campaign rally at Siliguri of Darjeeling district in North Bengal.

He also reminded the people of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's engagement in a Durga Puja carnival in Kolkata in October last year, when the entire North Bengal was being ravaged by severe floods and landslides.

He also accused the Trinamool Congress leaders of backing the "Tukde-Tukde (Divisive) gang", which was to cut off the Siliguri Corridor through insurgency actions. "There is a 'Tukde-Tukde gang' in India, which has recently threatened to cut off the Siliguri Corridor. Trinamool Congress leadership at all levels supports such gangs. This is their real character. Only a BJP-led government can protect the Siliguri Corridor and thus ensure the safety of the country," the Prime Minister said.

He also accused Trinamool Congress and the state government of creating hindrances for the Union government to implement the Central welfare projects in the state.

Earlier on Saturday, the Prime Minister had addressed three mega campaign rallies across different districts of West Bengal on the same day. Following these engagements, he participated in a grand roadshow at Bagdogra near Siliguri in the Darjeeling district on Saturday evening.

As the Prime Minister's convoy moved through the roads, thousands of people lined the streets, enthusiastically chanting slogans such as "Modi-Modi" and "Jai Shree Ram". The atmosphere was charged with excitement as supporters gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the leader.

Initially, PM Modi was seen seated in the front of his vehicle beside the driver, waving to the crowd. Later, he leaned out of the vehicle window, greeting supporters while holding a replica of the BJP's election symbol, the lotus. His direct interaction further energised the crowd, with chants growing louder and more spirited.
Mumbai, April 12 : Actor-director Rajat Kapoor, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming streaming film 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa', has spoken up how his friendship with actor Ranvir Shorey and Vinay Pathak reflects in their work when they collaborate.

The actors, who go a long way back, have been friends for over 30 years, and have collaborated frequently. However, the three of them came together for the first time in 18 years after 'Mithya'.

The three actors spoke with IANS during the promotions of 'Everybody Loves Sohrab Handa' in the Juhu area of Mumbai. Rajat shared that their friendship allows each of them to push their creative boundaries.

He told IANS, "It does not matter what film we make together or what play we do together, whether it is a dark comedy or thriller, the fact that there is immense love and trust as friends and as collaborators amongst all of us, that is very important".

He further mentioned, "I think that helps us to push the boundaries a little more every time. I can ask them for more and they trust me enough to give more of themselves and really and they push themselves to the limits to get the perfect shot or to capture the perfect moment on camera. So, I think that really helps in any kind of new creation. And I think that comes out of this privilege of having trusted friends over a period of time".

Their friendship dates back to their early years in theatre and independent cinema. All three were associated with Mumbai's English theatre circuit and later became key collaborators in India's alternative film movement of the 2000s.

Their professional collaborations have been built on mutual trust, similar acting sensibilities, and a preference for unconventional scripts. Rajat Kapoor has directed both of them in multiple projects. Their friendship reflects a shared journey through theatre, indie filmmaking, and mainstream recognition.
Hyderabad, April 12 : A BMW driver was caught by traffic police in Hyderabad after he allegedly used a high-tech mechanism to change his car's number plate to avoid 'challans' (fines), officials said on Sunday.

Hyderabad, April 12 (IANS) A BMW driver was caught by traffic police in Hyderabad after he allegedly used a high-tech mechanism to change his caras number plate to avoid 'challans' (fines), officials said on Sunday.

The police detected the trick during checking as part of the drive against drunk driving in upscale Jubilee Hills on Saturday night, police officials said.

According to police, the vehicle owner was allegedly swapping number plates to evade traffic penalties.

The accused, allegedly drunk, had installed remotely controlled flip number plates, allowing him to change the vehicleas registration at the press of a button.

The traffic police officials were shocked to see the car fitted with an advanced system to change the number plate.

The accused had installed two number plates -- of Delhi and Telangana -- to evade the challans.

This is said to be the first such incident in which a car was found to be fitted with the high-tech mechanism to change the number plate.

The police seized the vehicle and registered a case. Further investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad traffic police said on Sunday that a total of 466 drunk driving cases have been registered over the past two days. Strict enforcement continues across the city to ensure road safety. The majority of cases involve two-wheelers (404). The highest violations were detected in the 21a"30 age group.

Police said 16 offenders were convicted and sentenced to jail.

Meanwhile, Cyberabad Traffic Police (CTP) conducted a special drunk driving enforcement drive over the weekend, resulting in the apprehension of 240 offenders.

A total of 193 two-wheelers, nine three-wheelers and 38 four-wheelers were caught during the drive.

Offenders were categorised based on their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels. As many as 199 offenders had BAC levels ranging from 36 mg/100 ml to 200 mg/100 ml, while 32 offenders had BAC levels ranging from 201 mg/100 ml to 300 mg/100 ml. The remaining nine offenders had BAC levels ranging from 301 mg/100 ml to 550 mg/100 ml.

All the offenders will be produced before the court, said Cyberabad Traffic Police.

Cyberabad Police reiterated that driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence. If anyone is found to be driving in an inebriated condition and causes a fatal accident, such individuals will be booked under Section 105 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (Culpable homicide not amounting to murder). The maximum punishment under this section is 10 years of imprisonment along with a fine.
Colombo, April 12 : The 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), a 141-page document, formally adopted during China's National People's Congress (NPC) Two Sessions in early March 2026 appears to be a strategic blueprint for deepening Beijing's presence across the developing world, more so in South Asia, a media report said on Sunday.

The Two Sessions, which bring together the NPC and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, function as the institutional machinery through which the Communist Party converts political priorities into binding policy.

Under Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, these documents have shifted further away from high-speed growth toward technological self-reliance, national security, and state guidance of the economy, said a report in Asia News Post.

This year's sessions institutionalised that shift at scale, and South Asia is expected to feel the consequences across the next five years in ways that go well beyond conventional infrastructure lending.

China watchers have noted that Beijing is likely to leverage the overall planning process for the 15th Five-Year Plan, a 141-page document, to augment support for its Global Governance Initiative and Global Development Initiative from Global South countries, the media report added.

South Asian states except India are, for the most part, poorly positioned to resist this logic.

Their infrastructure financing needs remain enormous, their capacity to independently develop AI governance frameworks is limited, and the institutional alternatives, the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and Western bilateral lenders, move slowly and come with conditionalities that are politically costly.

Beijing's offer is quicker, cheaper to accept in the short term, and packaged in the language of South-South solidarity and shared development.

The Two Sessions and the 15th Five-Year Plan together signal that China's South Asia strategy has matured beyond the blunt instrument of loans for ports. It has become more subtle, more technology-dense and significantly harder to reverse.

"The question for Dhaka, Colombo, Kathmandu, and Islamabad is not whether they wish to engage with China, the trade and investment numbers make disengagement implausible," the media report said.

The question is whether they are building the institutional capacity to set terms on that engagement before the next five years lock in a new generation of dependencies.

On current evidence, most are not moving fast enough to answer that question confidently, the media report added.
New Delhi, April 12 : Pakistan Railways, once regarded as a backbone of national integration, is grappling with a severe structural crisis marked by weak governance, ageing infrastructure and declining public trust, a report has said.

According to recent government and industry data cited by The News International, the railwaysa revenue has risen significantly from around Rs 60 billion in 2021-22 to over Rs 93 billion in 2024-25 -- reflecting nearly 50 per cent growth.

The increase has been driven by improved operations, outsourcing initiatives and partial revival of services.

However, the financial picture remains strained when expenditures are taken into account. Annual costs are estimated at around Rs 120 billion, leaving a deficit of Rs 30-35 billion.

While a modest surplus of about Rs 2 billion has been reported for 2024-25, it excludes pension liabilities and long-term infrastructure costs, the report said.

The system continues to rely heavily on government support, with federal subsidies estimated at Rs 40-50 billion annually, the report added.

The decline in freight share underscores deeper inefficiencies. From carrying 75 per cent of the countryas freight in 1970, Pakistan Railways now handles less than 5 per cent, as road transport dominates logistics.

This shift has contributed to higher logistics costs, estimated at 14-18 per cent of GDP, compared to 8-10 per cent in more efficient economies.

Globally, freight remains the primary revenue driver for railways, but in Pakistan it contributes only around Rs 30 billion.

Operational challenges further compound the crisis. Passenger trains operate at average speeds of 50-65 km/h, while freight trains are even slower due to outdated tracks and reliance on manual signalling.

Safety concerns persist, with 95 incidents reported in 2025 and more than 3,000 of the countryas 7,000 level crossings remaining unmanned.

Experts argued that Pakistan Railways suffers from an unclear institutional model, operating neither as a fully commercial entity nor as an optimised public utility.

Comparisons with global systems highlight this gap. The UK separates infrastructure from operations to promote competition and efficiency, while India has strengthened its unified public network through electrification and dedicated freight corridors.

Pakistan, by contrast, remains stuck in a hybrid structure that has led to inefficiencies and policy drift, the report stated.
But it does something far more important: it introduces optionality. And optionality kills one-way trades.

Because the moment the market starts to see even a flicker of a different future  not peace, but the possibility of it  the entire framework starts to wobble. The Easter truce is not a peace deal. It is barely even a pause.

For three years, the European defense trade has been one of the cleanest macro plays in global markets. War drove spending. Spending drove earnings. Earnings drove stocks. Simple. Too simple, in hindsight.

Still, for markets, the signal mattered more than the substance.

Despite the shift in sentiment, officials on both sides stressed the limited scope of the ceasefire. The Kremlin described it as temporary, while Ukrainian officials and soldiers expressed skepticism about whether it would hold, pointing to repeated violations of past truce agreements.

The moves extended an earlier trend triggered by comments from Ukrainian negotiator Kyrylo Budanov, who had suggested talks with Russia were progressing faster than expected.

Companies tied to infrastructure and rebuilding, including Buzzi, Holcim, and Heidelberg Materials, rose around 4% to 5% as investors rotated into names that could benefit from a post-war reconstruction cycle in Ukraine.

Shares in major European defense contractors dropped across the board. Rheinmetall fell around 5% to 6%, Leonardo declined roughly 5%, while Hensoldt, Saab, and BAE Systems also moved lower. Some smaller and more speculative names saw steeper declines, with losses approaching high single digits. At the same time, construction and materials stocks rallied.

While the truce is explicitly temporary and humanitarian in nature, it marked a rare moment of alignment between the two sides and injected a new variable into market thinking: what if this is the start of something bigger? Markets reacted immediately.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a ceasefire from Saturday afternoon through Easter Sunday, halting combat operations across all fronts. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signaled Kyiv would respond symmetrically, effectively confirming participation in the pause.

European defense stocks fell sharply on April 10 after Russia and Ukraine agreed to a temporary Orthodox Easter truce, adding fresh momentum to already building optimism around a potential path toward peace.

Europes defense rally just met its first real test: not escalation, but de-escalation. Even a 32-hour ceasefire was enough to make investors question the trade thats dominated markets for three years.

Story Continues

Up until now, defense stocks have been priced for continuation. Not necessarily endless war, but sustained urgency. Governments scrambling to rearm. Multi-year procurement cycles. Structural increases in NATO spending. That story is still intact. What has changed is that it is no longer the only story.

Because once you introduce the idea that the war could wind down, investors start asking a different set of questions. How much of the defense boom is already priced in? How long can earnings growth stay at these levels?

What happens to order momentum if geopolitical risk cools, even slightly? And crucially: where does the next marginal euro go?

Markets are forward-looking machines. They do not wait for peace to happen. They start pricing it the moment it becomes imaginable.

That is why construction stocks rallied so quickly. The market is already sketching the next chapter: reconstruction.

Ukraines rebuilding effort is not a footnote. It is potentially one of the largest infrastructure cycles in Europe in decades. Roads, housing, energy systems, industrial capacity  all need to be rebuilt or replaced. That is a multi-year, multi-billion euro story.

And unlike defense spending, which is politically sensitive and cyclical, reconstruction has a different kind of momentum. It is visible, tangible, and broadly supported. So capital rotates.

But here is where it gets more nuanced. Even if the war ends, Europe is not going back to its old defense posture. That world is gone.

The invasion of Ukraine fundamentally reset how European governments think about security. Defense budgets are structurally higher. Supply chains are being localized. Strategic autonomy is now a policy priority, not a talking point.

So the long-term case for defense companies does not disappear. What disappears is the certainty. And markets are brutal when certainty fades.

The defense trade has also become crowded. After a multi-year rally, positioning is heavy, expectations are high, and valuations are stretched. That makes the sector vulnerable to exactly this kind of narrative shift.

It does not take much. A comment. A headline. A temporary ceasefire. Suddenly, everyone starts looking for the exit at the same time. Not a collapse in fundamentals, but a crack in the story.

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The next move depends on whether this was a blip or the beginning of a trend.

If the Easter truce holds, even partially, and leads to further confidence-building measures, markets will lean harder into the peace narrative. That likely means continued pressure on defense stocks and further gains in reconstruction plays.

If the ceasefire breaks down, as many expect, the reversal could be just as sharp. Defense names would likely rebound as investors reprice prolonged conflict and sustained military spending. In the near term, this is a headline-driven market.

Every update from the front line, every comment from negotiators, every signal from Washington or Moscow will move prices.

But beneath the noise, a deeper shift is underway. The market is no longer trading just the war. It is trading the end of it. And that is a much more complex, much more volatile story.

Downstream Analysis

Positive Impacts

Companies

Buzzi (BZU)  This Italian cement producer rallied as investors anticipated increased demand for construction materials during Ukraine's post-war reconstruction.

Holcim (HOLN)  As a global leader in building materials, Holcim saw its shares rise on expectations of significant infrastructure and housing rebuilding projects in Ukraine.

Heidelberg Materials (HEI)  This German building materials company benefited from the market's rotation into reconstruction plays, signaling future demand for its products.

CRH plc (CRH)  As a major international building materials group with a strong European presence, CRH is poised to benefit from large-scale infrastructure projects.

Vinci SA (DG)  This global concessions and construction company would likely secure significant contracts for rebuilding roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in Ukraine.

Industries

Construction  The industry is set to benefit from a multi-year, multi-billion euro reconstruction effort in Ukraine, driving demand for services and labor.

Materials  Producers of cement, steel, aggregates, and other building materials will see increased demand and potentially higher prices due to large-scale rebuilding projects.

Infrastructure  Companies specializing in large-scale infrastructure development and management will find significant opportunities in rebuilding Ukraine's damaged systems.

Countries / Commodities

Ukraine  The country stands to benefit from massive international investment and aid for reconstruction, leading to long-term economic recovery and development.

Cement  Demand for cement is expected to surge as housing, roads, and industrial capacity are rebuilt across Ukraine.

Steel  Reconstruction efforts will require substantial quantities of steel for structural components in buildings and infrastructure.

Aggregates  Sand, gravel, and crushed stone will be in high demand for concrete production and road construction during the rebuilding phase.

Neutral Impacts

Negative Impacts

Companies

Rheinmetall (RHM)  Shares of this German defense contractor fell sharply as signals of de-escalation led investors to question the sustained growth narrative for defense spending.

Leonardo (LDO)  The Italian aerospace, defense, and security company experienced a decline in stock value as the market priced in reduced urgency for military procurement.

Hensoldt (HAG)  This German defense electronics company saw its stock move lower, reflecting investor concerns about a potential slowdown in defense order momentum.

Saab (SAAB B)  The Swedish aerospace and defense company's shares declined as the prospect of peace introduced uncertainty into the previously clear defense trade.

BAE Systems (BA.L)  As a major UK-based defense contractor, BAE Systems saw its stock fall, indicating a market re-evaluation of the sector's growth trajectory.

Thales SA (HO.PA)  This French multinational defense and aerospace company is likely to face similar headwinds from reduced urgency in European defense spending.

Airbus SE (AIR)  While diversified, Airbus's defense and space division could see reduced order momentum if geopolitical risks cool, impacting its overall valuation.

Industries

Defense  The industry faces a re-evaluation of its growth prospects and valuations as the market shifts from pricing in sustained conflict to the possibility of de-escalation.

Key Downstream Effects

[Immediate] Market Rotation from Defense to Reconstruction  The 32-hour ceasefire immediately triggered a rotation of capital from defense stocks to construction and materials companies, demonstrating how quickly markets price in shifts in geopolitical narratives. This effect is likely to be highly sensitive to further peace signals or renewed conflict. Confidence: High.

[Short-term] Increased Volatility in European Equities  The market will remain highly headline-driven, with every update on the conflict or peace talks causing sharp price movements in defense and reconstruction-related sectors. This volatility reflects the uncertainty of whether the de-escalation is a blip or a trend. Confidence: High.

[Medium-term] Re-evaluation of Defense Sector Valuations  Investors will continue to scrutinize the long-term growth prospects of defense companies, questioning if current valuations fully account for a potential slowdown in order momentum and the fading certainty of sustained high spending. This could lead to a period of underperformance for the sector. Confidence: Medium.

[Long-term] Structural Increase in European Defense Budgets  Despite short-term market reactions, the underlying geopolitical shift caused by the invasion of Ukraine means European governments are unlikely to revert to pre-war defense postures. Defense budgets are expected to remain structurally higher, though the urgency and pace of procurement might moderate. Confidence: Medium.

[Long-term] Massive Ukrainian Reconstruction Investment  The market is already anticipating one of Europe's largest infrastructure cycles in decades, with multi-billion euro investments needed to rebuild Ukraine. This will create sustained demand for construction services, materials, and related industries over many years. Confidence: High.

Economic Indicators

 STOXX Europe Total Market Aerospace & Defense Index  The index will likely decline further or remain under pressure as investors reprice the defense sector's growth trajectory.

 European Construction Materials Prices  Anticipated surge in demand for materials like cement, steel, and aggregates for Ukraine's reconstruction will drive prices higher.

 European Infrastructure Spending  Long-term, significant capital will be allocated to rebuilding Ukraine, boosting overall infrastructure investment across Europe.

 Geopolitical Risk Premium (Europe)  Continued signals of de-escalation would reduce the perceived geopolitical risk in Europe, potentially lowering risk-adjusted returns for some assets.

 Ukraine GDP Growth  In the long term, massive reconstruction efforts, coupled with international aid and investment, are expected to significantly boost Ukraine's economic output.

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Kolkata, April 12 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while addressing an election rally in Nandakumar Assembly constituency in West Bengal's East Midnapore district, said on Sunday that those who oppose 'Vande Mataram' should leave the country.

"From the land of Uttar Pradesh, the holy place of Lord Ram, Mahadev and Krishna, I have come to the land which has the national song and anthem. Those opposing Vande Mataram should leave the country," he said.

In his speech, the UP Chief Minister mentioned prominent Bengali personalities such as Swami Vivekananda, Khudiram Bose, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee and talked about their influence on the country's national spirit.

"Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee had said that there cannot be two laws in one nation, and that dream has been fulfilled under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The abrogation of Article 370, which was a long-standing ideological objective, has now been realised. The country is scaling new heights under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.

Adityanath also criticised the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal over a rise in political violence in the state.

He said, "This is the land which produces several scientists and notable personalities, including Rabindranath Tagore. However, Trinamool Congress has made this place a land of polarisation and atrocities. The appeasement politics of the Trinamool know no limits. It is facilitating infiltration for its electoral advantage. The TMC government is not helping in the fencing work of the border just to use infiltrators as their vote bank."

He also referred to incidents of violence across the state and severely criticised the TMC governmentas stance over such incidents, including during the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder incident.

"Mamata didi was mute over the horrifying incident of RG Kar Medical College because the goons of TMC were somehow involved in it. She remains silent when atrocities are carried out on women and Hindus," he added.

All in all, the UP Chief Minister held three election rallies in West Bengal on Sunday.
New Delhi, April 12 : The World Bank, the IMF, tax consultants, and commentators frequently assert that Pakistan suffers from a "tax gap" of seven to nine per cent of GDP.

This gap in the shortfall between what is collected and what the law, ideally enforced, would yield, and the metric implies that this shortfall is a result of citizens not paying the taxes that are due from them. This narrative favours the tax collector and policymaker to deflect their own mistakes and increased coercion to ensure compliance, according to an article in the Dawn newspaper.

The article is of the view that it is wrong to blame taxpayers for this shortfall in collections, as a large share of this gap is not evasion but policy. By lumping together evasion, avoidance, and policy-driven exclusions, the narrative shifts attention away from a warped tax policy and weak state legitimacy.

It points out that Pakistan possesses a distorted, fragmented tax system due to separate federal and provincial jurisdictions. This system is riddled with exemptions, concessions, and preferential regimes, as well as excessive and often multiple taxes. Excessive taxation and several exemptions, with a complicated and confused policy, force even good citizens to game the system for survival. In addition, most working adults earn below the income tax threshold. What looks like non-compliance is part poverty, part deliberate exclusion.

The article further states that the design of the system is also inefficient, exemplified by a host of convoluted taxes, high rates, heavy reliance on over 230 distortive withholding taxes and unpredictability (frequent changes in laws and procedures). Moreover, compliance processes are complex, and the paperwork so burdensome that even willing taxpayers struggle to comply. It is revealing that much of the gap is actually documented policy. Official tax expenditure reports list the vast exemptions across the system. Similarly, the sales tax system is weakened by exemptions that break the value-added chain. What appears as a gap is often just a system not designed to function cleanly.

Treating the full gap as arecoverablea leads to direct bad policy, poor outcomes, unrealistic IMF-imposed targets, and excessive pressure on the Federal Bureau of Revenue, leading to harassment of those already documented. This asqueezing of the squeezeda targets captive salaried individuals and a small number of firms, which also bear a heavy compliance burden as collection agents for the FBR. They get punished simply because they are visible in the data. The consequences are predictable. Fear of the system discourages registration. Firms fragment to stay below thresholds. Transactions move off the books. Cash use increases (cash in circulation today is Rs 12.1 trillion, having increased by Rs 1.5 trillion this year). The effective tax base shrinks even as enforcement intensifies, the article lamented.
Islamabad, April 12 : Women's presence in Pakistan's Parliament remains quota-driven. Presently, only one woman has been elected from a general seat, while others have become members through reserved seats, but the leadership positions, from Chairman to Leader of Opposition, remain dominated by men, demonstrating the failure of political parties, a report said.

A new report by the Free and Fair Election Network has revealed that female Senators accounted for 20 per cent of the Senate's agenda during the 2025-2026 Parliamentary year, surpassing 18 per cent share of seats, according to an editorial in the daily Dawn.

"The Fafen report shows Pakistani women in Parliament have shown competence, range and commitment. The question is no longer whether they can perform. It is whether the political system will allow them to lead," it noted.

Women parliamentarians contributed beyond their numerical strength; they did so in various policy areas, from economic management to national security and taxation.

On a per capita basis, women performed better than their male counterparts, submitting an average of 12 agenda items each compared to 11 by men.

Their legislative priorities rejected the stereotype that women lawmakers only highlight 'women's issues' as more than half of their agenda focused on national-level concerns, implying that if space exists, women parliamentarians are not only present but substantive contributors.

"Yet the report also reveals the limits of this progress. The Senate's Gender Responsiveness Score stands at 0.9, indicating that women's legislative initiatives receive less attention than those of their male colleagues. More tellingly, most female Senators fall into the "rarely spoke" category in plenary debates. But the deeper constraint lies outside the chamber," the editorial said.

"Women's presence in Parliament remains overwhelmingly quota-driven. Of the current cohort, only one woman has been elected on a general seat; the rest entered through reserved quotas. Leadership positions -- from Chairman to Opposition leader -- remain male-dominated. This is a failure of political parties. Parties control the pipeline of power. By allocating most general seat tickets to men, they cap women's political growth, confining them to the margins of electoral politics while benefiting from their performance within the legislatures. This exposes a contradiction: women are trusted to legislate, scrutinise and represent -- but not to contest and win," it added.

Reform must start at the party level if the imbalance in Pakistan is to be corrected, it stressed.

Political parties need to actively promote women as candidates for general seats. It demands investment in the development of candidates, equitable ticket distribution and pathways into party leadership.
Kolkata, April 12 : Trinamool Congress supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, on Sunday announced a new 'resolution' to remove the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government from the Centre after winning the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal.

While speaking at an election rally in Bankura district's Onda, Chief Minister Banerjee said, "We (Trinamool Congress) will conquer Bengal and remove the BJP government from Delhi. This is our resolution. The Bengali New Year is coming. On the first day of Baishakh, we will resolve to bid farewell to the BJP."

She also spoke about the Trinamool Congress government's achievements.

"We (Trinamool Congress) have made 1 crore 30 lakh pucca houses. This time our resolution is that in the future, we will make all the raw houses that are there pucca so that people get a shelter. Water taps will reach all the houses. No matter how much they (BJP) campaign and lie, our achievements are there for the people to see."

The Trinamool Congress supremo also said that BJP fails to keep promises it made to people before the elections.

"We keep our promises when we make them. And they (BJP) cheat. They go everywhere before the elections and promise to give money. But after the results of the elections are declared, they are nowhere to be found."

The Chief Minister also said, "Before the elections in Delhi, they (BJP) said they would give Rs 3,000 to every woman. They have not given a single rupee yet. They are lying in Bihar. They are cheating women by lying. They said they would give Rs 8,000 in their bank accounts. They promised it before the elections. The next day they drove the bulldozer. They have finished the country. Many people went to Bihar to make a name for themselves. Now they understand. Women are saying, give us money."

A few days ago, Union Home Minister Amit Shah came to West Bengal for election campaigning and had released a 'charge sheet' against Trinamool Congress government.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took a sarcastic jibe at the BJP's 'charge sheet' from her Onda meeting.

The Chief Minister said, "They (BJP) are issuing a charge sheet against Trinamool again. Our charge sheet is against you. You have tortured the country. You have destroyed the country's Constitution. You have tortured mothers, brothers and sisters."
Hyderabad, April 12 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) Working President K.T. Rama Rao (also known as KTR) on Sunday accused the Congress government in Telangana of institutionalising corruption through what he termed a "loot-and-hide scheme" across the state.

Addressing party leaders and workers at the BRS office in Mancherial district after felicitating elected representatives of Kyathanpalli municipality, he alleged that Congress leadership --from Ministers to MLAs -- were indulging in widespread corruption in every Assembly constituency and scheme.

He alleged that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was presiding over what he described as "unprecedented levels of corruption", claiming that no other Chief Minister in the country had engaged in such large-scale financial irregularities.

KTR also accused the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of acting in tandem to shield each other from corruption allegations.

He said that despite serious accusations involving Singareni Collieries and Central government schemes, no investigations had been initiated.

Referring to previous remarks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on alleged "RR tax" collections and Union Home Minister Amit Shah describing the Telangana Congress as an "ATM", KTR questioned why no formal inquiries had followed those statements.

The BRS leader alleged large-scale irregularities in the Singareni Collieries Company Limited, claiming that thousands of crores were involved in what he termed a major scam.

He also alleged that individuals linked to the Chief Minister's family were influencing contract allocations, and criticised the Centre for its "silence" despite holding a 49 per cent stake in the company.

KTR warned that the BRS would intensify its agitation if workers' issues in Singareni were not addressed.

"If corruption continues and workers' concerns are ignored, we will launch protests across every coal mine," he said.

The BRS leader also alleged that democratic norms were undermined in Kyathanpalli municipality, accusing the Congress of using police force and intimidation despite losing the local mandate.

Reiterating his party's commitment to workers and grassroots democracy, KTR called upon people to "reject the corrupt regime" and support BRS in upcoming local and Singareni elections.

He expressed confidence that the BRS would regain political ground in Mancherial district and across Telangana in the next electoral cycle.
Hyderabad, April 12 : Two employees of a cash management agency in Hyderabad allegedly fled with Rs 1.20 crore meant for deposit in the ATMs.

According to a complaint lodged by CMS Info Systems Limited with the Hyderabad Police, the two employees were missing for two days.

Naveen, the companyas branch manager in Secunderabad, complained to the police that the employees Vasireddy and Lateef have not reported for duty for two days. They were also not reachable by phone.

SR Nagar police registered a case and took up an investigation. Police have formed special teams to trace and nab the accused.

The employees were assigned the duty to deposit cash in various ATMs in the SR Nagar area.

The company collects cash from various banks and deposit in the ATMs. Its officials recently conducted an internal audit at 31 ATMs in the SR Nagar area and found a severe cash shortage at some ATMs. The audit found a shortfall of Rs 1,20,98,500.

An internal probe revealed that cash was not deposited in at least 8 ATMs. The absence of two custodians from their duty raised a suspicion about their involvement

A case has been registered at the SR Nagar Police Station. The police launched a manhunt for the absconding accused. Police were analysing CCTV footage and call data records to trace the accused.

Meanwhile, police under Toli Chowki and Goshamahal police station limits conducted a door-to-door cyber awareness campaign.

As part of the ongoing efforts to combat the menace of cybercrimes, the Goshamahal Police conducted an extensive door-to-door awareness programme at Aziz Plaza and its surrounding commercial areas.

The police officials tried to educate citizens and trade shop owners on identifying phishing links and fraudulent calls, to emphasise the importance of not sharing OTPs or personal banking details with strangers and to promote the use of the 1930 national cybercrime helpline for immediate reporting of financial frauds.

A cybercrime awareness campaign was also organised within the limits of the Tolichowki Police Station.

A dedicated auto-rickshaw equipped with a public address system traversed through key areas of Toli Chowki to broadcast safety measures against cyber-frauds.

The campaign focuses on warning citizens against clicking suspicious links, protecting personal data and OTPs from fraudsters, explaining the dangers of unauthorised remote access applications and encouraging victims to immediately report fraud via the 1930 helpline.
Islamabad, April 12 : Amid dissolution of a marriage in Pakistan, no matter which side initiated it, the fact that property, which is usually in the husband's name, serves as a hindrance to wives' being able to claim their rights or their worth within the marriage, according to an attorney and human rights activist.

As a result, Rafia Zakaria, in an opinion piece in the daily Dawn, says that it is common for married men in the country to exercise financial control over assets in order to ensure that all property acquired during the marriage is in their name, even when it results in divorce. She highlighted that the situation becomes tougher for women stuck in abusive marriages.

Zakaria has a case in hand. A former PAF officer, Amara Waqas, had married in 2015, but continuing with the tradition, her husband continued his control over the assets, which were bought during the marriage, even after their union ended. It included a Suzuki Cultus car, household items that were used by the couple, and even the dowry items that were brought by Waqas.

Zakaria writes that when Waqas requested that these items should be returned to her, she was not only refused, but it was also alleged that she had no share in the car since it was registered in her husband's name. Waqas, who had already filed for 'khula', then reportedly moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) after earlier lower court orders had refused to grant her relief in respect of the property.

'Khula', a legal and religious process in Islamic law, allows a Muslim woman to initiate divorce, often without her husband's consent, by returning the dower (mahr) or by offering compensation.

During the hearing this year, Waqas reportedly sought to retrieve her share of the property that was acquired, in whole or in part, during the marriage. She particularly argued that since she had contributed to the purchase of the Suzuki Cultus car, it was partially owned by her, Zakaria wrote.

Giving a ray of hope to millions of women in Pakistani marriages, Zakaria noted that Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani of the IHC referred to the religious concept of marriage as a partnership between husband and wife. He reportedly said in his judgment that even though husbands are usually the "financial maintainers" of their wives, the latter provide many things that are not "enumerated in monetary terms".

"Justice Kayani cited from Surah Baqarah, which directs husbands to "give them [a gift of] compensation, the wealthy according to his capability and the poor according to his capability" and that suitable compensation is the husband's duty; he also cited another verse to establish that in Islam women are entitled to just compensation," she said.

Zakaria observed that the fear of no financial support keeps women in bad marriages.

She mentioned that in the past, Pakistani courts have not established what just compensation should be beyond the haq meher or dower that is stated in the nikahnama of the couple. "In fact, if marriage is described as a partnership, then it follows that assets must also be disposed of equitably between the two parties. This principle and the concept of equitable distribution are used in many other Muslim countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia and Turkiye, where courts look beyond formal ownership," she noted.

In Waqas' case, the Suzuki Cultus was the most valuable item in the dispute. Despite the car being in the husband's name, the court looked at the fact that the "seed money was provided by the wife" (thus an actual financial contribution) and also the fact that the wife has provided "domestic support to the husband". Zakaria said that this led the court to declare that such a title was not decisive and that the matter required reconsideration.

According to Zakaria, the court's decision, which is in view of the division of assets related to divorce, also affects marital relationships in Pakistan at large. "This is because in millions of such relationships, men threaten their wives with divorce and thus financial destitution by noting that they get to keep everything from the house to the car because everything is 'in their name', and they expect the courts to uphold this," she said in her piece.

Moreover, the human rights activist emphasised that this instance of the IHC recognising the need to consider contributions beyond title should give these "financially abusive husbands a pause", because Zakaria feels that just ownership in name cannot be the sole consideration.
Lucknow, April 12 : Prominent Muslim clerics, Maulana Yasoob Abbas and Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali, have voiced serious concern over the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, warning that the evolving situation could have far-reaching global consequences.

Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali, President of the Islamic Centre of India, expressed disappointment over the reported failure of talks between the United States and Iran held in Islamabad. He said that the breakdown of dialogue has triggered a sense of unease and disappointment across the international community.

Commenting on recent statements by the US President, Firangi Mahali termed America's claim of having "won the war" as baseless. He asserted that several NATO countries chose not to support the United States, as the conflict was seen as being against international law and unjustly imposed on Iran. He cautioned that such actions undermine global norms and stability.

He further warned against the United States issuing threats to other global powers, including China. "Such unilateral and unlawful actions pose a serious threat to the global order. The US must exercise restraint and avoid escalating tensions further," he told IANS.

Meanwhile, All India Shia Personal Law Board General Secretary, Maulana Yasoob Abbas described the current geopolitical climate as "extremely serious," suggesting that conditions resembling a potential third world war are beginning to emerge. He alleged that the United States is attempting to destabilise the global balance and is now openly threatening China as well.

"If such actions continue, there is a strong possibility of retaliation from China, which could further escalate tensions," Abbas said.

He also questioned the intent and outcome of the US-Iran negotiations, stating that the talks failed due to rigid positions on both sides.

According to him, the United States insisted on terms favourable to itself, while Iran remained firm on its own conditions, leaving little room for arriving at a consensus.

"In such a scenario, it was inevitable that no consensus could be reached," he added.

Both clerics emphasised the urgent need for dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
New Delhi, April 12 : Indian Railways is headed for a transformative expansion with the government having approved a total investment of Rs 1.53 lakh crore across 100 new projects in 2025-26 covering more than 6,000 kilometres of railway network, the Ministry of Railways said on Sunday.

Compared to FY 2024a"25, where 64 projects worth Rs 72,869 crore covering over 2,800 kilometres were cleared, project approvals have increased by 56 per cent, route coverage has surged by over 114 per cent, and financial commitment has witnessed a remarkable jump of more than 110 per cent, according to a factsheet released by the ministry.

The 100 sanctioned projects include new lines, doubling and multitracking works, along with bypass lines, flyovers and chord lines. These are strategically aimed at decongesting saturated routes, improving punctuality, and enhancing passenger experience while expanding connectivity to underserved regions. The initiatives are expected to significantly improve operational efficiency and reduce travel time across the network.

These projects span nearly all major states, ensuring a balanced and inclusive expansion of the railway network. Maharashtra (17 projects), Bihar (11), Jharkhand (10), and Madhya Pradesh (9) emerge as key focus states, given their critical role in freight corridors, industrial connectivity, and passenger demand.

The concentration of projects in these states will strengthen freight corridors, boost industrial linkages, and improve passenger movement. These states form the backbone of Indiaas logistics network, and enhanced connectivity here will have cascading benefits across the economy, the factsheet said.

Aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, these projects go beyond infrastructure creation to enable social transformation. A major focus has been laid on expanding rail connectivity in tribal and remote regions. Landmark initiatives such as the Rowghata"Jagdalpur line in Chhattisgarh, along with multiple corridors in Jharkhand and Odisha, will ensure access to markets, healthcare, education and employment opportunities, bringing underserved populations into the mainstream of national development.

From a financial perspective, this expansion reflects a decisive shift towards large-scale, transformational investments. Over 35 projects exceed Rs 1,000 crore, forming the backbone of corridor-level upgrades. Major projects include the Kasaraa"Manmad 3rd and 4th line (131 km) at around Rs 10,150 crore, the Kharsiaa"Naya Raipura"Parmalkasa 5th & 6th line (278 km) at over Rs 8,740 crore, the Itarsia"Nagpur 4th line (297 km) at over Rs 5,450 crore, and the Secunderabad (Sanathnagar)a"Wadi 3rd and 4th line (173 km) at more than Rs 5,000 crore. Together, these projects alone account for over Rs 28,000 crore, highlighting the focus on strengthening high-density trunk routes.

The projects are strategically aligned with the Mission 3000 MT (million tonnes) initiative aimed at significantly enhancing cargo capacity. Energy corridor projects dominate the portfolio, facilitating faster coal and mineral movement and strengthening energy security. High-Density Network projects address congestion on critical routes, while the Rail Sagar Corridor improves port connectivity and coastal trade. Together, these initiatives will enhance overall network efficiency and logistics performance, the factsheet said.

This massive investment is expected to generate substantial employment, stimulate demand in core sectors such as steel and cement, and reduce logistics costs across the country. As these projects progress, they will enhance railway capacity, improve service delivery, and act as a catalyst for Indiaas economic growth. "This is not incremental progressa"this is India laying the tracks for its next economic leap", it said.
New Delhi, April 12 : The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will launch its Heritage Week celebrations on Monday at the historic Mehrauli Archaeological Park with the objective of promoting awareness about the Delhi's cultural and architectural heritage among citizens, especially the youth, an official said on Sunday.

The DDA's week-long celebration from April 13 to 18 will include a series of activities for students and the public, encouraging participation in heritage appreciation and creative expression, an official statement said.

For the first time, the DDA has tied up with MyGov, which is a Citizen Engagement Platform of the Union government for online Photography Competition under which participants from across the country have been invited to capture and share the beauty of heritage sites of Mehrauli Archaeological Park and upload on MyGov portal.

The DDA has also partnered with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for an exhibition/documentation of conservation efforts taken in the Mehrauli area.

"To connect students with Delhi and its rich heritage, a number of student-centric activities will be organised at the venue on April 15 and 16, including Heritage Walks for students, Dialogue Competition, Story Writing Competition, Sketching and Drawing Competition," the statement said.

To ensure wide participation of school children, the DDA has written to the Delhi government's Directorate of Education requesting schools to encourage students to take part in these activities.

On April 17, a Public Heritage Walk will be organised to allow citizens to explore the rich historical landscape of the park and gain insights into Delhi's architectural legacy.

The celebrations will conclude on April 18, which coincides with International Day for Monuments and Sites, with a Prize Distribution Ceremony, exhibition of selected works, and a Qawwali Night, providing a cultural finale to the week-long programme.

Through Heritage Week, the DDA aims to foster a deeper connection between citizens and the city's historic spaces, while encouraging younger generations to appreciate and preserve Delhi's unique heritage.

The restored heritage structures at Mehrauli Archaeological Park were unveiled in October 2023 as part of the Union government's mission to conserve Delhi's rich heritage and its ancient glory, the statement said.

It boasts of restored and conserved heritage structures, including Balban's Tomb. It has landscaping and additional greens in and around restored historic structures.

Vantage points have been created for mesmerising view of the Qutub Minar from the park.
(Removes extraneous text in paragraph 2)

By Milana Vinn

NEW YORK, April 10 (Reuters) - Data protection software provider Commvault Systems is exploring a sale after receiving takeover interest from multiple parties, according to four people familiar with the matter.

Commvault, which has a market capitalization of about $3.5 billion, is working with Goldman Sachs on its options, according to the sources, after fielding inquiries from both private equity firms and strategic buyers.

Thoma Bravo is among the potential buyers that have expressed interest in Commvault in recent weeks, said two of the sources. One source said the buyout firm had already made an earlier offer for the company, without specifying when and at what price.

Shares of Commvault jumped more than 17% on Friday, before paring some of the gains, after Reuters reported the company is exploring a sale.

Commvault, Goldman Sachs, and Thoma Bravo declined to comment.

Tinton Falls, New Jersey-based Commvault provides software that helps businesses protect and recover data in the event of cyberattacks, ransomware, system failures or accidental deletion across major enterprise platforms and cloud providers.

Its customers include 3M, Sony and Hilton, according to its website.

Valuations of publicly traded software companies have broadly struggled in recent months, as investors fret over how artificial intelligence is disrupting their business models. After hitting an all-time high on September 18, Commvault shares have subsequently dropped around 60%.

Despite its share performance, Commvault reported strong growth in its most recent quarter, with revenue rising 19% to a record $314 million. Annualized recurring revenue reached $1.085 billion, up 22% on the prior year.

While steep share price drops often catalyze takeover interest from private equity firms, most have skirted new deals for software companies as the AI disruption trade plays out.

Thoma Bravo Managing Partner Orlando Bravo has been open to those, however, saying the software selloff is a huge buying opportunity.

Data recovery has emerged as a resilient pocket within the cybersecurity sector, as AI further increases the need for backup and recovery systems instead of displacing them.

(Reporting by Milana Vinn in New York; Editing by David French and Deepa Babington)
Amaravati, April 12 : Preparations for Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 kicked off in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, with the endowments minister Anam Ramnarayan Reddy laying the foundation stone for various works.

He announced on Sunday that the works to be undertaken in preparation for the Godavari Pushkaralu 2027 have officially commenced.

The minister participated in the groundbreaking and Bhoomi Puja ceremonies for various development works worth Rs 9.55 crore, to be executed under Phase I in Rajamahendravaram.

He was joined by MP Daggubati Purandeswari, MLA Adireddy Srinivas, MLC Somu Veerraju, and others.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister stated that in view of the Godavari Pushkaralu scheduled to begin on June 26, 2027, renovation works for temples in the surrounding areas are being undertaken in advance.

He revealed that funds amounting to Rs 51.79 crore have been sanctioned and tenders have already been invited for the development of 43 temples across the East Godavari, West Godavari, and Konaseema districts.

The minister emphasised that the Pushkarams event is a matter of state prestige, and therefore, the responsibility of conducting it flawlessly rests upon everyone.

Noting that approximately 10 crore devotees from both within the country and abroad are expected to attend, he stated that comprehensive infrastructure facilities would be provided to accommodate them.

He explained that plans are being formulated to facilitate Pushkara holy dips across the 212-kilometre stretch of the Godavari River, spanning the districts of East Godavari, West Godavari, Konaseema, Eluru, and Kakinada.

He added that, with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, these Pushkarams would be organised successfully. He announced that the Godavari Pushkarams are scheduled to be held from June 26 to July 7.

Ramnarayan Reddy noted that three state-level meetings regarding the conduct of the Pushkaralu have been held so far. He explained that these included a meeting led by the Chief Secretary, a sub-committee meeting involving 12 ministers, and another meeting presided over by the Chief Minister, attended by ministers and secretaries.

He further remarked that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is a leader with vast experience in organising Pushkarams, and consequently, the preparatory arrangements are proceeding at a rapid pace under his leadership.

Ramnarayan Reddy stated that it is a matter of great pleasure to have initiated development works for six endowment institutions in the city of Rajamahendravaram, at a cost of Rs 9.55 crore.

The minister expressed that he considers it a privilege to have laid the foundation stones for the reconstruction of these temples.

He further directed officials to identify the remaining works, prioritise them accordingly, prepare cost estimates, and submit the proposals.

MP Daggubati Purandeswari stated that the Godavari Pushkaralu is a grand festival of immense spiritual significance across the nation.

She noted that both the Central and State governments are working in close coordination to ensure that all necessary amenities are provided to the pilgrims.

She further remarked that the measures being undertaken to organise the Pushkaralu on a grand scalea"specifically through the development of temples and the expansion of infrastructurea"are highly commendable.
Khargone, April 12 : Mother of Monalisa Bhosle, who gained public attention after the Kumbh Mela, said on Sunday that her daughter was a minor and was allegedly "lured and taken away".

Speaking to IANS, Monalisa's mother, Lata Bhosle said, "My daughter is a minor. They lured her and took her away."

Accusing Monalisa's husband Farman Khan, she said, "He (Faman Khan) said that your daughter will get a big movie. He had even said that if Monalisa's birth certificate is made everything will be cleared."

Emphasising that her daughter was underage, Monalisa's mother said that the government helped her to retrieve the birth-related documents.

"My daughter was born in a government hospital. I begged the hospital authorities that my daughter has gone away, please help me with her (birth) documents," she added.

"The government has now provided all the documents. It mentions that my daughter is minor," Lata Bhosle said.

Urging the concerned authorities to help bring her daughter Monalisa home, she added, "I appeal to the government and the authorities to please bring back my daughter at the earliest."

Earlier, a POCSO case was registered against Farman Khan, by the Madhya Pradesh Police after Monalisa was allegedly revealed to be a minor.

The case was filed following an enquiry by the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, which found that the girl popularly known as the aKumbh Mela viral stara Monalisa Bhosle was born on December 30, 2009, and was only 16 at the time of her marriage.

The Commission has also alleged that a fake birth certificate was created to facilitate the wedding and has summoned the Director Generals of Police of Kerala and Madhya Pradesh to appear in Delhi on April 22.

The development has cast a shadow over the high-profile wedding held on March 11 at a temple in Poovar near Thiruvananthapuram, which had drawn significant attention and political endorsement.

The ceremony, conducted amid dramatic circumstances, took place hours after the couple sought police protection at the Thampanoor station, citing threats and opposition from the woman's family.
New Delhi, April 12 : Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Sunday unveiled the first set of district-level agriculture roadmaps for four districts of Madhya Pradesh -- Sehore, Raisen, Vidisha and Dewas -- aimed at making farming more profitable while promoting sustainable practices and efficient use of resources.

The roadmaps were released during the second day of the three-day 'Unnat Krishi Mahotsav' being held in Raisen district. The event has brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including farmers, scientists, agronomists, government officials, and companies dealing in agricultural equipment, seeds and inputs.

Addressing the gathering, Chouhan emphasised the need for a shift in focus from merely increasing agricultural output to adopting the "right crops" suited to local agro-climatic conditions. He urged farmers to move beyond traditional crops such as wheat, paddy and soybean, and instead embrace diversification through allied activities like animal husbandry, horticulture, beekeeping and organic farming to enhance their incomes.

The district-specific plans place strong emphasis on efficient water use, crop diversification, climate-resilient agriculture and better market linkages. With groundwater depletion emerging as a growing concern in parts of these regions, the roadmap prioritises water conservation and optimal utilisation of available resources.

Highlighting opportunities in high-value agriculture, the minister pointed to crops such as tomato, onion, garlic and capsicum, along with fruits like pomegranate. He also encouraged farmers to explore newer options including dragon fruit and avocado cultivation.

A key feature of the initiative is the development of 'seed villages' at the block level to ensure access to high-quality seeds.

"Establishing around 10 such villages per block could increase productivity by up to 20 per cent," Chouhan noted.

The programme will be supported through central and state government schemes, with technical assistance from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

To address gaps in farm mechanisation, the minister also proposed expanding custom hiring centres and 'machine banks' at the panchayat level, enabling small and marginal farmers to access modern equipment at affordable rates.

"The initiative will eventually be expanded to cover all districts of Madhya Pradesh, with a convergence of central and state schemes to ensure effective implementation at the grassroots level," Chouhan added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, April 12 : The distribution of domestic LPG in the country remains normal with more than 52.3 lakh domestic LPG cylinders delivered on Saturday and no dry-outs reported at any distributorship, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said on Sunday.

Online LPG bookings have increased to about 98 per cent, and deliveries based on the Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) have increased to around 93 per cent to prevent diversion at the distributor level, according to an update issued by the ministry.

More than 4.24 lakh PNG connections have been gasified, and about 4.66 lakh additional customers have also registered for new connections. Consumers are encouraged to use alternative fuels such as PNG and electric cooktops. All citizens are urged to conserve energy during the current situation, it reiterated.

More than 30,000 PNG consumers have surrendered their LPG connections via MYPNGD.in website.

Citizens are advised to avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG and rely only on official sources for information. LPG consumers are requested to use digital booking platforms and avoid visiting distributors.

Despite the ongoing geopolitical situation, the government has prioritised domestic LPG and PNG supply, particularly for hospitals and educational institutions.

More than 1 lakh 5 kg LPG cylinders were sold across the country against a daily average of 77000 in the month of February, taking the total figure of these small LPG cylinders sold since March 23 to over 13 lakh.

Over 7,665 MT of commercial LPG (equivalent to more than 4 lakh- 19 Kg LPG cylinders) was also sold on Saturday, taking the total number of such cylinders sold since March 14 to 63.6 lakh.

A three-member committee of Executive Directors from IOCL, HPCL and BPCL is coordinating with State authorities and industry bodies to plan commercial LPG distribution.

Meanwhile, as part of the enforcement action continuing across the country to curb hoarding and black marketing of LPG, public sector oil companies carried out over 2, 700 raids across the country on Saturday. They are continuing with surprise inspections and have imposed penalties on 219 LPG distributorships and suspended 56 distributorships till now.

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 added.

The government has also announced that the increase in the commercial LPG limit to 70 per cent of the pre-March 2026 bulk consumption level will be extended to industrial units in the pharma, food, polymer, agriculture, packaging, paint, uranium, heavy water, steel, seed, metal, ceramic, foundry, forging, glass and aerosol sectors.
Kanyakumari, April 12 : Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president Vijay on Sunday outlined an ambitious governance roadmap while sharply criticising Chief Minister M. K. Stalin during an election campaign in Kanyakumari district.

Addressing a gathering in Mahadhanapuram, Vijay promised a corruption-free delivery of welfare schemes, asserting that benefits would reach citizens without the need for applications or bribes.

He announced that every family in Tamil Nadu would be issued a "priority card," similar to Aadhaar, containing comprehensive household data. This, he said, would enable the government to deliver welfare benefits seamlessly from birth onwards.

"People should not have to struggle or pay bribes to access what is rightfully theirs. Government schemes will reach your doorstep," Vijay declared.

He emphasised that artificial intelligence would power this system, ensuring efficiency and transparency.

Taking a dig at Stalin, he remarked that his proposals were not mere "stories," but scientifically achievable plans backed by technology. Vijay also alleged deep-rooted corruption within the current system, claiming that bribes collected at the administrative level often extend up to ministers.

"Stopping corruption will be our first priority," he said, adding that a TVK-led government would implement a comprehensive "Tamil Nadu Government Service Scheme" within six months of coming to power.

A key highlight of his vision is the launch of a unified digital platform named "Vetri Tamil Nadu Super App," through which all government services would be made accessible. He assured that delays in service delivery would invite immediate action against responsible officials.

Positioning citizens as active stakeholders, Vijay proposed a participatory governance model. He announced plans for a dedicated government portal where people could submit ideas, monitor public finances, and directly petition the Assembly. Petitions signed by 10,000 people would receive official responses, while those backed by one million citizens would be taken up for legislative debate.

He also promised to allocate a full day in Assembly sessions to discuss public petitions. Highlighting economic concerns, Vijay criticised the state's rising debt, which he said had crossed Rs 10.05 lakh crore.

He accused the current government of excessive borrowing and pledged to increase revenue and rationalise spending without imposing additional taxes.

Concluding his address, Vijay said Tamil Nadu would be transformed into India's artificial intelligence and digital capital, with a dedicated AI ministry under a TVK government.
Lucknow, April 12 : Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the country's growing stature at the global stage, highlighting the Union government's deft handling of LPG supplies despite the impact of the West Asia conflict.

Addressing a public gathering in his Parliamentary constituency here, he said, "A drastic change has come about in other nations' perception about India."

He credited the wisdom of PM Modi, quick decision-making of the Union government for development, and contribution of citizens for the growing stature of India at the global stage.

"From being among 'fragile five' economies in 2014 to be among the top four economies, the country's achievement cannot be undermined," Defence Minister Singh said.

Touching upon the issue of the West Asian conflict, the Defence Minister noted, "India has played a very balanced role during the crisis."

He said all countries have faced the strain of disruption in LPG and fuel supplies due to the conflict but, comparatively, the impact in India has been minimal.

"Fuel prices have been raised sharply in almost all countries but not here," the Defence Minister added.

Rajnath Singh credited PM Modi for managing the country's affairs deftly to shield citizens from the impact of the conflict, adding that the uncertainties over it may continue till peace talks succeed.

"But India's diplomatic achievement can be appreciated from the fact that its LPG tankers are managing to emerge from the conflict zone regularly," he said.

Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh visited the Uttar Pradesh Assembly museum to relieve the memories of his own political days as the Chief Minister of the state in the House.

"Today, I had the opportunity to learn and understand the glorious history of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly and its rich democratic traditions in a new form. The audio-visual museum established within the premises has presented this heritage in an extremely impressive manner, which has deeply impressed me," he wrote on social media platform X.

"This experience has truly been a special journey of memories for me. I am pleased that the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly is continuously making commendable efforts to strengthen democratic values and raise public awareness," Defence Minister Singh said.

"I urge the people of the state to visit this museum at least once. For this initiative, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Uttar Pradesh government, especially to the Speaker of the Assembly, Satish Mahana ji," he wrote.
New Delhi, April 12 : The NDMC's 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reached Gole Market on Sunday under the stewardship of Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal, who joined residents in the plantation drive.

Chahal led the plantation drive at Government Employees RWA (Blocks 18 to 42, Sector-2), Gole Market, saying, "It is not just a campaign but an emotional and social commitment that inspires people to honour their mothers while fulfilling their responsibility towards nature."

The NDMC Vice Chairman added that the initiative is fostering environmental awareness, a sense of responsibility, and a commitment to ensuring a greener legacy for future generations.

He said that NDMC has prepared a dedicated "Sunday Green Calendar" for the year, under which plantation drives are being conducted every Sunday across different locations.

Chahal stated that NDMC's Horticulture, Health, Civil, and Sanitation departments are working in coordination to ensure scientific plantation, proper maintenance, and long-term sustainability of the saplings.

He emphasised that NDMC's green initiatives are aligned with the PM Modi's vision of "Viksit Bharat @2047", which prioritises a clean environment, sustainable urban development, and active public participation.

Chahal said that through initiatives like #EkPedMaaKeNaam_OnSunday, the NDMC is not only expanding green cover but strengthening a collective sense of environmental responsibility among citizens.

On the occasion, RWA representatives, including Amit Kumar (President), Sudesh Kingra (Vice President), Sarita, Amit Kumar Sinha, Om Singh (Convenor), Bidya Yadav, and Rameshwar Prasad, along with many local residents, participated in the plantation drive.

During the interaction, RWA representatives also raised certain maintenance-related issues of the area with NDMC, and Chahal directed the officials to ensure their resolution in a time-bound manner.

He expressed confidence that with continued public participation, NDMC will further strengthen its efforts to make the area cleaner, greener, and more environmentally sustainable.

--IANS

rch/uk
Kolkata, April 12 : Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's great-grandson Chandra Kumar Bose on Sunday joined the Trinamool Congress after completely disassociating himself from the BJP.

Bose was officially inducted into the party at Trinamool Bhavan in the presence of state minister Bratya Basu and party MP Kirti Azad, who handed him the Trinamool flag.

Earlier, after being called for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) hearing, Chandra Bose became disillusioned with the BJP, wondering why there was any doubt about his citizenship, even after being the great-grandson of a freedom fighter like Netaji.

Ahead of the Assembly polls, Chandra Bose has officially joined the Trinamool. "A few years ago, I made a historic mistake by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party. I have corrected that mistake today," he said at the press conference.

In 2016, Chandra Bose had joined the BJP in the presence of then party President Amit Shah during a rally in Howrah. However, he distanced himself from the party after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

"When (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi first came to power in the country in 2014, I liked him very much. He took the country forward on the path of progress. Then, in 2016, when I joined the party, I gradually saw that the Bharatiya Janata Party does not respect the constitution of the country. Moreover, they have no similarity with the culture of Bengal. The politics that is going on across the country now, the politics of communalism, the politics of division, is disastrous," he said at the press conference.

"Earlier, on Netaji's birthday on January 23, I met Mamata Banerjee. I told her that your fight is very important not only for Bengal but for the entire country. I asked her to come forward in her fight against divisive politics," he added.
Chennai, April 12 : Aadhav Arjuna, election campaign management general secretary of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), on Sunday, alleged foul play in the disappearance of the party's candidate in the Edappadi Assembly constituency, and announced that the party would mount an aggressive campaign in the region.

Speaking to reporters after canvassing in Villivakkam, Arjuna said TVK, led by C Joseph Vijay, had initially fielded candidates in all 234 constituencies for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. However, following the sudden disappearance of its Edappadi nominee, Arun Kumar, the party is now effectively contesting 233 seats. He confirmed that the police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the incident. Authorities are examining whether the candidate was abducted or unlawfully detained, even as the development has raised concerns among political parties.

Focusing on Edappadi, Arjuna levelled serious allegations against Edappadi K Palaniswami, who is contesting from the constituency. He claimed that Arun Kumar may have been lured away after accepting money, calling it a "betrayal of the party" and an attack on democratic principles.

"Efforts are being made to eliminate political competition through inducements. This is not just about one candidate, but about safeguarding democratic norms," he said, though no direct evidence was presented.

Arjuna asserted that TVK would intensify its campaign in Edappadi and directly engage with voters to highlight the issue. "We will carry this matter to the people and ensure that such practices are exposed. Our campaign in Edappadi will be strong and sustained," he added.

On whether TVK would back an independent candidate in the constituency, he said the decision would be taken by Vijay after consultations within the party leadership. He reiterated that TVK remains committed to integrity-driven politics and grassroots outreach, rather than relying on financial influence.

With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections fast approaching, the disappearance of a candidate has added a dramatic twist to the contest in Edappadi, a constituency already in sharp focus due to the presence of a senior political leader.
New Delhi, April 12 : India has adopted a nuanced and carefully calibrated approach in West Asia, strengthening its partnerships with Gulf nations while maintaining limited but significant engagement with Iran amid the ongoing regional conflict, according to an article.

New Delhias response to the current US-Israel-Iran tensions reflects its broader doctrine of "multi-alignment", aimed at protecting core national interests without becoming entangled in regional rivalries, the article by Bashir Ali Abbas published in South Asian Voices said.

It noted that India's growing strategic embrace of the Gulf, particularly countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has been driven by a combination of economic, energy, and diaspora-related imperatives. The Gulf region accounts for a major share of Indiaas crude oil imports, while millions of Indian expatriates living there contribute significantly through remittances. In recent years, ties have expanded beyond traditional sectors to include defence cooperation, technology, and infrastructure investments.

At the same time, the article underscored that India has avoided a complete diplomatic shift away from Iran. Despite constraints posed by US sanctions and geopolitical pressures, New Delhi continues to view Tehran as a key partner for regional connectivity, particularly through projects like the Chabahar Port, which provides India access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan.

According to the report, Indiaas cautious engagement with Iran is also reflected in its diplomatic messaging. Rather than taking overtly partisan positions in the conflict, New Delhi has consistently called for de-escalation, dialogue, and respect for international law. This measured stance allows India to maintain working relationships with all sides, including Israel, Iran, and the Arab Gulf states.

It further highlighted that Indiaas balancing act has become more complex in the current crisis, as open hostilities and heightened tensions risk disrupting energy supplies and trade routes. This has reinforced the need for India to diversify its partnerships while ensuring that no single geopolitical shift undermines its strategic autonomy.

Abbas pointed out that Indiaas West Asia policy is increasingly shaped by long-term geopolitical calculations rather than short-term alignments. While closer integration with Gulf economies offers immediate economic benefits and political leverage, sustained engagement with Iran remains essential for Indiaas continental connectivity ambitions and its role in regional diplomacy.

The report also suggests that Indiaas approach reflects a broader transformation in its foreign policya"from non-alignment to multi-alignmenta"where it simultaneously engages with competing powers such as the United States, Russia, and regional actors in West Asia. This flexibility, the article argues, has enabled India to navigate crises without being forced into binary choices.

However, the report cautions that maintaining this balance will become increasingly challenging if the conflict escalates further. Any prolonged instability in the region could impact Indiaas energy security, disrupt shipping lanes, and affect the safety of its diaspora.

The article concludes that India is likely to continue its pragmatic and interest-driven diplomacy in West Asia, carefully managing its ties with Gulf partners while keeping diplomatic channels with Iran open, in order to safeguard its strategic, economic, and geopolitical priorities.
Valued at a market cap of $30.9 billion, Cboe Global Markets, Inc. (CBOE) operates as a derivatives and securities exchange network that delivers cutting-edge trading, clearing, and investment solutions. The Chicago, Illinois-based company is expected to announce its fiscal Q1 earnings for 2026 before the market opens on Friday, May 1.

Before this event, analysts expect this financial company to report a profit of $2.98 per share, up 19.2% from $2.50 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company has topped Wall Streets bottom-line estimates in each of the last four quarters. Its earnings of $3.06 per share in the previous quarter outpaced the forecasted figure by 4.4%.

More News from Barchart

For the current fiscal year, ending in December, analysts expect CBOE to report a profit of $11.72 per share, representing a 9.8% increase from $10.67 per share in fiscal 2025. Furthermore, its EPS is expected to grow 6.5% year-over-year to $12.48 in fiscal 2027.

www.barchart.com

CBOE has rallied 41% over the past 52 weeks, considerably outperforming both the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 25.1% return and the State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETFs (XLF) 11% uptick over the same time period.

www.barchart.com

On Feb. 13, CBOE boosted investor sentiment after its board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.72 per share for the first quarter of 2026. The dividend, paid on March 13 to shareholders of record as of Feb. 27, helped lift the stock by 1.7%, signaling confidence in the companys cash-flow stability.

The shares gained another 3.3% in the next trading session, indicating stronger conviction following the announcement. Consistent dividend payouts are often viewed as a sign of solid earnings, reinforcing investor confidence that CBOE can continue growing while returning capital to shareholders.

Wall Street analysts are cautious about CBOEs stock, with a "Hold" rating overall. Among 18 analysts covering the stock, four recommend "Strong Buy," 11 indicate Hold, and three suggest "Strong Sell." While the company is trading above its mean price target of $295.29, its Street-high price target of $352 suggests an 18.7% 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
New Delhi, April 12 : National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) member Priyank Kanoongo on Sunday raised serious concerns over multiple issues, including the filing of an FIR against social media users, an alleged minor's marriage, and suspected child trafficking, asserting that the Commission will take appropriate action in all cases.

Speaking to IANS, Kanoongo said the Commission has taken note of reports that some social media users shared information related to the expenditure of the Member of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) fund by Amethi MP Kishori Lal Sharma.

He noted that the MPLAD scheme is a fund provided by the Union government to MPs for development works in their Assembly constituencies, and that all expenditure records are available on a centralised public platform.

"Based on those official records, some youths put information in the public domain claiming that the Amethi MP had not utilised the funds. Following this, an FIR has been filed against these ordinary citizens," Kanoongo said.

Calling the move concerning, he stressed that in a democracy, citizens have the right to question their elected representatives.

"If funds have not been spent and people are highlighting it, the message should be understood, and development work should be carried out. Filing FIRs against citizens appears to be an attempt to suppress freedom of speech. We will definitely take action on this," the NHRC member added.

On another issue, Kanoongo referred to reports surrounding the marriage of a social media personality, Monalisa Bhosle, who had gone viral during the Kumbh Mela 2025.

He said the Commission has received information suggesting that the girl, who belongs to a tribal Hindu family, may be a minor.

"Last year, when she (Monalisa Bhosle) was 16, she could not have become an adult within such a short span. Reports indicate that a Muslim man from Kerala married her, and there are also claims of involvement of certain political figures," Kanoongo added.

"If she (Monalisa Bhosle) is found to be a minor, strict legal action will be taken. In the coming week, we will proceed in a way that ensures those responsible face the law," the NHRC member asserted.

In a separate development, Kanoongo highlighted a suspected case of child trafficking involving more than 100 children reportedly being transported from Bihar via the Patnaa"Pune Express train.

"We received information that these children were being taken to another state under the pretext of providing education in madrasas. Acting promptly, we informed the concerned police authorities in Madhya Pradesh, who took immediate cognisance of the matter," he said.

According to preliminary information, more than 100 children have been rescued by the police.

Kanoongo reiterated that the NHRC is closely monitoring all these matters and will ensure necessary legal and institutional action is taken to uphold human rights and the rule of law.
Bhubaneswar, April 12 : The Regional Directorate of Education (RDE), Bhubaneswar, has directed all government, aided, unaided, and professional colleges under its jurisdiction to constitute Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) with immediate effect to avoid any punitive action, informed the Higher Education Department of the Odisha government on Sunday.

The Higher educational institutions have also been asked to submit the compliance reports within seven days. The directive comes in continuation of earlier instructions issued by the state Higher Education Department, directing educational institutions across the state to form the ICCs.

In this latest letter issued on April 10 by the Regional Director, RDE, Dr Saroj Laxmi Singh, the institutions have also been instructed to form the ICC in line with government guidelines to address complaints and grievances of students and staff.

The directorate has also asked colleges that have already constituted the committee to submit relevant documentation within the stipulated timeframe.

The directive emphasises strict adherence, warning that failure to comply may result in admission restrictions for the 2026a"27 academic session or other appropriate action as deemed necessary.

"In case of non-compliance of this letter, admission restriction may be imposed on the institutions for the session 2026-27 or any suitable action as deemed proper will be initiated," reads the order.

It is pertinent here to note that in 2025, the Higher Education Department had also directed vice-chancellors and college principals to ensure strict compliance with Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) norms.

The higher educational Institutions were asked to submit details of ICC members, prominently display their names and contact numbers at key locations on campus, and organise workshops to sensitise students and faculty about the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act.

The directive was issued following the self-immolation attempt by a 20-year-old student of FM College, Balasore, on July 12, 2025, reportedly due to harassment by college faculty. She later succumbed to burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14, triggering statewide outrage.
New Delhi, April 12 : The Finance Ministry clarified on Sunday that it had sent an advisory to states to align their bonus policy to promote pulses, oilseeds, and millets, in line with the national priorities for nutritional security, self-reliance, and the need to reduce dependence on imports, and this was not a directive as alleged by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

Recently, Chief Minister Stalin, in a speech, had referred to a letter issued by the Ministry's Department of Expenditure, with regard to the bonus provided by state governments.

"In this context, it is stated that the Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, had issued a D.O. letter dated January 9, 2026, to the Chief Secretaries of states to align their bonus policy to promote pulses, oilseeds and millets, in line with the national priorities for nutritional security, Aatmanirbharta, and sustainable agriculture. The letter was an advisory to states and was not a directive," the Finance Ministry said in a statement.

The letter was written with the intent for states to align their agricultural policies with broader national priorities and complement them. Alignment with such goals is not a burden on states; it is a shared responsibility that serves farmers, consumers and the country as a whole, the statement said.

"Any attempt to portray it as an imposition or to deliberately misread its purpose is a distortion of the record," the statement said.

The Centre announces the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for various crops to support farmers. However, in many states, especially in northern India, crop production remains heavily skewed toward wheat and paddy. When state governments announce an additional bonus over and above MSP for these crops, it further encourages their cultivation, leading to reduced acreage under pulses, oilseeds, and millets, greater environmental stress due to water- and fertiliser-intensive farming, and higher import dependence for essential crops like pulses and edible oilseeds, it said.

Thus, the Centre has taken a responsible and forward-looking position by encouraging greater crop diversification in the national interest. The larger objective is to discourage monoculture of wheat in certain parts of Northern India and paddy in several states across India, by encouraging states to work towards sustainable agricultural practices that protect both farmers' interests and national food security needs, the statement said.

Expanding domestic production in pulses, edible oils, and oilseeds is essential not only for strategic and economic reasons, but also for farmer welfare. Domestic production of pulses, oilseeds, and edible oil will reduce reliance on imports that are often exposed to international uncertainty, supply-chain disruptions, and price volatility, while strengthening nutritional security and promoting a more balanced and resilient crop pattern in the country, the statement observed.

In a period when self-reliance in key food crops has become increasingly important, it is imperative that the states and the Centre work towards making India self-reliant in pulses and oilseeds, it said.

The Centre has already taken several concrete steps to increase domestic production of pulses, oilseeds and edible oils. These include the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses, the National Mission on Edible OilsOilseeds and the National Mission on Edible OilsOil Palm, the statement said.

The government has also consistently aligned MSP increases in favour of pulses and oilseeds to encourage farmers to shift away from over-concentration in a few crops. The Economic Survey 202526 also said imported edible oil dependence had fallen from 63.2 per cent in 201516 to 56.25 per cent in 202324, showing movement in the right direction. Between 201415 and 202425, the area under oilseeds increased by over 18 per cent, production by nearly 55 per cent, and productivity by about 31 per cent.

Thus, the Centre's approach integrates research, improved seed dissemination, MSP-backed procurement support, processing infrastructure, and value-chain development to ensure farmer profitability. By promoting crop diversification, the profitability of farmers will further increase, the statement added.
New Delhi, April 12 : Ahead of the upcoming special session of Parliament, the Supreme Court is slated to hear, on Monday, a plea seeking immediate implementation of 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state Legislative Assemblies.

As per the causelist uploaded on the website of the apex court, a bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan is scheduled to hear the petition filed by Congress leader Jaya Thakur on April 13.

Contending that the benefit of one-third quota for women should not be deferred, the plea has sought immediate enforcement of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides for one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.

In November 2023, the top court had observed that it would be "very difficult" to strike down the provision in the law which stipulates that the quota for women will come into force only after the completion of the next decennial Census and the subsequent delimitation exercise.

The plea had argued that such preconditions are not necessary as the number of seats is already determined, and that women, who constitute nearly half of the countryas population, remain underrepresented in elected bodies.

The hearing assumes significance as the Parliament is expected to take up the Womenas Reservation (Amendment) Bill during a special session beginning April 16. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to floor leaders of all political parties in both Houses of Parliament seeking support for the unanimous passage of the legislation to facilitate the implementation of womenas reservation before the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.

In his letter, the Prime Minister said that greater participation of women in legislative bodies is essential for Indiaas goal of becoming a developed nation and asserted that the time has come to implement the law "in its true spirit" across the country.

However, the proposed special session has drawn objections from the Congress, which has termed the move a breach of the Model Code of Conduct in view of the ongoing Assembly election campaigns in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Congress has also demanded that an all-party meeting on delimitation be convened before any legislative exercise on the implementation of womenas reservation is undertaken.

--IANS

pds/vd
New Delhi, April 12 : Foreign Affairs expert and veteran journalist Waiel Awwad said on Sunday that the talks between Iran and US that were held amid the two-week ceasefire agreement between the two countries, have not "failed". Rather, he called the negotiation "inconclusive".

His reaction comes following US Vice-President JD Vance's announcement that no agreement was reached between Washington and Tehran in the latest round of talks held in Pakistan's Islamabad.

Speaking to IANS, Awwad said that after 1949, this is the "highest level of talks", with the US Vice-President sitting with Iranian delegation to discuss issues related to the common interest of both sides.

He noted, "I wouldn't call it a failure, as neither the Iranian nor the American side has described it as such. It is inconclusive. Both sides have agreed on certain points, Iran has presented 10 points, while the US has put forward 15 points."

Awwad said that America wanted to project itself as a winner during the negotiation.

"Both were on the table but the US wanted to talk from the point of view of a winner. Iran told them that 'you are not a winner here'. Therefore, there has to be some convergence of certain points where they have agreed," he added.

He said that there are three "sticking issues" that are at the centre of the ceasefire talks.

"First is the nuclear issue. Iran has already changed its system," Awwad added.

He called the Strait of Hormuz as the second issue.

"They (Iran) said it is not what it used to be before the war. Now the things have changed," Awwad said.

"Third one is the cessation of all hostilities, that there should be a complete ceasefire and not a temporary one," he added.

About Pakistan's role in the negotiation, the Foreign Affairs expert said that the country is not in a position to "enforce a resolution or a deal".

Moreover, he highlighted that if the US wants to seriously reach to a deal, they have to sit across the table and "compromise on many issues because Iran has compromised on their nuclear issue".

Referring to the third round of US-Iran's indirect nuclear talks in Geneva, Awwad said, "Then, US was informed that Iran was ready for any sort of a deal to downgrade their rich uranium."

He alleged that US President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff went back to America and gave "wrong information despite the fact that it was confirmed by the Omani and the Britain National Security Advisor that the talks have reached a breakthrough".

"Yet the US went for a war," Awwad said.

He asserted, "Iranians are not easy to be betrayed three times by the same people."
Chennai, April 12 : Twelve Indian fishermen, including five from Tamil Nadu, were apprehended by the Sri Lankan Navy late on April 11 for allegedly crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), in yet another incident underscoring the recurring tensions in the Palk Strait region.

According to official sources, the fishermen had ventured into the sea in a mechanised boat from the Karaikal fishing harbour at around 10 a.m. on April 10. The vessel, owned by Veeravel of Tsunami Nagar in Kilinjalmedu, Karaikal district (Puducherry), had travelled nearly 60 nautical miles into the sea for fishing.

In an official statement, the Sri Lanka Navy said that during a late-night operation on April 11, it seized the Indian fishing boat and apprehended 12 fishermen for allegedly poaching in Sri Lankan waters off Kovilam in Karainagar, Jaffna.

The interception took place during late-night hours, following which all those on board were taken into custody and later brought to the Kankesanthurai harbour for further legal action. The detained fishermen include Tamilvanan (42) from Nagapattinam district; Karthik (32), Vignesh (21), Veerendrarajan (33), and Jayaveeran (28) from Mayiladuthurai district; and Arulselvan (28), Sanjay (30), Pradeep (29), Viman (24), Madhan (26), Nishwanthan (20), and Saminathan (20) from Karaikal district.

This latest incident is part of a continuing series of arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy.

On April 8, at least 10 Indian fishermen were detained, and their trawler was seized in waters north of Mannar on similar charges of illegal fishing.

According to official figures, Sri Lankan authorities have so far this year seized 16 Indian fishing trawlers and arrested 112 Indian fishermen for alleged poaching in their territorial waters. These repeated detentions have caused growing concern among fishing communities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, many of whom rely heavily on deep-sea fishing for their livelihood.

Fishermen often venture close to or across the IMBL due to dwindling fish stocks on the Indian side and the absence of clear markers at sea.

However, Sri Lankan authorities maintain strict enforcement against what they describe as illegal bottom trawling and resource depletion in their waters. Fishermen's associations have urged both the Tamil Nadu government and the Union government to take immediate diplomatic steps to secure the release of those detained and their boats.

They have also reiterated calls for a long-term bilateral solution to prevent recurring arrests and ensure the safety and livelihood of coastal fishing communities.
Amaravati, April 12 : Marking a historic milestone on the occasion of World Quantum Day on April 14, Andhra Pradesh is set to become a hub of India's quantum technology revolution.

As part of the ambitious Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will launch two state-of-the-art quantum computer test beds at SRM University, Amaravati and virtually at Medha Towers in Gannavaram.

These cutting-edge Quantum Reference Facilities will position Andhra Pradesh as the first state in India to host a dedicated quantum test and certification ecosystem, said an official release on Sunday.

Developed with indigenous technology, these facilities will enable testing and certification of quantum computing hardware, ushering in a new era of advanced technological capabilities in Amaravati. The initiative is expected to significantly boost research, innovation, and industry collaboration in the rapidly evolving quantum domain.

The 1Q test bed, set up by Qubitech at Medha Towers, and the 1S test bed, developed at SRM University Amaravati using superconducting technology, will operate at extremely low temperatures nearing -273 degree C. These mini quantum systems are designed to rigorously test quantum components and devices.

The open-access facility at SRM University will be particularly beneficial for researchers, students, startups and companies working on quantum technologies, offering them a platform for experimentation and validation.

Both facilities have been built entirely using domestically developed components, reinforcing Indiaas push toward self-reliance in deep-tech innovation. Leading institutions such as the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Indian Institute of Science and Defence Research and Development Organisation have extended technical support for this initiative.

The inauguration event will witness participation from representatives of the National Quantum Mission, IIT professors, leading scientists, quantum startup founders, research scholars and domain experts. Additionally, arrangements have been made for over 150,000 students from universities and colleges across the state to attend the event virtually.

-- Syndicated from IANS
Chikkamagaluru : , April 12 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that there is nothing wrong in state MLAs aspiring for Ministerial posts by visiting New Delhi, and that the decision on Cabinet reshuffle rests solely with the Congress high command.

He was speaking to the media at the N.R. Pura travellers' bungalow on Sunday.

Responding to a query on Ministerial aspirants visiting New Delhi, the Chief Minister reiterated that there is nothing wrong in such visits.

"The Cabinet reshuffle is pending. The elections in five states and the Budget session could be the reasons for the delay," he added.

Replying to a query on whether a wave of resignations has begun within the Congress, the Chief Minister said that his political secretary Naseer Ahmed has not resigned so far, though he may do so.

He asserted that the Congress has not accepted defeat and will surely win the upcoming Assembly bypolls in Karnataka.

"Electoral wins and losses are not grounds for taking action against individuals. Salim Ahmed is a party leader. His statement was only expressing dissatisfaction over anti-party activities by some individuals in the Davanagere South by-election. He has not said that the Congress will lose. Despite such activities, the party will win," Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said.

He added that the construction of a bridge in Narasimharajapura had been a long-pending demand.

"It is a matter of happiness that the foundation stone has been laid and the project is being completed during my tenure. No steps were taken for the bridge construction during the BJP's tenure," the Chief Minister said.

Responding to allegations that the state government is freely granting permission for resorts in the Malnad region but not issuing land rights to forest dwellers, CM Siddaramaiah said that a meeting will soon be held to discuss forest rights and related issues.

Reacting to criticism from Kerala that Karnataka is not safe for tourists, the Chief Minister said that the death of a girl from Kerala in Karnataka's Chikkamagaluru will be investigated.

"However, it is far from the truth to say that Karnataka is unsafe for tourists," he added.
Washington, April 12 : Democratic Senator Mark Warner warned on Sunday that the US faces a prolonged and uncertain conflict with Iran, as divisions sharpened in Washington over the next phase of the war following failed negotiations.

"I don't see how, 40-plus days into this war, that we are safer," Warner said in an interview on CNN, casting doubt on claims of progress and urging clarity on the US administration's strategy.

Warner, Vice Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, questioned the feasibility of securing Iran's enriched uranium -- a central US objective.

He said the operation would require "10,000 troops on the ground guarding a perimeter", along with specialised forces.

He also flagged the mounting cost of the conflict, noting that US forces were using expensive interceptors against low-cost Iranian drones while key threats remained intact.

On the proposed blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Warner was sceptical.

"I don't understand how blockading the Strait of Hormuz is going to somehow push the Iranians into opening it," he said on CNN, warning of prolonged disruption to global energy markets.

Republicans offered a sharply different view.

Senator Ron Johnson said the US must "make sure that Iran can never produce a nuclear weapon" and argued Washington needed to "finish the job", speaking on ABC News.

"It could take a long time," Johnson said, acknowledging the complexity of the conflict but insisting that preventing a nuclear-armed Iran remained non-negotiable.

Military leaders struck a more measured tone, highlighting tactical gains but cautioning against overstating success.

Retired General Joseph Votel, former Head of US Central Command, told ABC News that American forces had achieved "substantial dismantlement of Iran's war-making capability", but said the broader outcome would depend on political and diplomatic efforts.

"War is a political state... it involves more than just the military," Votel said, underlining the need for a coordinated strategy beyond battlefield operations.

He warned that any mission to seize Iran's nuclear material would be a "significant operation", requiring sustained troop deployment, air cover and logistical support over several days or longer.

The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the conflict.

US naval forces have begun clearing mines in an effort to reopen the critical shipping lane, but officials say restoring confidence among commercial vessels will take time.

The war, now in its seventh week, has already disrupted global energy supplies and pushed up prices, raising concerns about a broader economic fallout.

The confrontation marks one of the most serious US-Iran crises in decades.

Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Washington has sought to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons through a mix of sanctions, diplomacy and military pressure.

The latest breakdown in talks underscores the absence of a clear resolution, with both sides holding firm on core demands and the risk of escalation still high.

--IANS

int/lkj/khz
Chandigarh, April 12 : Punjab's New and Renewable Energy Minister Aman Arora said on Sunday that the state government has launched a unique initiative, 'Mukhya Mantri Roshan Punjab Yojna', to illuminate all villages with solar-powered LED streetlights at an outlay of Rs 550 crore.

The Minister described the project as one of the biggest rural lighting initiatives, under which more than 3 lakh solar LED lights will be installed across Punjab.

Minister Arora said the State Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, approved the programme on Saturday to ensure reliable and cost-effective lighting in villages.

He noted that solar streetlights are preferred due to their zero electricity cost, reliability and suitability for rural areas.

The project will be implemented by the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA), with installation to be carried out in a phased manner between June and October 2026.

The scheme will follow a revised funding pattern, with 70 per cent contribution from the state government and 30 per cent from gram panchayats.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, the Minister said in the past 70 years, only around 1.14 lakh streetlights were installed in villages, many of which are now defunct.

Under the new scheme, all lights will be installed with a seven-year annual maintenance contract, ensuring replacement within three days in case of malfunction.

The system will include geo-tagging of each light, centralised monitoring through a command and control centre, and an IVR helpline for lodging complaints.

Minister Arora said the initiative would enhance safety, especially for women, promote inclusivity, and improve living standards in rural areas.

He added that the state government is also working on several solar projects to boost green energy production in the state.

Terming the scheme a game-changer, Minister Arora said it will not only improve security but also strengthen economic activities in villages across the state.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) (TSM), the worlds leading semiconductor foundry, ended 2025 on a solid note, fueled by surging demand for advanced nodes and AI accelerators. While the company will report its first-quarter earnings report on April 16, it provided an early glimpse with preliminary Q1 revenue growth of 35%, showing the strength of the current AI cycle. TSM stock has surged 23% year-to-date (YTD) and 147% over the past 52 weeks, outperforming the broader market.

With massive capital spending, margin pressures from global expansion, and the ramp-up of next-generation technologies, the Q1 report will reveal if TSM stock still has room to run.

More News from Barchart

www.barchart.com

AI Demand Continues to Power TSMCs Growth

Valued at $1.6 trillion, TSMC is the worlds largest pure-play semiconductor foundry. Instead of designing its own chips, it manufactures chips designed by other companies. TSMC specializes in cutting-edge manufacturing nodes like 3nm and 5nm, which are among the most advanced in the world. It is the leading supplier to tech titans like Apple (AAPL), AMD (AMD), Nvidia (NVDA), Qualcomm (QCOM), and Broadcom (AVGO).

For the full year 2025, TSMCs revenue surged 35.9% year-over-year (YoY) to $122 billion. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) jumped 46.4%, while gross margin expanded close to 60%, driven by both strong demand and disciplined cost execution. High-performance computing (HPC) accounted for 58% of revenue and grew 48% YoY. Smartphones remained a significant contributor at 29%, while IoT and automotive segments also reported double-digit growth.

The explosive growth of AI is the driving force behind TSMC. Management highlighted that the company is not only seeing demand from direct customers but also from their customers. It now forecasts AI accelerator revenue to grow at a mid-to-high 50% compound annual growth rate until 2029. This layered demand highlights TSMC's critical role in the AI ecosystem.

2026 Outlook: Growth Remains Strong, but Costs Are Rising

For the first quarter, the company reported preliminary Q1 revenue of $35.71 billion, marking a strong 35% YoY increase and landing at the high end of its previously guided $34.6 billion to $35.8 billion range. Notably, March alone delivered a 45.2% YoY increase in revenue and 30.7% sequentially, signaling accelerating demand into the quarters close. Overall, the preliminary numbers suggest TSMC is entering 2026 with strong top-line momentum, highlighting the strength of AI-driven demand despite broader macro uncertainties.
Medicine

Top Zakat Organizations in Lahore for Trusted Charity

One of the five pillars of Islam is Zakat, a form of charity that Muslims who have the means are required to give to help those in need. Top Zakat Organizations in Lahore for Trusted Charity. Every year, Muslims across the country fulfill this religious obligation by donating a portion of their wealth to support the poor, widows, orphans, and struggling families. In a large and growing city like Lahore, many communities continue to face poverty and financial difficulties. By donating to an ethical and accountable charity, donors can ensure their Zakat reaches those who genuinely require assistance. When searching for the best Zakat organization in Lahore, it is important to choose a transparent and trustworthy organization that manages donations responsibly. Ch. Rahmat Ali Memorial Trust is widely recognized as one of the leading charity organizations dedicated to helping underprivileged communities through Zakat and other charitable programs. Top Zakat Organizations in Lahore for Trusted Charity. This article explains the importance of Zakat, its role in strengthening society, and why many donors in Lahore prefer to contribute their Zakat through Ch. Rahmat Ali Memorial Trust. Top Zakat Organizations in Lahore for Trusted Charity.

Understanding the Importance of Zakat

Zakat is an obligatory form of charity in Islam that requires eligible Muslims to donate 2.5% of their annual wealth to individuals in need. Top Zakat Organizations in Lahore for Trusted Charity. The word Zakat means purification and growth, which signifies that giving charity purifies wealth and helps create a more balanced and compassionate society. Zakat plays a vital role in reducing poverty and supporting social welfare by helping individuals and families who are struggling financially. Zakat donations are commonly used to support important causes such as:

Providing food and financial support to families in need.

Helping individuals who are struggling with debt.

Supporting people who cannot financially support their families.

Promoting social equality and community welfare.

Helping charitable organizations deliver essential support programs.

When Zakat is donated through trusted organizations, it creates long-lasting positive impacts by helping to build stronger, more supportive communities.

Why Lahore Needs Strong Zakat Support

Lahore is one of the largest cities in Pakistan, home to millions of people from different economic backgrounds. Top Zakat Organizations in Lahore for Trusted Charity. While the city has experienced rapid growth and development, many families still struggle with poverty, unemployment, and the rising cost of living. For many households, basic necessities such as food, healthcare, and education can become difficult to afford. In such situations, Zakat donations play an important role in helping families maintain dignity and stability in their daily lives. Many Zakat organizations in Lahore are working to address these challenges through well-structured welfare programs supported by charitable contributions. These programs typically provide:

Financial assistance for families facing hardship

Food packages and ration distribution

Medical aid and healthcare support

Educational assistance for deserving students

Through these initiatives, Zakat helps transform lives and strengthen communities across Lahore.

What Makes a Zakat Organization Trustworthy?

At Ch. Rahmat Ali Memorial Trust, before donating Zakat, it is important for donors to ensure that the organization receiving their contributions operates with transparency, accountability, and ethical responsibility. Top Zakat Organizations in Lahore for Trusted Charity. A reliable and trusted Zakat organization in Lahore should demonstrate the following qualities:

A clear and transparent donation process.

Verification systems to ensure beneficiaries truly need support.

Accountability in how funds are distributed.

Programs that strictly follow Islamic guidelines for Zakat.

A strong reputation and trust within the community.

Organizations that maintain these standards continue to earn donors confidence while ensuring that charitable contributions make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of those who need help most. Top Zakat Organizations in Lahore for Trusted Charity.
RAWA NEWS, April 12, 2026

A deadly shooting attack on civilians in western Afghanistan has left at least 11 people dead and several others wounded, highlighting ongoing security concerns in the country.

The incident occurred on Friday afternoon in the Deh Miri area of Injil district, Herat province, where a group of civilians had gathered for leisure. Local sources say four armed individuals riding two motorcycles arrived in the village of Deh Miri in the Injil district, first separated the men from the women and children, and then opened fire on them. According to these sources, the gunmen also fired at women and children who attempted to flee.

Initial reports from Taliban officials put the death toll at seven, with 13 injured. Local sources, however, put the death toll at no fewer than 35, saying that due to the large crowd gathered at the recreational area and the shrine, the actual number of casualties is likely higher than the figures released by the Taliban.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Taliban officials say one suspect has been arrested, and efforts are ongoing to identify and detain others involved.

A lot of citizens, particularly residents of Herat, called the Taliban a failure at providing security for the people, saying that instead of hiring mullahs to harass women and men on the streets, they should be focused on preventing such deadly incidents. These citizens also alleged that the Taliban were directly involved in this incident.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has extended 25,000 offers to freshers for FY27, with its CEO K Krithivasan indicating that future recruitment will be determined by the demand scenario, while also addressing past layoffs and the impact of AI on its workforce strategy.

IMAGE: K. Krithivasan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tata Consultancy Services. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters

Key Points TCS has made 25,000 offers to freshers for FY27, with further hiring dependent on the demand scenario.

The company previously hired 44,000 freshers in FY26, one of the highest by a private sector employer in India.

CEO K Krithivasan stated that recent layoffs, primarily of senior-level talent, were due to changes in project execution style, not the ingress of AI technologies.

TCS sees a 'stable' pipeline of projects and signs of improvement in discretionary demand, with new deals focusing on cost optimisation and transformation.

The company is investing for future growth through acquisitions, partnerships (like with AMD), and staff development.

TCS has made 25,000 offers to freshers in the current fiscal, and pointed out that the demand scenario will determine whether it hires more college graduates, a top official has said.

The largest information technology services company had hired 44,000 freshers in FY26, one of the highest by any private sector employer in the country, despite the headwinds it faced.

"We have made 25,000 offers for freshers in FY27.

Clarity on demand will lead to more hiring," its chief executive and managing director K Krithivasan told PTI in an interview over the weekend.

Hiring Strategy and Layoffs

When asked if the company will up its dependence on lateral hires and if the delivery model has undergone any change, he replied in the negative.

Explaining that it takes up to nine months of training before a fresher comes on the floor, while a lateral can deliver immediately, he said, adding that business needs will influence its hiring strategies.

The company has been hiring 40,000 or more freshers every fiscal year for at least three years now.

When asked if there is a possibility of another round of restructuring like the one in FY26, when it laid off at least 12,000 staffers, Krithivasan limited himself to saying that people can have "thriving careers" with the company till they perform well.

Denying that the ingress of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies had anything to do with the layoffs last year, Krithivasan said TCS had to let go of people, mostly senior-level talent, because the style of executing projects had changed of late, and the senior layer was no longer required.

Business Environment and Future Investments

When asked about investor weariness with the company stock influenced by perceptions on performance, Krithivasan assured that the firm is investing for the future, and the same will accrue in growth.

To a question on the business environment, Krithivasan classified the pipeline of projects as "stable" and quickly added "stable is good", probably hinting at the current macroeconomic environment.

It sees signs of improvement in the discretionary demand front, the CEO said, opining that the new demand is across segments and geographies, and includes cost optimisation and transformation deals.

With the increase in new deal signings, it booked $40 billion of total contract value for FY26, the rate of conversion of the new contracts into revenues has also gone up, he said, without sharing the exact numbers.

Apart from mega deals, customers are also committing a higher proportion of work, which leads to a migration of customers to higher revenue brackets, he said.

Elaborating on the investments front, Krithivasan said these include acquisitions, where the company continues to be on the lookout for entities which will add to its capabilities, partnerships like the recent one with AMD, and also its staff.

Its chief financial officer, Samir Seksaria, said it will continue to look at profit margin expansion through levers, such as utilisation, which helped in FY26.
This article was first published 10 years ago

A simple yet effective script, well executed by the director, and the wonderful performance of Jyothika definitely make 36 Vayadhinile worth a watch, writes S Saraswathi.

36 Vayadhinile is the remake of Rosshan Andrrews' Malayalam film, How Old Are You.

The Tamil version -- also directed by Rosshan -- marks the fabulous comeback of Jyothika, who returns to the big screen after a hiatus of eight years.

The film talks about the inevitable changes in the life of a woman after marriage.

It tells us how even the most bold and enterprising young women, full of enthusiasm and dreams for their future are reduced to this robotic self-sacrificing martyr with no identity of their own.

36 Vayadhinile is the story of one such woman, Vasanthi (Jyothika).

Though well educated and with a decent government job, all her hopes and dreams are lost in the mundane routine of everyday life. Just cooking three meals a day, and looking to the comforts of her self-centered husband Tamilselvan (Rahman) and daughter sums up her life.

Tamilselvan, who is tired of his mediocre existence, wants to shift to Ireland. Even her young daughter wants to pursue education abroad. But Vasanthi is unable to get a job there and Tamilselvan cannot afford to take her on a dependent visa.

Vasanthi's life is in turmoil; her daughter is upset and her husband blames her for all the misfortunes in his life. She is hurt by their constant taunts and ridicule at her ineptness and failure to succeed at anything in life.

It is at this time that Vasanthi receives a surprise invitation from the President of the country. Suddenly, she is the center of attraction and this helps brings back some pride into her life.

But the visit backfires and she becomes even a greater disgrace to her family. Her husband and daughter use this opportunity to escape to Ireland. After slogging for 14 years at her marriage, Vasanthi is left with nothing.

The second half is all about how she struggles to recover her sense of self-worth with the help of an old college friend Suzan (Abhirami).

The film is undoubtedly Jyothika's show all the way. She effortlessly keeps you engaged with her myriad expressions, emotions and spontaneity. She draws you into her confused life, makes you smile and brings in a few tears without ever getting overly dramatic.

The movie definitely seems like the perfect comeback vehicle for this hugely talented actor, who gave up film to focus on her family at the peak of her career.

Rahman, Abhirami, Delhi Ganesh and others in the cast provide adequate support. Music by Santhosh Narayanan and editing by Mahesh Narayanan deserve special mention.

A simple yet effective script, well executed by the director, coupled with some enjoyable music, and the wonderful performance of Jyothika definitely make 36 Vayadhinile worth a watch.

Rediff Rating:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath intensifies the West Bengal election campaign by accusing the TMC of appeasement politics and promising inclusive governance under a BJP government.

Photograph: @AITCofficial/X

Key Points Yogi Adityanath accuses the TMC government in West Bengal of appeasement policies and disrespecting Hindu identity.

Adityanath claims West Bengal has become a place of 'goonda gardi' under TMC rule, similar to Uttar Pradesh before the BJP came to power.

He criticises the TMC's 'Maa Mati Manush' slogan, alleging the land is occupied by infiltrators and the people are under distress.

Adityanath highlights the BJP's success in Uttar Pradesh in curbing mafia activities and promoting inclusive Hinduism.

He promises similar regulations and 'bulldozer justice' against criminals if the BJP comes to power in West Bengal.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday accused the TMC of pursuing appeasement policies in West Bengal and urged people to vote for a double-engine government here to bring in "a truly inclusive regime".

Addressing a rally at Sonamukhi in Bankura district, Adityanath said Bengal is known as the land of Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna, who enriched the country's spiritual quest.

"But the TMC government disrespects spiritual icons revered worldwide, posing a threat to the Hindu identity of the state," he alleged.

"Bengal has now become the place of 'goonda gardi' (hooliganism), which was common in UP nine to ten years back before the BJP came to power there. There was a lack of development and growth in UP. But see the changes now," Adityanath said.

Later at a meeting at Kanthi in Purba Medinipur district, the BJP leader said, "T of TMC stands for 'tustikaran' (appeasement), M for mafia raj and C for corruption."

He also referred to the TMC's slogan 'Maa Mati Manush', while attacking the Mamata Banerjee dispensation.

"Maa of 'Maa Mati Manush' slogan is weeping and witnessing the sorry state of affairs under the present dispensation, while Mati (soil/land) has been occupied by infiltrators, and Manush (human) is under distress," he said. He urged people to throw out the "corrupt TMC government" and bring in the BJP to power.

"The TMC is pursuing appeasement policies...Vote for a double-engine government to bring in a truly inclusive regime," he said in the poll rally.

Adityanath said there is "no appeasement in UP, but inclusive Hinduism", where every community can "live peacefully in a secure environment".

"Every month, there used to be a curfew. But since 2017, with the BJP in power in UP, there have been no curfews or riots. All mafia have been dealt with in the way they deserve. There is zero tolerance. Now, UP is an important contributor to India's growth," he said.

At Kanthi, he also said the BJP government had "run bulldozers on terror, appeasement and mafia raj" after coming to power in UP and put an "end to 'love jihad' and 'land jihad' by framing legislation".

"Now, namaz offerings in large numbers are not allowed on roads in UP, and one cannot use the public address system whenever one wishes," he said, claiming that "the BJP rule in Bengal will usher in such regulations and bulldozer justice against criminals".

Claiming that Kolkata Corporation Mayor Firhad Hakim had recently advocated speaking of Urdu, Adityanath said, "Let me tell him people here will speak in their mother tongue only. Bengalis will only speak in Bengali, not the language ordered by Hakim."

He also said the BJP would ensure that no such diktat is issued.

"People of Bengal cannot be forced to learn the language they don't use in their everyday life and the language which is not their mother tongue," he said.

Hakim had, however, claimed on several occasions that his comments at an event of the Muslim community were distorted, and he had called for economic and educational uplift of members of the community so that they can be part of the mainstream of society.

Adityanath said while Swami Viveknananda had instilled pride among Hindus by his utterances at the Chicago religious meet in the 19th century, another son of Bengal, Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, had spoken against any ban on buying land and properties in the Kashmir valley.

Asserting that 'Vande Mataram' led to a spiritual awakening among Indians, Adityanath said the BJP will ensure that the values and ideals of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who wrote the song, are remembered in a proper way.

He claimed that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP will form a government in Bengal, and said, "Atrocities, rapes and murders will be things of the past".

"Many BJP workers were killed, and several others were beaten up by TMC goons. They will be dealt with in a proper way," he claimed.

Criticism of Mamata Banerjee and TMC Governance

Criticising West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he alleged that she was "silent on the atrocities of minority Hindus in neighbouring Bangladesh, particularly the killing of a Dalit, while BJP leaders condemned such attacks".

"The CM did not open her mouth as she is afraid of losing her vote bank in Bengal," he alleged.

Adityanath alleged that demographic changes had "taken place in West Bengal because of infiltration during the TMC regime".

"The BJP will protect the state's identity and safeguard its inclusive character," he claimed.

Promises for West Bengal Under BJP Rule

Adityanath said many 'karsevaks' (volunteers) from Bengal had travelled to Ayodhya for the Ram temple movement.

"Ironically, the TMC and Mamata Banerjee did not support the Ram temple movement. It shows their true colour," he said.

Adityanath accused the TMC of ignoring the state's farmers, claiming that they are not getting proper support prices for their produce.

"Bengal farmers should get prices of crops at par with the national rate available in states like UP," he said.

The UP chief minister said the people of his state are getting the benefits of central schemes, while the residents of West Bengal are "deprived" of these.

"In UP, 10 crore people have got Ayushman Bharat health scheme benefits. Crores have got houses under the PM Awas Yojana, and piped drinking water is available everywhere. But the situation in Bengal makes us sad. Such developments will also happen in Bengal when the BJP comes to power," he said.

West Bengal will vote in two phases, on April 23 and 29, and the counting will take place on May 4.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is campaigning in West Bengal, accusing the TMC of appeasement and promising inclusive governance and development under a BJP 'double-engine' government.

Photograph: @AITCofficial/X

Key Points Yogi Adityanath accuses the TMC government of appeasement policies that threaten the Hindu identity of West Bengal.

Adityanath promises a 'double-engine' BJP government to bring inclusive governance and development to West Bengal, similar to the changes in Uttar Pradesh.

He criticises Mamata Banerjee for her alleged silence on atrocities against minority Hindus and demographic changes due to infiltration.

Adityanath highlights the lack of support for farmers and the absence of central government scheme benefits in West Bengal under the TMC regime.

He asserts that a BJP government will protect the state's identity, safeguard its inclusive character, and ensure justice for BJP workers.

Accusing the TMC of pursuing appeasement policies in West Bengal, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday urged people to vote for a "double-engine" government here to bring in "a truly inclusive regime".

Addressing a rally at Sonamukhi in Bankura district, Adityanath said Bengal is known as the land of Swami Vivekananda and Ramakrishna, who enriched the country's spiritual quest.

"But the TMC government disrespects spiritual icons revered worldwide, posing a threat to the Hindu identity of the state," he alleged.

"Bengal has now become the place of 'goonda gardi', which was common in UP nine-ten years back before the BJP came to power there. There was a lack of development and growth in UP. But see the changes now," he added.

Adityanath said there is no appeasement in UP, but "inclusive Hinduism", where every community can live peacefully in a secure environment.

"Every month, there used to be a curfew. But since 2017, with the BJP in power in UP, there have been no curfews or riots. All mafias have been dealt with in the way they deserve, with zero tolerance. Now, UP is an important contributor to India's growth," he said.

BJP's Commitment to Cultural Values and Justice

Asserting that Vande Mataram led to a spiritual awakening among Indians, Adityanath said the BJP will ensure the values and ideals of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay are propagated, and his contributions are remembered in a proper way.

He claimed that under the guidance of PM Narendra Modi, the BJP will form a government in Bengal, and atrocities, rapes and murders will be things of the past.

"Many BJP workers were killed, and their hands were amputated by TMC goons. These goons will be dealt with accordingly," he claimed.

Criticism of Mamata Banerjee and TMC's Policies

Criticising Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, he alleged she was "silent on the atrocities of minority Hindus in neighbouring Bangladesh, particularly the killing of a Dalit, while BJP leaders condemned such attacks".

"She did not open her mouth as she is afraid of losing her vote bank in Bengal," he alleged.

Adityanath claimed that during the TMC regime, demographic changes had taken place in West Bengal because of infiltration.

"The BJP will protect the state's identity and safeguard its inclusive character," he claimed.

Adityanath said many 'karsevaks' (volunteers) from Bengal had travelled to Ayodhya for the Ram temple movement.

"Ironically, TMC and Mamata Banerjee did not support the Ram temple movement. It shows their true colour," he said.

Promises for Farmers and Development

Accusing the TMC of ignoring the state's farmers, Adityanath said they are not getting proper support prices for their agri-produce.

"Bengal farmers should get prices of crops on par with the national rate available in states like UP," he said.

He said the people of UP were getting benefits of central schemes, but he felt sad about the situation in West Bengal.

"In UP, 10 crore people have got Ayushman Bharat benefits. Crores have got houses under the PM Awas Yojana, and piped drinking water is available everywhere. But the situation in Bengal makes us sad. Such developments will also happen in Bengal when the BJP comes to power," he said.

West Bengal will vote in two phases, on April 23 and 29. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.
Vandalism of an Ambedkar statue in Rajasthan's Sirohi district has ignited protests, prompting a police investigation and raising concerns about social harmony.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A statue of B R Ambedkar was vandalised in Khambal village, Sirohi district, Rajasthan.

The incident involved damage to the statue's hand, sparking immediate outrage.

Local residents gathered to protest the vandalism, demanding swift action.

Police are investigating the incident, reviewing CCTV footage and forming teams to identify the culprits.

Authorities are working to address the situation and maintain peace in the community following the Ambedkar statue desecration.

A statue of B R Ambedkar was found damaged in Khambal village of Rajasthan's Sirohi district, triggering protests by locals, police said on Sunday.

According to officials, the hand of the statue was found damaged this morning.

CCTV footage from nearby areas is being examined to identify the accused.

A senior police official said teams have been formed to trace those involved in the incident.

Soon after the incident, several locals gathered on the spot and held a protest.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Hari Singh Deval also visited the site and reviewed the situation. He said efforts were being made to identify the accused.
A Delhi bank employee's arrest exposes a cyber fraud scheme where forged documents were used to open accounts for siphoning money from victims lured by fake investment offers.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A bank employee in Delhi was arrested for allegedly opening a fraudulent bank account using forged documents.

The employee is accused of enabling a cyber fraud racket by allowing money to be siphoned through the fake account.

The fraudulent account was used in a larger cyber fraud scheme involving fake investment and job offers on social media.

The investigation revealed the account was opened without proper KYC verification and signatures were forged.

The bank employee admitted to opening the account on forged documents and receiving commission for routing cheated money.

A 35-year-old bank employee has been arrested for allegedly facilitating a cyber fraud racket by opening a bank account using forged documents, an official said.

The accused, identified as Irshad Malik, a resident of Ghaziabad, was working with a private bank and has been accused of misusing his position to help fraudsters siphon off money through a fake account.

Police said the case pertains to an FIR registered in Dwarka in October 2023 following a complaint by a police officer regarding unauthorised debit of Rs 88,000 from his account through fraudulent transactions without consent or OTP authentication.

During the investigation, the amount was found to have been routed to a private bank account opened in the name of a private firm, police said.

"Further probe revealed that the account was fraudulently opened using forged documents of someone named Manmohan Singh, who later denied having any knowledge of such an account," a senior police officer said.

FSL examination revealed that the signatures on the account opening form were forged. The account was opened without proper KYC verification.

Investigation and Arrest

Police said Malik came in contact with co-accused Harjinder alias Harji, who lured him into facilitating such accounts in exchange for commission.

Acting on specific inputs, the team apprehended Malik from New Friends Colony on April 10.

"During interrogation, he admitted to knowingly opening the account on forged documents and receiving commission for routing cheated money," the officer said.

Cyber Fraud Scheme Details

Investigators said the account was used in a larger cyber fraud racket where victims were lured through social media platforms groups with fake investment and part-time job offers.

Four co-accused have already been arrested earlier in the case and are currently on bail, police added.
The answer is  a lot. In January 2024, after a year of flat sales, price hikes, franchisee distress , and flagging stock value, the company named Kirk Tanner as its CEO; at the time, it was considered a surprise hire given that Tanner had spent the previous 30-plus years in consumer-packaged goods at PepsiCo. Tanner quickly distinguished himself within his first month on the job by seeming to suggest that Wendys might use A.I. to experiment with surge pricing on its menus. The resulting uproar, which took place in an election year defined by consumer agony over inflation seemed poised to do more damage to the company than the great human finger chili hoax of 2005. After less than 18 months on the job, Tanner suddenly decamped to Hersheys last summer, adding to the company upheaval; his interim replacement, the CFO Ken Cook, had only been at Wendys for eight months, after spending the previous 20 years at UPS.

Still, not all the chains are struggling right now. Through value menu pricing and savvy marketing, McDonalds and Taco Bell have been cleaning up . Insurgent chains like Raising Canes are suddenly everywhere and thriving. Casual chains like Chilis have convinced consumers that if theyre going to spend $12 on a burger combo, they might as well get utensils and some ambiance with it. And so, on behalf of all its lovelorn fans, Ive been wondering: Exactly what the fuck happened to Wendys?

Not all of this is the companys fault. Other big-name fast-food chains like Pizza Hut and Papa Johns will also be closing hundreds of stores this year, owing to factors like a tough operational environment of higher supply costs, increased competition, and inflation-bitten consumers. Its also increasingly difficult for any brand to keep anyones attention in a manic and incoherent media ecosystem where the aura that a CEO projects while biting into a burger on camera is seemingly more important than the quality of the burger itself. (Its both telling and psychically unsettling that Wendys most noteworthy success in recent years came by way of a Krabby Patty Kollab promotion for the 25 th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants.)

Right now, as you read this very story, a Wendys somewhere is closing. In February, the chain announced that it would shutter at least 300 locations in the first half of 2026 in a ketchup-tinted bloodbath that followed a shocking 11.3 percent drop in same-store sales the industrys key measure of year-over-year growthat the end of last year. Whatever the final death tally, the losses will add up to somewhere around 5 to 6 percent of Wendys total store count.

Story Continues

Even if you can already spot a problem here, its helpful to know what carried Wendys through its first 50 years, during which it rose to become Americas second-biggest burger chain by sales. Lost to time is the story of Wendys founder Dave Thomas. Remembered best for his avuncular presence in hundreds of Wendys television ads, Thomas was also a restaurant operations wizard.

Unlike most modern CEOs, Thomas didnt have an MBA or even a college degree; he was a high school dropout who only went back to get his GED in his 60s because he was wary of being a bad role model. His practical know-how was from actually working in restaurants for decades, even when he was legally too young to do so. (At 12, he was fired from a job at a Walgreens soda fountain when his boss discovered he wasnt 16.) Thomas first major coup was turning around the fortunes of some struggling KFC franchises in Columbus, Ohio, which he did by drastically simplifying the menus, pushing the company to personalize its marketing reach, and making the stores more profitable by focusing on to-go dining. After selling the franchises back to the company, Thomas was a millionaire at age 35, all following an itinerant childhood spent in boarding houses across the Midwest during the Great Depression.

This may all sound like Horatio Alger nonsense, but Thomas run as a counter man, cook, server, and manager helped set his blueprint for Wendys. In 1969, a year after selling his KFC stores, Thomas bet that, even in a saturated fast-food market, the postwar generations who had come of age with some disposable income would pay a bit more for quality food and a superior experience.

Wendys image as the fancy one started from the jump with a menu featuring a burger that was bigger than most fast-food burgers at the timea quarter pounder before the Quarter Pounderand at 55 cents, significantly more expensive. As you certainly know, Wendys burger patties are square, in part because you can cook more of them on the grill that way and also because the beef hangs over a circular bun in a way that projects abundance. (Roll your eyes all you want, but Thomas claim that the burgers shape was inspired by his grandmothers exhortation to never cut corners is genius.)

Wendys make-do, Midwestern brand persona wasnt an act though. The companys semi-beloved chili was one of five items on the opening menu because Thomas wanted to make use of leftover fresh beef before it expired. The inspiration for the Frosty came from the concession stands of a Cleveland race track. Thomas understood that his customers wanted speed and competence. The multiple drive-thru windows where you paid after ordering and before you got your food? The winding metal gates that turned Wendys dining-room lines into neat snakelike queues? These were Thomas sleights of hand because he understood that the longer a customer waited, the more annoyed they got and the less likely they were to come back.

Even if these arcane bits of corporate trivia are completely new to you, if youve loved Wendys long enough, they probably wont surprise you. With an endearing sincerity, the company appeared out of step with time, which is why the companys recent struggles are so frustrating to experience.

Fast-food consumers of a certain age tend to be nostalgic for the old 1990s Wendys, with its black-window solariums and yellow packaging and newspaper print tables. But the soft lighting of American life under those charming faux Tiffany lamps is gone. Salad-bar nostalgia aside, a more reasonable hope for Wendys future is a return to the more comprehensible version of the company it was just 10 years ago.

The Wendys of the postGreat Recession years, while devastatingly fluent in internet speak, was still basically legible to an average consumer. It was a burger chain that would never deign to serve energy drinks or cold brew or hawk a weird 100 Days of Summer value program that you had to track like an astrology planner. Barely a decade ago, Wendys didnt have menu bloat with a dozen types of Frosty flavors, a weird partnership with Cinnabon, and breakfast service. It would have never renamed some of their stores Tendys just because they started serving chicken tenders.

To give due credit, most of the new Frosty flavors are absolute stoner manna and the Breakfast Baconator is exactly the type of A.M. day ruiner that Saturday mornings were built for. But even Dave Thomas (especially Dave Thomas!) would tell you that there is a costto brand, franchisees, workers, and consumer loyaltyin trying to do too much, in offering too much, in chasing too many trends, in trying to be too much to too many.

It wasnt all that long ago that Wendys still had a relatively uncluttered core menu, a quality spicy chicken sandwich for the bad days, and a 4 for $4 deal that embodied real, accessible, unfussy value. Wendys, in other words, used to be simple.

As part of its new efforts to stanch the Frosty bleed, it has already updated its value menu, but value alone can only do so much when youve strayed so dramatically from the path. Earlier this month, for example, it launched an upgraded spicy chicken sandwich, which would have made sense during the great chicken sandwich wars of 2019 but doesnt inspire confidence on a menu that also has chicken nuggets, chicken tenders, three chicken salads, a chicken wrap, and four other chicken sandwiches. Thats whats so sad about modern Wendys. Its become a symbol of big business gone wrong in part because it once seemed to do it so right.
The brother of a murdered sarpanch in Beed, India, alleges a conspiracy to defame him and weaken the murder case, claiming pressure to withdraw the case after his brother's death due to opposing extortion.

Key Points Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of murdered sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, alleges attempts to defame him and weaken the murder case.

Santosh Deshmukh was murdered for opposing extortion related to a renewable energy project in Massajog, Beed.

Dhananjay Deshmukh claims he faced pressure to withdraw the murder case and was lured into a conspiracy for a settlement.

The case involves arrests, including an aide of NCP leader Dhananjay Munde.

Dhananjay Deshmukh met with the Beed Superintendent of Police to discuss the case and other issues affecting Massajog.

Dhananjay Deshmukh, the brother of murdered Beed sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, has claimed that attempts are being made to "defame and psychologically weaken" him in connection with the case.

Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh was murdered in December 2024 for trying to stop an extortion attempt on a renewable energy firm, which had set up a windmill project in the area. Several persons were arrested in the case, including Walmik Karad, a close aide of NCP leader and former minister Dhananjay Munde.

Allegations of Pressure and Conspiracy

"Pressure was exerted on me to withdraw the (murder) case. Efforts are being made to defame and psychologically weaken me. I was even called to a place as part of a conspiracy to enter into a deal to settle the case. But I chose not to go," Dhananjay Deshmukh told reporters after meeting Beed Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat on Saturday.

Dhananjay Deshmukh and others met the SP to discuss issues affecting Massajog, including thefts, house breaking etc.
A BJP leader in Kerala is facing serious cash-for-votes allegations, sparking controversy and raising questions about election integrity and internal party disputes.

Key Points Suspended BJP leader Bindu Vinayakumar accuses Sobha Surendran of cash-for-votes during the 2024 Lok Sabha election in Alappuzha.

Vinayakumar alleges fund misappropriation and money distribution by Surendran during the Alappuzha election.

Vinayakumar claims Surendran threatened her over the cash-for-vote accusations, leading to her suspension from the BJP.

Jamaat-e-Islami sends legal notice to Surendran for alleging their involvement in the killing of an RSS worker and labelling them a terrorist organisation.

Surendran has not yet responded to the allegations.

Suspended BJP leader Bindu Vinayakumar on Sunday alleged that party leader Sobha Surendran was involved in 'cash-for-vote' during the 2024 Lok Sabha election in Alappuzha.

Earlier, both the UDF and the LDF had raised allegations against Surendran over purported cash-for-vote activities during the recent Assembly election campaign in Palakkad.

A video related to the allegations had surfaced, prompting a probe by the Election Commission and the police.

Vinayakumar, former BJP Alappuzha north district vice-president, had recently lodged a police complaint alleging that Surendran threatened her in connection with the cash-for-vote accusations.

Following her allegations, the BJP suspended Vinayakumar.

Speaking to reporters, she said she had known Surendran since the latter contested the Lok Sabha election in Alappuzha.

"It is well known that she was involved in fund misappropriation and distribution of money during the election in Alappuzha. Now people in Palakkad have also realised it," she alleged.

Vinayakumar said the BJP state leadership had not acted on her complaint.

"I don't understand why the state leadership did not investigate my complaint that she threatened me," she said.

She also expressed disappointment over her suspension from the party.

"I had brought these issues to the notice of both the state and national leadership, but no action was taken. So I made these statements through the media so that people know the truth," she said.

Vinayakumar on Saturday alleged that Surendran called her over the phone and accused her of sending money to Palakkad to orchestrate the cash-for-vote controversy.

She further claimed that Surendran threatened and intimidated her, and that she had lodged a complaint with the Alappuzha Superintendent of Police.

Surendran has not yet responded to the allegations.

Legal Notice to Surendran

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami has sent a legal notice to Surendran over her statement during the election campaign that the organisation was involved in the killing of RSS worker Sreenivasan in Palakkad and that it is a terrorist organisation.

The organisation, in its notice, termed the statement baseless and sought a public apology or compensation of Rs one crore.

RSS worker Sreenivasan was allegedly killed by members of Popular Front of India, who were later arrested by the police and the NIA.
Delhi Police have busted an interstate cyber fraud syndicate, arresting five individuals involved in using mule bank accounts and cryptocurrency to launder money across India and internationally.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Five individuals have been arrested in Delhi for operating an interstate cyber fraud syndicate.

The syndicate used mule bank accounts to transfer illicit money across India and internationally.

The fraud involved layering money and converting it into cryptocurrency (USDT) before routing it to foreign handlers.

Police identified 28 bank accounts linked to the accused, involving approximately Rs 2.31 crore across multiple states.

The investigation revealed international links, with one handler's IP address traced to Cambodia.

Five people have been arrested for allegedly operating an interstate cyber fraud syndicate that used mule bank accounts to transfer money across India and abroad, police said on Sunday.

A mule account is opened in the name of an individual who may or may not be aware that it is being used to launder illicit money.

The case was registered on April 4 at the Cyber Police Station in Outer North district based on multiple complaints received through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal during a special drive, Operation "Cyber Hawk 4.0", an official statement said.

Acting on technical inputs, police conducted coordinated raids and apprehended the accused, identified as Rahul (22), Bunty (22), Ankit (19), Salim alias Dhancha (22) and Noore Alam (19), all residents of Narela, it said.

Investigation Details and Financial Impact

During the investigation, police identified 28 bank accounts linked to the accused and found 43 complaints connected to these accounts involving an approximate amount of Rs 2.31 crore across several states, including Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, it said.

According to police, the accused allegedly provided mule bank accounts and SIM cards to other members of the syndicate for commissions ranging between Rs 2,500 and Rs 5,000 per account.

Cryptocurrency and International Links

Police said the money was layered and converted into cryptocurrency, mainly USDT, through online platforms and then routed to foreign handlers via encrypted social media applications.

Technical analysis traced one such handler's IP address to Cambodia, indicating international links. Further investigation is underway to identify other members of the syndicate and track the full money trail, they said.
Delhi Police have successfully apprehended three individuals and recovered a significant portion of the stolen funds following a brazen robbery on the Dwarka Expressway, bringing a swift resolution to the crime.

Key Points Delhi Police arrested three men for allegedly robbing a person of Rs 15 lakh on the Dwarka Expressway.

Police recovered Rs 11.96 lakh of the stolen money from the arrested suspects.

The investigation involved analysing CCTV footage, tracking mobile locations, and working with local informers.

Accused individuals Sandeep, Santosh Mehto, and Suraj Sonkar were apprehended in connection with the robbery.

Police are investigating if the accused were involved in similar crimes.

The Delhi Police has arrested three men for allegedly robbing a person of Rs 15 lakh on the Dwarka Expressway and recovered Rs 11.96 lakh of the stolen money, officials said on Sunday.

A PCR call regarding the incident near Delhi Apartments, Sector-22, on the Dwarka Expressway was received on April 6, following which a case was registered on April 9, they said.

During the investigation, a team analysed CCTV footage, tracked mobile locations and worked with local informers to identify the suspects.

Arrests and Recovery

The first accused, Sandeep (29), was apprehended. During interrogation, he disclosed the involvement of his associate Santosh Mehto (29), who was later arrested from a hotel in Nangloi, a senior police officer said.

"An amount of Rs 10 lakh from the robbed money and a mobile phone purchased from the proceeds of crime were recovered from Mehto," the officer said.

Further investigation led to the arrest of the third accused, Suraj Sonkar (23), from the Sadar Bazar area. Police recovered Rs 1.96 lakh from his possession and identified the scooter used in the commission of the crime.

In total, Rs 11.96 lakh of the robbed amount has been recovered, the officer said.

Further investigation is underway to ascertain if the accused was involved in similar cases, police said.
Delhi Police have successfully dismantled a sophisticated cyber fraud ring operating through a deceptive online investment platform, arresting three individuals and exposing the tactics used to swindle unsuspecting investors.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Delhi Police busted a cyber fraud racket operating through a fake online investment platform, arresting three individuals.

The fraudsters lured victims into investing in stocks, equities, and IPOs via a fraudulent online platform, resulting in significant financial losses.

The investigation revealed a network of bank accounts used to route the defrauded funds, making it difficult to trace the money.

The accused were part of a larger organised syndicate involved in procuring bank accounts on commission to evade detection.

Police are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend other members of the cyber fraud syndicate.

Delhi Police has busted a cyber fraud racket operating through a fake online investment platform and arrested three people for allegedly duping a victim of over Rs 47 lakh, an official said on Sunday.

The accused were arrested on Saturday in connection with the case registered in the southwest district on the complaint of a victim who claimed fraudsters duped him of Rs 47.20 lakh by luring him into investing in stocks, equities, and IPOs via a fraudulent online platform, police said.

During the investigation, police identified a current account in the name of a private firm as a key conduit, into which the accused transferred Rs 3 lakh of the defrauded amount.

"Further analysis revealed that the account was linked to at least 12 cyber fraud complaints, establishing it as a "Layer-1" account used for routing cheated funds," a senior police officer said.

A team conducted extensive interstate operations across Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh and adjoining regions using technical surveillance and field intelligence.

Arrests and Investigation Details

Vishal Chauhan, 47, a resident of Haryana's Jind, was apprehended first, the police said, adding that he had knowingly shared his bank account credentials, SIM card, debit card and cheque book with other members on a commission basis.

Chauhan received Rs 50,000 for facilitating illegal transactions through his account. Three mobile phones were recovered from his possession, linked to the offence, they said.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Ritvik Yadav, who acted as a mediator. He procured the bank kit and SIM card from Chauhan and supplied them to other co-conspirators in exchange for commission, the police said.

The third accused, Priyal Pratap Yadav, 22, a resident of Mainpuri in Uttar Pradesh, was later apprehended from Kingsway Camp in Delhi. A mobile phone used in the fraudulent transactions was recovered in his instance, they said.

Modus Operandi

Sustained interrogation revealed that the accused were part of a larger organised syndicate involved in procuring bank accounts of people and firms on commission ranging from 25 to 40 per cent. These accounts were used to route proceeds of cyber fraud in an attempt to evade detection, the police said.

Chauhan and Ritvik have been remanded to judicial custody, while Priyal has also been arrested. Further investigation is underway to identify and apprehend other members, the police added.
Kannur Dental College is facing a police investigation and internal inquiry after a first-year student's tragic death by suspected suicide, prompting allegations of severe emotional harassment and caste-based discrimination by faculty members.

Photograph: Courtesy Amal Jyothi College of Engineering/Twitter

Key Points Kannur Dental College is under investigation after a first-year student died in a suspected suicide following allegations of emotional harassment by faculty members.

The deceased student, Nithin Raj RL, allegedly faced harassment, including threats of physical assault and academic repercussions, according to an audio message he sent to friends.

The college has suspended the Head of the Dental Anatomy Department and an Associate Professor and is cooperating with the police investigation.

The student's family alleges that he was subjected to emotional and verbal harassment by teachers due to his dark complexion and poor family background, including caste-based slurs.

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has directed the police to conduct a detailed probe into the student's death and submit a report within a week.

Police have launched a probe against faculty members of Kannur Dental College after a first-year student died after falling from a building in a suspected suicide, officials said on Sunday.

Chakkarakkal police, who registered a case of unnatural death, initiated the probe after the parents and friends of the deceased alleged that he had been subjected to emotional harassment by faculty members.

The deceased has been identified as Nithin Raj RL (22), a native of Uzhamalackal, Puthukulangara, Thiruvananthapuram and a first-year BDS student of the college located in Anjarakandy here.

According to police, Raj was found critically injured near the medical college block after falling from the building on the afternoon of April 10. Though he was rushed to the medical college and given treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries.

Following the incident, the college initiated an internal inquiry and on Saturday suspended Dental Anatomy Department Head MK Ram and Associate Professor KT Sangeetha Nambiar.

Police said Raj had sent an audio message to his friends alleging harassment by faculty members, including threats of physical assault and academic repercussions such as reducing his marks in examinations.

Officials at Chakkarakkal police station said a detailed probe is underway into the incident, with digital evidence being collected.

Also, statements by Raj's classmates, college authorities and family members will be recorded soon, police added.

Raj's father Rajan told reporters that his son was emotionally and "verbally harassed" by teachers over his dark complexion and poor family background.

"He worked hard without any support to secure admission on a merit seat in the dental college. But he was harassed by faculty over his caste and colour. They also threatened to harm him academically," Rajan claimed.

Rajan said that they have lodged a complaint against the faculty members with the police and are expecting a fair probe into the death of his son.

Nikitha, the sister of Raj, said that he had faced repeated harassment based on caste and colour.

She claimed that Raj had filed a complaint with the college principal, but no action was taken.

"He used to tell us about such discrimination and harassment regularly. He was once called to the staff room where he was severely harassed," she alleged.

The sister also claimed that Raj was once called a "slum dog" in the classroom in front of other students by a faculty member.

"Once, when the harassment became unbearable, he reacted, after which the verbal abuse intensified," she added.

When contacted, college authorities told PTI that two faculty members had been suspended and that they were cooperating with the police investigation.

"We will fully cooperate with the investigation and share all details. Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the police probe," an official said.

The body of Raj was brought to his residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, and the cremation is expected to be held in the afternoon.

Human Rights Commission Intervention

Meanwhile, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission on Sunday directed the police to conduct a detailed probe into the death of the student and submit a report within a week.

The Commission took a case on its own based on media reports.

Commission Judicial member K Baijunath issued directions to the Kannur City Police Commissioner to investigate the allegations surrounding the incident and file a report within the stipulated time, according to a statement.
Kannur Dental College is facing a police probe after a first-year student's tragic death, with allegations of faculty harassment and caste discrimination sparking outrage and demands for a thorough investigation.

Photograph: Courtesy mal Jyothi College/Twitter

Key Points Kannur Dental College is under investigation after a first-year student, Nithin Raj RL, died in a suspected suicide following allegations of emotional harassment by faculty members.

The student's family alleges he faced caste and complexion-based discrimination and verbal abuse from teachers, leading to a police complaint and demands for a thorough probe.

Two faculty members have been suspended by the college pending the outcome of the police investigation, with authorities pledging full cooperation.

Political leaders and the Kerala State Human Rights Commission have called for a detailed investigation into the incident, drawing comparisons to similar cases of student mistreatment and discrimination.

Police have launched a probe against faculty members of Kannur Dental College after a first-year student died after falling from a building in a suspected suicide, officials said on Sunday.

Chakkarakkal police, who registered a case of unnatural death, initiated the probe after the parents and friends of the deceased alleged that he had been subjected to emotional harassment by faculty members.

The deceased has been identified as Nithin Raj RL (22), a native of Uzhamalackal, Puthukulangara, Thiruvananthapuram and a first-year BDS student of the college located in Anjarakandy here.

According to police, Raj was found critically injured near the medical college block after falling from the building on the afternoon of April 10. Though he was rushed to the medical college and given treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries.

Following the incident, the college initiated an internal inquiry and on Saturday suspended Dental Anatomy Department Head MK Ram and Associate Professor KT Sangeetha Nambiar.

Police said Raj had sent an audio message to his friends alleging harassment by faculty members, including threats of physical assault and academic repercussions such as reducing his marks in examinations.

Officials at Chakkarakkal police station said a detailed probe is underway into the incident, with digital evidence being collected.

Also, statements by Raj's classmates, college authorities and family members will be recorded soon, police added.

Raj's father Rajan told reporters that his son was emotionally and "verbally harassed" by teachers over his dark complexion and poor family background.

"He worked hard without any support to secure admission on a merit seat in the dental college. But he was harassed by faculty over his caste and complexion. They also threatened to harm him academically," Rajan claimed.

He said that they have lodged a complaint against the faculty members with the police and are expecting a fair probe into the death of his son.

Raj's sister Nikitha said that he had faced repeated harassment based on caste and complexion.

She claimed that Raj had filed a complaint with the college principal, but no action was taken.

"He used to tell us about such discrimination and harassment regularly. He was once called to the staff room where he was severely harassed," she alleged.

The sister also claimed that Raj was once called a "slum dog" in the classroom in front of other students by a faculty member. "Once, when the harassment became unbearable, he reacted, after which the verbal abuse intensified," she added.

When contacted, college authorities told PTI that two faculty members had been suspended and that they were cooperating with the police investigation.

"We will fully cooperate with the investigation and share all details. Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the police probe," an official said.

The body of Raj was brought to his residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, and buried on the land owned by the family.

Sheeba MR, mother of veterinary student Sidharthan JS, who died in 2024 allegedly after being ragged by fellow students at the Government Veterinary College, Wayanad, visited the house of Raj.

Sheeba said that after her son's death, she had hoped such incidents would not recur in colleges, but a similar tragedy had happened again.

"These suspensions are only cosmetic as those responsible will be reinstated later. In Sidharthan's case, the accused students were to be re-admitted soon. Only after our legal fight are they still kept out," she said.

Political Response and Demands for Justice

Meanwhile, political leaders also demanded a detailed probe into the incident.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala called for a high-level inquiry into Raj's death.

He said the government should take seriously the allegations by the student's parents and relatives that caste-and-complexion-based harassment led to the death and take urgent steps to bring those responsible to justice.

Chennithala said the issue should not be closed by merely suspending two teachers and noted that the parents had firmly alleged severe caste discrimination.

Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Kerala Assembly VD Satheesan visited Raj's house and demanded a thorough probe.

"Teachers are expected to guide students. How did such people become teachers? There should be a detailed probe," he said.

He added that strict intervention was needed to ensure such incidents are not repeated in the state.

CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim also visited the family and described the incident as painful.

Rahim said Raj was the hope of his family, which had supported his education despite hardship.

"CPI(M) will stand with the family until justice is delivered. Such an incident should not have happened in a society like Kerala," he said.

He also compared the incident with the death of Rohith Vemula at the University of Hyderabad.

"The family has told us that Raj faced repeated caste discrimination and was deeply affected by it. A detailed probe must be conducted and justice ensured. The action taken should set an example so that such incidents are not repeated in Kerala," Rahim said.

Human Rights Commission Intervention

Meanwhile, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission on Sunday directed the police to conduct a detailed probe into the death of the student and submit a report within a week.

The Commission took a case on its own based on media reports.

Commission Judicial member K Baijunath issued directions to the Kannur City Police Commissioner to investigate the allegations surrounding the incident and file a report within the stipulated time, according to a statement.
Kannur Dental College is under investigation after a first-year student's tragic death, with allegations of faculty harassment and discrimination sparking a police probe and raising serious concerns about student welfare.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Kannur Dental College is under investigation after a first-year student died in a suspected suicide following allegations of faculty harassment.

The deceased student's family claims he faced emotional and verbal abuse from faculty members, including discrimination based on caste and colour.

Police are collecting digital evidence and recording statements from classmates, college authorities, and family members to investigate the harassment claims.

The college has suspended the Head of the Dental Anatomy Department and an Associate Professor pending the outcome of the police investigation.

The student allegedly sent an audio message to friends detailing the harassment, including threats of physical assault and academic repercussions.

Police have launched a probe against faculty members of Kannur Dental College after a first-year student died after falling from a building in a suspected suicide, officials said on Sunday.

Chakkarakkal police, who registered a case of unnatural death, initiated the probe after the parents and friends of the deceased alleged that he had been subjected to emotional harassment by faculty members.

The deceased has been identified as Nithin Raj RL (22), a native of Uzhamalackal, Puthukulangara, Thiruvananthapuram and a first-year BDS student of the college located in Anjarakandy here.

According to police, Raj was found critically injured near the medical college block after falling from the building on the afternoon of April 10. Though he was rushed to the medical college and given treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries.

Following the incident, the college initiated an internal inquiry and on Saturday suspended Dental Anatomy Department Head MK Ram and Associate Professor KT Sangeetha Nambiar.

Police said Raj had sent an audio message to his friends alleging harassment by faculty members, including threats of physical assault and academic repercussions such as reducing his marks in examinations.

Officials at Chakkarakkal police station said a detailed probe is underway into the incident, with digital evidence being collected.

Also, statements by Raj's classmates, college authorities and family members will be recorded soon, police added.

Family Alleges Caste and Colour Discrimination

Raj's father Rajan told reporters that his son was emotionally and "verbally harassed" by teachers over his dark complexion and poor family background.

"He worked hard without any support to secure admission on a merit seat in the dental college. But he was harassed by faculty over his caste and colour. They also threatened to harm him academically," Rajan claimed.

Rajan said that they have lodged a complaint against the faculty members with the police and are expecting a fair probe into the death of his son.

Nikitha, the sister of Raj, said that he had faced repeated harassment based on caste and colour.

She claimed that Raj had filed a complaint with the college principal, but no action was taken.

"He used to tell us about such discrimination and harassment regularly. He was once called to the staff room where he was severely harassed," she alleged.

The sister also claimed that Raj was once called a "slum dog" in the classroom in front of other students by a faculty member.

"Once, when the harassment became unbearable, he reacted, after which the verbal abuse intensified," she added.

College Response and Investigation

When contacted, college authorities told PTI that two faculty members had been suspended and that they were cooperating with the police investigation.

"We will fully cooperate with the investigation and share all details. Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the police probe," an official said.

The body of Raj was brought to his residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday, and the cremation is expected to be held in the afternoon.
Baqaei noted in his interview with local media that on a number of issues, both parties reached understandings some key issues, however, their positions remained apart and ultimately they didn't reach an agreement.

IMAGE: A man sits next to televisions at a shop showing news regarding the peace talks expected to be held in Islamabad by delegations from the United States and Iran, in Karachi, Pakistan, April 11, 2026. Photograph: Insiya Syed/Reuters

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, on Sunday said that the recent meeting with US officials was the longest round of negotiations they had held in the past year.

Key Points Baqaei noted that diplomacy is always a tool to secure and protect national interests.

The Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson said that Iran should not have expected from the start that they could reach an agreement in a single session.

Baghaei said that new topics were added to the negotiations this time, like the Strait of Hormuz issue or the region.

Baqaei, who heads the Center for Public Diplomacy of Iran, noted in his interview with local media that on a number of issues, both parties reached understandings some key issues, however, their positions remained apart and ultimately they didn't reach an agreement.

"I believe this round of negotiations was indeed the longest we've had this past year. Twenty-four or twenty-five hours--starting yesterday morning when indirect talks began with messages exchanged between the two sides through the Pakistani mediator. It continued non-stop until now," he said.

Baqaei also noted that diplomacy is always a tool to secure and protect national interests.

"Diplomacy never ends. Diplomacy is always a tool to secure and protect national interests and diplomats must fulfill their duties in any conditions, whether in wartime or peacetime. Well, there are several points we need to keep in mind. This round of talks came after forty-some days--forty days of imposed war, then a few days after the ceasefire. In an atmosphere filled with mistrust, suspicion and doubt," he said.

Baghaei said that Iran should not have expected from the start that they could reach an agreement in a single session.

"In any case, the American side, along with the Zionist regime, committed military aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran for the second time in nine months. So naturally, we shouldn't have expected from the start that we could reach an agreement in a single session. I don't think anyone had such expectations, despite what I mentioned, this was the longest meeting we've had this past year. Another point to consider was the complexity of the issues and the complexity of the circumstances," he said.

Baghaei said that new topics were added to the negotiations this time, like the Strait of Hormuz issue or the region.

"Some new topics were added to the negotiations this time, like the Strait of Hormuz issue or the region. Well, these have their own conditions, features and specifics. But I think that in any case, we must always pursue our national interests as diplomats and as a diplomatic apparatus. Use our various tools to protect rights and interests of the Iranian nation," he said.

Baghaei added, "The talks continued throughout the night regarding a range of topics that were raised both in our ten-point proposal and points the other side had. On a number of issues, we reached understandings on two or three key issues, however, our positions remained apart and ultimately we didn't reach an agreement. These talks--this is the latest status I can report."

Baghaei further said, "I really want to take this opportunity to thank the government and people of Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif, the honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan. Mr. Asim Munir, the army chief, Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister made tremendous efforts. Pakistan's gracious hospitality in recent weeks and especially these past two or three days deserves appreciation. We thank them for their excellent hospitality."

Baghaei said that diplomacy always stands alongside other components of government.

"We are confident that contacts and consultations between the Islamic Republic of Iran, Pakistan and other friends in the region will continue. Diplomacy stands ready alongside other components of government, alongside our good people, alongside the defenders of the homeland for all kinds of cooperation and sacrifice to protect the interests and national security of the country," he said.

The comments come as US President Donald Trump shared an article suggesting that the option of enforcing a naval blockade was available in context of Iran as peace talks ended in a stalemate in Islamabad after differences of opinion arose between the two parties on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear capacities.
Following public outrage, Jaipur police have arrested four individuals for allegedly molesting a woman on a motorcycle after a disturbing video of the incident went viral.

Photograph: Pexels/Pixabay

Key Points Four men have been arrested in Jaipur for allegedly molesting a woman riding a motorcycle.

The arrests followed the widespread circulation of a video of the incident on social media.

The accused are charged under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act.

Police used CCTV footage and the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) database to identify the suspects.

The suspects attempted to evade arrest by changing their appearance and identity.

Four persons have been arrested here for allegedly molesting a woman riding a motorcycle, after a video of the incident went viral on social media, police said on Sunday.

The accused have been identified as Manraj Meena (24), Sudama Meena (24), Mahesh Banjara (19), residents of Tonk district, and Lokesh Banjara (21), a resident of Dausa.

The accused, on board a motorcycle, allegedly followed the bike-borne woman from Surajmal Circle towards New Sanganer Road and touched her inappropriately, even attempting to pull her shirt with intent to outrage her modesty, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Rajarshi Raj Verma said.

He said the accused were identified with the help of National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and the cyber unit following circulation of the video on April 10.

A case was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act in connection with the incident, which occurred under Muhana police station limits, the official said.

Investigation and Arrests

Subsequently, a special team was formed under the supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Lalit Kumar Sharma and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Mansarovar) Aditya Kakade Sharma.

More than 500 CCTV cameras in the area and along possible routes taken by the accused were scanned, and the suspects were identified based on their appearance, police said.

The accused had been absconding and were changing their identity and appearance to evade arrest, they said, adding that they were eventually traced and taken into custody.
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Hilton Food Groups updated fair value moves from 6.89 to 7.39, putting a fresh spotlight on how analysts are reassessing the share price. Recent research includes both price target raises and cuts, so the new central estimate reflects a mix of confidence and caution among different houses. In the sections that follow, you will see what is behind these shifts and how to keep track of the evolving story.

Analyst Price Targets don't always capture the full story. Head over to our Company Report to find new ways to value Hilton Food Group.

What Wall Street Has Been Saying

 Bullish Takeaways

Berenbergs most recent move on 2 April 2026, a 0.50 price target increase, signals renewed confidence in Hilton Food Group after its earlier reduction in January.

The higher Berenberg target sits above the new central fair value of 7.39, which suggests some analysts still see room for the shares to close a perceived valuation gap if Hilton Food executes well.

 Bearish Takeaways

Both Berenberg and Deutsche Bank lowered their price targets on 30 January 2026, highlighting concerns around execution risks and the pace at which Hilton Food can translate its plans into earnings.

The cluster of target cuts in January points to lingering caution, with some analysts questioning how much growth is already reflected in the share price relative to the updated 7.39 fair value.

Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there's more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives!

LSE:HFG 1-Year Stock Price Chart

We've flagged 2 risks for Hilton Food Group. See which could impact your investment.

What's in the News

Hilton Food Group reported that Mark Allen will continue as Executive Chair until a new Non executive Chair is appointed.

The company stated that once the new Non executive Chair is in place, Mark Allen is set to move into the role of Group Chief Executive Officer.

This planned transition outlines a clear path for Hilton Food Groups future leadership structure as the board searches for a new Non executive Chair.

How This Changes the Fair Value For Hilton Food Group
After a 14-year manhunt, Delhi Police have finally arrested notorious gangster Arjun Prasad, wanted for numerous dacoity and robbery cases across Delhi and Punjab.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Arjun Prasad, a gangster wanted in multiple dacoity and robbery cases across Delhi and Punjab, has been arrested after evading police for 14 years.

Pasi was declared a proclaimed offender and is accused of masterminding several dacoities, including a 2012 house invasion in Punjabi Bagh where gold was looted.

The gangster allegedly orchestrated the theft of jewellery worth Rs 2.5 million and a licensed pistol in 2016 by planting a minor as a domestic helper.

Pasi's gang operated in a planned manner, using insiders to gather intelligence and disposing of stolen jewellery through local receivers.

The arrest was made by a crime branch team after tracing his movements to Janki Nagar, where he was living under a changed identity.

The Delhi Police has arrested an alleged gangster who had been absconding for nearly 14 years in connection with multiple cases of dacoity and robbery across Delhi and Punjab, an officer said on Sunday.

The accused, identified as Arjun Prasad (44) alias Arjun Pasi, a resident of Uttar Pradesh's Gonda, was apprehended from Janki Nagar area of the district, police said.

"He was wanted in several cases registered at Punjabi Bagh and Moti Nagar in Delhi, as well as Model Town in Ludhiana, Punjab, and had been evading arrest since 2012. He had been declared a proclaimed offender by courts in these cases," a senior police officer said.

Details of the Crimes

According to police, Pasi was the mastermind behind multiple dacoities, including a 2012 house invasion in Punjabi Bagh where around 400 grams of gold was looted by attackers after the overpowering the occupants.

"In another case in 2016, he allegedly orchestrated the theft of jewellery worth Rs 2.5 million and a licensed pistol by planting a minor as a domestic help," the officer said.

Pasi is accused of leading a gang that carried out a dacoity in Ludhiana in 2018, looting Rs 4 million in cash and over 1 kg of gold.

"During interrogation, the accused disclosed that he and his associates used to plant insiders in targeted households to gather intelligence before executing robberies," the officer said.

Police said the gang operated in a planned manner, striking at night and disposing of stolen jewellery through local receivers.

The Arrest and Investigation

The arrest was made on Saturday by a crime branch team after tracing his movements to a newly-developed colony in Janki Nagar area, where he was living under a changed identity.

Police said Pasi has around 20 criminal cases registered against him across multiple states, including charges of dacoity, robbery, burglary, and under the Arms Act.

Further investigation is underway to trace his associates and recover the stolen properties, police added.
A gym trainer in Jaipur has been arrested for allegedly running a luxury car theft ring, supplying stolen vehicles to clients and leading a lavish lifestyle.

Key Points A gym trainer in Jaipur was arrested for allegedly supplying stolen luxury vehicles.

Two stolen brand-new cars, a Hyundai Creta and a Mahindra Scorpio-N, were recovered from the gym trainer.

The stolen vehicles were traced back to thefts in Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar area.

The accused lured clients by offering luxury cars at throwaway prices to impress them.

A graduate gym trainer was arrested in Jaipur for allegedly supplying stolen luxury vehicles on demand, with two stolen brand-new cars in his possession, an officer said on Sunday.

Mohammad Ashraf Khan was apprehended in the Jhotwara area of Jaipur following a tip-off about the two Delhi-registered cars stolen in the national capital.

A Hyundai Creta and a Mahindra Scorpio-N with temporary registration numbers were recovered at his instance. Both vehicles had been stolen from Delhi's Mukherjee Nagar area earlier this year.

According to the police, on April 6, a team received information about the sighting of a stolen vehicle in Jaipur.

A team from the Delhi Police raided the area the very next day, coordinating with its local counterpart, and nabbed Khan.

Investigation and Modus Operandi

"During interrogation, the accused disclosed that he had procured the stolen vehicles from a person identified as Shakeel, a resident of Jaipur," a senior police officer said.

Police said Khan, a graduate working as a gym trainer, used to lure clients by offering luxury cars at throwaway prices. He also used such vehicles to impress his clients and lead a lavish lifestyle.
A deadly IED blast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, has killed a soldier and injured others, underscoring the persistent threat of militant activity in the region.

Photograph: Screen grab/X

Key Points An IED blast near a security checkpoint in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, resulted in the death of one soldier and injuries to five others.

The attack occurred near a degree college in Bannu district, prompting a search operation by security forces.

In a separate incident, a policeman was abducted and killed by militants in the Hassan Khel area, highlighting ongoing security concerns.

Authorities have launched investigations into both the IED blast and the abduction/killing of the policeman in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At least one security personnel was killed and five others injured in a blast near a security checkpoint in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, police said on Sunday.

According to police, unidentified militants detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) near a checkpoint adjacent to a degree college in Bannu district late Thursday.

One soldier was killed on the spot, while five others, including a civilian, sustained injuries.

Security forces immediately cordoned off the area and launched a search operation to apprehend those responsible for the blast.

The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment, officials confirmed.

Policeman Abducted and Killed

In a separate incident, a policeman was abducted and later killed by militants in the Hassan Khel area, located approximately 30 kilometres southwest of Peshawar. His body was recovered from open fields late Saturday night.

Authorities have initiated investigations into both incidents.
Thousands of Manipur residents rally in Imphal, demanding justice and a thorough investigation into the tragic bombing in Bishnupur that killed two young children, highlighting escalating tensions and calls for accountability.

Key Points Thousands in Imphal protested the bombing that killed two children in Bishnupur district.

Protesters are demanding a swift NIA investigation and punishment for the perpetrators of the bombing.

The rally was organised by local bodies seeking justice for the victims.

A previous mob stormed a CRPF camp following the bombing, resulting in further casualties.

Thousands of people participated in a rally in Imphal to protest the recent bomb attack in Bishnupur district in which two children were killed.

The rally was organised by Uripok Apunba Lup and Uripok Nupi Apunba Lup, an umbrella group of multiple local bodies of Uripok constituency. The rally started from Lamboikhongnangkhong and covered a distance of 4 km.

Uripok Apunba Lup vice president Khwairakpam Tarunkumar told reporters, "Through our protest, we want to convey that the NIA investigation into the killing of the two children at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district be completed at the earliest and the perpetrators be given befitting punishment and booked according to the law."

Several children took part in the rally, holding placards that read "we want justice, we condemn killing of children".

On April 7, a five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister were killed when suspected militants hurled a bomb at their house at Tronglaobi in Bishnupur district.

Aftermath of the Bombing

Soon after the incident, a mob of around 500 protesters stormed a CRPF camp near Gelmol, a few hundred metres from Tronglaobi, and engaged in vandalism and burning of security vehicles.

In the ensuing firing by personnel, three protesters died while 30 were injured.
India strongly rebukes China's attempts to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that these actions are futile and detrimental to improving bilateral relations amidst ongoing border disputes.

IMAGE: File image of Indian soldiers along the Line of Actual Control in East Kameng, Arunachal Pradesh. Photograph: ANI Photo.

Key Points The External affairs ministry asserts that renaming efforts cannot change the fact that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.

India warns that China's actions undermine efforts to stabilise and normalise India-China bilateral ties.

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet, referring to it as Zangnan.

The renaming issue has resurfaced with China releasing new lists of standardised names for places in the disputed region.

India on Sunday said China's move to assign "fictitious names" to Indian territory to manufacture "baseless narratives" cannot alter the reality but could impact ongoing efforts to normalise bilateral ties.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi "categorically rejects" any "mischievous attempts" by the Chinese side to assign such names to places which form part of the Indian territory.

India had reacted sharply when China resorted to renaming certain places in Arunachal Pradesh in May last year as well as in April 2024.

"India categorically rejects any mischievous attempts by the Chinese side to assign fictitious names to places which form part of the territory of India," Jaiswal said.

"Such attempts by China at introducing false claims and manufacturing baseless narratives cannot alter the undeniable reality that these places and territories, including Arunachal Pradesh, were, are, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India," he said.

Jaiswal said these actions by the Chinese side "detract from ongoing efforts to stabilise and normalise India-China bilateral ties".

"China should refrain from actions which inject negativity into relations and undermine efforts to create a better understanding," he said.

Jaiswal was responding to a media query on the issue.

Impact on India-China Relations

The relations between the two countries witnessed a major downturn following the 2020 eastern Ladakh border row. In the last one-and-a-half years, the two sides have initiated a series of measures to rebuild the relations.

In a fresh list released recently, China has renamed certain places in the Indian territory.

The Chinese Civil Affairs Ministry released the first list of the standardised names of six places in Zangnan in 2017, while the second list of 15 places was issued in 2021, followed by another list with names for 11 places in 2023.

Zangan is the Chinese name for Arunachal Pradesh.

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of southern Tibet.
CENTCOM said that USS Frank E Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

IMAGE: Boats are off the coast of Musandam governorate, overlooking the strait of Hormuz, in Musandam governance, in Oman, on April 8, 2026. Photograph: Stringer/Reuters

Key Points US CENTCOM claims to have begun clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure free passage of commerce.

Iran denies the US claim, asserting that it controls vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian military vows a strong response to any foreign military ships passing through the strait.

US-Iran negotiations in Pakistan reached a stalemate, with no agreement reached.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical international trade corridor, and the US plans to deploy additional forces, including underwater drones, for clearance efforts.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said that two of its ships have begun setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a claim that was immediately denied by Iran, Al Jazeera reported.

CENTCOM said that USS Frank E Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

"Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage, and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce," said Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, as quoted in the statement.

On Saturday, a spokesperson for the Iranian military's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters swiftly denied the US statement, as reported by Al Jazeera.

"The claim by the CENTCOM commander regarding the approach and entry of American vessels into the Strait of Hormuz is strongly denied," Al Jazeera quoted the spokesperson as saying.

"The initiative for the passage and movement of any vessel is in the hands of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

The IRGC, in turn, vowed 'a strong response' to any military ships passing through the strait, as per Al Jazeera.

The passage through the strait remains a bone of contention between the two countries, as Iran has effectively restricted movement through the Strait of Hormuz, with only a few ships passing daily.

"The Strait of Hormuz is an international sea passage and an essential trade corridor that supports regional and global economic prosperity. Additional US forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearance effort in the coming days," the CENTCOM statement added.

Stalled US-Iran Negotiations

The statements came as US-Iran talks were underway; however, the negotiations did not yield results.

After hours of negotiations in Pakistan, the talks reached a stalemate on Sunday, with US Vice President J D Vance saying that no agreement had been reached with Iran.

He said that while the US delegation would return home, the development was 'bad news for Iran' more than for the United States.

Addressing reporters in Islamabad, Vance said that several substantive discussions were held during the 21-hour negotiations; however, no conclusions were reached.

"We've had a number of substantive discussions with the Iranians--that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America," he said.
Jharkhand police have arrested seven individuals for attempting to extort Rs 5 lakh from a construction company, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat organised crime and protect businesses in the region.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Seven individuals have been arrested in Seraikela, Jharkhand, for allegedly attempting to extort Rs 5 lakh from a construction company.

The extortionists threatened construction workers and supervisors at a culvert construction site in Pitaklaag village.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed by the Superintendent of Police to investigate the extortion attempt.

Police recovered firearms, mobile phones, and motorcycles from the arrested individuals.

Seven people have been arrested for allegedly attempting to extort Rs 5 lakh from a construction company here, police said on Sunday.

According to a complaint registered with the Kharswan police station on April 8, six people with criminal antecedents had threatened workers engaged in building a culvert at Pitaklaag village a few days earlier.

They had also threatened the site in charge and the supervisor with stopping the construction work if their demand of Rs 5 lakh was not met, said Sub-Divisional Police Officer (Seraikela), Sameer Sawaiya, quoting the FIR.

Investigation and Arrests

After registering an FIR based on the complaint, Superintendent of Police Mukesh Kumar Lunayat formed a Special Investigation Team, which arrested seven people with two firearms, mobile phones and three motorcycles.
A teen burglar's attempted robbery of a Ghaziabad clinic went awry, leading to a dramatic rescue operation after he became trapped between a shutter and a wall.

Key Points A teen burglar got trapped during an attempted clinic robbery in Ghaziabad.

Firefighters conducted a hours-long rescue operation to free the trapped teen.

The teen was attempting to break into a clinic in Abhay Khand when he became trapped.

The teen is currently receiving medical treatment at a government hospital.

Police are investigating the incident and awaiting a formal complaint from the clinic owner.

A suspected juvenile burglar got trapped between a shutter and a concrete wall while allegedly attempting to rob a clinic in Indirapuram area here, prompting a several-hours-long rescue operation by the fire department, police said on Sunday.

The boy was eventually pulled out from the crevice, and is undergoing treatment at a government hospital, they added.

The incident occurred early Saturday when the minor reportedly tried to break into a clinic in Abhay Khand by prying open the shutter.

However, while attempting to escape, his neck got wedged in the narrow gap between the shutter and the wall, leaving him trapped.

After struggling to free himself for a long time, the boy eventually started shouting for help as desperation set in. Alerted by his cries, local residents informed the fire department.

A rescue team reached the spot with specialised equipment and managed to open the shutter after several hours of efforts, safely extracting the boy around 2 pm on Saturday, officials said.

Chief Fire Officer Rahul Pal said the youth was handed over to the police and shifted to the combined hospital in Sanjay Nagar in a critical condition.

Doctors attending to him said his condition had deteriorated significantly and he might not have survived had rescue been delayed by few more hours.

The minor, a native of Bihar and said to be residing in Khoda police station area, could not specify the exact time of the attempted break-in.

Dr Pawan Sharma, who runs the clinic and visits from Delhi three days a week, has not lodged any complaint so far, police said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Indirapuram, Abhishek Srivastava said the boy would not be sent to a juvenile home unless an FIR is registered in the case.
Kannur Dental College is under investigation after a first-year student's tragic death, with allegations of faculty harassment and caste discrimination sparking outrage and calls for a thorough probe.

Photograph: Courtesy mal Jyothi College/Twitter

Key Points Kannur Dental College is under investigation after a first-year student, Nithin Raj R L, died following a fall from a building, suspected to be suicide.

The student's family alleges emotional harassment and caste-based discrimination by faculty members, leading to a police probe and suspension of two faculty members.

Police have invoked the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and formed a special investigation team to investigate the circumstances surrounding the student's death.

Political leaders and the Kerala State Human Rights Commission have called for a thorough investigation into the incident, highlighting concerns about harassment and discrimination in professional colleges.

Police on Sunday said they had launched a probe against faculty members of Kannur Dental College after a first-year student died following a fall from a building in a suspected suicide.

Chakkarakkal police, who registered a case of unnatural death, initiated the probe after the parents and friends of the deceased alleged that he had been subjected to emotional harassment by faculty members.

Police also arrayed two faculty members as accused in a case of abetment of suicide. Provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also been invoked.

A seven-member special investigation team has been constituted to conduct a detailed probe into the incident.

The deceased has been identified as Nithin Raj R L (22), a native of Uzhamalackal, Puthukulangara in Thiruvananthapuram district and a first-year BDS student at the college in Anjarakandy.

According to police, Raj was found critically injured near the medical college block after falling from the building on the afternoon of April 10. He was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.

Following the incident, the college initiated an internal inquiry and on Saturday suspended Dental Anatomy Department Head M K Ram and Associate Professor K T Sangeetha Nambiar, who have been named as accused in the police case.

Police said Raj had sent an audio message to his friends alleging harassment by faculty members, including threats of physical assault and academic repercussions such as a reduction of marks in examinations.

Officials at Chakkarakkal police station said a detailed probe is underway, with digital evidence being collected.

Statements from Raj's classmates, college authorities and family members will also be recorded.

Raj's father, Rajan, told reporters that his son was subjected to "emotional and verbal harassment" by teachers over his dark complexion and poor family background.

"He worked hard without any support to secure admission on a merit seat in the dental college. But he was harassed by faculty over his caste and complexion. They also threatened to harm him academically," Rajan alleged.

He said they have lodged a complaint against the faculty members and are expecting a fair probe into his son's death.

Raj's sister, Nikitha, said he had faced "repeated harassment" based on caste and complexion. She claimed Raj had filed a complaint with the college principal, but no action was taken.

"He used to tell us about such discrimination regularly. He was once called to the staff room where he was severely harassed," she alleged.

She also claimed that Raj was once called a "slum dog" in the classroom in front of other students by a faculty member.

"When the harassment became unbearable, he reacted, after which the verbal abuse intensified," she added.

When contacted, college authorities told PTI that two faculty members had been suspended and that they were cooperating with the police investigation.

"We will fully cooperate with the investigation and share all details. Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the police probe," an official said.

The body of Raj was brought to his residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday and buried on family-owned land.

Sheeba M R, mother of Sidharthan J S, who died in 2024, allegedly after ragging at the Government Veterinary College, Wayanad, visited Raj's house.

She said that after her son's death, she had hoped such incidents would not recur in colleges, but a similar incident had occurred again.

"These suspensions are only cosmetic, as those responsible will be reinstated later. In Sidharthan's case, the accused students were to be re-admitted soon. Only after our legal fight are they still kept out," she said.

Political Reactions and Demands for Justice

Political leaders demanded a detailed probe into the incident.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said the government should take seriously the allegations by the students' parents and relatives that caste- and complexion-based harassment led to the death, and take urgent steps to bring those responsible to justice.

Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Kerala Assembly, V D Satheesan, visited Raj's house and demanded a thorough probe.

"Teachers are expected to guide students. How did such people become teachers? There should be a detailed probe," he said.

CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim also visited the family and described the incident as painful, comparing it with the death of Rohith Vemula at the University of Hyderabad.

Rahim said Raj was the hope of his family, which had supported his education despite hardship.

"CPI(M) will stand with the family until justice is delivered. Such an incident should not have happened in a society like Kerala," he said.

Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty, after visiting the student's house, said it was surprising that no one from the college had visited the family so far, raising suspicion over the conduct of the institution.

"This shows that the management has instructed students not to visit the family. Internal assessment marks are often used as a tool of pressure in professional colleges," he said.

He said arrangements would be made for the family to meet Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram and extend support.

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission on Sunday directed police to conduct a detailed probe into the student's death and submit a report within a week.
Kannur Dental College is facing a probe after a first-year student's death, with allegations of faculty harassment and discrimination sparking outrage.

IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Kannur Dental College is under investigation following the death of a first-year student in a suspected suicide.

The student's family alleges emotional and verbal harassment by faculty members, citing discrimination based on complexion and family background.

Police are collecting digital evidence and recording statements from classmates, college authorities, and family members to investigate the allegations.

Two faculty members have been suspended by the college pending the outcome of the police investigation.

Political leaders and human rights organisations are calling for a thorough probe into the incident, highlighting concerns about caste-based discrimination and academic pressure in professional colleges.

The police launched a probe against faculty members of Kannur Dental College after a first-year student died after falling from a building in a suspected suicide, officials said on Sunday.

Chakkarakkal police, who registered a case of unnatural death, initiated the probe after the parents and friends of the deceased alleged that he had been subjected to emotional harassment by faculty members.

The deceased has been identified as Nithin Raj R L (22), a native of Uzhamalackal, Puthukulangara in Thiruvananthapuram district and a first-year BDS student at the college located in Anjarakandy.

According to police, Raj was found critically injured near the medical college block after falling from the building on the afternoon of April 10. Though he was rushed to the hospital and provided treatment, he later succumbed to his injuries.

Following the incident, the college initiated an internal inquiry and on Saturday suspended Dental Anatomy Department Head M K Ram and Associate Professor K T Sangeetha Nambiar.

Police said Raj had sent an audio message to his friends alleging harassment by faculty members, including threats of physical assault and academic repercussions such as a reduction of marks in examinations.

Officials at Chakkarakkal police station said a detailed probe is underway, with digital evidence being collected.

Statements from Raj's classmates, college authorities and family members will also be recorded, police added.

Raj's father, Rajan, told reporters that his son was subjected to "emotional and verbal harassment" by teachers over his "dark complexion and poor family" background.

"He worked hard without any support to secure admission on a merit seat in the dental college. But he was harassed by faculty over his caste and complexion. They also threatened to harm him academically," Rajan alleged.

He said they have lodged a complaint against the faculty members with the police and are expecting a fair probe into his son's death.

Raj's sister, Nikitha, said he had faced "repeated harassment" based on caste and complexion.

She claimed Raj had filed a complaint with the college principal, but no action was taken.

"He used to tell us about such discrimination and harassment regularly. He was once called to the staff room where he was severely harassed," she alleged.

She also claimed that Raj was once called a "slum dog" in the classroom in front of other students by a faculty member. "When the harassment became unbearable, he reacted, after which the verbal abuse intensified," she added.

When contacted, college authorities told PTI that two faculty members had been suspended and that they were cooperating with the police investigation.

"We will fully cooperate with the investigation and share all details. Further action will be taken based on the outcome of the police probe," an official said.

The body of Raj was brought to his residence in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday and buried on family-owned land.

Reactions to the Incident

Sheeba M R, mother of veterinary student Sidharthan J S, who died in 2024, allegedly after ragging at the Government Veterinary College, Wayanad, visited Raj's house.

She said that after her son's death, she had hoped such incidents would not recur in colleges, but a similar incident had happened again.

"These suspensions are only cosmetic, as those responsible will be reinstated later. In Sidharthan's case, the accused students were to be re-admitted soon. Only after our legal fight are they still kept out," she said.

Meanwhile, political leaders demanded a detailed probe into the incident.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala said the government should take seriously the allegations by the student's parents and relatives that caste and complexion-based harassment led to the death, and take urgent steps to bring those responsible to justice.

Leader of the Opposition in the outgoing Kerala Assembly, V D Satheesan, visited Raj's house and demanded a thorough probe.

"Teachers are expected to guide students. How did such people become teachers? There should be a detailed probe," he said.

CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim also visited the family and described the incident as painful, comparing it with the death of Rohith Vemula at the University of Hyderabad.

Rahim said Raj was the hope of his family, which had supported his education despite hardship.

"CPI(M) will stand with the family until justice is delivered. Such an incident should not have happened in a society like Kerala," he said.

Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty, after visiting the student's house, said it was surprising that no one from the college had visited the family so far, raising suspicion over the conduct of the institution.

"This shows that the management has instructed students not to visit the family. Internal assessment marks are often used as a tool of pressure in professional colleges," he said.

He said arrangements would be made for the family to meet Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Thiruvananthapuram and extend support.

Meanwhile, the Kerala State Human Rights Commission on Sunday directed police to conduct a detailed probe into the death of the student and submit a report within a week.
Labrinth has claimed that he isn't part of the third season of Euphoria because he "won't let people treat (him) like s***".

Labrinth's music doesn't feature in season three of Euphoria

The 37-year-old artist composed the score for the first two seasons of the HBO teen drama but has been replaced by Hans Zimmer for the much-anticipated third season - which premieres on Sunday (12.04.26) - and has expressed anger about the manner of his departure in a cryptic social media post.

Labrinth wrote in an Instagram Story: "People will comfortably lie in this industry and still call themselves honest people. So no cap, I decided to remove whatever music I had in it."

The Beneath Your Beautiful artist added: "I spoke to HBO, as far as I know, we are cool. I left because, last truth, when I work for someone, their vision is paramount to me, but I don't let people treat me like s***."

Labrinth had distanced himself from Euphoria - which stars Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney and Jacob Elordi - and his label Columbia Records on social media last month in a post that seemed to indicate he was quitting the music industry.

The British rapper penned: "I'm done with this industry. F*** Colombia. Double f*** Euphoria. I'm out. Thank you and good night x."

Euphoria creator Sam Levinson revealed that he opted to replace Labrinth with Zimmer for season three as the show's five-year time jump means the "pop roots of it have faded away".

He said of Labrinth to Rolling Stone: "He's an incredible collaborator and someone who really built the foundation of the sound of Euphoria.

"In general, I was less interested in needle drops and more interested in something that guides us through this world."

Meanwhile, Zendaya revealed last week that the third season of Euphoria is likely to bring the show to a conclusion.

Quizzed on The Drew Barrymore Show if season three spells the end, the 29-year-old actress told The Drew Barrymore Show: "I think so, yeah."

When Barrymore asked the question again, The Drama actress replied: "Yes, I think so."

Zendaya, who portrays troubled Rue Bennett in the series, added: "Rue taught me so much about life... that crew has also seen me grow up. I owe so much to that show. Rue taught me so much about empathy and about redemption. She taught me a lot, and I'm very grateful for all of it."
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) is among the stocks Jim Cramer discussed alongside the tech market divide. Inquiring about the stock, a caller highlighted the companys strong 63.3% gross margins, industry-leading adoption metrics, a new multi-year partnership with the Dallas Cowboys, and praised the CEO, Fran Horowitz. Cramer replied:

Im listening to you Youre smarter than I am. You know it well. I think the bounce back was real, but after listening to you, I think the bounce back is very for real. I think go with your gut on this one. You know it well. Youve done the homework. Buy it.

Stock market data. Photo by Photo by Alesia Kozik

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF) provides apparel, accessories, and personal care items for men, women, and kids. During the November 21, 2025, episode, Cramer was bearish on the stock, as he said:

Plenty of apparel on Tuesday. Abercrombie & Fitch reports in the AM. Thats a total crapshoot. Its not for the squeamish. Call me squeamish.

While we acknowledge the potential of ANF 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.
Amidst controversy surrounding a Kerala temple marriage, the CPI(M) staunchly defends the inter-religious union, dismissing age allegations and accusing the Sangh Parivar of instigating the dispute.

Key Points CPI(M) defends a Kerala temple marriage between a young woman and her Muslim friend, calling it a 'real Kerala story'.

Age-related allegations have triggered an investigation in Madhya Pradesh, with claims the woman was underage at the time of the marriage.

CPI(M) leaders assert that all documents were verified before the marriage, including Aadhaar and PAN card, showing the woman was of appropriate age.

The Sangh Parivar is accused of instigating the controversy, with the CPI(M) alleging the couple is now under severe threat.

A complaint has been filed seeking action against those involved in the marriage, alleging illegal procedures and conspiracy.

CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan on Sunday said there was nothing wrong with a young woman who came into the limelight during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela marrying her Muslim friend at a temple in Kerala, blaming the Sangh Parivar for the controversy.

An investigation was recently launched in Madhya Pradesh following claims that the woman was only 16 years old at the time of the marriage.

Addressing a press conference, Govindan said he maintained that the marriage was a "real Kerala story".

"What is wrong with it? It was a real Kerala story," he said.

Govindan, along with General Education Minister V Sivankutty and CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP A A Rahim, had attended the marriage held last month in Thiruvananthapuram.

He said the age-related issue was a legal matter and should be investigated by the police and concerned authorities.

"We have faced several cases. We are not the people who hide when a case is registered," he said.

Govindan said all documents produced by the woman were examined before the marriage.

"Two persons, knowing it was favourable to marry in Kerala, came here and approached the police. Even her father was with her and submitted documents showing she was of the appropriate age. There were two main documents, Aadhaar and PAN card, and both carried the same date of birth," he said.

He added that the documents were verified by the police, temple authorities and officials issuing the marriage certificate.

Accusations Against Sangh Parivar

Govindan alleged that the Sangh Parivar was behind the controversy.

"They are surprised that such a marriage happened here. The couple say they are under severe threat now," he said.

He said that, for the CPI(M), it was a case of two young individuals from different religions deciding to marry and approaching the police, following which the marriage was conducted at a temple.

Party leaders had attended the ceremony to congratulate the couple, he added.

"We still believe what was done is right. We will not retreat under pressure from the Sangh Parivar narrative. We will continue to support such matters," Govindan said.

Complaint Filed Against Marriage

Meanwhile, Anjana Devi, a member of the National Commission for Women advisory board and a native of Thiruvananthapuram, has filed a complaint with the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister seeking action against those involved in the marriage.

In her complaint, she named the woman's husband, Farman Khan, Sivankutty, Govindan and Rahim as accused.

Devi alleged that the marriage was conducted illegally and forcibly in Kerala as part of a conspiracy, and claimed that the woman's father had opposed it, stating that she had not attained the age of majority.

"Sivankutty, Govindan and Rahim were aware of the allegations and, despite that, conspired to conduct the marriage immediately and get it registered on the same day. Without their active connivance, Khan would not have been able to carry out the illegal marriage," the complaint stated.

She further alleged that due procedure under the Special Marriage Act, including issuance of notice and inviting objections, was not followed.

According to her, had such procedures been followed, the father could have raised objections and the marriage might not have been solemnised.

Devi also alleged that those in positions of power used their authority to facilitate the marriage and prevent objections.

In her petition, she urged that CPI(M) leaders be included as accused in the FIR registered in Madhya Pradesh and sought their immediate arrest.
The police are investigating allegations that a woman was sexually harassed by a man who assisted her after a road accident, raising concerns about safety and accountability.

IMAGE: Kindly note this image has only been posted for representational purposes. Photograph: Courtesy Anete Lusina/Pexels.com

Key Points A woman in Keralam alleges she was sexually harassed by a man who helped her after a road accident.

The incident reportedly occurred while the woman was being transported to a hospital in Kayamkulam.

Police have registered a case and are investigating the allegations, including potential lapses in the initial investigation.

The State Police Chief has requested a detailed report on the incident and the subsequent investigation.

A case has been registered after a woman who was injured in an accident was allegedly sexually harassed by a man while being taken to a hospital at Kayamkulam in Alappuzha, the police said on Sunday.

The case was registered against Sinil Sabad, a trader in Kayamkulam, following a complaint lodged by the 25-year-old woman who, along with her family, met with an accident at KPAC Junction in the early hours of April 4.

According to the police, the accident occurred around 12.45 am when the vehicle in which the victim and her family were travelling hit a median while returning from a pilgrimage.

Police said that Sabad, along with others who gathered at the spot, helped shift the injured family members to a hospital.

The complainant has alleged that the accused made sexual advances and inappropriately touched her while she was being taken to the hospital, police said.

After reaching a private hospital, the woman informed doctors about the incident, who in turn alerted the police.

A case was subsequently registered, officials said.

Investigation concerns raised

The victim has now alleged lapses in the investigation, claiming that police did not record her detailed statement and that no medical examination has been conducted so far.

She also told the media on Sunday that the accused was questioned and later released.

An officer at the Kayamkulam police station said the investigation is ongoing and that statements of witnesses are being recorded before proceeding with the arrest of the accused.

Police response and internal probe

Meanwhile, State Police Chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar has sought a detailed report from the Alappuzha District Police chief after learning about the incident.

Police sources said an internal probe has also been initiated to examine whether there were any lapses in the investigation, and a detailed report will be submitted to the State Police Chief within two days.
The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) is accusing Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP of political harassment after its candidate, Kunki Chowdhury, was summoned by police over alleged election violations, claiming the move is an attempt to undermine her strong performance in the Guwahati Central constituency.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) alleges political vendetta after its candidate Kunki Chowdhury was summoned by police.

AJP claims the ruling BJP is rattled by Kunki Chowdhury's strong performance in the Guwahati Central constituency.

Kunki Chowdhury was summoned over alleged violations of the Model Code of Conduct during the Assam elections.

AJP accuses BJP of using deepfake videos and intimidation tactics against Kunki Chowdhury and her family.

AJP calls on democratic-minded people to stand firm against the BJP's alleged abuse of power in Assam.

Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) on Sunday slammed Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after its candidate for Guwahati Central Kunki Chowdhury was summoned by police in an election-related case and claimed that the ruling party is rattled after seeing that the mandate has gone against them in the constituency.

Chowdhury reached Panbazar Police Station in the morning after receiving a summons for an election-related case.

She was served a notice on Saturday and asked to appear before police on Sunday before 11 am, noting that failing to do so would render her liable for arrest.

A case was filed against Chowdhury and her campaign manager, Sandeep Yadav, by a BJP activist Naba Kumar Lahkar on the day of polling on April 9, alleging the duo violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and hampered the conduct of free-and-fair elections.

"All the charges in the FIR are bailable, so she cannot be arrested. In fact, the charges are not serious at all. This was filed and the summons issued with such a strong language just to harass her," Advocate Santanu Borthakur told reporters outside the police station.

The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is in force now, and when the chief secretary is running the government, how the chief minister can reportedly say that he has sent police, asked the legal expert.

"Kunki contested the polls and set a narrative for the entire state, and it was damaging for the BJP. That's why this politically motivated case was filed," Borthakur said.

He also asked the police what happened to the complaint Chowdhury filed regarding a deep fake video, allegedly propagated by BJP IT cell members.

Controversy Surrounding Kunki Chowdhury

AJP debutante Chowdhury found herself at the centre of a charged controversy with CM Sarma threatening legal action against her parents over alleged beef consumption, even as she dismissed the attacks as baseless and challenged BJP veteran Vijay Kumar Gupta in Guwahati Central constituency.

On April 4, Chowdhury filed a police complaint for alleged deep-fake defamatory videos on social media about her family, following Sarma's claims about her mother's food habit.

Commenting on the latest development, AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi said summoning Chowdhury is "shocking and unfortunate".

"This is not only administrative pressure on a candidate, it is a burning example of the BJP's repression of democracy in Assam today. Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP have started using the administration and police for their political gain, which is a dangerous sign for the democratic system," he added.

When the ruling party is afraid of losing power, when it is convinced that the vote of the people has gone against it, "fascist parties like the BJP" adopt undemocratic methods to keep power in the abdomen by crooked paths, Gogoi alleged.

"Our question is why the BJP supporters who published the deep-fake video not been arrested yet despite the complaint filed by Kunki Chowdhury? Why is the Assam Police behaving in a biased manner?" he asked.

Gogoi alleged that the BJP, which is afraid of the rise and victory of the AJP candidate in the Guwahati Central constituency, has now resorted to politics of intimidation.

"But it is equally true that intimidation cannot mask the truth forever. We want to send a clear message to brave young women like Kunki Chowdhury that you are not alone. Thousands of democratic-minded people in Assam are with Kunki. These threats will only strengthen the struggle of the Assam Jatiya Parishad," he added.

Assam will never accept the BJP's thuggery, and democracy, justice and rights will always triumph, Gogoi said.

"This is not a time to be afraid, this is a time to stand firm for the truth. Those who believe in democracy must speak out together today. The administration should stop political abuse and political retaliation," he added.

Polling for all 126 Assam assembly constituencies took place on April 9. The votes will be counted on May 4.

A record 85.96 per cent of Assam's 2.51 crore electorate exercised their franchise. This marked the highest voter turnout in the state's history, surpassing the previous high of 84.67 per cent recorded in 2016.
In a breakthrough in the Mirzapur lawyer murder case, police have arrested Rajendra Sonkar after a dramatic encounter, bringing a key suspect to justice and intensifying the search for the remaining accomplice.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Rajendra Sonkar, wanted in connection with the murder of a lawyer in Mirzapur, has been arrested after a police encounter.

The accused attempted to flee from police at Robertsganj Tiraaha and opened fire, leading to a retaliatory exchange.

Sonkar sustained gunshot injuries to his legs and was apprehended with the motorcycle used in the crime, along with weapons.

Police have registered six criminal cases against Sonkar, and a reward of Rs 50,000 was announced for his arrest in this case.

The other accused in the lawyer's murder is still absconding, and police efforts to apprehend him are ongoing.

Police arrested a man wanted in connection with the murder of a lawyer here following an encounter, an official said on Sunday.

The accused Rajendra Sonkar, a resident of Devri Virohi, was arrested on the intervening night of Saturday and Sunday after being intercepted by a police team at the Robertsganj Tiraaha (tri-section), police said, adding that a total of six criminal cases are registered against the accused, and a reward of Rs 50,000 was announced for his arrest in connection with this case.

Superintendent of Police Aparna Rajat Kaushik said lawyer Rajiv Singh (40) alias Rinku, a resident of Devri Virohi area, was shot dead in Sadbhavnanagar under Katra police station limits, on Saturday morning.

A case was registered in this connection under sections 103(1) (murder), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), 352 (insult with intent to provoke breach of peace), and 3(5) (common intent) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and section 7 (obstructing business) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1932, at the Katra police station against two accused, and five teams were constituted to arrest them, the official said.

Details of the Arrest and Encounter

On Saturday night, when a team was conducting checks of suspicious persons and vehicles at the Robertsganj Tiraaha, an individual spotted the police and attempted to flee. The police chased him. Around 1 km past the tri-section -- near PAC Gate -- the accused opened fire at the team. Police retaliated, and the accused sustained gunshot injuries on both of legs.

The official said police have recovered the motorcycle used in the crime, along with two country-made pistols and ammunition from the accused.

The other accused is absconding and efforts are on to nab him, the official said, adding that further investigation is ongoing.
Kerala's PWD Minister P A Mohammed Riyas accuses the UDF of exploiting false claims of election victory to boost fundraising efforts ahead of the Assembly poll results, alleging deceptive tactics.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Kerala Minister P A Mohammed Riyas accuses UDF of raising funds by falsely claiming victory in the upcoming Assembly elections.

Riyas claims the UDF is projecting itself as the ruling front to attract more funds before the election results are announced.

The minister asserts that the LDF government's stance against CAA and the Nativity Card proposal has garnered support from various sections of society.

Riyas highlights that the election revolved around development issues, with voters comparing the UDF's previous tenure to the LDF's administration.

CPI(M) leader and Kerala PWD Minister P A Mohammed Riyas on Sunday accused the UDF leaders of attempting to raise "funds" by creating a false impression that they would form a government in the state after the Assembly poll results, which will be declared on May 4.

Speaking to reporters here, Riyas said the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) would retain power in the state.

Riyas, who contested from the Beypore constituency in Kozhikode district in the April 9 Assembly polls seeking a second consecutive term, said the election largely revolved around development issues.

He noted that voters compared the previous UDF government's tenure from 2011 to 2016 with the past 10 years of LDF administration.

"Kerala will not go back to darkness any more," he said.

Allegations of Misleading Fundraising

Taking a dig at the opposition, the minister alleged that the UDF leaders were projecting themselves as a ruling front in order to mobilise funds till May 4.

"They claim that they are coming back to power and collecting funds. The UDF may get more funds during this period than what the LDF collected through organisational activities over the past 10 years," he alleged.

Riyas further claimed that such assertions were aimed at creating a perception that the UDF was on the verge of returning to power.

LDF's Stance on CAA and Minority Support

He also rejected the UDF's contention of minority consolidation in the polls, stating that the LDF government's stance against the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the proposal of a Nativity Card had helped it secure support from all sections of society and secular-minded voters.
An interstate Lashkar terror module providing fraudulent identities and logistical support to terrorists has been busted by Jammu and Kashmir police, leading to multiple arrests and uncovering a wide network across several states.

IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Several individuals from Haryana and Rajasthan detained for providing logistical support, including fake Aadhaar and PAN cards, to LeT terrorists.

Pakistani terrorist Umar alias 'Kharghosh' fled to Indonesia using a forged passport procured from Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Srinagar police arrested five people, including Pakistani terrorist Abdullah alias Abu Hureira, who had been on the run for 16 years.

Investigation reveals the funding and financial patterns of LeT, with terrorists using forged documents to create a network across multiple states.

Widening its crackdown on the inter-state network of the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, in coordination with central intelligence agencies, has detained several people from Haryana and Rajasthan for allegedly facilitating the acquisition of fraudulent identities, including passports, by terrorists.

Officials said on Sunday that the detained persons provided critical logistical support to terrorists by making documents like Aadhaar and Permanent Account Number (PAN) cards and even voter cards.

The investigation was spearheaded by the Srinagar Police, which generated the entire intelligence. However, as the scale of the operation and its wider security ramifications became clear, the case was immediately escalated to involve central agencies and police forces of other states to dismantle the network spanning multiple areas of the country.

One of the terrorists, identified as Umar alias 'Kharghosh' (rabbit), had managed to procure a passport and has since fled to Indonesia, from where he is believed to have used another forged travel document and stationed himself in a Gulf country, the officials said.

Umar, a resident of Karachi in Pakistan, had infiltrated into India after 2012 and fled using the forged passport, procured from Jaipur in Rajasthan, in 2024, the officials said.

These details emerged after Srinagar police busted a "deep-rooted" interstate LeT module and arrested five people, including a Pakistani terrorist, Abdullah alias Abu Hureira, who had been on the run for 16 years and had successfully established bases outside the Union Territory.

The arrest of Abdullah, along with another Pakistani national Usman alias Khubaib, was another major success for Srinagar police that comes six months after the dismantling of a "white-collar" terror cell centred at Faridabad's Al Falah University that is linked to the November 2025 Red Fort blast case.

During interrogation, Abdullah told his interrogators about his and Umar's footprints across India, especially in Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab, which included a marriage ceremony solemnised by the escaped terrorists with the daughter of a terror sympathiser in Kashmir, the officials said.

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.

The officials did not rule out the possibility of placing some of the detained persons under arrest, especially those who helped in procuring the passport and other documents fraudulently.

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 elaborate network began to unravel on March 31 when the first of the three Srinagar residents, Naqeeb Bhat, was arrested from Pandach along with a pistol and other incriminating material.

During his questioning, Bhat told the police that he was a part of the LeT and procured the arms and ammunition from another associate, Adil Rashid of Zakoora and also provided support to foreign terrorists, the officials said.

From Bhat, the police were led to Mir and Rashid Bhat, both active associates of LeT in Srinagar, and during the investigation, following disclosures from those arrested, various hideouts were also busted in forested areas in and around Srinagar.

The two Pakistani terrorists are categorised as 'A+' grade militants, and the officials 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.

Incriminating material has been seized from several hideouts in various parts of Srinagar and other cities that included three AK-47 rifles, one AK-Krinkov rifle, pistols, hand grenades, electronic equipment and gadgets, the officials said.

Unearthing Lashkar module

This unearthing of the interstate LeT module comes nearly six months after the action against the 'Al Falah module' in November 2025 by the Srinagar police. The probe had then 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 last year, killing more than a dozen people.

He had earlier made unsuccessful attempts to join terror groups in 2016 and 2018, the officials said.
West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ignited a political firestorm, accusing the BJP of voter bribery and alleging a massive electoral roll scam, raising concerns about fair elections and democratic processes.

Photograph: @AITCofficial/X

Key Points Mamata Banerjee accuses the BJP of bribing voters before elections, citing the Bihar elections as an example.

Banerjee alleges the BJP plans to manipulate the polling process through slow voting and counting.

The TMC chief calls the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls the 'biggest scam' in recent times.

Banerjee predicts the BJP government at the Centre will fall in 2026 and anti-people laws will be scrapped.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday alleged that the BJP bribes voters before elections, and called the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls the "country's biggest scam" in recent times.

Addressing a rally at Khandaghosh in Purba Bardhaman district, Banerjee claimed that the BJP would "snatch everything" from the people of West Bengal if it came to power in the state.

"The BJP bribes voters before the elections. But they forget their promises soon after the polling is over. That was seen in the Bihar elections," Banerjee said.

The TMC chief further alleged that the BJP would try to manipulate the polling process to win the election and urged the people to remain alert and keep a tab on the voting machines.

"Be alert about the voting machines. The BJP has planned slow voting and slow counting. Foil all their plans," Banerjee said.

"The SIR is the biggest scam the country has seen in recent times," she said, further predicting that the BJP government in the Centre would topple in 2026.

"Everyone in the world knows that your government will topple in 2026. We will then scrap all the anti-people laws brought in by your government," she added.
A 25-year-old man in Uttar Pradesh has been arrested for the alleged murder of his pregnant wife after she refused to return home, highlighting the tragic consequences of domestic disputes.

Key Points A man in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested for allegedly strangling his eight-month pregnant wife.

The incident occurred after the wife refused to return to her husband's home in Jaunpur, citing her pregnancy.

The husband allegedly strangled his wife with a cloth while other family members were away, later claiming she was bitten by a snake.

Police were alerted by the victim's father and have registered a case against the accused, who is now in custody.

The incident came to light in Dallupur village in Aurai area following a complaint filed by the victim's father, Babu Lal Bind, they said.

Aurai Station House Officer Ashwini Kumar Tripathi said the deceased, Kishun Devi, 22, was married to Ajay Bind, a resident of Nevadhiya area in Jaunpur district, on May 25, last year.

Ajay, who works as a taxi driver in Mumbai, had come to his in-laws' house a few days ago and was staying there for the past three days, the officer said.

Devi, who was eight months pregnant, had been living at her parental home for the last three months. Her husband was pressuring her to return with him to Jaunpur, but she refused, saying she would go after the delivery, police said.

Details of the Alleged Crime

According to the officer, the incident occurred in the morning when other family members had gone to the fields for harvesting.

Taking advantage of the situation, Ajay allegedly strangled his wife using a cloth and later raised an alarm claiming that she had been bitten by a snake, police said.

The family rushed her to a hospital in Kachhawa, where doctors declared her dead and noted marks on her neck indicating strangulation.

On receiving information from the victim's father, police took custody of the body and sent it for post-mortem.

A case has been registered against the accused, who has been arrested, and further legal proceedings are underway, police added.
A 34-year-old man has been arrested in Ranchi for allegedly running an Army job scam, defrauding victims of 70 lakh with false promises of recruitment.

Key Points A 34-year-old man was arrested in Ranchi for allegedly defrauding people of 70 lakh.

The man promised to secure jobs in the Indian Army in exchange for money.

The arrest was based on information from the Lucknow Military Intelligence (LMI).

Fake documents related to Army recruitment were recovered from the accused.

An investigation is underway involving seven people named in the case.

A 34-year-old man was arrested in Ranchi for allegedly defrauding people of Rs 70 lakh over the promise of securing them jobs in the Army, officials said on Sunday.

Arvind Prasad (34), who hails from Bihar's Bhojpur district, was arrested from the Chutia police station area on Saturday based on information provided by the Lucknow Military Intelligence (LMI), they said.

Several fake documents related to Army recruitment were recovered from him, SP (City) Paras Rana said.

A total of seven people have been named in the case registered in connection with the incident, he said.

Further investigation into the case is underway, he added.
A man in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has been arrested after confessing to the murder of his wife following a violent domestic dispute, highlighting the ongoing issue of domestic violence in India.

Key Points A 23-year-old man in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly killed his wife with an iron pipe during a domestic dispute.

The accused, Durgesh, confessed to the murder of his wife, Jyoti Prajapati, at the Rajpura police station.

Police have arrested Durgesh and initiated an investigation into the domestic violence incident.

The couple reportedly had ongoing disputes, which led to the tragic event.

A 23-year-old man allegedly battered his wife to death with an iron pipe over a domestic dispute in a village here on Sunday before turning himself in to the police, an official said.

The incident took place at Sindhauli Kallu village under Rajpura police station limits.

After committing the crime, the accused husband, identified as Durgesh (23), went to the police station and confessed to killing his wife Jyoti Prajapati (22), following which he was taken into custody, police said.

Police Investigation and Details

Station House Officer Sandeep Chaudhary said the accused allegedly attacked his wife with an iron pipe, killing her on the spot.

"The accused himself came to the police station and informed us about the incident. He has been arrested and the body has been sent for post-mortem," Chaudhary told PTI.

During questioning, the accused told police that the couple had ongoing differences and would often quarrel over domestic disputes, the officer said, adding that further investigation is underway.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is among the stocks Jim Cramer reviewed while discussing the Iran ceasefire that triggered a relief rally. Cramer noted that it is too hard to figure this one out, as he remarked:

Now, lots of things are loved on an update, but as you imagine, there are not a lot of hate spread around, and when you find it, lets just say its eye-opening, maybe eye-popping. Some of these losers are real obvious Verizons right there. Too hard to figure this one out. Might be connected to the coming IPO of SpaceX, which owns Starlink.

Photo by Adam Nowakowski on Unsplash

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) provides wireless, broadband, and wireline services. The company offers mobile connectivity, fixed wireless access, fiber-based products, and related devices for consumers. In addition, it delivers networking, security, voice, IoT, and communication support services. A caller asked for Cramers opinion on the stock during the April 6 episode, and he responded:

Well, I mean, I gotta tell you, Verizons actually got some game here. Its got a new CEO. Its starting to move up. I care for Verizon. I think its well behind the market. I think you got a good idea. Im not kidding. One of the best ideas around, frankly.

While we acknowledge the potential of VZ 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.
A 25-year-old man in Saharanpur, India, tragically committed suicide, alleging in a video that he was being coerced by his family to marry his widowed sister-in-law, sparking a police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Key Points A 25-year-old man in Saharanpur allegedly died by suicide due to coercion to marry his widowed sister-in-law.

The deceased, Vishal, claimed in a video that he was being pressured to marry his sister-in-law, who was 10 years older.

Police have registered a case based on the mother's complaint, seeking action against those who allegedly abetted the suicide.

Vishal opposed the marriage, viewing his sister-in-law as a motherly figure.

Authorities are investigating the authenticity of the video and will take further action based on their findings.

A 25-year-old man allegedly died by suicide, hanging himself by a noose around his neck from a flyover on a stretch of the Delhi-Dehradun expressway here, over apparent coercion to marry his widowed sister-in-law, police said on Sunday.

The investigation into the incident, which took place on April 8 under Badgaon police station limits, took a new turn after a purported video recorded by the youth before his death surfaced on social media.

In the clip, the deceased -- identified as Vishal -- is seen saying that he was being pressurised to marry his widowed sister-in-law, who was around 10 years older to him, and he was mentally distressed.

Badgaon Station House Officer Amit Nagar said a case was registered under relevant provisions on Saturday based on a complaint filed by the deceased's mother Sudesh Devi, seeking action against those who abetted her son's death.

According to the complaint, after the death of Vishal's elder brother Pritam Singh, the parents of his widowed sister-in-law were allegedly coercing him to marry her.

However, Vishal was opposed to the marriage as he regarded his sister-in-law as a motherly figure.

Police said they are investigating the authenticity of the purported video, and further action will be taken based on the findings.
A man in Bijnor, India, has been arrested for the murder and robbery of an elderly woman after offering her a ride, sparking a police investigation and highlighting concerns about safety.

Key Points A man in Bijnor, India, allegedly murdered an elderly woman after offering her a ride.

The accused robbed the victim of Rs 2,000 and her mobile phone after killing her.

Police apprehended the suspect, Zeeshan, after identifying him through CCTV footage and informers.

Zeeshan allegedly fired at the police during the arrest, resulting in retaliatory firing and his injury.

The accused confessed to offering the woman a lift with the intention of robbing her before attacking her in a forested area.

A man allegedly offered a lift to an elderly woman promising to drop her at her destination, took her to a forested area here, and killed her before robbing her of Rs 2,000 and a mobile phone, police said on Sunday.

According to police, the accused also opened fire at cops when intercepted by a police team, and was injured in retaliatory firing before being taken into custody.

Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Amit Kishore Srivastava said the body of the victim, identified as Kashmiri Devi (70), was recovered from a forested area along the Sherkot-Afzalgarh road on Saturday.

Based on CCTV footage and inputs from informers, police intercepted the accused, identified as Zeeshan, on Sunday.

The ASP said while being taken into police custody, the accused allegedly fired at the police team with a country-made pistol.

In retaliatory firing, he sustained a bullet injury in his leg, and was subsequently arrested.

During interrogation, the accused told police that he had offered the woman a lift from Dhampur with the intention of robbing her.

He then took her to the forested stretch where he allegedly attacked her with a stone, hitting her on the head, before fleeing with her mobile phone and Rs 2,000, the officer said.
A man in Jharkhand has been arrested for the alleged murder of his wife, highlighting the tragic consequences of domestic disputes and violence against women in India.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A man in Jharkhand's Palamu district allegedly murdered his wife during a domestic dispute.

The accused, Kush Kumar Singh, has been arrested by Hussainabad police.

The victim, Sarita Devi, was attacked with a brick and succumbed to her injuries in hospital.

The incident occurred in Aman-Chaun village, Hussainabad police station area.

A man allegedly killed his 35-year-old wife by hitting her head with a brick over a domestic dispute in Jharkhand's Palamu district, police said on Sunday.

The incident happened in Aman-Chaun village in Hussainabad police station area on Saturday.

Arrest and Investigation

Hussainabad police station in-charge Chandan Kumar said the accused, Kush Kumar Singh, has been arrested.

"Preliminary investigation suggests that a domestic dispute between the couple led to the argument and in a fit of rage, he attacked his wife, Sarita Devi, with a brick," Kumar said.

With help from local residents, she was taken to the hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries during treatment at a private hospital in Medininagar, he said.
In a major security operation, Indian security forces in Manipur dismantled 21 illegal bunkers and seized 13 IEDs, intensifying efforts to maintain peace and security in the region following the death of a BSF personnel.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Security forces destroyed 21 illegal bunkers in Manipur's Ukhrul district.

Thirteen improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were seized from Tengnoupal district.

The bunkers were illegally constructed by armed miscreants.

A BSF constable was recently killed by a bullet fired from an unknown direction in the vicinity of Mongkot Chepu village.

A cache of arms and ammunition, including pistols and combat uniforms, was seized in the Moreh area.

Security forces have destroyed 21 illegal bunkers in Manipur's Ukhrul district, where a BSF personnel was recently shot dead, a police statement said on Sunday.

They also seized 13 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from Tengnoupal district in a separate operation.

Bunker Demolition and Arms Seizure Details

Security forces destroyed 14 bunkers in Sikibung village and seven in Mongkot Chepu, both under the jurisdiction of Litan police station, on Satuday, the statement said, adding that 11 empty cartridge shells were seized.

The bunkers were illegally built by armed miscreants, police said.

A BSF constable hailing from West Bengal was recently shot dead after he was struck with a bullet fired from an unknown direction, while performing duty in the vicinity of Mongkot Chepu village, they said.

IEDs and Ammunition Recovered

In another operation, security forces seized a cache of arms and ammunition in Moreh area of Tengnoupal district on Saturday.

Two 9mm pistols with magazines, two combat uniforms and 13 IEDs were seized during the operation. The IEDs were also destroyed in situ, the statement added.
Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Indian Navy commanders are convening to strategise on safeguarding India's crucial energy security and maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region.

IMAGE: Boats are off the coast of Musandam governorate, overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, in Musandam governance, in Oman, on April 8, 2026. Photograph: Stringer/Reuters

Key Points Indian Navy commanders will discuss the impact of the West Asia crisis on India's energy security.

The Navy will review its operational posture to protect national maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region.

Discussions will focus on enhancing blue-water capabilities and effective use of uncrewed systems.

The conference will reaffirm the Navy's operational doctrine and inter-services coordination following 'Operation Sindoor'.

The Navy aims to promote itself as the 'preferred security partner' in the Indian Ocean Region and Indo-Pacific.

Top commanders of the Indian Navy will deliberate on implications of the West Asia crisis in the context of safeguarding India's energy security during a three-day conclave beginning Tuesday.

The commanders will also comprehensively review the Navy's operational posture to protect national maritime interests and capability development in line with national security objectives.

The biannual naval commanders conference will be held in New Delhi from April 14 to 16.

"This edition holds significant importance in light of swift naval deployments to safeguard India's energy security, amidst ongoing conflict in West Asia with convergence of Multi-National Forces in the Indian Ocean Region," the Navy said on Sunday.

However, it did not elaborate on the role it has in safeguarding India's energy security given disruptions in the transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

For last several years, the Indian Navy has been escorting Indian-flagged merchant vessels, specifically those carrying crude oil and natural gas, to ensure their safe passage through the Gulf of Oman.

Strategic Review and Operational Focus

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, along with the operational commanders and senior naval leadership, will review and assess plans to address multi-dimensional challenges in current geo-strategic environment, the Navy said.

"Alongside security imperatives, the deliberations will focus on achieving decisive operational success, enhancing blue-water capabilities, training, human resource management, sustainable maintenance practices, effective employment of uncrewed systems, operational logistics, and other key enablers for combat readiness of platforms," it said.

"The conference also bears prominent significance in reaffirming Navy's operational doctrine, inter-services coordination and technology driven response mechanisms post 'Operation Sindoor'," the Navy said in a statement.

The deliberations at the conference would aim toward promoting the Indian Navy as the 'preferred security partner' in the Indian Ocean Region and Indo-Pacific, it said.

Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan will be among those to address the commanders, it said.

The Navy said interactions aim at enhancing interoperability and jointness, and deriving a broader perspective on national stability, security architecture, and a collaborative approach to address future maritime challenges.

The naval commanders' conference serves as a platform for close interaction with national leadership, setting a strategic direction for the naval plans.

Vision for Maritime Security

"On a broader canvas, the Navy's apex leadership will review overall preparedness to deliver military success when directed by the government, in line with the Indian Navy's four roles as elaborated in the Indian Maritime Doctrine (IMD)," the Navy said.

"It would entail focus on sustained operations, expanding international cooperation, in addition to furthering government of India's vision of Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across Regions (MAHASAGAR), and efforts towards indigenisation and innovation," it added.

Discussions are also planned to review the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence roadmap for pan-Navy solutions and data-driven technologies for seamless operations, it said.
The Odisha Crime Branch's special task force is leading the investigation into a Bhubaneswar man's suspected terror links, coordinating with Delhi police to uncover the full extent of his alleged anti-national activities and potential threats to national security.

IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Odisha Crime Branch's STF to coordinate with Delhi Police on terror suspect case.

A 22-year-old Bhubaneswar man was arrested for alleged anti-national activities.

The STF will investigate the suspect's social links, financial status, and family background.

Authorities are examining whether the suspect shared any information related to national security.

The arrest followed the Delhi Police's scrutiny of social media posts and interrogation of suspects in Delhi.

The special task force of the Odisha Crime Branch has been appointed the nodal investigating agency to coordinate with Delhi Police in connection with a Bhubaneswar-based man's suspected links with a terror outfit, a senior official said.

The 22-year-old man was arrested by a joint team of the Odisha and Delhi Police on Friday over alleged anti-national activities, he said.

"We are investigating all possible angles in the case, which includes his social links, associates, financial status and transactions, family background and employment," SP (STF) Rabindra Nath Satpathy said.

The STF will also investigate whether he shared any information related to national security, he said.

Investigation Details

The accused came under the scanner after a special cell of the Delhi Police picked up a few persons in the national capital a week ago, and scrutinised their social media posts, an official statement said on Saturday.

"On the basis of their interrogation and analysis of social media posts, an Odisha link was found, and he was apprehended," it said.

The accused was taken on transit remand to the national capital, after being produced before the Bhubaneswar Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate Court on Saturday, officials said.

The police have also seized a mobile phone, a laptop and other materials from his possession.
In a targeted intelligence operation, Pakistani security forces successfully eliminated two terrorists in the Lakki Marwat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, disrupting militant activities in the region.

Photograph: Screen grab/X

Key Points Pakistani security forces killed two terrorists in Lakki Marwat district during an intelligence-based operation.

The operation targeted militants in the Shahbazkhel area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The slain terrorists were allegedly involved in multiple acts of terrorism and were wanted by law enforcement.

Weapons and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists during the security operation.

Pakistan security forces on Sunday killed two terrorists during an intelligence-based operation in restive Lakki Marwat district of northwest Pakistan, police said.

The operation was conducted in Shahbazkhel area of Lakki Marwat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, early on Sunday, according to a police official.

The operation was launched on confirmed intelligence regarding the presence of militants in the area.

The slain militants were allegedly involved in multiple acts of terrorism in the region and were wanted by law enforcement agencies.

Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from their possession during the operation.
A Rishikesh camp operator and his associates face charges after allegedly assaulting Delhi tourists who complained about loud music, sparking a police investigation.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A camp operator and three associates in Rishikesh have been booked for allegedly assaulting tourists from Delhi.

The assault occurred at 'Camp Haveli' in Shivpuri after the tourists requested the camp operator to lower the volume of a DJ system.

The camp operator and his associates allegedly entered the tourists' room and physically assaulted them around 2:30 am.

Police have registered a case based on a written complaint and initiated an investigation into the incident.

Four persons including a camp operator have been booked for allegedly assaulting a group of tourists from Delhi staying at a camp in Shivpuri, located near Muni Ki Reti area here, police said on Sunday.

According to police, the incident took place early Saturday at 'Camp Haveli', situated on the Rishikesh-Badrinath national highway.

The case was registered based on a written complaint by Deepak Soni, a tourist from Delhi's Uttam Nagar.

Muni Ki Reti Station House Officer Pradeep Chauhan said according to the complaint, Deepak Soni and his friend Saurabh Seth were staying at the camp on Friday. Following dinner that night, the duo requested the camp operator to lower the volume of the DJ system that was playing within the camp premises as it was hampering their sleep.

Enraged by this request, the camp operator allegedly abused them verbally, and threatened them.

According to the complaint, around 2.30 am in the night, the operator -- accompanied by three associates -- entered the tourists' room and physically assaulted them.

The police said a case has been registered and an investigation has been initiated, and further action will be taken based on the findings.
Police in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, are investigating a suspected double homicide after a woman and her daughter were found dead in their home, sparking community concern and a search for the missing husband.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points The bodies of a woman and her daughter were found in a trunk in their Sandeshkhali home.

Police suspect murder and are investigating all possible motives, including domestic disputes.

The woman's husband is missing, and authorities are searching for him in connection with the case.

The incident has caused panic in the area, leading to increased police presence to maintain order.

Half-burnt bodies of a woman and her daughter were found in a trunk in their house in Sandeshkhali in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, police said on Sunday.

The incident came to light late on Saturday, and the bodies were recovered by the police on Sunday morning, they said.

Investigation Underway

"Prima facie, it appears to be a case of murder followed by an attempt to destroy evidence. However, all possible angles, including domestic discord or any other motive, are being thoroughly examined," a police officer said.

The woman's husband has been missing, and a search is underway for him, police said.

The incident triggered panic in the area, following which police were deployed to maintain law and order.
Assam police have arrested seven individuals for allegedly providing logistical support to the banned militant group ULFA (I), disrupting a key part of their support network in the region.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points Seven individuals have been arrested in Assam for allegedly supporting the banned militant group ULFA (I).

The arrests were made in Tinsukia district and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh based on intelligence inputs.

Those arrested are suspected of providing logistical support and facilitating communication for ULFA (I).

The operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb insurgent activities in Upper Assam.

Seven people were arrested for their alleged connection with the banned militant group ULFA (I), police said on Sunday.

The arrests were made from different parts of Assam's Tinsukia district and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh on the basis of intelligence inputs, they said.

"These individuals were involved in providing logistical support and facilitating communication for the insurgent outfit," a police officer said.

The accused had been active for some time and was part of a local support network, he said.

"All seven accused are currently in police custody, and interrogation is underway. The operation is a part of ongoing efforts to curb insurgent activities in Upper Assam," he added.
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M&T Bank (NYSE:MTB) has appointed Denise Viola Monahan as its new regional president for Philadelphia.

The leadership change positions an industry veteran to oversee the bank's operations and community presence in a key East Coast market.

M&T Bank enters this leadership shift with its shares at $219.92 and recent returns that many investors may be watching closely. The stock is up 4.6% over the past week and 12.1% over the past month, with a 7.8% gain year to date. Over longer timeframes, NYSE:MTB has returned 43.4% over one year, 108.5% over three years, and 67.5% over five years.

For investors following regional banks, a new regional president in Philadelphia could influence how M&T Bank approaches growth, lending priorities, and local partnerships in that market. The appointment provides another leadership data point to track alongside the share price and returns history when assessing how the bank is positioning itself in the region over time.

Stay updated on the most important news stories for M&T Bank by adding it to your watchlist or portfolio. Alternatively, explore our Community to discover new perspectives on M&T Bank.

NYSE:MTB 1-Year Stock Price Chart

Does the team leading M&T Bank have what it takes? See our full breakdown of the management team's track record and compensation.

For you as an investor, this appointment mainly speaks to leadership depth and continuity in a region that can influence lending, deposits and fee income. Denise Viola Monahan is moving up from a wealth-focused role covering Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey into a broader regional president position, which means she already knows the customer base and local economy. With oversight across retail, business, commercial, wealth, government, healthcare and charitable banking, this role touches most of the revenue engines that compete with names like PNC Financial, Truist and Citizens Financial in the Mid Atlantic corridor. Her long tenure in financial services plus active involvement on local boards signals that M&T is keeping community relationships and reputation front and center, which can matter for retaining deposits and originating quality loans over time.

How This Fits Into The M&T Bank Narrative
Police in Munger, Bihar, are investigating the death of a sub-inspector's wife, who allegedly shot herself with his service revolver, amidst conflicting claims of suicide and potential foul play.

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com

Key Points The wife of a sub-inspector in Munger, Bihar, allegedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound using her husband's service revolver.

Police are investigating the incident, considering potential domestic disputes as a possible motive.

The deceased's mother has alleged that her daughter was murdered, prompting further investigation.

A forensic team has examined the scene, and a post-mortem examination is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

A sub-inspector's wife allegedly shot herself dead with her husband's service revolver in Bihar's Munger district on Sunday evening, police said.

The incident occurred at the couple's rented accommodation within the Safia Sarai police outpost, where the sub-inspector was posted.

Talking to reporters here, Munger SP Syed Imran Masood said, "Today, we received information that the wife of a sub-inspector stationed at Safia Sarai had allegedly shot herself using his service pistol at their rented house. She died during treatment at a nearby hospital."

An FSL team visited the spot, and the body has been sent for post-mortem examination, he added.

Investigation into the Circumstances

"During preliminary interrogation, the SI mentioned that he and his wife had occasional domestic disputes, which could be a probable reason behind the incident," Masood said.

However, the exact cause of death can only be ascertained after a proper inquest and receipt of the post-mortem results, he added.

Conflicting Claims

Meanwhile, the deceased's mother claimed that she talked to her daughter shortly before the incident over the phone when "she sounded happy" and was having tea with her husband.

She alleged that her daughter was murdered.
Iran-US talks in Pakistan collapsed due to unresolved disagreements over Iran's nuclear ambitions and sanctions, highlighting the complexities of achieving a lasting agreement between the two nations.

IMAGE: US Vice President J D Vance speaks during a news conference after meeting with representatives from Pakistan and Iran as Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy for Peace Missions, listen, on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Islamabad. Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/Pool via Reuters

Key Points Iran-US talks in Pakistan failed to reach an agreement due to 'excessive demands' from the US side, according to Iranian officials.

A key sticking point in the Iran-US talks was Iran's nuclear programme, with the US insisting Tehran forgo it.

Despite the failed agreement, both Iran and the US acknowledged reaching consensus on some issues during the Pakistan-mediated discussions.

Pakistan played a crucial role in mediating the Iran-US talks, expressing hope for future progress towards durable peace and regional stability.

The Iran-US meeting marked the first direct, high-level engagement between the two countries since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The Iran-US talks in Pakistan have ended without a deal due to 'excessive demands' made by the American side, a top Iranian official said on Sunday.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, however, said Iran is determined to utilise all tools, including diplomacy, to secure national interests and protect the country's well-being.

US Vice President J D Vance, who led the American delegation, said the talks failed to reach a peace deal, citing Tehran not forgoing its nuclear programme as one of the key sticking points. He said the American side presented its 'final and best offer' to the Iranian side, but it did not accept it.

Baqaei, however, said that the two sides reached a consensus on some issues, but they held different views regarding 2-3 important matters.

He said that during the intensive negotiations that began Saturday morning, with Pakistan's mediation, numerous messages and texts were exchanged between the two sides.

Key Issues Discussed

"In the past 24 hours, discussions were held on various dimensions of the main negotiation topics, including the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear issue, war reparations, lifting of sanctions, and the complete end to the war against Iran and in the region," Baqaei said.

"The success of this diplomatic process depends on the seriousness and good faith of the opposing side, refraining from excessive demands and unlawful requests, and the acceptance of Iran's legitimate rights and interests," he added.

He said it was natural that Iran should not have expected from the beginning to reach an agreement within one meeting. "No one expected that either."

"We have not forgotten and will not forget the experiences of America's breaches of promise and malicious acts," he said.

He thanked Pakistan for hosting the negotiations and for its efforts in advancing this process.

Pakistan's Role as Mediator

In a brief statement to the media, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan helped mediate several rounds of "intense and constructive" discussions over the past 24 hours.

Expressing hope for progress, Dar said both sides should maintain a positive spirit to achieve durable peace and regional stability.

Dar said Pakistan would continue to play its role in facilitating engagement and dialogue between Iran and the United States in the coming days.

The Iranian delegation, led by Speaker Mohammad Baqir Galibaf, had arrived in Islamabad on Friday night, while the US delegation, headed by Vice President J D Vance, arrived on Saturday morning.

It was the first direct, high-level engagement between Iran and the US since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
A school teacher tragically lost her life in a hit-and-run accident on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Palghar, prompting a police investigation to find the fleeing driver.

IMAGE: Illustration: Uttam Ghosh/Rediff.com

Key Points A 40-year-old school teacher was fatally struck by a speeding lorry on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Palghar.

The hit-and-run incident occurred in the Virar area as the teacher was crossing the road to reach a bus stop.

The lorry driver fled the scene after the accident, prompting a police investigation.

Police have registered a case against the unidentified driver and are actively working to locate the accused in the fatal hit-and-run.

A 40-year-old school teacher was killed after a speeding lorry hit her on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway in Maharashtra's Palghar district, police said on Sunday.

The incident occurred on Saturday morning in the Virar area.

Sweedal Gomes, a resident of the Vasai area, left for the Zilla Parishad school at Tilher in the morning and was crossing the road near Shirsad Naka to reach a bus stop when a lorry hit her from behind, a police official said.

The woman died on the spot. The lorry driver fled the spot with the vehicle following the accident, he said.

After being alerted, personnel from Mandovi police station rushed to the spot and shifted the body to a government hospital for a post-mortem.

The police have registered a case against the unidentified driver and efforts are underway to trace the accused, the official said.
Police in Ranchi have arrested three individuals following the death of a 16-year-old domestic worker, launching an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death and alleged beating.

Key Points Three people have been arrested in Ranchi, Jharkhand, in connection with the death of a 16-year-old domestic worker.

The victim's body showed signs of being beaten, leading to a murder investigation.

The arrested include the official where the girl worked, her brother, and their driver; the brother's role is considered 'suspicious'.

A zero FIR was lodged, and a post-mortem examination revealed multiple injuries on the girl's body.

Three persons were arrested for allegedly beating a 16-year-old girl to death in Jharkhand's Ranchi district, police said on Sunday.

The incident occurred on Saturday at an official's house within the Kanke police station area. It came to light when the accused official, along with her brother, went to hand over the girl's body to her family in Burmu block, they said.

"We have arrested the official, her brother, and the driver of their four-wheeler. So far, investigations have revealed that the role of the sibling is 'suspicious' in the death of the victim, while the role of the driver seems negligible," DSP (Rural) Amar Kumar Pandey said.

The body of the victim was taken to Ranchi after a zero FIR was lodged at Burmu police station. It was then sent for post-mortem examination at RIMS. Several injury marks were found on the girl's body, which indicated that she was beaten to death, the DSP said.

Investigation Details

The girl had been staying as a domestic help in the official's house in the Kanke area for the past four years.

Upon questioning, the accused official told police that the girl had died after she fell in the bathroom, he said.

An FIR in this regard has been lodged based on the statements of the victim's family members.
'While the US Congress has a Republican majority, many Republicans and most Democrats are not in favour of continuing the war because midterm elections are only seven months away.'

IMAGE: Members of the media work as a screen displays news with images of Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meeting with US. Vice President JD Vance and separately with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, at a media centre set up for the coverage of the US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad on April 11, 2026. Photograph: Asim Hafeez/Reuters

The popularity of US President Donald Trump is waning with approval ratings at its lowest, according to former diplomat Mahesh Sachdev, who notes that with two-thirds of Americans not approving of a continuation of the war on Iran, Trump faces the risk of being impeached.

Key Points According to the American Constitution, the President has the power to wage wars outside the country, but within 60 days of initiating conflict, he must obtain Congressional approval.

Sachdev further said that if the conflict continues, Trump may be at risk of getting impeached.

Continued conflict may negatively impact Republican candidates. If the President loses his majority in both houses of Congress, there is a real danger that he may face impeachment, he said.

In an interview with ANI, Sachdev said that Trump also faces a constitutional roadblock, as the US President now has to get approval of Congress for further continuation of the war.

"The growth rate of the first quarter has fallen to 0.5 per cent, which is much lower than the previous 4.5 per cent. Furthermore, the President's approval ratings in the United States have fallen drastically and are currently at their lowest point. In particular, more than two-thirds of Americans do not approve of a continuation of the war," he said.

Sachdev further noted that while the US Congress has a Republican majority, many Republicans and most Democrats are not in favour of continuing the war because midterm elections are only seven months away.

"Trump also faces a constitutional difficulty. According to the American Constitution, the President has the power to wage wars outside the country, but within 60 days of initiating conflict, he must obtain Congressional approval. The war has already lasted 40 days, and with five days of the pause already passed, only about 15 days remain. If he wants to continue the war, he will need to go to Congress. While Congress has a Republican majority, many Republicans and most Democrats are not in favour of continuing the war because midterm elections are only seven months away," he said.

Sachdev further said that if the conflict continues, Trump may be at risk of getting impeached.

"Continued conflict may negatively impact Republican candidates. If the President loses his majority in both houses of Congress, there is a real danger that he may face impeachment, particularly regarding the Epstein files, where he and his associates have been mentioned multiple times. All these factors together mean Trump faces significant domestic and logistical challenges in prosecuting the war," he said.

He further said that such factors may finally coalesce into a war of attrition.

"These factors may finally coalesce into either a war of attrition, an undeclared ceasefire with low-intensity sporadic attacks, or a sudden declaration of victory followed by a withdrawal. Regarding weapon shipments to Iran, Trump has warned that nations doing so will face major problems," he said.

Sachdev then said that there are credible reports and circumstantial evidence suggesting substantive Chinese involvement on the Iranian side.

"There are credible reports and circumstantial evidence suggesting substantive Chinese involvement on the Iranian side. To understand the background, UN Security Council Resolution 2231, passed in 2015, imposed prohibitions on supplying Iran with weapons. While the prohibitions on weapons ended in 2020 and the restrictions on missiles ended in 2023, the resolution contained a "snapback" clause. Last year, the E3 countries--Britain, France, and Germany--requested a snapback, citing Iran's violation of IAEA norms. Technically, the sanctions on weapon and missile supplies are back in place," he said.

The fomer diplomat further said that China may be supplying weapon systems, particularly air defence systems and missile fuel through third countries like North Korea.

"There are reports that China may be supplying weapon systems, particularly air defense systems and missile fuel, through third countries like North Korea to avoid being seen as violating restrictions. Last week, President Trump suggested imposing 50 percent tariffs on exports from countries that provide weapons to Iran. China, for its part, has denied these reports. Interestingly, President Trump recently thanked China for playing a positive role in persuading Iran to come to the negotiating table," he said.

"China is Iran's largest trading partner, with over 90 percent of Iranian crude exports going to China. They are also believed to supply the rocket fuel necessary for Iran's missile production," he added.

Sachdev said that China would probably want to oblige the US in exchange for the lowering of technical and economic sanctions or a reduction in tariffs.

"China's motivation to play a part in negotiations likely stems from the upcoming summit between President Trump and President Xi Jinping. Beijing would like to oblige the United States in exchange for the lowering of technical and economic sanctions or a reduction in tariffs. However, the failure of the negotiations in Islamabad and reports of continued Chinese support for Iranian air defences suggest that this conflict is entering a complicated new chapter," he said.

Meanwhile, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Sunday said that the recent meeting with US officials was the longest round of negotiations they have had in the past year.
The article cited experts who said that Trump could "out-blockade" Iran's hold over the Hormuz and recalled US military ops in Venezuela as an example where a naval blockade impacted the country's economy.

IMAGE: US Vice President JD Vance gestures as he boards Air Force Two, after peace talks with Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/Pool/Reuters

US President Donald Trump has shared an article suggesting that the option of enforcing a naval blockade was available in the context of Iran, as peace talks ended in a stalemate in Islamabad after differences of opinion arose between the two parties on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear capacities.

Key Points The US President shared the article in a post on Truth Social on Sunday.

The piece noted how the USS Gerald Ford carrier is now in the Persian Gulf and has joined the USS Abraham Lincoln and other major naval assets.

Peace remains elusive as JD Vance departed from Islamabad after hitting a gridlock in talks with Iran.

The US President shared the article in a post on Truth Social on Sunday.

The article posted by outlet Just the News cited experts who said that Trump could "out-blockade" Iran's hold over the Strait of Hormuz and recalled US military ops in Venezuela earlier this year as an example where a naval blockade impacted the country's economy.

The piece noted how the USS Gerald Ford carrier, which led the Venezuelan blockade, is now in the Persian Gulf and has joined the USS Abraham Lincoln and other major naval assets.

"It would be very easy for the US Navy to exert complete control over what does and does not go up and down the Strait now," the Lexington Institute's national security expert Rebecca Grant told Just the News.

"I've heard about 10 ships have moved in the last 24 hours. One of them was a reflagged Russian tanker, and we know that cargos have gone out to China, to India, and we've seen some inbound traffic. If Iran gets intransigent, then absolutely, the US Navy can set up with great overwater surveillance ... and watch everything that goes in and out of that Strait and you'll have to ask the US Navy if you want to move past Kharg Island or past that narrow part by Oman," she said as per Just the News.

Peace remains elusive as JD Vance departed from Islamabad after hitting a gridlock in talks with Iran.

"We've had a number of substance agreements with the Iranians- that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America", Vance told reporters in Islamabad.

Meanwhile, Iran's Head of Center for Public Diplomacy and Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, on Sunday, said that Iran's negotiators are employing all their capabilities, adding that the success of the efforts depends on the acceptance of Iran's legitimate rights and interests.

Baqaei said that Iran's heavy losses have made its resolve stronger than ever and that it uses all its tools to secure its national interests.

"Nothing can or should deter us from pursuing our great historical mission toward our beloved homeland and noble Iranian civilization. The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to utilize all tools, including diplomacy, to secure national interests and protect the country's well-being," he said.

"In the past 24 hours, discussions were held on various dimensions of the main negotiation topics, including the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear issue, war reparations, lifting of sanctions, and the complete end to the war against Iran and in the region. The success of this diplomatic process depends on the seriousness and good faith of the opposing side, refraining from excessive demands and unlawful requests, and the acceptance of Iran's legitimate rights and interests," he added.

Meanwhile, security situation continues to evolve in West Asia.

Al Jazeera Breaking reported on Sunday that Israel intercepted drones launched from Lebanon.

Smoke was also seen rising from Beirut suburbs on Sunday as per Reuters.

As the situation develops, Tasnim News Agency said on Sunday citing an informed source that Iran has offered reasonable proposals in the negotiations held in Islamabad, adding that the ball is now in the US court.
A professor in Uttar Pradesh, India, previously accused of sexual exploitation but acquitted due to lack of evidence, has retired from his position, sparking debate over the college's decision to bar him from campus.

Key Points Professor Rajnish Kumar, acquitted of sexual exploitation, has voluntarily retired from Bagla Degree College.

The college management committee has accepted Kumar's retirement and barred him from entering the premises.

Kumar's lawyer objects to the ban, considering a high court appeal.

A local court acquitted Kumar due to lack of evidence and failure of victims to corroborate statements.

The court cited the possibility of fabricated evidence in the sexual exploitation case.

The management committee of Bagla Degree College has accepted the voluntary retirement application submitted by Professor Rajnish Kumar, who was accused in a sexual exploitation case but was later acquitted by the court, the college said on Sunday.

The committee has also barred him from entering the college premises, it said in a statement issued to the press, following a meeting it held on Saturday.

Professor Mahavir Chhonkar, a faculty member, said Kumar himself had sought voluntary retirement and submitted an application to this effect, which has been accepted by the management.

"The decision to prohibit his entry into the college was also taken in the same meeting and communicated through the press note," he said.

Kumar's counsel Virendra Chaudhary seconded that his client opted for voluntary retirement on his own, but objected to the decision to bar his entry into the college, terming it unjustified.

Chaudhary said they would review the committee's order and may approach the high court in the matter.

Details of the Acquittal

On March 24, a local court here acquitted Kumar, who was accused of sexually exploiting female students on the pretext of helping them clear competitive examinations and secure jobs.

Additional District Judge Mahendra Kumar passed the acquittal order, citing a lack of evidence and the failure of the alleged victims to corroborate their statements in court.

The accused, a geography professor, had faced allegations of sexually exploiting students, supported by purported photos and videos. However, during the trial, none of the witnesses or victims confirmed the allegations in court.

Officials said that although some witnesses and students were produced, only one complainant recorded a statement before a magistrate, and that no victim substantiated the sexual exploitation charges during court proceedings.

The court observed that the allegations against the professor could not be proved beyond a reasonable doubt and did not rule out the possibility of fabricated evidence being presented with the intent to implicate him.

Background of the Case

The case had come to light after a student wrote to the women's commission on March 6, 2025. Following a preliminary inquiry, police had registered a case and arrested the accused from Prayagraj, after he had gone absconding.

A chargesheet was subsequently filed in court, and Kumar was out on bail during the trial.
US-Iran talks in Islamabad, aimed at resolving the West Asia conflict, collapsed without a peace deal due to disagreements over Iran's nuclear programme and 'excessive demands', raising concerns about the fragile ceasefire and global energy market stability.

IMAGE: US Vice President JD Vance shakes hands with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, as Vance prepares to board Air Force Two, after peace talks with Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 12, 2026. Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/Pool/Reuters

Key Points US-Iran talks in Islamabad, brokered by Pakistan, ended without a peace agreement due to disagreements over Iran's nuclear programme and 'excessive demands' from the US.

The US delegation cited Iran's nuclear programme as a key sticking point, while Iran blamed 'excessive demands' from the American side for the failure of the talks.

The breakdown in negotiations raises concerns about the fragility of the existing ceasefire and the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to stabilise the global energy market.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expressed hope that both sides would maintain a positive spirit to achieve a durable peace and regional stability despite the unsuccessful talks.

The US and Iranian delegations left Pakistan on Sunday after the two sides failed to reach an agreement following historic talks in Islamabad to end the West Asia conflict that caused a global energy disruption.

US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation, said the talks failed to reach a peace deal, citing Tehran not forgoing its nuclear programme as one of the key sticking points.

"We leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that this is our final and best offer. We'll see if the Iranians accept it," Vance said at a press conference after the talks.

His departure came almost an hour after he addressed the press conference.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Army Chief Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi were present at the airport to bid him farewell.

The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, has also left Pakistan, according to sources.

There was no official word about the departure of the Iranian delegation due to security reasons.

Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency also posted on X that the Iranian delegation left Pakistan after several rounds of negotiations.

Iran said that the Islamabad talks failed due to "excessive demands" made by the American side.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, however, emphasised that "diplomacy never ends."

The Iranian delegation had arrived in Islamabad on Friday night, while the US delegation arrived early on Saturday.

The Iran-US peace talks were conducted first indirectly through Pakistan and later through direct negotiations between the two sides, official sources said on Sunday.

The Pakistan-brokered negotiations began Saturday, four days after the two sides announced a six-day ceasefire.

It was the first direct, high-level engagement between Iran and the US since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

In a brief statement to the media, Dar, also the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, said his country helped mediate several rounds of "intense and constructive" discussions over the past 24 hours.

Expressing hope for progress, Dar said both sides should maintain a positive spirit to achieve a durable peace and regional stability.

The conflict began after the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, paralysing global energy markets and disrupting trade.

Iran had laid out a 10-point plan for the talks that included demands for the withdrawal of US forces from West Asia, the lifting of sanctions against Iran, and allowing it to control the Strait of Hormuz.

The failure to reach an agreement following face-to-face negotiations between the two sides raised doubts about the effectiveness of their fragile two-week ceasefire, as well as the prospect of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to stabilise the global energy market.
The United States and Iran have concluded the first phase of face-to-face talks in Islamabad, signalling a potential breakthrough in ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and foster a structured understanding between the two nations.

IMAGE: The Iranian negotiating team in Islamabad. Photograph: Reuters

Key Points The US and Iran concluded the first phase of in-person talks in Islamabad, aiming to reduce tensions.

Both delegations exchanged written texts to formalise understandings reached during the negotiations.

Key representatives from both the US and Iran participated in the high-level discussions.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed commitment to negotiations while prioritising national interests.

Talks also focused on strengthening regional cooperation and stability for economic progress.

The first phase of in-person talks between the United States and Iran concluded in Islamabad late on Saturday night, the government of Iran tweeted, after several hours of negotiations involving multiple stakeholders, marking a significant development in ongoing diplomatic discussions.

Breaking ' Iran-U.S. talks mediated by Pakistan concluded after 14 hours. Technical teams from both sides are now exchanging expert texts. Negotiations will continue despite some remaining differences.#IslamabadTalks https://t.co/MewU4uMaJN  Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran (@Iran_GOV) April 11, 2026

Following the discussions, both delegations exchanged written texts to document and confirm areas of understanding reached during the day, according to Iranian State media Press TV. The exchange is seen as an effort to formalise progress made during the face-to-face engagement.

The development comes after an initial round of discussions concluded earlier, paving the way for continued negotiations between the delegations. The talks are being seen as a key diplomatic effort to reduce tensions and explore possibilities of a structured understanding between the United States and Iran.

According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, the latest round of negotiations extended into late-night deliberations, indicating the urgency and sensitivity surrounding the dialogue process. The report stated that key representatives from both sides were present in Islamabad for the discussions, reflecting the high-level nature of the engagement.

Key Participants in the US-Iran Dialogue

On the US side, Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner, who is also the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, are part of the delegation. The Iranian delegation includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and senior diplomat Ali Bagheri Kani.

"It seems that this is the last chance for the Iranian team to reach a common framework in this round of talks," Tasnim news agency reported.

Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that direct talks between the two sides were ongoing well past midnight at the Serena Hotel in Islamabad, indicating that discussions are continuing despite significant diplomatic challenges.

Commitment to Negotiations and Domestic Stability

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated his commitment to the negotiation process, stating that the Iranian delegation would "negotiate bravely" while prioritising national interests and safeguarding Iran's sovereign priorities.

In the statement shared via a post on X, President Pezeshkian reaffirmed the government's commitment to its citizens, regardless of the diplomatic developments in Islamabad.

"In any case, our service to the people will not stop for a moment, and whatever the outcome of the negotiations, the government will stand by the people," he wrote, highlighting the administration's focus on domestic stability alongside international diplomacy.

Furthermore, in a post on X, the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in New Delhi reposted a message from the Iranian President, stating that the delegation is "wholeheartedly committed to safeguarding Iran's interests and will negotiate courageously in that regard."

The embassy's statement further emphasised the government's dedication to domestic stability regardless of the diplomatic process, noting, "In any case, our service to the people will not pause for even a moment, and whatever the outcome of the negotiations, the government stands firmly with the people."

Focus on Regional Cooperation

In a separate development, Governor of the Central Bank of Iran Abdolnasser Hemmati met Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on the sidelines of the ongoing discussions, according to Pakistan's ministry of foreign affairs.

In a post on X, the Pakistani ministry of foreign affairs said, "Governor of the Central Bank of Iran, Dr. Abdolnasser Hemmati, called on Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today, on the sidelines of the #IslamabadTalks."

According to the ministry, the meeting focused on strengthening dialogue and regional cooperation, with both sides highlighting the importance of peace and stability for economic progress and shared development.

The X post added, "Both sides emphasised the importance of sustained dialogue and noted that peace and stability in the region remain essential for economic cooperation and shared progress."

Additionally, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad as part of the ongoing diplomatic engagements.

On the sidelines, Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was seen shaking hands with US Vice President JD Vance.
The US-Iran talks in Islamabad collapsed after 21 hours due to major differences over Iran's nuclear programme and US sanctions.

Washington demanded firm commitments to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons while Tehran rejected the terms as excessive and insisted on sanctions relief and recognition of its rights.

The failure raises concerns about the fragile ceasefire and global energy stability, particularly the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, despite Pakistan's efforts to mediate.

Islamabad was placed under tight security as it hosted the high-stakes US-Iran talks following over a month of conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran.

The city saw sealed roads, increased military presence, and public restrictions as global attention focused on the negotiations led by US Vice President J D Vance.

IMAGE: US Vice President J D Vance shakes hands with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar while Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, centre, looks on, as Vance prepares to board Air Force Two, after peace talks with Iran in Islamabad failed, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/Pool/Reuters

IMAGE: Earlier, Vance's motorcade leaves the Serena hotel after peace talks with Iran failed, April 12, 2026. Photograph: Asim Hafeez/Reuters

IMAGE: Pakistani military personnel watch as the Vance motorcade drives by them in Islamabad, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/Pool/Reuters

IMAGE: Pakistan soldiers patrol D Chowk near the President's House in Islamabad, April 11, 2026. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters

Key Points Historic US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended without agreement after 21 hours of intense negotiations led by America's Vice President J D Vance.

Iran's refusal to curb its nuclear programme remained the central obstacle, despite Washington presenting a 'final and best offer'.

Tehran demanded sanctions relief, asset unfreezing and regional concessions, calling US conditions excessive and unlawful.

Islamabad was under heavy security lockdown as it hosted the US-Iran talks amid global attention.

IMAGE: A police officer stands guard on a road leading to the Serena Hotel, venue for the peace talks. Photograph: Asim Hafeez/Reuters

IMAGE: A man sits next to television sets at a shop in Karachi showing news regarding the peace talks. Photograph: Insiya Syed/Reuters

IMAGE: Police officers check the documents of commuters at a checkpoint near the Serena Hotel, here and below. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters

Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters /span>

IMAGE: A balloon seller walks near a screen with an image referring to the US-Iran peace talks. Photograph: Waseem Khan/Reuters

IMAGE: The Serena hotel, amid the US and Iran peace talks, in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 12, 2026. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters

IMAGE: Security personnel stand guard as people pass by on a motorcycle at Faisal Avenue in Islamabad. Photograph: Waseem Khan/Reuters

IMAGE: Security personnel stand alert on the Zero Point Bridge. Photograph: Waseem Khan/Reuters

IMAGE: Security personnel check vehicles at a checkpoint near the Serena Hoteld. Photograph: Waseem Khan/Reuters

IMAGE: A Punjab Police bus with riot gear on top moves along a road in front of the Serena Hotel. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters

IMAGE: A man reads the newspaper featuring a headline about the US and Iran peace talks, at a roadside cafe in Karachi, April 12, 2026. Photograph: Insiya Syed/Reuters

IMAGE:Police officers sit along a road outside the Serena Hotel, where peace talks between US and Iranian officials ended without an agreement to halt their war, April 12, 2026. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff
Michael Burry said Friday he is maintaining his bearish position on Palantir even after President Donald Trump praised the company on Truth Social, temporarily lifting the stock off its intraday lows.

On Friday, Burry published a Substack post laying out two specific put option positions he is carrying against the company: $50-strike puts expiring June 17, 2027, and $100-strike puts expiring Dec. 19, 2026. "I am not selling these today," he wrote.

Trump's post on Friday described Palantir as having "great warfighting capabilities and equipment." Despite the brief recovery, Palantir stock was on track for a roughly 13% weekly decline, bringing its 2026 losses to about 28%. The stock traded at about $127 on Friday.

Burry argued the Trump endorsement offered only temporary support. "Trump's post rallied the stock after the stock had fallen 18% the last three days. The stock may catch a wind here," he wrote. "I continue to hold the puts, as I believe the fundamental value of this company is well under $50/share."

According to Burry, his initial short position was established in autumn 2025, and he has adjusted and renewed it on several occasions since then. Despite the stock's retreat from a high of roughly $200 in the prior year, Burry characterized it as "wildly overvalued" at current levels.

Burry also disclosed Friday that he added to his bearish position on Nvidia, buying January 2027 puts with a $115 strike price at $3.30 per contract.

Palantir's ties to the Trump administration have drawn attention throughout the year. Under Trump's second term, CNBC has reported that Palantir has landed new government deals, expanded its Pentagon relationship, and seen Karp stay in close contact with administration figures.

Burry's short position has previously drawn a sharp response from Palantir's leadership. The initial disclosure of Scion Asset Management's short positions in both Palantir and Nvidia drew a pointed reaction from Karp, who went on record describing the trades as "super weird" and "bats--- crazy."

Earlier this month, Palantir stock fell about 8% after Burry argued in a since-deleted post on X that Anthropic is capturing enterprise AI spending at Palantir's expense. To support that argument, Burry pointed to ARR figures showing Anthropic scaling from $9 billion to $30 billion within months  a pace he set against Palantir's own timeline, which he said took two decades to reach $5 billion in revenue. Central to Burry's bear case is the view that Palantir functions more like a professional services firm than a technology product company, physically embedding engineers at client sites for extended periods rather than delivering software customers can deploy on their own.

Palantir posted fourth-quarter 2025 revenue of $1.4 billion, up 70% year over year, with U.S. commercial revenue rising 137% to $507 million. The company guided for about $7.2 billion in full-year 2026 revenue. Even after this year's decline, the stock trades at about 142 times expected earnings, the third-highest multiple in the S&P 500.
Despite ongoing US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, President Trump maintains that the United States is in a position to 'win regardless' of whether a deal is reached, highlighting America's strategic advantage.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump speaks to the media on Iran talks, Washington, DC, April 11,2026. Photograph: Screen grab/video by US Network Pool via Reuters/ANI

Key Points President Trump asserts the US will 'win regardless' of the outcome of US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad.

The US and Iran are engaged in high-level discussions focusing on maritime security and energy flows.

Key representatives from both the US and Iran are participating in the Islamabad negotiations.

Both delegations exchanged written texts to formalise progress made during the face-to-face engagement.

The talks are viewed as a critical diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions between the US and Iran.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday expressed strong confidence in America's position amid ongoing high-level US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, stating that Washington stands to "win" regardless of whether a deal is reached.

On US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad, US President Donald Trump said, "They've been meeting for many hours. We will see what happens. Regardless of that, we win. Maybe they make a deal; maybe they don't. It doesn't matter. From the standpoint of America, we win. The boats are sailing up and heading out to our country. We are loading the huge tankers with oil and gas."

The remarks come amid continued diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran, with key issues including maritime security and energy flows through strategic routes such as the Strait of Hormuz believed to be central to the discussions.

Responding to a query by ANI on whether the United States would consider releasing Iranian assets, Trump reiterated his stance that the outcome of the negotiations would not alter America's strategic advantage.

"We will see what happens. We are in a deep negotiation with Iran, we win regardless. We have defeated them militarily... We are sweeping the Strait. Whether we make a deal or not, it makes no difference to me and the reason is because we've won... We were not helped by NATO," Trump added.

Progress in US-Iran Negotiations

Meanwhile, the first phase of in-person talks between the United States and Iran concluded in Islamabad late on Saturday night after several hours of negotiations involving multiple stakeholders, marking a significant development in ongoing diplomatic discussions.

Following the discussions, both delegations exchanged written texts to document and confirm areas of understanding reached during the day, according to Iranian state media Press TV. The exchange is seen as an effort to formalise progress made during the face-to-face engagement.

The development comes after an initial round of discussions concluded earlier, paving the way for continued negotiations between the delegations. The talks are being seen as a key diplomatic effort to reduce tensions and explore possibilities of a structured understanding between the United States and Iran.

Key Players in the Islamabad Talks

According to Iran's Tasnim news agency, the latest round of negotiations extended into late-night deliberations, indicating the urgency and sensitivity surrounding the dialogue process. The report stated that key representatives from both sides were present in Islamabad for the discussions, reflecting the high-level nature of the engagement.

On the US side, Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner, who is also the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, are part of the delegation. The Iranian delegation includes Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and senior diplomat Ali Bagheri Kani.

"It seems that this is the last chance for the Iranian team to reach a common framework in this round of talks," Tasnim news agency reported.
China's creation of a new county in Xinjiang, near Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Afghanistan, signals a strategic move to bolster border security and address concerns about potential militant infiltration in the volatile region.

IMAGE: Kindly note that the image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: Reuters

Key Points The new county is strategically located near the Wakhan Corridor, a narrow strip bordering Xinjiang and Afghanistan.

Analysts suggest the move reflects China's growing focus on border security and governance in the region.

The establishment of Cenling is seen as an effort to strengthen control and stability in the frontier region.

Concerns exist regarding potential infiltration of foreign militants from Central Asia through the Wakhan Corridor.

China has set up a new county in its volatile Xinjiang province near Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Afghanistan border in an apparent move to beef up security along the narrow Wakhan Corridor to curb infiltration of Uyghur separatist militants.

The county, named Cenling, is located near the Karakoram mountain range and close to the borders with PoK and Afghanistan, underscoring its strategic significance.

This is the third new county established by China in Xinjiang, a predominantly Muslim Uyghur region, in just over a year.

India last year lodged a protest with China over the creation of Hean and Hekang counties, stating that parts of their jurisdiction fall within its Union Territory of Ladakh.

Hean includes much of the disputed Aksai Chin plateau, which is part of Ladakh occupied by China in the 1962 war and has remained a focal point of the India-China border dispute.

The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region government announced the establishment of Cenling on March 26, though details of its administrative divisions and exact boundaries were not specified.

It will be administered by Kashgar prefecture, according to a report in the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post.

Kashgar, a historic city located on the ancient Silk Road, is a strategic gateway connecting China with South and Central Asia.

It is also the starting point of the controversial $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through PoK and has been opposed by India.

Strategic implications of Cenling County

Experts say the creation of Cenling reflects Beijing's growing focus on border security and governance.

Lin Minwang, a professor at the Institute of International Studies in Shanghai-based Fudan University, said the move "reflects China's deeper recognition of the strategic importance of this region".

"At a broader level, the decision signals China's emphasis on its borderlands," Lin was quoted as saying by the Post.

He noted that the new county is geographically connected to Afghanistan's narrow Wakhan Corridor, a 74-km strip bordering Xinjiang that separates Tajikistan and PoK, highlighting China's security and counterterrorism concerns.

Beijing in the past has expressed concern about Uyghur militants of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) using the Wakhan Corridor as a route to enter Xinjiang from Afghanistan.

Yun Sun, a senior fellow at the Stimson Centre in Washington, said the new county represented a drive towards a "stronger grass-roots level government structure for effective governance and control".

"It helps strengthen the stabilisation efforts by the government in the frontier region, which is traditionally more subject to ethnic turbulence and potential infiltration of foreign militants from Central Asia," she said.
Police in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, are investigating the apparent suicide of a woman constable found dead in her residence, seeking to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Key Points A woman constable, Pooja Kushwaha, was found dead at her residence in Raipur, Chhattisgarh.

Police are investigating the death as a possible suicide by hanging.

The constable was posted at Azad Chowk police station and lived in the police quarters.

A Forensic Science Laboratory team is assisting with the investigation, and a post-mortem examination will determine the exact cause of death.

A woman constable allegedly committed suicide by hanging herself at her residence in Azad Chowk area of Chhattisgarh's capital Raipur, a police official said on Sunday.

The deceased, Pooja Kushwaha (aged around 30 years), was posted at Azad Chowk police station and resided in the police quarters located behind the station, he added.

Investigation Details

"We received information that Kushwaha was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur by her husband. A police team immediately reached the hospital and initiated an investigation. Prima facie, it appears to be a case of suicide by hanging," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Raipur West) Sandeep Patel said.

"A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team along with a police contingent have launched investigation. The body was sent for a post-mortem examination, and the exact cause of death will be clear once the report is received. A case has been registered," Patel informed.
A woman in Delhi was injured by a stray bullet during a celebratory firing at a wedding, prompting a police investigation into the illegal use of firearms.

Photograph: ANI on X

Key Points A woman was injured by a stray bullet during a celebratory firing at a wedding ceremony in Dayalpur, Delhi.

The woman was watching the wedding from her balcony when she was struck by the bullet and taken to GTB Hospital.

Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act and are investigating the illegal firing.

Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and questioning witnesses to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for the shooting at the Delhi wedding.

A woman was injured after a bullet struck her during a celebratory firing that allegedly occurred at a wedding ceremony in the Dayalpur area of Delhi, police said.

The incident happened on the night of April 11 when an unidentified man allegedly fired into the air during a marriage function, they said.

According to the police, the woman was watching the function from the balcony of her house when she was hit by the bullet. She was immediately rushed to Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Hospital by her husband, where she is undergoing treatment.

A PCR call regarding the incident was received late in the evening, following which a police team reached the spot and initiated an inquiry.

Police Investigation Underway

"The injured woman had already been shifted to GTB Hospital by her husband before the police team arrived. The crime and forensic teams inspected the scene and collected evidence," a police officer said.

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Arms Act at Dayalpur police station, police said.

"Efforts are underway to identify and apprehend the person responsible for the firing. Teams have been deployed, and nearby CCTV footage is being examined," the officer added.

Police said they are also questioning witnesses and people present at the marriage function to ascertain the sequence of events and identify the accused.
In Uttar Pradesh, a woman's harrowing account of dowry-related violence has led to charges against her husband and in-laws for allegedly causing the death of her unborn children through repeated assaults during her pregnancies.

Key Points A woman in Uttar Pradesh alleges her husband and in-laws assaulted her during two pregnancies over dowry demands, resulting in the death of her unborn children.

The accused have been booked under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act following a complaint filed by the victim.

The woman claims she was subjected to repeated physical abuse, including being kicked in the abdomen while pregnant, leading to two miscarriages.

Police are investigating the case and searching for the accused, who face charges including acts intended to prevent a child from being born alive and dowry harassment.

A woman's husband and two of her in-laws have been booked for allegedly killing her unborn children twice by assaulting her over dowry demands during her pregnancies, police said.

The case against the three accused was registered at the Gopiganj police station based on a written complaint submitted by the woman, Aradhana Shukla, at a 'Jan Sunvai' programme on Saturday.

The woman's husband Abhinesh Shukla, her mother-in-law Geeta Devi and her brother-in-law Pradeep Shukla have been booked under sections 91 (act done with intent to prevent child from being born alive or to cause to die after birth), 85 (husband or relative of husband of a woman subjecting her to cruelty), 351(3) (criminal intimidation) and 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and under the Dowry Prohibition Act, police said.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhinav Tyagi said Aradhana, a resident of Gudripur under the Gopiganj police station area, married Abhinesh, a resident of Bhanupur Siyarha village, on May 21, 2022.

It is alleged that despite receiving a substantial dowry at the time of the wedding, the accused were demanding an additional sum of Rs 10 lakh. When this demand was not met, they started subjecting Aradhana to constant harassment, the officer said.

Details of the Alleged Abuse

According to the complaint, when Aradhana was eight months pregnant, her husband repeatedly kicked her in the abdomen. As her condition deteriorated, he sent her back to her maternal home. Aradhana was hospitalised and her unborn child died in the womb.

Following the intervention of some relatives, Abhinesh took Aradhana to Delhi, where his mother and elder brother live.

When Aradhana was pregnant for the second time, she was once again brutally beaten up by Abhinesh on September 20, 2025, over the demand for dowry. Aradhana, who was two months pregnant at that time, was again kicked in the abdomen, the SP said.

The same day, Abhinesh brought her to Bhadohi from Delhi despite her deteriorating condition, the officer said.

On September 21, 2025, Abhinesh brutally assaulted Aradhana at a secluded spot at Gyanpur Road railway station. Leaving his blood-soaked wife behind, he fled after threatening her that if she returned without Rs 10 lakh, she would be burnt to death, Tyagi said.

Aradhana managed to inform her family, who subsequently took her to the hospital. She suffered a second miscarriage, he said.

The SP also said the woman has claimed that she had tried to get an FIR registered at the Mahila police station and the Gopiganj police station in January this year but no action was taken.

A case has been registered now and a search for the accused is currently underway, the officer said.
Moog Inc. (NYSE:MOG-A) is among the 7 Best Mid-Cap Defense Stocks to Invest In. On April 1, the company outlined its role in the successful launch of NASAs Artemis II mission through its actuation and motion control technologies.

Moog Inc. (MOG-A) Successfully Contributes To Artemis II Launch

Pixabay/Public Domain

According to the press release, the technological provisions included the thrust vector control systems to steer the Space Launch System during ascent; actuators for the launch abort systems; fluid control and actuation technologies required for propulsion, stability, and power distribution; and lastly, the mobile launch pad actuators.

Nicole Wodka-Cook, general manager at Moog Inc. (NYSE:MOG-A) was quoted as saying the following on the launch:

This successful launch underscores the reliability and precision our teams bring to every system, whether were protecting astronauts, guiding the rocket, or supporting mission-critical ground operations.

In other news, on March 25, the company presented its new innovations at the SATELLITE 2026 Conference in Washington, D.C., and highlighted gains made in high delta-V propulsion systems, next-gen space computing, scalable satellite buses, and propulsion technologies for national security space missions.

Moog Inc. (NYSE:MOG-A) designs, manufactures, and integrates precision motions and fluid controls and control systems for manufacturers and end users in the aerospace, defense, and industrial markets. The stock has had robust returns in 2026, gaining 25% YTD as of the close on April 10.

While we acknowledge the potential of MOG-A 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: 12 Best Aerospace Stocks to Buy Right Now and Donald Trump Stock Portfolio: 8 Stocks Owned by the President.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
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Mahmood Shah Habibi's parents don't get much sleep, and his daughter hasn't seen her father since she was 11 months old.

That was in 2022, when Habibi was abducted in Kabul and detained by the ruling Taliban's intelligence agency, US officials say.

"We have had no news of his fate for four years," his mother, Ruqayya Habibi, 70, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi in a telephone interview. "We only know that he is with these people (the Taliban), but they deny it."

"Believe me, his father and I have been awake every night from worry until morning," she said.

Like her missing son, his wife, and their daughter, Ruqqaya Habibi is a US citizen. Her search for her son -- or for any scrap of information about his whereabouts or condition -- included a five-month trip from her home in the United States to Afghanistan in 2025.

Three of those months were spent in the southern city of Kandahar, where Habibi's older brother Ahmad Shah Habibi had been told he was being held in a guesthouse belonging to Taliban spiritual leader Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada.

"I went to Kandahar with Habibi's wife and daughter and my eldest son, who had come from London," she said. But she did not see Habibi and was unable to meet with Taliban officials.

Habibi, 37, led the Afghan Aviation Authority under the US-backed government before US forces completed their withdrawal in 2021 and the Taliban returned to power 20 years after their ouster following the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

Habibi and his driver were abducted from their vehicle in Kabul on August 10, 2022, and detained by the Taliban's General Directorate of Intelligence, according to the US State Department.

At the time, Habibi was working as a consultant for a Kabul-based telecommunications firm. His mother told RFE/RL he was detained four days after returning to Afghanistan following a three-month trip outside the country.

The Taliban has arrested dozens of foreign nationals since its return to power, and human rights groups have accused the group of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, and torture in custody.

US citizen Dennis Coyle was released in late March after being held for over a year. His mother had pleaded for a pardon on the occasion of the Eid al-Fitr holiday.

Coyle's release came two weeks after the United States designated Afghanistan a "state sponsor of wrongful detention," accusing the unrecognized Taliban government of holding Americans as bargaining chips.

US President Donald Trump introduced the designation in September and Afghanistan was the second country to be listed, following Iran. "The Taliban continues to use terrorist tactics, kidnapping individuals for ransom or to seek policy concessions," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement on March 9.

The following day, the Taliban denied it was holding US citizens for ransom and called the comments "regrettable."

In addition to Coyle, the Taliban has released at least five other US citizens in the past four years. Two of them, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, were released in January 2025 in exchange for Khan Mohammad, a Taliban member who was sentenced to two life terms in prison by a US court on a drug and narco-terrorism conviction.

Habibi's family has previously said the Taliban accused him of cooperating with US intelligence in determining the whereabouts of Ayman al-Zawahiri, the al-Qaeda leader who was killed in a US strike on Kabul on July 31, 2022, less than two weeks before Habibi was seized.

RFE/RL has been unable to verify that the Taliban made such an accusation, and the Taliban denies holding Habibi. A Taliban official, speaking on condition of anonymity, repeated the claim to RFE/RL this week, saying the group has no information about his fate. Taliban officials did not respond to RFE/RL's requests for further comment.

"We just want our brother to be released," Ahmad Shah Habibi told RFE/RL after Afghanistan was designated a "state sponsor of wrongful detention" in March. "We have some hope in the US government because it has tried from the start to free American detainees. We hope these efforts will lead to my brother's release."

Ruqayya Habibi said her granddaughter, now 4 years old, asks about her father constantly.

If Taliban officials suspect he committed a crime, she said, they should put him on trial. "He should be tried; if he is found guilty, he can be jailed. But now he is in prison without being proven guilty."
You'd be hard-pressed to find a globally known brand that's had stock struggles comparable to Nike (NYSE: NKE). Its stock is down more than 75% from its Nov. 5, 2021, high -- including a nearly 33% drop this year (as of market close on April 7).

Unfortunately, it hasn't been a single issue with Nike; it's a combination of a few things. Its direct-to-consumer pivot backfired, its product line has been subpar, and it's losing sales in China, one of its most important markets.

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 

Nike is undoubtedly at a crossroads right now, but with word on just how bad Nike's China issue could be, should investors be worried about what that spells for Nike's overall business? Yes and no.

Image source: The Motley Fool.

A halt to Nike's growth engine

Over the past decade, China has been Nike's fastest-growing region, consistently providing double-digit growth. Now, its trajectory is headed in the complete opposite direction. In Nike's most recent quarter (ended Feb. 28), its North America revenue increased by 5%, its EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) revenue increased 4%, and its China revenue decreased by 11%.

Of course, China's drop isn't ideal, but unfortunately, the company expects the problem to get worse before it gets better (assuming it does get better). During its earnings call, Nike said it expects its China sales to decline by around 20% in this current quarter.

Is the current China problem a threat to Nike's business?

Even if Nike's China problems remain or get worse, the business isn't doomed in the sense of bankruptcy or irrelevance. Its footprint outside China remains large, and it's one of the most trusted companies in sports.

That said, Nike's growth story becomes very different without the consistent double-digit growth that its China segment has provided over the past decade. It would have to lean on its North America and EMEA regions for growth, but those are more mature markets that typically grow in the single-digit range.

If we assume it can't fix its China problem, the appeal becomes Nike's dividend (around 3.8% yield), since the growth engine or narrative probably won't be there.

The elephant in the room

Nike has a China problem, sure. But it also has an innovation problem that's letting smaller companies eat away at niche segments. Brands like On, Salomon, Hoka, Lululemon, and others are as popular as ever.
Despite a fragile US-Iranian cease-fire, only a few ships carrying oil and gas are making it through the Strait of Hormuz as hundreds of vessels remain stuck in the Persian Gulf. Former sailors who navigated tankers through the strait during the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s told RFE/RL that todays crisis echoes that conflict four decades ago.
Ukraine and Russia again accused each other of violating an Orthodox Easter truce, with both sides alleging thousands of attacks and other violations.

With Russia's all-out war on Ukraine well into its fifth year and the spring fighting season ramping up, Kyiv and Moscow had agreed to a 36-hour cease-fire coinciding with the Orthodox holiday, which began at midnight April 12.

But both Russian and Ukrainian forces reported hundreds of incidents in the hours after the truce was supposed to take effect, on April 11.

As of the morning of April 12, Ukraine's military said it had tallied nearly 2,300 "violations" -- including "enemy assault activity, shelling, attack drone strikes."

There were no missile strikes, guided aerial bomb strikes, or attacks by kamikaze drones, the military said in a post to Facebook.

In the northern Sumy region, an ambulance was hit by a Russian drone overnight, officials said, wounding three paramedics.

Russia has routinely hit civilian targets including firefighters, hospitals, and ambulances throughout the conflict, in some cases launching "double-tap" strikes that target first responders as they treat survivors of an attack.

Russia's Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of nearly 2,000 violations of its own over the previous 16 hours, including artillery or tank shelling , drone strikes, and "various types of munitions" dropped by drones.

The ministry said several civilians were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack in the Kursk border region. The report could not be independently verified.

A similar truce announced over Orthodox Easter last year was also marred by thousands of violations.

Moscow's war on Ukraine hit its fourth anniversary on February 24. Amid multiple rounds of US-backed peace talks, negotiations have ground to a halt, as the US administration focuses on the war with Iran and Russia shows little indication of bending from hard-line positions that Ukraine has called unacceptable.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Ukrainians on the holiday and referred to this past winter, which was unusually cold and brutal, as Russian attacks left millions without power or heat for months.

"For the fifth year in a row, we [celebrate Easter]...despite the pain, all the trials, and the evil that surrounds our land," he said in a statement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, attended midnight Mass at a Moscow cathedral and issued holiday well-wishes to Orthodox believers. He praised the Russian Orthodox Church and other religious organizations for "supporting the special military operation and their families," according to a Kremlin statement.

Special military operation is the euphemism the Kremlin uses to describe the Ukraine war.

Pope Leo XIV, meanwhile, offered his own holiday blessing for Orthodox Christians, and specifically for Ukrainians.

"Let us [pray together] for all those suffering due to war, particularly for the dear people of Ukraine," the Roman Catholic pontiff said in a post on X.

"May the international community's attention to the tragedy of this war not waver!" he added.

Most Ukrainians adhere to Orthodox Christianity, though there are also thousands of Roman Catholic believers, mostly in its western regions.

Zelenskyy has met with the pope several times, and visited the Vatican after Leo was elected last year.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion, the Kyiv government has shifted emphasis for some major religious holidays such as Christmas away from the Orthodox Julian calendar, toward the Western religious calendar.

Zelenskyy also issued congratulations on April 5, when Catholics, Protestants, and most Western denominations marked Easter.




Sarah Slater

The fuel protest and blockade at Rosslare Europort has come to an end after organisers say their decision was not made lightly.

Protestors have been at Kilrane village which leads in and out of the harbour area since 6am on Thursday causing hundreds of trucks to be blocked both entering and leaving the busy port.

Jack ODonoghue one of the organisers of the protest at the Europort in a statement online explained that with threats of escalation coming, the decision has been made to end our protest peacefully.

ODonoghue outlined that the community has spent four days coming together and supporting the national fuel protests".

This decision to end peacefully was not made lightly, but we will not be shown to be thugs or bandits. This protest was held by a community, supported by a community, fed by a community and we will not be tarnished with the threat of escalation.

The Kilrane based man said it was decided that together, we would peacefully walk out, a peaceful end to a peaceful protes".

The Rosslare Harbour Community has been fantastic! To all who have been involved and supported us through the wind and the rain, I can honestly say my heart bursts with pride.

Thank you so much to all of you, to the brave men and women, the few have made their voices heard and you should be proud of yourselves. We will not be defeated, but we will stand strong as a community. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all," ODonoghue added.

He said the next steps will be taken to Wexford County Council and the Dail.

Since Thursday trucks hauling non-essential goods were not allowed to enter or exit the port. All pharmaceutical, food supplies, refrigerated trucks and private travellers were permitted to access and leave the port.

A Garda spokesman in Rosslare said that protestors were ending their blockade in the right way - peacefully.

In an online video, the g=Garda spokesperson can be seen addressing the protestors saying: Noone got hurt. We didnt have to bring public order units in here. You (protestors) made your point, you brought it as far as it can go. Ending it right is as important as starting it right.

Local Aontu councillor Jim Codd said the peaceful protest was conductedimpeccably by people from the beginning. The people of Ireland have spoken.
By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

Government leaders have hit out at fuel-cost protesters who staged blockades of critical infrastructure across the country, as it tripled the size of its package of supports.

The 505 million in additional measures comes on top of and extends some of last months 250 million package in response to fuel costs.

Excise cuts on fuel, a delay in a planned increase of a carbon tax, and payments to affected industries  in which most of the protesters worked  were all announced as part of the response to the fuel crisis that emerged as a result of the war in Iran.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the Government would undertake a fundamental security review after protests which nearly calamitously endangered oil supply in the country by blockading critical infrastructure, including Irelands only oil refinery.

He told reporters on Sunday that the measures will be paid for by the existing surplus, but added that every item of spending would have consequences on Budget 2027.

He said: That is of concern as we announce these packages, but it has to be balanced with the fact there is undoubted pressure on people.

Pressed on whether this would mean running a smaller surplus, Martin said it would depend on revenue and expenditure trends but conceded it would be larger without the announced measures.

Tanaiste Simon Harris, Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Minister of State Sean Canney speaking at the Government Press Centre (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

He added: But we are facing an unprecedented crisis globally. If this war continues, volatility continues, that is something of concern to us in terms of the broader range of public services and expenditure we have to provide for.

Simon Harris, the Tanaiste and Finance Minister, said the developments are why the Government runs an economy that gives us fiscal buffers and a surplus.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin (Brian Lawless/PA)

Martin denied that the bumper payments to the agricultural and transport sectors showed that the protest worked.

The Taoiseach said the Government had worked with representative bodies, describing the blockaders as not working in the best interests of the Irish people.

Harris said what worked is the engagement with representative bodies.

On the protesters, he said there were extraordinarily frightening scenes when one spokesman suggested that wardens would access the medical needs of people attempting to pass blockades.

Martin said the whole world had been coping with a dramatic and unexpected increase in oil prices  as well as oil shortages  as a result of the war in the Middle East.

He added that recent developments  which have included US president Donald Trump calling for a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and a breakdown of a ceasefire  were very volatile and not reassuring.

The Government defended its choice to exclude protesters from talks with established representative organisations.

Vehicles take part on the fourth day of a National Fuel Protest against rising fuel prices on OConnell Street (Liam McBurney/PA)

The protesters began action on Tuesday and the last blockades were not cleared until Sunday.

Martin said Government would review the latitude given to protesters in the early stages in terms of the overall security situation of the State.

The Taoiseach said nobody had a right to blockade the country, prevent the normal operation of emergency services, delay people going for cancer treatment, or to threaten the jobs and livelihoods of others.

He said the targeting of ports and depots represented a direct threat to basic supplies and would have impacted on every business and job in the country if not addressed.

Protesters take part in a blockade at the docks in Galway (Claudia Savage/PA)

He said: No-one should deny the fundamental right of freedom of mobility, of people, goods or services.

He added: The right to protest is important and critical, but it cannot operate with no limits and without any consideration of its impact on wider society and economy.

Harris agreed, stating that Government could not be expected to reasonably or rationally engage with self-appointed spokespeople of unelected bodies and those who would instigate an illegal blockade of some of this countrys most critical infrastructure at a time of a global energy crisis.

He said the recent protests had been extremely concerning and profoundly damaging.

Garda watch protesters on OConnell Street in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)

Asked about the response to clearing blockades which saw the use of pepper spray and some physical confrontations with protesters, Martin said An Garda Siochana gave plenty of warning and added that there would be no toleration of any attempts to restrict freedom of movement of people and goods.

He said there was an illogicality of the protest as it had endangered jobs and businesses.

The Government is also seeking flexibility from the European Union on the measures as it has gone below rules on minimum rates for diesel.

Fuel protesters block the N7 in Rathcoole (Niall Carson/PA)

The reductions of excise duty will need approval of the Dail  which is also due to vote on a motion of no confidence in the Government that will be brought by the largest opposition party in the country Sinn Fein in criticism of the coalitions handling of the crisis.

Martin claimed that some TDs supporting a no-confidence vote were in agreement with the people blockading critical infrastructure and therefore not fit for Government.

Minister of State Sean Canney, who represents non-party TDs who supported Martins Fianna Fail and Harris Fine Gael in forming a coalition, said he could confirm that his fellow Government-aligned independents would express confidence in the vote.

He said: Were not in Government just for the fun of it. Were here to make a difference and to make sure that this Government, which is working well coherently, continues to do that.

Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty (Brian Lawless/PA)

Sinn Fein finance spokesman Pearse Doherty said the measures fall far short, stating that it should have gone further on petrol and diesel cuts and scrapped excise on home heating oil.

He said: They only moved because of public pressure  and even then, they fell short.

The pressure must now intensify. We will bring forward our motion of no confidence in the government this week.

The Social Democrats said it would support the Sinn Fein motion, stating that the Government measures do not address wider cost of living challenges.

Deputy leader Cian OCallaghan said the Government failed to do anything to address skyrocketing costs of home heating oil which 700,000 households use.

It sought a targeted 400 energy credit and a mileage scheme for essential workers.

Labour finance spokesman Ged Nash said the Government was providing little comfort to workers while buying off what he described as narrow sectoral interests.

He said the Government had real explaining to do for 320,000 households in arrears on energy bills.

He added: The chaos of the last few days has seen this Governments authority drain away. The basic competence of individual ministers and this administration is now very much in question.

This is reason enough for Labour to support a planned motion of no confidence in this government.

Aontu leader Peadar Toibin said Government was in damage-limitation mode, describing the handling of protests as a fiasco factory.
Generally, when a single insider buys stock, it is usually not a big deal. However, when several insiders are buying, like in the case of QEM Limited (ASX:QEM), it sends a favourable message to the company's shareholders.

Although we don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares.

This technology could replace computers: discover the 20 stocks are working to make quantum computing a reality.

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At QEM

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider sale was by the insider, Gavin Loyden, for AU$212k worth of shares, at about AU$0.016 per share. That means that an insider was selling shares at slightly below the current price (AU$0.052). As a general rule we consider it to be discouraging when insiders are selling below the current price, because it suggests they were happy with a lower valuation. While insider selling is not a positive sign, we can't be sure if it does mean insiders think the shares are fully valued, so it's only a weak sign. It is worth noting that this sale was 65% of Gavin Loyden's holding.

In the last twelve months insiders purchased 4.71m shares for AU$223k. On the other hand they divested 13.90m shares, for AU$221k. In the last twelve months there was more buying than selling by QEM insiders. The average buy price was around AU$0.047. These transactions show that insiders have confidence to invest their own money in the stock, albeit at slightly below the recent price. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you click on the chart, you can see all the individual transactions, including the share price, individual, and the date!

See our latest analysis for QEM

ASX:QEM Insider Trading Volume April 12th 2026

QEM is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of under-the-radar companies with insider buying.

QEM Insiders Are Selling The Stock

Over the last three months, we've seen notably more insider selling, than insider buying, at QEM. We note insiders cashed in AU$216k worth of shares. Meanwhile CEO, MD & Director Robert Cooper bought AU$24k worth. We don't view these transactions as a positive sign.

Insider Ownership Of QEM

Many investors like to check how much of a company is owned by insiders. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. QEM insiders own about AU$4.3m worth of shares. That equates to 28% of the company. This level of insider ownership is good but just short of being particularly stand-out. It certainly does suggest a reasonable degree of alignment.
About 400 people attended a protest in Roscommon Town earlier today to voice their concerns over escalating fuel prices.

Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mulloolly, who attended the protest, said people wanted measures that would make a real difference "not Mickey Mouse vouchers, and they need to be announced quickly. They need individual payments to families and farmers," he stressed.

"We can't get the Luas or the Dart. We have to put fuel in the car every day. One woman said to me she put 40 in the car yesterday and it's running on empty now."

Several hundred people gathered in Roscommon Town on Sunday to protest over escalating fuel prices. Pic: Gerard O'Loughlin

He was very critical of the government response to the protests, saying all this could have been avoided had meetings taken place sooner.

"These are ordinary decent people. We had a meeting in Portlaoise two weeks ago and I warned that this was reaching breaking point," he said. "The failure to meet and the language used inflamed the situation."

He hoped the measures to be announced this evening would be sufficient to save the farming, transport, and haulage sectors.

"This is a Covid type situation again and it needs the same type of response," he stressed.

Click on the link below to see drone footage of the protest captured by Ciaran Browne.
Frederic Dame

Born in France in 1849, Frederic Dame lived in Romania in the 19th century.

Frederic Dame

Steliu Lambru, 12.04.2026, 14:00

Frederic Dame, born in 1849 in Tonnerre, in northern France, was one of the Frenchmen living in Romania in the 19th century. He was a journalist, historian, philologist and translator who came to Romania in 1872, after the collapse of the Second French Empire, at the age of 23 and he ended up living the rest of his life in his new country. He was a prolific author of books and especially journalistic texts. One of Dames important books is Bucharest in 1906, republished recently. From it we learn about a capital city in full expansion and a country that had embarked on the path to modernization. Doina Rusti is an author of historical fiction inspired by the history of Bucharest:

My generation only learned about Dame because of his debate with Iorga, thats how Dame came to us. He wrote books about Romania, the city of Bucharest, and is the author of a splendid Romanian-French dictionary. Iorga kept reducing him to just this piece, but it is not at all negligible. It expresses very well the didactic spirit of this teacher, Frederic Dame being a teacher at Sfantu Sava, being involved in a series of newspapers of his time, from the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. In all these undertakings, he proves first and foremost a pedagogical spirit, which we see throughout all the works he wrote.

Frederic Dame fully integrated into Romania and made many friends. One of his closest friends was the historian Gheorghe Ionescu-Gion, who inspired Dame to write the volume. Doina Rusti.

This book begins beautifully with a dedication to Ionescu-Gion. Dame writes in memory of his friend and in continuation of Ionescu-Gions book, The History of Bucharest. What he does further, what makes this French teacher extraordinary, is the fact that he brings a lot of very valuable and current information for the moment when the book was written in 1906. We are already in an era of great effervescence, of cosmopolitanism, I will not say, but also of nationalism that the polemic with Iorga will illustrate later.

Every piece of writing provides the reader with information about the time in which it was produced, and Dames volume is no exception. Doina Rusti:

From this book we learn what was happening at the moment when Dame was writing. We learn a lot of extremely precious information about shopping lists, about entire price lists, we see clearly what was eaten, what was bought in Bucharest at the beginning of the 20th century. There is also information related to numerous events that took place at that time, and they are so vivid that we see them in a way through Dames eyes. He is very organized, he is a didactic person, and then his entire book is based on information, on argument. And this is the main value of this book about Bucharest.

Historian Adrian Majuru meticulously edited the book Bucharest in 1906. He also clarified the circumstances that led Dame to settle in Romania:

What made Dame come to Romania, to Bucharest? After the Romanian War of Independence in 1877, while there was enough employment in France, Western Europe or Central Europe, some urban professionals from those parts started to emigrate to cities across Romania, not only to Bucharest. Dame himself probably did better here than in France, being probably better paid than there, in journalism and publishing. So, he also ran a newspaper, taught French, he did a lot. He was a public figure, he gave conferences at the Romanian Athenaeum. He probably found it very convenient that his language was spoken in this completely foreign country, at the beginning of his journey, so it was like in France, why go back?

The fact that we have a description of Bucharest at the beginning of the 20th century is in no small part thanks to the citys mayor at the time. Historian Adrian Majuru:

At some point, he meets the mayor of the city of Bucharest, Mihail Cantacuzino, who asks him to write a work about Bucharest. It was not to be a historical work but about the city during his term and he asked Dame to also present Cantacuzino was planning to do. This is what the book is about. It is a journalistic investigation, documented with information provided by the municipality and, obviously, with a lot of field research. The French were angry with Dame after the book appeared in French, saying that we, for Paris, did not have such a monographic work in 1906, while a Frenchman did it for Bucharest. Unfortunately, the author did not live to see his work published, and the proofreading final version were done by his family.

French-born Frederic Dame lived in Romania for 35 years, from 1872 to 1907, but legacy lives on.
BREAKING NEWS: Hungarian PM Viktor Orban concedes defeat in Sundays parliamentary elections

In a speech delivered at Fidesz headquarters, Orban said: The election result is not final yet, but it is understandable and clear. The result is painful for us, but clear. The responsibility and the opportunity to govern were not given to us. I congratulated the winner.

The Tisza leader, Peter Magyar

Radio Romania International, 12.04.2026, 23:10

Hungarian PM Viktor Orban has conceded defeat in Sundays parliamentary elections. In a speech delivered at Fidesz headquarters, he has said: The election result is not final yet, but it is understandable and clear. The result is painful for us, but clear. The responsibility and the opportunity to govern were not given to us. I congratulated the winner.

In turn, Tisza leader, Peter Magyar, has posted a message on Facebook, just minutes before the speech: Prime Minister Viktor Orban congratulated us on the victory by phone.

Peter Magyar has promised major changes in Hungary, laying emphasis on democratic values, the fight against corruption, efforts to improve public services, education and healthcare.

The results of the Hungarian elections are also crucial for the future of the European Union, as Viktor Orban has become a strong voice of Euroscepticism in the last decade as well as an ally of Vladimir Putin, after the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops. Actually, last month, Hungary blocked the adoption of a 20th package of sanctions against Russia and a vote for a 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine.
San Diego, California-based Realty Income Corporation (O) is a leading REIT that owns and manages a large portfolio of single-tenant, net-lease commercial properties. With a market cap of $56.5 billion, Realty Income focuses on acquiring single-tenant retail locations, leased to regional and national chains, and under long-term net lease agreements.

The REIT giant is expected to announce its fiscal first-quarter earnings for 2026 on Monday, May 4, after the market closes. Ahead of the event, analysts expect O to report an FFO of $1.10 per share on a diluted basis, up 3.8% from $1.06 per share in the year-ago quarter. The company beat or matched the consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing the forecast on another occasion.

More News from Barchart

For the current year, analysts expect O to report FFO per share of $4.45, up 4% from $4.28 in fiscal 2025. Its FFO is expected to rise 3.2% year over year to $4.59 per share in fiscal 2027.

www.barchart.com

O stock has surged 17.7% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 29.4% gains but outpacing the State Street Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLRE) 11.6% gains over the same time frame.

www.barchart.com

On Mar. 30, Realty Income announced an $800 million offering of senior unsecured notes due 2033 with a 4.750% coupon and a yield of about 5.05%. Alongside the issuance, the company executed a $500 million cross-currency swap to effectively convert proceeds into euros, lowering its blended yield to roughly 4.44%. The proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes, including debt repayment, property acquisitions, and portfolio expansion. Its shares rose marginally after the announcement.

Analysts consensus opinion on O stock is cautious, with a Hold rating overall. Out of 24 analysts covering the stock, five advise a Strong Buy rating, one suggests a Moderate Buy, 17 give a Hold, and one recommends a Strong Sell. Os average analyst price target is $67.42, indicating a potential upside of 5.8% from the current levels.

On the date of publication, Kritika Sarmah 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
If you think privacy threats are just about hackers in dark rooms, think again. Todays risks are smarter, more personal, and often designed specifically to target older adults. In fact, Americans over 60 lose billions each year to fraud, with identity theft and scams evolving rapidly thanks to new technology. Many of these threats dont look dangerous at firstthey come as friendly phone calls, helpful emails, or even voices that sound like loved ones. The good news is that once you know what to look for, you can take simple steps to protect yourself and your finances.

1. AI Voice Cloning Scams Are Getting Harder to Spot

One of the fastest-growing senior privacy risks involves AI voice cloning. Scammers can now mimic a grandchild or family member, creating panic and urgency to send money immediately. These scams rely on emotional pressure, making them especially effective if you dont pause to verify the call. The best defense is simple: hang up and call your loved one directly using a known number. Taking that extra step can instantly shut down even the most convincing scam.

2. Government Impersonation Calls Still Fool Millions

Scammers posing as Social Security, Medicare, or IRS officials continue to target seniors aggressively. They often threaten benefit cuts or legal trouble to push victims into sharing personal details or making payments. These scams feel real because criminals can spoof official phone numbers and use convincing scripts. Remember, legitimate agencies rarely contact you this way or demand urgent action. Always verify independently before responding.

3. Identity Theft Is Surging Among Older Adults

Identity theft has quietly become one of the biggest threats to senior privacy. Losses among older Americans have surged, with billions tied to stolen personal data and account access. Criminals use stolen information to open accounts, drain savings, or access retirement funds. Monitoring your accounts regularly can help catch suspicious activity early. Freezing your credit is another powerful step if you suspect a breach.

4. Tech Support Scams Are More Convincing Than Ever

Those pop-ups claiming your computer is infected are often scams designed to gain access to your device. Once scammers get remote access, they can steal passwords, banking info, and personal files. These attacks look legitimate, often mimicking trusted companies like Microsoft or Apple. Never call the number in a pop-up or give remote access to someone you dont know. Instead, contact the company directly through its official website.

5. Smart Devices Are Quietly Collecting Your Data

From smart speakers to connected thermostats, many devices collect more information than people realize. These devices can track habits, conversations, and even daily routines if not properly secured. While convenient, they can become entry points for hackers if passwords are weak or updates are ignored. Always change default passwords and keep devices updated. Limiting what devices can access also reduces your risk.

6. Phishing Emails and Texts Are More Sophisticated

Phishing scams no longer look like obvious spamthey often mimic banks, delivery services, or even friends. A single click on a fake link can install malware or steal your login credentials. These messages often create urgency, pushing you to act quickly without thinking. The safest move is to avoid clicking links in unexpected messages. Instead, visit the companys website directly to verify.

7. Romance and Social Media Scams Are on the Rise

Online relationships can feel real, but scammers often use them to build trust before asking for money. These schemes can last weeks or months, making them emotionally and financially devastating. Social media also exposes personal details that criminals can use to target you more effectively. Avoid sharing sensitive information publicly, even with people you trust online. If someone asks for money, thats a major red flag.

8. Data Broker Leaks Are Exposing Personal Information

Many seniors dont realize how much personal data is stored and sold by data brokers. When these databases are breached, your information can end up in the hands of criminals. This data can include addresses, phone numbers, and even financial details. Once exposed, its often used in identity theft or targeted scams. Using privacy tools and limiting online sharing can reduce your exposure.

9. Fake Banking Alerts Are Designed to Trick You

Messages about suspicious activity on your account are increasingly commonand often fake. These alerts are designed to make you panic and reveal sensitive information quickly. Scammers may direct you to fake websites that look identical to your banks login page. Always contact your bank using the number on your card, not the message. Taking a moment to verify can save you from major losses.

10. Malware and Ransomware Are Targeting Personal Devices

Malware can silently track your activity, capture passwords, or lock your files until you pay a ransom. These threats often come from downloads, email attachments, or unsafe websites. The danger is that you may not even know your device is compromised. Installing antivirus software and keeping systems updated can significantly reduce risk. Being cautious about what you click is your first line of defense.

Stay One Step Ahead of Privacy Threats

The reality is that senior privacy risks are evolving faster than ever, but awareness is your strongest protection. Most scams rely on urgency, fear, or trust to succeed, which means slowing down is one of the best defenses. Simple habitslike verifying contacts, using strong passwords, and monitoring accountscan make a huge difference. You dont need to be a tech expert to stay safe, just informed and cautious. By recognizing these threats early, you can protect your identity, your finances, and your peace of mind.

Which of these privacy threats worries you the mostand what steps are you already taking to stay protected

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Sen. John Fetterman has been a vocal advocate of banning stock trading by lawmakers and their immediate family members.

"Lawmakers should not be able to profit off the same companies that they are regulating," Sen. Fetterman said during a press conference in 2023, when he backed a bipartisan bill that would ban members of Congress and their families from owning or trading stocks, commodities or futures (1). "Letting members of Congress trade stocks opens the door to corruption."

Must Read

But recent disclosures show that trades are still happening in lawmakers' households  including Fetterman (2)  and he's far from alone.

A filing dated April 3, 2026, indicates that a "child" of Sen. Fetterman purchased between $1,001 and $15,000 of Micron Technology stock on March 30, 2026 (3). The filing also shows a "child" purchased shares in Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon.com and Erie Indemnity.

Sen. Fetterman is a member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (4), which oversees the implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act (5)  a program that awarded Micron Technology $6.165 billion to build chip factories (6).

Fetterman was also one of four lawmakers  three of whom sit on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee  who reported personal or family purchases of AI stock while the Senate was considering the deregulation of AI last year (7).

Lawmakers can still trade stocks tied to their work

Under the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) Act of 2012, members of Congress and their immediate families are prohibited from using non-public information to make investment decisions. They must also disclose their purchases (8).

While it's not illegal for lawmakers to trade stocks, issues can arise when they trade stocks related to their work.

Indeed, after suspicious trading on prediction markets just minutes before critical announcements on the war in Iran, the White House issued a directive last month against using insider information to bet on financial markets (9).

Read More: How to apply Dave Ramseys 7 Baby Steps to your own life

Stock trading by Congress remains widespread

Based on reports filed in 2024, only 5% of senators and representatives didn't own stock (10). And a recent CNN report found that at least nine senators had bought or sold stock in companies that were overseen by industry committees they serve (11).
Julia Holden did not set out to become a founder. She was a sleep-deprived new mom in New Jersey, trying to solve a problem at home after noticing her newborn son fell asleep faster when his eyes were gently covered.

When she could not find a product she liked, she built one herself. Enter Sleepy Hat, a baby hat with an attached eye covering that started as a side hustle and grew into a profitable business, bringing in five figures a month by mid-2025.

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From New Mom Problem To Side Hustle

Holden spent nearly $16,000 of her own savings to get Sleepy Hat off the ground, all while working full-time in advertising and caring for her baby. She built the business in 20-minute bursts between feedings, without outside funding, a team or paid child care beyond family help.

She also learned the expensive way. Early prototypes came out wrong, her factory samples needed fixes and an incomplete tech pack reportedly led to around $1,500 in defective products. Even so, she kept refining the design, launched her website in September 2024 and kept pushing after early sales came in slowly.

When The Side Hustle Became Real

The turning point came when outside customers started buying. Holden later called her first sale from a stranger "life-changing," according to a report by CNBC. Sleepy Hat ended 2024 with under $2,000 in sales, but momentum picked up after she expanded onto Amazon in 2025 and began seeing traction on TikTok.

Trending: Caught With Nothing Saved for Retirement? These 5 GameChanging Tips Could Still Save You

Since June 2025, the business has posted monthly revenue in the five figures, including more than $90,000 in December and over $69,000 in January.

Holden left her $95,000-a-year job in October so she could run the company full-time. She still puts most of the profits back into the business, but her approach stays simple. She solves a real problem, starts before everything feels perfect and keeps going even when things look rough around the edges. That is how she turned a side hustle into a business that now supports her life.

Photo Courtesy: ibragimova on Shutterstock.com

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UNLOCKED: 5 NEW TRADES EVERY WEEK. Click now to get top trade ideas daily, plus unlimited access to cutting-edge tools and strategies to gain an edge in the markets.
Barbie Ferreira feared that Faces of Death would never see the light of day.

Barbie Ferreira plays the lead role in the Faces of Death reimagining

The 29-year-old star plays the lead role in the reimagining of the 1970s horror mockumentary but has revealed that she was left concerned that the picture - which was shot in 2023 - wouldn't be released because of the controversy surrounding the original film, which was banned in several countries due to its graphic content.

Speaking to Deadline, Ferreira said: "I thought I learned a whole big lesson in Hollywood. Im like, 'Oh, showbiz! You could shoot a whole movie, and it doesnt even come out.'

"It felt like such a fun, good movie, that it finally is coming out and were all just so hyped about it. Its been this thing where Im just like, 'Its Faces of Death. Are they going to censor us? Are they not going to put us in theatres? Are they not gonna even come out with it, period?

"So, this moment is just so satisfying, because its been so long of me stressing over the fact that this wonderful, super cool, scary as f*** horror movie isnt getting any attention because of things that dont even have nothing to do with the art, has nothing to do with the film."

Barbie also loved getting to work with co-star Charli XCX and explained that she had been a fan of the pop star long before her hugely successful 2024 album Brat.

The Mile End Kicks star said: "I mean, this was her first acting role that she shot, and now shes like a big movie star, pop star. It was before Brat. Like, you dont understand, this was a year before Brat. We were the OG fans. Ive known Charli for a long time and have been such a fan of hers throughout her all her albums, and been to all her shows.

"It was cool to see her come into my world, where its a little bit less glamorous, where were shooting in Louisiana, this sort of indie, sort of not, horror movie, where its like 15 hours a day, and the call times 4am. So, its really fun to see her in that element and outside of the the big glamorous pop star, cool girl that she is and really in character. It was really fun."

Ferreira previously starred as Kat Hernandez in the hit TV series Euphoria but thinks that leaving the show in 2022 was a necessary decision to allow her to "spread her wings" in the movie industry.

She explained: "It just felt like for me, what I wanted to do is act and be able to do different roles, and if Euphoria was going to serve that for me, I would have happily done it forever, however long it would have been.

"But it wasnt really letting me show my range. In fact, it was kind of diminishing as time went on, and it was like, what makes me happy is acting and growing my career."
The AI boom shows no signs of cooling. Data centers worldwide added capacity at a record clip in early 2026, with high-performance computing chips leading the charge. Chip designers like Nvidia (NVDA) and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) keep placing massive orders, yet the one company that actually manufactures these advanced processors trades as if the party might end tomorrow.

That company is Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM). The company recently released its preliminary first-quarter 2026 revenue figures, and they deliver a clear message: this AI foundry leader just posted numbers too strong to dismiss, and at a valuation that makes it hard to ignore.

More News from Barchart

www.barchart.com

Q1 Revenue Shatters Expectations

Taiwan Semicondutor reported Q1 revenue of $35.71 billion, up 35% year-over-year (YOY) from the prior-year period. That beat LSEG SmartEstimate forecasts of roughly $35.4 billion. March alone delivered $13.07 billion in sales, a more than 45% jump from March 2025 and a nearly 31% sequential gain from February. For context, Taiwan Semiconductor's Q4 2025 revenue stood at $33.73 billion. The acceleration came despite ongoing capacity ramps and geopolitical headlines.

Let's put the growth in perspective with a side-by-side look:

Q1 2026 revenue: $35.71 billion, up 35% YOY

Consensus estimate: $35.4 billion

Q1 2025 revenue: $25.5 billion

Full-year 2026 guidance: 30% revenue growth in USD terms, based on the Q4 2025 earnings call

No matter how you slice it, Taiwan Semiconductor outpaced both its own prior pace and Wall Street expectations. That 35% clip marks the latest chapter in a string of beats fueled by advanced nodes (3 nanometer (nm) and below), which now command premium pricing and higher margins.

While Taiwan Semiconductor didn't provide preliminary earnings, analyst estimates are looking for $3.29 per share. Considering the revenue growth, that figure may undershoot the mark. The company will reports its full quarterly results on April 16.

AI Demand Powers the Engine

High-performance computing (HPC)  the segment that includes AI accelerators  now accounts for the majority of TSM's wafer revenue. Management previously lifted its long-term HPC compound annual growth rate (CAGR) outlook to 26% to 29% through 2029, up from an earlier mid-40% range for AI accelerators specifically.
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Key points THEATRE: Heathers the Musical is brimming with teen spirit at Arts Centre Melbourne

MUSIC: The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra perform Choral Splendour

THEATRE: The Irreducible is a piece of performance art thats defiantly surreal

MUSIC: Jimmy Barnes closes his Working Class Man 40th anniversary tour at Rod Laver Arena

THEATRE: Three friends reunite in Spare a Thought for Jana Wendt at La Mama Theatre

THEATRE

Heathers the Musical 

Arts Centre Melbourne, until May 9 Dear diary, my teen-angst bullshit now has a body count, observes Veronica Sawyer, the heroine of Heathers, famously played by Winona Ryder in the 1988 teen movie. Veronica Sawyer (Emma Caporaso, in blue), ingratiates herself with the Heathers (Calista Nelmes, Amelia Rojas and Abigail Sharp). Ruby Alexander. Its the kind of coolly ironic remark that made the film a cultural touchstone for Gen X, though Heathers will survive for as long as teenagers do. Everything can feel like a matter of life or death in the crucible of adolescence, after all, and the darker the global outlook becomes, the more this blackly comic take on teen angst seems to vibe with it. Can musical theatre do justice to the doom-laden subversiveness of Heathers? A decade ago, I didnt think so. The shows last Melbourne outing in 2016, directed by Trevor Ashley, appeared too mainstream  and too Broadway  to channel the storys edgy spirit. This revival has changed my mind, thanks in no small part to the chemistry and charisma of the leads.

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Emma Caporaso is brilliant as Veronica. A smart outsider who makes a calculated bid to become popular at high school, our narrator ingratiates herself with the Heathers (Calista Nelmes, Amelia Rojas, Abigail Sharp)  a toxic clique of cool girls who parade around Westerberg High in matching scrunchies, tartan skirts and over-the-knee socks, while mercilessly bullying those lower in the social pecking order. She knows its a Faustian bargain, but what she doesnt calculate is the arrival of JD (Connor Beaumont)  a Baudelaire-quoting bad boy with a traumatic backstory and a nihilistic streak. Veronicas new boyfriend, JD (Conor Beaumont), takes revenge on school bullies. Ruby Alexander Veronicas new boyfriend takes revenge on school bullies by committing serial murder, tricks her into becoming an accomplice, and uses her talent for forgery to help disguise the deaths as teen suicides. Caporaso can sing like a dream, but its the unusual conviction and attention to detail in the comic acting that wins the audience over in short order. We get treated to a dorkier and deeper portrayal of Veronica than Ryders portrayal. Theres a half-knowing quality, an authentic adolescent messiness to every step Veronica takes, from triumphant sexual awakening to a creeping horror at her own choices, that becomes the beating heart of the show.

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Opposite her, Beaumont brings a dark charm to JD. His recent turn as Patrick Bateman in American Psycho the Musical might have honed his talent for sociopathic characters, although JD is driven by trauma rather than entitlement; until the romcom falls murderously apart, hes a magnetic and vulnerable leading man. The Heathers themselves are a self-appointed troika of bullying and bitchiness, choreographed to camp perfection. Nelmes is virulent as the venomous queen bee. After her characters death, she provides sardonic commentary, while Rojas seizes her crown (in this case, a red scrunchie), and Sharp provides notes of genuine grief from under the chorus of defensive irony. The Heathers, a self-appointed troika of bullying and bitchiness, are choreographed to camp perfection. Ruby Alexander Teen spirit enlivens the supporting performances. Nic Van Lits and David Cuny are hilarious as homophobic jocks whose deaths are passed off as a gay suicide pact. Mel OBrien shines as Veronicas good-hearted but desperately unpopular friend, Martha. The second half isnt as strong as the first, but clever direction, dynamic performances, and attractive design make this production of Heathers much more than a nostalgia hit for Gen Xers. It breathes new life into a teen classic in a way that all musical theatre fans should enjoy.

Reviewed by Cameron Woodhead

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MUSIC

Choral Splendour 

Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Melbourne Recital Centre, April 16 Choral music is undoubtedly one of the brightest jewels in baroque musics dazzling crown, so the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra and 18-member Brandenburg Choir had no trouble in attracting an enthusiastic audience to a program of favourites by Bach and Handel. Australian Brandenburg Orchestra perform Choral Splendour at Melbourne Recital Centre on April 16, 2026 Laura Manariti In a brace of Bach cantata extracts, the opening of Wachet auf (BWV 140) soon revealed the choirs soaring soprano line, while orchestra and lower voices deftly danced around its principal melody. Popularised in English as Jesu, Joy of Mans Desiring, the last chorus of Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben (BWV 147) effectively mixed charm and clarity. By contrast, Wir danken dir (BWV 29) evoked festive grandeur, especially in its initial Sinfonia, graced with a sparkling organ obligato brilliantly played by Heidi Jones.

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Bachs Concerto for two violins in D minor (BWV 1043) saw soloists Shaun Lee-Chen and Ben Dollman engage in a thoughtfully expressive and subtly coloured dialogue, most of all in the lilting slow movement. Driven by inner dynamism, the duo bookended the work with overflowing energy. Telemanns fine French-style Overture in D major opened the second half with crisply delineated textures, leading into Heinichens Concerto in F major for two horns. The evening was a many-splendoured musical encounter Laura Manariti Exercising considerable mastery of their fiendishly difficult natural horns, soloists Michael Dixon and Doree Dixon summoned up the thrill of the hunt in the outer movements, leavened by a delightfully delicate interlude for winds and plucked strings before the finale. Finally, Paul Dyer and his forces revelled in the extravagant majesty of two Handel coronation anthems. Zadok the Priest, with its famously expectant introduction erupted into celebratory magnificence, but the best was saved until last. In a finely shaped account of The King Shall Rejoice the grandiloquence of the text and the occasion were vividly realised, putting the seal on a many-splendoured musical encounter.

Reviewed by Tony Way

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THEATRE

The Irreducible 

Theatre Works Explosives Factory, until April 25 Created by queer performance artist Cohan, this wonderfully weird piece of physical theatre immerses audiences in an otherworldly setting. The stage is dominated by black scaffolding, festooned with tubes and suspended globes containing luminescent green ooze. The Irreducible is a piece of performance art thats defiantly surreal Kate Cameron Its as if youve stepped into an alien sex dungeon or birthing chamber or Frankensteins lab, and the unnerving stage picture is matched by a startling illusion to begin the show. It fooled me, and Im quite difficult to trick. The Irreducible leaps to wordless, tightly choreographed life when a nude figure in a gas mask appears, with a hook-like appendage  glistening, black, insectile  replacing one foot. That unstable mutation makes one leg longer than the other, and the figure shudders and cavorts and climbs the scaffolding, shocked into a hybrid dance of partial transformation.

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Each sequence introduces a bodily change. Some are humanising (the mask and the appendage come off), some flirt heavily with the Other through insect-like processes  from the figure becoming enveloped by a translucent cocoon to a scene in which they pupate, and (amusingly) produce larvae, using full-body puppetry. As the transgressive burlesque continues, we witness a struggle against the fixtures involved in their transformation, and sometimes a willing embrace of them. The ambiguity is preserved right up to an arresting climax  a coup de theatre that sees nourishment, or perhaps drowning, in a bath of green goo. Although the show looks body-horror adjacent, and its impossible to see it without being forcefully reminded of Gregor Samsa in Kafkas Metamorphosis, the ultimate effect is an uncanniness steeped not in horror, but in wonder. Whatever transhuman future awaits the queer body here, it feels more dream than nightmare. Stasis is a greater threat than change. The desire to be typical, symmetrical, forever the same in oneself, leads to a more awkward movement language than a surrender to the rhythms of constant change and fresh possibility. Impressive scenic, lighting and sound design all add to the atmospheric world-creation of the performance. There are some stunning visual surprises, and the brooding electronic soundtrack by Fia Haugh and Di Drew hugs the shows vision and choreography like a well-tailored costume.

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That the visions kinky is part of its pleasure, though the real liberation to be found in The Irreducible is precisely what the title implies. Cohan has spawned a piece of performance art thats defiantly surreal, mysterious, and resistant to easy interpretation, yet aesthetically complete.

Reviewed by Cameron Woodhead MUSIC

Jimmy Barnes | Working Class Man 40th Anniversary Tour 

Rod Laver Arena, April 10 Older, wiser, and surrounded by family members on stage, Jimmy Barnes doesnt hurl himself into the audience like the wild old days fronting Cold Chisel. Jimmy Barnes performs at Rod Laver Arena on April 10. Richard Clifford However, images from years ago of a far younger and wiry rock n roller  smile plastered across his face  sprang to mind as the 69-year-old prowled the stage. His body may have thickened somewhat, like a maturing tree, but time has not sapped his energy.

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Just two years after Chisels mighty Last Stand tour, Barnes released his chart-topping 1985 album, For the Working Class Man, and the final night of this 40th anniversary tour was a stunning reminder of why his solo career took off like a rocket. Ive cried, and Ive rejoiced in this room, he said about Melbournes packed Rod Laver Arena. I cant think of a better place to celebrate 1985. Images and clips from Barnesys extraordinary and colourful career splashed across the back of the stage as his band launched into album opener Die To Be With You Tonight. There was plenty of bonhomie spilling off the stage, too, as Barnes son, Jackie Barnes, pounded the drums and son-in-law Benjamin Rodgers tore into an early guitar solo during Ride the Night Away. Barnes has not lost any of his onstage energy. Richard Clifford Daylight was another reminder of Barnes songwriting skill, and how these hard-hitting, well-crafted songs have stood up over time. Promise Me Youll Call and No Second Prize brought 1985 flooding back, as Danny Spencer cranked up his guitar.

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Influenced early in his career by the swagger and ferocious live rock n roll of Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs, English group Free and the irrepressible Tina Turner, Barnes never backs down. Hes not leaping into the audience, but hes with them every step of the way. As the rollicking, twin-guitar attack filled the stadium, Barnesy upped the ante by ripping into the pure, unrestrained joy of Paradise before his anthemic Working Class Man had the huge crowd singing along. Related Article 

Melbourne live reviews Cold Chisel at 50 show why theyre one of the worlds great rock bands On a night of celebration with fans and family, backing vocals featured daughter Eliza-Jane and wife Jane Barnes. Much to Jimmys delight, Jane also played bagpipes, and daughter Mahalia shared vocals on a powerful rendition of Too Much Aint Enough Love. Earlier, an undercard of superb Australian talent featured Kate Ceberano, Barnes Cold Chisel bandmate, Ian Moss, and his band, and Icehouse. Moss returned for a starring guitar role on Merry-Go-Round, before Ceberano, Icehouses Iva Davies and Moss joined a memorable blast of the Easybeats Good Times, which was covered by Barnes and INXS in 1986.

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Cold Chisels Khe Sanh and Goodbye (Astrid Goodbye) were a tie for biggest crowd sing-along of the two-hour show, but Barnes granddaughter, Ruby, sharing vocals on the iconic Flame Trees was a moment to cherish.

Reviewed by Martin Boulton THEATRE

Spare a Thought for Jana Wendt 

La Mama Theatre, until April 26 A group of people sequestered in a house together under the guise of a weekend away is fertile ground for drama. As social niceties are stripped away, etiquette gives way to something more raw and intimate. This intensified dynamic has been adroitly captured in books, film and theatre  Charlotte Woods aptly titled novel, The Weekend, and Ash Flanders slice-of-life play, This Is Living, among them. In Spare a Thought For Jana Wendt, a group of friends head to the country together. Darren Gill Nicola Watsons play, Spare A Thought for Jana Wendt, is the latest addition to the canon. United by a bond that stretches back decades, three friends  June (Rebecca Bower), May (Tess Masters) and April (Alex Aldrich)  show up to a well-appointed Airbnb in the country, brought to life through Bianca Pardos set of polished marble surfaces and monochromatic interiors.

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As is often the case with such depictions, the trio have diverged in values and vocation since once being tied by circumstance, and the weekend away is a bubbling cauldron of barely concealed resentments and thorny miscomprehensions. Add in some bad weather and their sneaking suspicion that theyre not alone in the house, and the stage is set. The conversations that unfold are a Rolodex of Millennial concerns. Inflated housing prices? Tick. Climate change anxiety? Tick. Concerns about the youth? Tick. There isnt much thats surprising or particularly illuminating about Watsons uneven script  well-trodden issues are dissected in well-worn ways. The moral conscience of the play, teacher May, is too grating and sanctimonious to anchor the proceedings in any meaningful way. Under Anne Brownings direction, Masters naturalistic performance as a tightly coiled spring waiting to unfurl is at odds with the caricaturist April and June  though its less clear what June is caricaturing. The conversations that unfold are a Rolodex of Millennial concerns. Darren Gill Enunciated with the exaggerated drawl of the upper-middle-class, Aldrichs April is an entitled cosmetic surgeon. Purposefully trite addresses that begin with catchphrases like as a mother fly out of Aprils mouth to great effect  this is a character taken to its extreme, and Aldrichs heightened performance of Aprils contradictions lend her a believable complexity despite her overblown veneer.

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Bower is similarly affected as June, but this one-dimensional character doesnt benefit from the same treatment. A PhD graduate 12 years in the making, June is, in many ways, a bridge between Aprils moneyed opulence and Mays eked-out existence. In what couldve been commentary on hypocrisy and performativity, Bowers overdone June is vacuous and inscrutable. Peals of thunder and thudding footsteps are interchangeable to a discombobulating degree in Jack Burmeisters sound design, while Tom Vulcans light design plays with the seed of unknowing at the heart of the play. When the plays sleight of hand is finally revealed, however, the effect is strangely muted. Related Article Melbourne International Comedy Festival Its the final weekend of the comedy festival. Heres what not to miss At its best, Spare A Thought for Jana Wendt is a snapshot of what happens when the porous borders that separate the outside world from our personal lives collapse, and moral quagmires force us to confront what we think we know about ourselves. Its unfortunate that much of it feels derivative and doesnt tread any new ground as it hurtles towards its predictable end.

Reviewed by Sonia Nair The Booklist is a weekly newsletter for book lovers from Jason Steger. Get it delivered every Friday.

CORRECTION An earlier version of the Working Class Man 40th Anniversary Tour review referred to Elly-May. This has been corrected to Eliza-Jane.
Federal government cops criticism over $20m fuel campaign

The federal government is facing criticism after spending $20 million on a campaign urging Australians to drive less and conserve fuel.
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NationalNSWCrime Convicted rapist back in custody after Sydney hospital escape Aaron Bunch April 12, 2026  8:47pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

A convicted rapist on the run for five days after escaping from immigration detention while awaiting deportation has been caught after police spotted a pair of shoes he had apparently left behind. Michael Angok escaped last Wednesday while being transported from Villawood Immigration Detention Centre to a western Sydney hospital for medical treatment. An initial search by NSW Police found some of his personal items had been thrown onto the road a few hundred metres away, but the 30-year-old had disappeared. On Sunday, officers tracked him to Seven Hills in north-western Sydney. A man wanted on an outstanding warrant has been arrested in Sydneys west. He escaped from Bankstown Hospital after he was transported from Villawood Immigration Detention Centre for medical treatment. Police Media

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Angok was convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in a gang rape at Doonside park in 2014. He had served his sentence for the offence and was being held in custody as an immigration detainee awaiting deportation. On Sunday night, the Australian Federal Police said that following a large-scale search and extensive inquiries by their officers with Bankstown Police Area Command, they tracked him to an address on June Street, Seven Hills about 3pm. Michael Angok, 30, escaped detention after being transported to Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital from Villawood on Wednesday. Police allege they found a pair of shoes belonging to the 30-year-old man at the front of the home where a crime scene was declared. Police used the Dog Squad to canvas the area. About 3.45pm, officers arrested the man on the corner of Hartley and Terminus roads, Seven Hills.

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He was taken to Blacktown Police Station where the warrant was executed. He was refused bail to appear at Blacktown Local Court on Monday. Investigations into the mans whereabouts before his arrest are continuing. Loading Immigrants who have spent time in prison for crimes committed in Australia have become a hot-button political issue since 2023, when the High Court found indefinite detention was unlawful. While some had serious criminal convictions, including murder and rape, others faced less serious charges, and all had finished serving their time behind bars before being placed in immigration detention over visa issues. AAP

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NationalNSWEducation Every school will offer gifted education. But who decides who is gifted? Christopher Harris April 12, 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

Some children are completing 15-page portfolios of extracurricular activities and submitting psychometric test results, while others are just being asked for their NAPLAN scores, to apply for the states new gifted education year 7 classes. The state government has made universal access to gifted programs one of its signature education policies, but comprehensive schools  unlike the selective system  are using a patchwork of different rules and methods to decide exactly who is gifted. Research suggests universal screening, rather than teacher or family nomination, means gifted education assessment is fairer. Dominic Lorrimer Epping Boys High School asks prospective gifted students to sit an external exam, while Model Farms High School wants NAPLAN results, with parents given the option to submit documents which demonstrate the students interests, passions and signs of high potential. Northern Beaches Secondary College Cromer Campus asks for a portfolio of up to 15 pages, which must include a handwritten statement of no more than 500 words. Psychometric and IQ assessments are optional inclusions.

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The program spans academic, sporting, creative and leadership domains, with offerings taking different forms beyond enrichment streams, including extension opportunities and STEM programs. A gifted education team in the departments head office provides schools with tools to identify students in each of the four domains. Before the latest NSW program was announced, a 2024 report estimated that half of the states 2200 public schools had some sort of gifted program. Gifted education consultant Bronwyn MacLeod welcomed the public schools use of multiple criteria to identify gifted students, which she said was international best practice, but said NAPLAN results were a poor measure of aptitude. NAPLAN is not a particularly effective tool for the identification of gifted students for a myriad of reasons, and personal statements are subjective and will depend both on the perspective of the parent or student writing it and the educator interpreting it, MacLeod said.

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New York City this year axed part of its gifted program amid concerns that certain groups of children were underrepresented. A 2019 report by the NSW Department of Education warned that families and teachers nominating gifted students was a major factor in accounting for differences in student representation, with universal screening identifying more students from minority groups as gifted. Are you gifted, highly gifted, or just high potential? High potential students are those whose ability is higher than students of the same age, and they can benefit from being challenged more.

Gifted students have very high ability compared to students of the same age and can develop their talent quickly and easily when given opportunities.

Highly gifted students have exceptional ability and may need significant adjustments to meet their advanced learning needs. Source: Department of Education Central Coast P&C District Council president Sharryn Brownlee said parents wanted to know what the new policy actually was beyond the simple aspiration to have gifted education. It makes good sense and we want to see it delivered, she said.

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We, and other district councils, have said it remains to be seen how its being implemented and how it is going to work. It has been an ongoing issue when it comes to how we are identifying these students. Dr Greg Ashman, deputy principal at Ballarat Clarendon College in Victoria, said intelligence was made up of raw processing power alongside the fund of knowledge available to an individual. Students in Sydney Catholic Schools are regularly tested for giftedness. Sydney Catholic Schools Advantaged children typically had more knowledge, he said, which meant they could outperform those with better processing skills on gifted assessments. So, there will always be a bias towards the more advantaged. However, at least an objective, pencil and paper assessment that everyone sits, represents an attempt at a level playing field, Ashman said.

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If you start to factor in things like extracurricular activities, you really are selecting for privilege. Gifted education expert University of NSW Professor Jae Jung said universal screening was one of the ways to identify gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds. We also need to place greater attention on the identification of high ability rather than high achievement, he said. Sydney Catholic Schools has been running its Newman program for gifted students, which triangulates ability, achievement and aptitude data, for the past 15 years. Students are formally assessed in year 2, again in year 4, and then in year 6 for high school entry.

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Its not about labelling the students, but  supporting them to reach their full potential, Sydney Catholic Schools officer for gifted education Jennifer Fenech 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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NationalNSWBondi Junction attack I just held his head: The Sydney nurse who risked her life to comfort a dying man Alexandra Smith April 12, 2026  10:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Drinking a coffee at a cafe on the fourth floor of Bondi Junctions Westfield shopping centre, Catherine Molihan was oblivious to the horror unfolding around her until the screams rang out. Like so many shocked shoppers on April 13, 2024, Molihan  a highly experienced nurse  ran for her life and initially sheltered in a shop. The store manager locked the doors to keep her and others safe, but it quickly became clear that outside the shuttered luggage shop, there were mass casualties. Loading Molihan insisted the manager let her out, despite his protestations. She saw two badly injured men. One sitting on a chair, the other lying on the ground. Both had stomach wounds. I said to the manager Im a nurse, ICU trained and I want to help, Molihan said.

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Nurse Catherine Molihan has been recognised for helping victims in the Bondi Junction stabbing attack. The men had been stabbed by Joel Cauchi, a mentally ill man who went on a rampage through the eastern suburbs shopping centre wielding a knife. The casualties Molihan found were security guard Muhammad Taha and his colleague Faraz Tahir. She quickly realised Tahir was critically injured. Faraz was very critically unwell. The police officers who came were amazing, and I held just his head and patted his beard and I told him he would be OK, Molihan said, choking back tears. Tahir, a Pakistani citizen who had fled religious persecution in his home country, died at the scene. Monday is the second anniversary of the Bondi Junction attack. To mark the occasion, Molihan will receive a commendation for brave conduct as part of a special Australian Bravery Decorations honours list alongside Noel McLaughlin, whose wife Jade Young died in the attack.

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Six others, including NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott, will be given the higher honour of a bravery medal for their roles in the stabbing massacre, which left six people dead. Also killed were Ashlee Good, Pikria Darchia, Yixuan Cheng and Dawn Singleton. The awards, recommended by the independent Australian Bravery Decorations Council, include two posthumous medals for Good and Tahir, who died trying to save the lives of others. Despite her horrific injuries, Good, 38, managed to thrust her injured infant daughter Harriet into the arms of two male shoppers before she died. Bondi Junction attack victims (clockwise from top left) Ashlee Good, Jade Young, Dawn Singleton, Yixuan Cheng, Faraz Tahir and Pikria Darchia. Scott, who was honoured with the Commissioners Valour Award for displaying exceptional bravery in a life-threatening situation at a police graduation ceremony in June 2024, has been labelled a hero and credited with saving lives after she pursued Cauchi through the shopping centre.

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The senior officer was alone when she faced the attacker minutes after his rampage began. She raised her pistol and, as Cauchi charged towards her, shot him dead, preventing the further loss of life, including her own. Scott is now facing her own battle after being diagnosed with breast cancer. French nationals Damien Guerot and Silas Despreaux will also receive bravery medals. Wielding bollards, the men confronted Cauchi as he ran through the shopping centre. Footage of the construction workers coming face to face with the attacker atop an escalator during his killing spree became a defining image of the unprovoked attack. Governor-General Sam Mostyn said all eight honoured were characterised by their selfless, courageous, and determined response in unspeakable and horrific circumstances. Inspector Amy Scott ended Joel Cauchis killing spree when she shot him in the Bondi Junction shopping centre. Every one of them showed strength, and profound courage, as they placed the safety of others above their own, demonstrating ultimate care for others, Mostyn said.

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Their acts of bravery reflect the best of us, and remind us of the valour, compassion and service that are enduring and present across our communities. We also pay tribute to the 12 people injured, for their recovery and wellbeing, and all those whose lives were changed forever by the violence they witnessed on that terrible day. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Two Sydney homes fired at in early-morning shootings

Police say it was a miracle no one was hurt in two drive-by shootings in Sydneys west.
Our Excess Returns analysis suggests Bank of Montreal is undervalued by 29.0%. Track this in your watchlist or portfolio , or discover 7 more high quality undervalued stocks .

The Cost of Equity is CA$8.64 per share, with an Excess Return of CA$6.93 per share. These inputs are then projected forward and discounted to estimate an intrinsic value of CA$281.36 per share using the Excess Returns Model. Compared with the current share price of about CA$199.73, this implies the shares trade at roughly a 29.0% discount, suggesting they are undervalued on this approach.

For Bank of Montreal, the model uses a Book Value of CA$119.17 per share and a Stable EPS of CA$15.57 per share, sourced from weighted future Return on Equity estimates from 11 analysts. The Average Return on Equity sits at 12.93%, while the Stable Book Value is CA$120.46 per share, based on weighted future Book Value estimates from 9 analysts.

The Excess Returns model looks at how much value Bank of Montreal can create above the return that shareholders require, based on its equity base and profitability. Instead of focusing on cash flows, it concentrates on how effectively the bank is expected to use its equity over time.

Bank of Montreal scores just 2/6 on our valuation checks. See what other red flags we found in the full valuation breakdown .

Simply Wall St currently gives Bank of Montreal a valuation score of 2 out of 6. The next sections will compare what different valuation methods say about that score and finish with a way to understand value that goes beyond just ratios and models.

Recent attention on Bank of Montreal has centred on its position among the major Canadian banks and how it fits into portfolios that focus on established dividend payers. Coverage has also highlighted how investors weigh large bank stocks when thinking about stability and long term total returns.

The stock has returns of 5.3% over 7 days, 7.3% over 30 days, 10.0% year to date, 64.4% over 1 year, 88.6% over 3 years and 115.6% over 5 years, which naturally raises questions about how much upside or risk is now priced in.

Wondering if Bank of Montreal at around $199.73 is still offering value after a strong run, or if you might be late to the party.

Story Continues

Approach 2: Bank of Montreal Price vs Earnings

P/E is a common way to value profitable companies because it connects what you pay for each share with what the bank is currently earning per share. It gives you a quick sense of how much the market is willing to pay for todays earnings.

What counts as a normal or fair P/E depends on how fast earnings are expected to grow and how risky those earnings appear. Higher expected growth or lower perceived risk usually supports a higher P/E, while lower growth or higher risk tends to justify a lower one.

Bank of Montreal currently trades on a P/E of 16.35x. That sits above the Banks industry average of 11.28x and also above the peer group average of 14.69x, which might initially look expensive if you only compare to those simple benchmarks.

Simply Wall Sts Fair Ratio for Bank of Montreal is 16.15x. This is a proprietary estimate of what the P/E should be, given factors such as earnings growth, profit margins, risk profile, industry and market cap. Because it blends these inputs, the Fair Ratio can be more tailored than a basic industry or peer comparison.

With a Fair Ratio of 16.15x and an actual P/E of 16.35x, Bank of Montreal looks slightly expensive on this measure, but the gap is small enough that it sits close to Fair Value.

Result: ABOUT RIGHT

TSX:BMO P/E Ratio as at Apr 2026

P/E ratios tell one story, but what if the real opportunity lies elsewhere? Start investing in legacies, not executives. Discover our 2 top founder-led companies.

Upgrade Your Decision Making: Choose your Bank of Montreal Narrative

Earlier it was mentioned that there is an even better way to understand valuation. Narratives are introduced here as your own story for Bank of Montreal that links what you believe about its digital banking push, acquisitions such as Bank of the West, sustainable finance opportunities, credit risks and cost pressures to a set of revenue, earnings and margin forecasts. The Simply Wall St Community page then turns these into a Fair Value that sits beside the current share price and updates as news or earnings arrive. This allows you to quickly see how your view compares with others, whether you lean closer to the more upbeat analyst camp around CA$224.0 or the more cautious view near CA$175.0.

Do you think there's more to the story for Bank of Montreal? Head over to our Community to see what others are saying!

TSX:BMO 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 BMO.TO.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com
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NationalVictoriaCity life Missing Momo Fest? That would have been a no-no for dumpling lovers Carolyn Webb April 12, 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

There was vibrant drumming and rows of colourful prayer flags, but punters needed only to follow their noses to a festival devoted to Himalayan dumplings in Footscray on Sunday. Food lovers rugged up against the cold and feasted on the smorgasbord that was Momo Fest at the weekend  momo being Nepalese for dumpling. Taste test: Adhish Rai, centre, in blue beanie, competes in the momo speed eating competition at Momo Fest. Chris Hopkins Twenty-one Nepalese and Tibetan eateries from across Melbourne sold momos in a mouth-watering array of stalls at Footscray Park, with fillings ranging from buffalo to goat, paneer (milk curd cheese) and even Nutella. Every region and often family in Nepal has their own momo recipes, says festival co-founder and co-organiser, Raju Shakya.

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Good day: Raju Shakya, left and his partner Deepa Rai are among founders and organisers of Momo Fest. Chris Hopkins Shakya said that in Nepalese culture, serving momos at home was akin to Aussies having a family barbecue. Momo is comfort food, and its very delicious. People just love it, he said. Shakya, originally from the Kathmandu Valley, ate chicken momos with sesame, peanut and garlic chutney on Sunday, while his partner and festival co-founder and co-organiser, Deepa Rai, from eastern Nepal, ate pork dumplings with a spicier tomato and chilli sauce. Punters ate, danced, socialised, and participated in momo speed-eating competitions and workshops on how to wrap momos.

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Having fun: Sehar Singh, 4, with Nepalese dancers at the Momo Fest in Footscray. Chris Hopkins Bands included the upbeat Newa Pucha Melbourne whose instruments include flute, drums and cymbals and who were accompanied by folk dancers. The two-day, volunteer-run event coincided with Nepalese New Year, or Naya Barsha, on Tuesday, April 14. Though the festival began in 2017, it was the first time it had returned since the pandemic after a planned revival in 2024 had to be postponed when Rai suffered a bad fall one day, fracturing her skull and suffering a brain bleed. Following the accident, the couple gave up their catering business and Shakya has been Rais carer ever since.

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More please: one of the many dumpling varieties sold at Momo Fest. Chris Hopkins On Sunday, the couple said it felt good to be back celebrating their culture and food. Rai was happy to see her friends and to walk around, something doctors feared she would never do again after the accident. Ive lost memory of the past Momo Fests, so Im trying to create new, happy memories, Rai said. In recent decades, Australias Nepalese population has soared. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, in 2024, the number of Nepalese-born people living in Australia was 197,800, compared with 1410 in 1996.

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Shakya said events like Momo Fest could help Australian-born children of migrants connect with their culture and heritage. On Sunday, 4-year-old Sehar Singh, of Chadstone, danced happily to the Nepalese band. Her father, Prabdeep Singh, was born in Kathmandu when his Indian parents were living there for work, which is the familys only link to Nepal. However Sehar loves the Nepalese snack, said her mother, Bhawna Singh. We came today mostly for the momos, Bhawna 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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PoliticsFederalFossil fuels Minister opens door to more money for households in budget James Massola April 12, 2026  1:31pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Households could receive additional cost-of-living relief in the federal budget because of high fuel prices, according to Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King. Amid ongoing fuel shortages and following a fragile peace deal between the United States and Iran, King played down the prospect of the May budget winding back tax breaks that encourage people to lease an electric vehicle, while playing down the short-term prospect of introducing road user charges for EV drivers. Transport Minister Catherine King. Alex Ellinghausen The federal government has halved the fuel excise by 26 cents and reduced to zero the heavy vehicle road user charge to provide relief to motorists because of spiralling petrol and diesel prices triggered by the US and Israels war on Iran. In an interview on the ABCs Insiders program, the minister hinted that the three-month cut to fuel excise could be extended.

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I think everybody is experiencing across the world that because of constraint in supply, that means that fuel prices have gone up, and particularly obviously, the diesel price is holding much higher than anyone would like it to be, she said. Weve obviously got the tax cuts coming in on the first of July, but whether theres need for additional measures for household and businesses  you know, theyre all things that were contemplating as part of the budget process. Last week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese travelled to Singapore and met with his counterpart, Lawrence Wong, to shore up supplies of petrol and diesel from Australias biggest source of fuel and next week, he will travel to Brunei and Malaysia with a similar mission to ensure imports of petrol, diesel and fertiliser continue to flow from those two countries. The federal government had also been considering whether to wind back generous tax arrangements that encourage people to lease electric vehicles worth up to about $91,000, which now cost the federal budget more than $500 million per year, about 10 times the original estimate. But King defended those arrangements and repeatedly ducked questions about whether they could be left in place because of the ongoing shortages of liquid fuels.

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Related Article Middle East at war In times of need, Canberra usually phones the US. Albanese instead called Beijing Its worked, it has seen uptake of electric vehicles. We, of course, do want to try and make sure there is more availability of cheaper electric vehicles for people, and thats what the fuel efficiency standard has done, she said, defending the generous tax break. Ill leave announcements around the fuel tax benefit for electric vehicles. Ill leave that to discussions in the budget. But certainly, my view is it has worked to start the electrification of passenger vehicles, she said. King added that the availability of second-hand electric vehicles had also increased markedly as peoples three-year leases on EVs had ended and those vehicles had been sold. When vehicles come off novated leases and then theyre available for sale, youve seen a really big increase in people buying those second-hand electric vehicles right at the moment, so it actually has done a good job in terms of that availability.

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But she poured hot water on the prospect of road user charging being introduced for electric vehicles in the short term, despite the fact that her department was working on that plan and Treasurer Jim Chalmers supported its introduction. Weve been working within my department on the model for what a road user charge might look like. And thats no surprise to anyone....since December, my departments been working on that, she said. Related Article Opinion

Electric vehicles Our EV saved us money over Easter. But it required a stressful trade-off Calum Jaspan Media Writer Obviously, right at the moment, were trying to encourage as much electric vehicle uptake as we possibly can. We dont want to disincentivise that at all. So theres a balance to be struck here, both obviously, with the fringe benefit tax potential of road user charging, but were making our way through that. King added she was not clear that theres a pathway for it through the parliament, suggesting that preliminary discussions with the opposition and the Greens had not been positive about passing the law.

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And she defended a new $20 million advertising campaign titled every little bit helps, that will begin on Monday across television, radio, online channels and more, designed to encourage Australians to conserve fuel. Opposition defence spokesman slammed the advertising campaign on Sunday and described it as taxpayer-funded political propaganda. We want them [the government] to make sure that petrol and diesel, aviation fuel comes into our country, and that it gets to the service stations that they turn up to to fill up their car, and an advertising campaign is not going to make that happen, he said. Its very clearly its about their political interest, not about fixing the problem. But King said the campaign was designed to provide as much information as possible to Australians during a period of fuel shortages.

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The advertising campaign is really designed to do three things  make people aware of the national fuel security plan, make people aware of the actions that the government has taken to date, but also that every little bit that you can do can also help, she said. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.

Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Fossil fuels James Massola is chief political commentator. He was previously national affairs editor and South-East Asia correspondent. He has won Quill and Kennedy awards and been a Walkley finalist. Connect securely on Signal @jamesmassola.01 or email. Connect via X
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WorldEuropeHungary The election that everyone seems to have a stake in  especially Putin and Trump David Crowe April 12, 2026  1:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Budapest: When Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban held his final rally in the countrys hard-fought election campaign, he warned his supporters to expect unprecedented foreign interference in the popular vote. Orban told them that foreign spy services were intervening in the election to try to stop him from winning because he represented a different model to the European Union. Viktor Orban speaks to supporters at his Fidesz partys final campaign rally on Saturday. Getty Images Before thousands of loyal adherents in Budapest, he railed against woke politics and gender ideologies and declared that he would stand up for the family, making this a contrast of his values against those decided in Brussels. But he was not alone in complaining about foreign meddling. His chief opponent, Peter Magyar, used his final rally to ensure voters were aware of another source of interference: Moscow.

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Magyars supporters tried to brand Orban as an agent of the Kremlin when they gathered on Friday night in the capital. Russians go home, the crowd chanted, reprising the historic call of Hungarians in 1956 when they tried to stop Russian troops from taking control of the country. Supporters of opposition leader Peter Magyar and his Tisza party rally in Debrecen, Hungary. AP The competing claims highlight the way this parliamentary election has been dominated by anxiety about outside interference. (The polls close at 7pm on Sunday, local time, or 3am on Monday AEST). Whatever the election result, the loser has already laid the groundwork for blaming a foreigner for shaping the outcome.

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One of Orbans main advertising campaigns, for instance, ran grim-looking photographs of Magyar next to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and told voters that both men are dangerous. Orban, who opposes EU funding for Ukraine and has good ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, sought to position himself as a voice for peace and his opponent as an advocate for war. Advertising for Orban has been everywhere in Budapest, and one theory is that billboard companies are aligned with the prime minister and his party, Fidesz. After 18 years in office, in two stints as prime minister, he has used patronage to build a powerful network of allies in business. The claims about foreign loyalties were complicated, however, when voters were reminded of Orbans friends  and not only those in Moscow.

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In a late jolt to the campaign, Orban gained further endorsements from US President Donald Trump in the final full day of campaigning. Trump issued a pledge that addressed doubts among the Hungarian electorate about which side was best at managing the economy and the national budget. My Administration stands ready to use the full Economic Might of the United States to strengthen Hungarys Economy, as we have done for our Great Allies in the past, if Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the Hungarian People ever need it, Trump said in a social media post. Orban made sure Hungarian voters knew about the promise. America stands with us, he told them. Hungary is proud to be a great ally.

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Trumps message came only a few days after US Vice President JD Vance visited Budapest to appear alongside Orban, a few weeks after a similar visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The American interest in the Hungarian race even prompted two Republican congressmen, Chris Smith and Andy Harris, to issue a letter on Thursday urging European Union President Ursula von der Leyen to stop foreign interference in the election. Peter Magyar, once part of Orbans Fidesz Party, has warned voters of possible election fraud. AP Orbans supporters distributed the letter claiming US support against a foreign threat to the election from the European Union. It is true that the foreign interest in Hungary is intense. A series of leaked phone intercepts has appeared in the media in recent months, showing that Orbans foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto, was often in touch with Moscow.

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The intercepts were said to come from a European intelligence service. When the news stories appeared, one of those to comment on social media was Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. Everyone appears to have a stake in the election outcome. Tusk does not hide his antipathy for Orban, while Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico endorsed Orban on social media. Given the current global situation, campaigning on the message that Fidesz is the safe choice and will ensure stability and peace is not easily reconcilable with being endorsed by President Trump. Bulcsu Hunyadi, Political Capital Institute, Budapest In the past, convention dictated that leaders looked neutral about an election next door. That has been thrown overboard, and not only by Trump. Expert observers question the real value of these endorsements, anyway. Did Orban really benefit from the Vance visit? Analyst Bulcsu Hunyadi of the Political Capital Institute in Budapest doubted it had any significant impact on the campaign.

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Mixed messages While it probably reinforced the message among Fideszs core electorate that Orban is a respected leader with powerful supporters, I havent seen any signs of this message resonating with wider audiences, Hunyadi told this masthead. Vance appears at a rally with Orban last week. Getty Also, given the current global situation, campaigning on the message that Fidesz is the safe choice and will ensure stability and peace is not easily reconcilable with being endorsed by President Trump, who has been a major source of instability in recent months. Magyar, who was a Fidesz member before breaking with the party and taking the leadership of the rival Tisza movement, attacked Orban for being corrupt.

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Related Article Analysis

World elections Hungarian voters face a big question. JD Vance thinks he has the answer One of Magyars final campaign videos warned of election fraud. He told voters not to succumb to pressure from employers or community leaders who told them how to vote. As with the foreign interference concerns, each side has prepared for the argument about the election outcome. There is an overload of irony in the way Orban has accused others of foreign interference while enjoying the visits from Vance and Rubio, while acclaiming the endorsements from Trump. What stood out most, however, was the sheer scale of the gamble. Many leaders have sought to put more distance between themselves and the White House, especially during the war with Iran. Orban, however, wanted to stay as close as possible to Trump. The Hungarian prime minister chose the foreign interference he wanted. And he bet his future on it. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
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WorldMiddle EastMiddle East at war Bad news: US negotiations with Iran end in stalemate Munir Ahmed and Eduardo Castillo April 12, 2026  5:51pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Islamabad: The United States and Iran ended a historic round of face-to-face talks on Sunday without reaching an agreement, with the fate of the fragile, two-week ceasefire still unclear. Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation during the 21 hours of talks in Pakistans capital, Islamabad, said negotiations finished without a deal after the Iranians refused to accept Washingtons terms to refrain from developing nuclear weapons. Vice President JD Vance arrives for news conference after negotiations in Islamabad on Sunday. AP There was no immediate comment from the Iranian delegation or the Pakistani mediators. The discussions began on Saturday, a few days after a fragile ceasefire was announced, as the war that has killed thousands of people and shaken global markets entered its seventh week.

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Vance said he had remained in constant communication with President Donald Trump and other leading figures in the administration during the negotiations, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the US Central Command. Related Article Analysis

Middle East at war What now? Failure in Islamabad leaves Trump facing unpalatable options The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement and I think thats bad news for Iran much more than its bad news for the United States of America, Vance told reporters shortly before leaving Islamabad. But the simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon, he said. That is the core goal of the president of the United States. And thats what weve tried to achieve through these negotiations.

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Two Pakistani officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the press, said a third round of discussions between the delegation heads had finished, and the talks would resume after a break. But Vance then addressed the press, announced there was no agreement and went to the airport to leave Pakistan. The BBC reported that Iranian state media said unreasonable demands from the US had left the negotiations deadlocked. Despite various initiatives from the Iranian delegation, the unreasonable demands of the American side prevented the progress of the negotiations. Thus, the negotiations ended, Iranian state broadcaster IRIB said in a post on Telegram. Trump, who has not yet commented on the end of the talks, previously said he would suspend attacks on Iran for two weeks. Vances remarks did not indicate what would happen after that period expired, or whether the ceasefire would remain in place.

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US envoys Jared Kushner (left) and Steve Witkoff accompanied Vance to the Islamabad meeting. AP Pakistans Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called on Iran and the US to maintain their truce, saying it was imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to the ceasefire. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned that any further escalation in the conflict would create a greater human cost and further damage the global economy. The priority now must be to continue the ceasefire and return to negotiations, Wong said in a statement. We continue to want to see a swift resolution to this conflict. Before the talks concluded, Trump reshared an article on social media suggesting that the US could blockade Iran to pressure the nation to make a deal after talks collapsed.

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The story, from conservative news outlet Just the News, framed a naval blockade as the Trump card the president holds if Iran wont bend. The president was seen attending a UFC fight in Miami, alongside several members of his family and Marco Rubio, while negotiations were under way. US destroyers move through Hormuz Meanwhile, the US military said two destroyers had transited the Strait of Hormuz ahead of mine-clearing work, a first since the war began. Irans joint military command denied that, however, according to Iranian state media. Were sweeping the strait. Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me, Trump told journalists, describing the talks as very deep, while Iranian state TV noted what it called serious differences.

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Federal budget The recession we didnt ask for: Dire predictions for Australia if fuel price spikes The US delegation, led by Vance, and the Iranian team, led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, discussed with Pakistan how to advance the ceasefire already threatened by deep disagreements and Israels continued attacks against Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Irans delegation told state television it had presented red lines in meetings with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, including compensation for damage caused by US-Israeli strikes and releasing Irans frozen assets. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had entered negotiations with deep distrust after attacks on Iran during previous talks, and said his country was prepared to retaliate if attacked again. The war has killed at least 3000 people in Iran, 2020 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and caused lasting damage to infrastructure in half a dozen Middle Eastern countries. Irans grip on the Strait of Hormuz has largely cut off the Persian Gulf and its oil and gas exports from the global economy, sending energy prices soaring.

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The closure of the Strait has proved to be Irans greatest strategic advantage. About a fifth of the worlds traded oil had typically passed through on more than 100 ships a day. Only 12 have been recorded transiting since the ceasefire. Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin on Tuesday in Washington after Israels surprise announcement authorising talks despite the countries lack of official relations. AP, Reuters Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
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WorldNorth AmericaEpstein fallout Opinion A bitter ex, a deleted tweet, and Melanias strange decision to dump kerosene on the Epstein fire Maureen Dowd New York Times columnist April 12, 2026  3:30pm

April 12, 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

US President Donald Trump is desperately trying to move on from his ruinous war in Iran. But there was no way he expected to be moving on  or moving back  to the Epstein files. Thanks, Melania. Melania Trump called a special press conference at the White House to make her remarks about Jeffrey Epstein. AP The world gasped when the first lady emerged from the mists on Thursday to give a statement that ended up yanking Americas eyeballs back to Jeffrey Epstein. Be Best, this was not.

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After firing the prevaricating Pam Bondi and threatening on Easter that the Iranians might soon be living in Hell, the president surely thought he was finally wriggling away from the sordid, sticky paedophile scandal. For mysterious reasons, the Slovenian Sphinx stunned the West Wing, walking into the grand entrance hall of the White House to dump kerosene on the flickering Epstein fire. Artwork: Marija Ercegovac In effect, Melanias dramatic message was: Hey, guys, were not done here yet. Everybody come look at what my husband so terribly doesnt want you to look at! No one, not even Trumps inner circle, seemed to know that this bizarre monologue was coming or what was driving it.

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Gobsmacked aides scrambled to answer reporters questions about what the president knew and when he knew it. When Jacqueline Alemany of MS NOW called Trump, he told her he knew nothing in advance about the first ladys statement. The next day, he clarified to Shawn McCreesh of The New York Times that, while he did not know that his wife was making the statement, he had known that she was upset by rumours that she was closer to Epstein than she had said, and she wanted to clear the air. It doesnt bother me, he said, contradicting those who sniggered that she threw him under the bus. She had a right to talk about it, he said. But he mused: Would I have done it that way? Perhaps not, perhaps, I dont know.

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For the first time, the first lady  who glided so serenely on skyscraper stilettos in her infomercial, Melania  looked shaken. Related Article Epstein fallout The biggest mystery in Washington  just why did Melania make that speech? The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today, she told reporters. The false smears about me from mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically must stop. The irony of Melania bitterly complaining about the sort of slimy tactics that fuelled her husbands rise was not lost on listeners. To be clear, she said, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, Maxwell. She and Trump had overlapping social circles in Palm Beach and Manhattan, which explained the photo of her partying with Donald, Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

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Melania turned up in the Epstein files with a 2002 email to Maxwell, complimenting her on a picture that had run with a magazine piece about Epstein, asking how Palm Beach was, and telling Maxwell to call her when she was back in New York. She called Maxwell G and signed off, Love, Melania. Ghislaine wrote back, calling Melania Sweet pea. My polite reply to her email doesnt amount to anything more than a trivial note, Melania said. Paolo Zampolli, a friend of President Donald Trump and Trumps envoy for global partnerships, walks the red carpet with Vice President JD Vance at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport last week. AP The first lady called on Congress to provide the women who have been victimised by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centred around the survivors so they could tell their stories. Shouldnt the men doing the alleged crimes be the ones called to answer?

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It was also astonishing that she felt compelled to clear up the little matter of how she and Donald met. I am not Epsteins victim, she said. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband, by chance, at a New York City party in 1998. Donald and Melania Trump in 2002 with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Getty In her memoir, the first lady recounted that a friend had taken her to the Kit Kat Club in Manhattan, where she met the celebrity developer. She described how Trump flirted with her and asked for her number even though he was with a beautiful blonde date. She refused but said she would take his instead.

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I tucked the card into my clutch before his date returned to the table, she wrote. That should have been an early warning for her about Donald the Duplicitous. Related Article Opinion

Donald Trump Trump is turning the peoples house into a dictator-chic Saudi palace Maureen Dowd New York Times columnist The party was hosted by Paolo Zampolli, a former Italian modelling agent who recruited the young Slovenian model to come to America and who takes credit for introducing Donald and Melania. Zampolli has now been elevated by the president to be a special envoy for global partnerships, whatever that means. The flashy Trump acolyte got a DC townhouse where he throws parties and shows off pictures of the Trumps. Zampolli posted photos on X this week showing himself with Vice President JD Vance and Viktor Orban at a table in Hungary. He has offered to testify before Congress that he played Cupid for Melania and Trump.

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As The New York Times recently reported, Zampolli asked US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to interfere in a nasty custody battle he was having with Amanda Ungaro, his Brazilian ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child. Ungaro, in jail in Miami on a fraud charge, was deported after Zampollis call. He says he was merely inquiring about her case, not trying to get her deported. The Epstein obsession among Trumps base was planted by his henchmen and most devoted followers, and then it came back to bite him  including this new chunk taken out of him by Melania. Conspiracy theories about Melania feed off a web of intersections. Through the modelling world, Zampolli had met Epstein and they had talked about buying a modelling agency together. His name pops up several times in the Epstein files, where Epstein refers to Zampolli as trouble. Early Thursday just after midnight, Ungaro, clearly upset that Melania hadnt helped her in the ICE deportation, posted threatening messages directed at her on X. One now-deleted post read: I have nothing left to lose in my life. I will tear down the entire system  be careful with me bitch. In another, she said: Maybe you should be afraid of what I know ... of who you are, and who your husband is. Melanias statement came later that day, but who knows if theres any connection?

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As always with the sphinx on the Potomac, its a riddle. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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WorldNorth AmericaTrump's America Opinion Trumps war releases divisions that could tear his MAGA world apart George Brandis Former high commissioner to the UK and federal attorney-general April 12, 2026  1:30pm

April 12, 2026  1:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Donald Trumps astonishing social media post last Tuesday threatening a whole civilisation will die tonight attracted appropriately furious reactions around the world. To threaten the extinguishment of an entire people (Iran has a population of 93 million) is to threaten genocide on a scale without parallel in human history. The excuse offered by Trumps apologists  that it was a negotiating tactic, and therefore not to be taken seriously  misses the point. It would only have been made with the intention that it would be taken seriously, which means that Trump wanted it to be known that this was an act he was prepared to commit. Some of the strongest reactions came from Republicans. Peggy Noonan  who, as Ronald Reagans speechwriter, penned some of the most eloquent language of that great passage of American history that ended the Cold War  excoriated Trump in an opinion article in The Wall Street Journal on Thursday. Increasingly isolated from his MAGA base, President Donald Trump arrives in Miami on Air Force One at the weekend. AP But Noonan speaks with the voice of the Republican Party establishment, which was almost entirely displaced by the MAGA movement. These people have always loathed Trump. More significant than denunciation by old-school Republicans is the fracturing in the MAGA base. There was already a growing number of disillusioned former acolytes, such as the once uber-Trumper Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. The war has both intensified existing anti-Trump attitudes among many of his former spear-carriers, while causing others  such as Joe Kent, who quit as director of the National Counterintelligence Centre  to bail out. Several of Trumps earliest social media cheerleaders have become his most lethal critics. Tucker Carlson, infamous for his very Trumpian coddling of Vladimir Putin, now describes Trump as evil. Americas most popular podcaster, Joe Rogan, has been no less savage in his criticism, joining a growing social media storm demanding that cabinet invoke the 25th Amendment that permits the removal of a president unfit to serve. Taylor Greene has joined the 25th Amendment bandwagon.

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The fracturing of Trumps base should not surprise us. Like all very successful political movements  in particular, insurgencies  initial success creates the false impression of monolithic authority. That illusion is reinforced by the almost North Korean sycophancy of the beneficiaries of Trumps patronage. Last week, his new attorney-general, Todd Blanche, used a press conference to tell Trump, I love you, sir. (I never said that to Tony Abbott or Malcolm Turnbull when they made me attorney-general.) In reality, like all political movements, MAGA is a coalition with distinctly different values and priorities. In her recent book on the Trump phenomenon, Furious Minds: The Making of the MAGA New Right, Laura Field anatomises the various strands of the movement. While Trump himself is obviously no intellectual, it is wrong to assume that there is not a significant body of ideas behind him. It exists in the hinterland of right-wing think tanks, networks (most importantly the Conservative Political Action Conference), and conservative colleges (in particular the Claremont Institute), which have long incubated the ideas upon which Trumpism is built. Some of those around Trump are deeply invested in that world. JD Vance, for example, is an admirer of Patrick Deneen, whose 2018 book Why Liberalism Failed is hugely influential. Several of the conservative intellectuals who developed the ideas on which MAGA was built trace their lineage to the political philosopher Leo Strauss and his two most important apostles, Harry Jaffa and Alan Bloom. An early landmark in the culture wars was Blooms 1987 book The Closing of the American Mind.

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MAGA thinking extends from isolationists  a long American political tradition, whose adherents are among those most bitterly disappointed by the Iran excursion  to such self-described schools of thought as national conservatives (an ideology of aggressive American nationalism), paleoconservatives (who idealise a society before the rise of liberalism and the spread of Enlightenment values), anti-modern radicals (who also envision a pre-liberal Eden and seek, by radical means if necessary, to return to that prelapsarian world), and several other variants. Related Article Analysis

World elections Hungarian voters face a big question. JD Vance thinks he has the answer Some claim inspiration from classical philosophy (Aristotle, not Plato) and aspects of Catholic theology to support their argument for a politics devoted not to freedom or equality, but to the creation of the good society, based on common spiritual values. Their vision of the good society is a narrow one: Christian, patriarchal, heteronormative and white. Personal choice  whether reflected in markets or lifestyles  is subordinate to common values. The liberal ideals of inclusion, meritocracy and individualism are anathema to them. Their favourite politician is Viktor Orban, Hungarys prime minister. One thing on which they all agree is that the liberal era is over  that we are currently witnessing the emergence of a post-liberal world. (Putin and Orban are of the same view.) Another thing that unites them is ruthlessness. They are devoted to the destruction of the liberal order with the same zeal as the counter-Reformation in the 16th century and the counter-Enlightenment in the 18th. Patrick Deneen advocates using Machiavellian means to achieve Aristotelian ends.

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The Iran war has split the MAGA coalition, dividing isolationists and American exceptionalists from those for whom it has a deeper significance: the opportunity of a civilisational inflection-point, the victory of Christian civilisation. Revealingly, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has (to the obvious disgust of the Pope) taken to invoking our lord Jesus Christ in closing his remarks at press conferences. In defining the war as, in effect, a modern version of the Crusades, he is speaking to that more radical part of the MAGA base that sees the war  and the Trump presidency itself  in eschatological terms. Threatening to eliminate an entire civilisation does not offend them. Meanwhile, those for whom Trumps appeal lies simply in the promise to stay out of foreign wars are appalled. One of the most important consequences of Trumps war may not just be his plummeting popularity, but the release of ideological divisions within the MAGA world that are beginning to tear it apart. George Brandis is a former high commissioner to the UK, and a former Liberal senator and federal attorney-general. He is now a professor at the ANUs National Security College.
Vance says talks failed to reach agreement with Iran



Islamabad, Pakistan, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



US Vice President JD Vance said Sunday that talks with Iran failed to reach an agreement, saying he was leaving after putting forward a "final and best offer".

Vance signalled that he was still giving time to Iran to consider the offer from the United States, which on Tuesday said it would pause attacks with Israel for two weeks pending negotiations.

"We leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. We'll see if the Iranians accept it," Vance told reporters after 21 hours of talks in the Pakistani capital Islamabad.

Vance said that the core dispute was on nuclear weapons. Iran insists it is not pursuing an atomic bomb, and the United States and Israel bombed sensitive Iranian sites both in the war launched on February 28 as well as last year.

"The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon," Vance said.

"The simple question is, do we see a fundamental commitment of will for the Iranians not to develop a nuclear weapon -- not just now, not just two years from now, but for the long term?

"We haven't seen that yet. We hope that we will."

Vance, in brief remarks at a luxury hotel in Islamabad where the two sides have been meeting, did not highlight disagreement on another key issue, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow passageway through which one-fifth of the world's oil transits.

He insisted that President Donald Trump -- who on Saturday in Washington said he did not care if the two sides sealed a deal -- had been accommodating in the talks.

"I think that we were quite flexible. We were quite accommodating. The president told us, You need to come here in good faith and make your best effort to get a deal.

"We did that and, unfortunately, we weren't able to make headway."
Iran's ex-FM Zarif blames talks failure on US push to 'dictate' terms



Tehran, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



Iran's former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who led his country's delegation at 2015 nuclear talks, on Sunday blamed the failure of negotiations to end the Middle East war on US attempts to "dictate" its terms.

"No negotiations - at least with Iran - will succeed based on 'our/your terms'," said Zarif, one of the architects of the nuclear deal with the United States and other world powers, which was abandoned in 2018 by US President Donald Trump.

"The US must learn: you can't dictate terms to Iran. It's not too late to learn. Yet," added Zarif in a post on X.

On Saturday, senior American and Iranian officials held peace talks in Pakistan, as a fragile two-week ceasefire held.

After the talks failed, US news website Axios quoted an unnamed source briefed on the negotiations as saying that disagreements included "Iran's demand to control the Strait of Hormuz and refusal to give up on its enriched uranium stockpile."

US Vice President JD Vance, who led his country's delegation, said at a press conference Sunday that the talks lasted around 21 hours and that Iran had "chosen not to accept our terms".

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the two sides had agreed on some points but that "differences remained on two or three important issues."

Iran has been at war with the United States and Israel since February 28, when strikes killed the Islamic Republic's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, triggering a conflict that quickly spread across the Middle East.

It was not immediately clear whether the two sides would resume contacts, or what would happen to the ceasefire after talks failed.
UK minister says 'disappointing' no breakthrough in Iran war talks



London, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



UK government minister Wes Streeting on Sunday said it was "disappointing" that negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad had stalled, adding that US President Donald Trump's earlier social media comments had been "extraordinary".

"It's obviously disappointing that we haven't yet seen a breakthrough in negotiations and an end to this war in Iran that is a sustainable one," Streeting told Sky News.

"As ever in diplomacy, you're failing, until you succeed. So while these talks may not have ended in success, that doesn't mean there isn't merit in continuing to try," the health minister added.

Streeting also criticised Trump's rhetoric during the crisis.

"Over the course of the past week, President Trump has said some pretty bold... incendiary, provocative, outrageous things on social media," he said.

"I don't think it's controversial to say posting on social media a threat to end the Iranian civilisation, really... (is) quite extraordinary," he added.

Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have traded barbs over Iran, with Trump complaining the British leader "hasn't been supportive" or cooperative over the war in the Middle East and also remarking that "this is not Winston Churchill that we're dealing with".

Streeting said the UK would continue to judge Trump by what he did rather than what he said.

"Ultimately, the only way in which we're going to clear this situation up is to reach agreement with Iran, one that puts nuclear weapons beyond its ambitions and reach," he added.
UK minister says 'disappointing' no breakthrough in Iran war talks



London, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



UK government minister Wes Streeting on Sunday said it was "disappointing" that negotiations between the United States and Iran in Islamabad had stalled, adding that US President Donald Trump's earlier social media comments had been "incendiary".

"It's obviously disappointing that we haven't yet seen a breakthrough in negotiations and an end to this war in Iran that is a sustainable one," Streeting told Sky News.

"As ever in diplomacy, you're failing, until you succeed. So while these talks may not have ended in success, that doesn't mean there isn't merit in continuing to try," the health minister added.

Streeting also criticised Trump's rhetoric during the crisis.

"Over the course of the past week, President Trump has said some pretty bold... incendiary, provocative, outrageous things on social media," he said.

"I don't think it's controversial to say posting on social media a threat to end the Iranian civilisation, really... (is) quite extraordinary," he added.

Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have traded barbs over Iran, with Trump complaining the British leader "hasn't been supportive" of the war in the Middle East and also remarking that "this is not Winston Churchill that we're dealing with".

Streeting said the UK would continue to judge Trump by what he did rather than what he said.

"Ultimately, the only way in which we're going to clear this situation up is to reach agreement with Iran, one that puts nuclear weapons beyond its ambitions and reach," he added.

Starmer and the Sultan of Oman, meanwhile, urged the US and Iran to press on with negotiations.

During a call on Sunday, Starmer and Haitham bin Tariq "discussed the peace talks held in Pakistan over the weekend and urged both sides to find a way through", according to a readout issued by the UK leader's office.

"It was vital there was a continuation of the ceasefire, and that all parties avoided any further escalation, the leaders agreed," Downing Street added.
As consumers disposable income has decreased over the last few years, their desire for value has increased.

About four in 10 Americans are now considered value seekers, according to a study from Deloitte, meaning they exhibit three or more cost-conscious, deal-driven, or convenience-sacrificing behaviors.

The trend persists across all generations and income brackets, with 23% of high income earners citing value as a high priority when making purchasing decisions.

Consumers are more discerning than ever, weighing the value they receive with their purchases, Deloitte U.S. Consumer Industry Leader Mike Daher said in the report. And while low-income earners may look for value out of necessity, higher-income households increasingly put value at the top of their shopping lists.

Value is, of course, often linked to price, but price is not the only factor shoppers are considering. Quality, reliability, and delivery speed are also metrics by which consumers decide whether or not a purchase is worth it.

MVP brands deliver more than just competitive prices  they can provide added value that attracts consumers, even when their products cost more, Daher said. MVPs focus on product and service quality and reliability. They may also be perceived as having more friendly attitudes that build consumer trust.

This emphasis on well-rounded value explains why Lands End has become an MVP brand thats a favorite among the ultra-wealthy and younger consumers alike.

Lands End as an MVP company

Lands End started as a mail-order yachting supply company in 1963. By 1977, it had started selling the rugged, outdoorsy apparel its best known for today.

More than six decades after its launch, the retailer remains immensely popular, bringing in $1.34 billion in net revenues in 2025.

Its continued success is due, in large part, to its ability to appeal to shoppers across generations and income brackets.

We acquired 20% more new-to-brand households in Q4, CEO Andrew McLean said during the companys Q4 FY2025 earnings call. Lands' End, Inc. is increasingly a multigenerational brand serving grandmother, mother, and granddaughter.

Once those customers (whether theyre new to Lands End or grandfathered in) are bought in, they tend to be very loyal. The average Lands End shopper stays with the brand for 18 years, according to CNN  a herculean feat in a world of fast fashion and social media brands.

More retail:
Irish ministers to hold emergency meet over fuel cost protests



London, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



The Irish government was on Sunday due to hold an emergency cabinet meeting to sign off on measures aimed at ending fuel cost protests that have endangered the functioning of the country's emergency services.

Hauliers and agricultural contractors began a series of protests on Tuesday over spiralling petrol and diesel prices amid the Middle East war.

Since then the protests have grown from slow-moving convoys on motorways and restricted access to Dublin's busiest streets, to a part blockade of Ireland's only oil refinery and restricted access to at least two other fuel depots.

Finance Minister Simon Harris said later on Saturday ministers had held meetings with transport and agriculture sector representatives ahead of Sunday's meeting.

The government was in the process of "finalising a significant support package to address the ongoing crisis", a government statement added.

Some protests rolled into a sixth day on Sunday.

The government has urged the public not to panic buy as pumps at many fuel stations have run dry.

Police on Saturday with the support of the armed forces deployed public order units to clear the blockade at Whitegate Refinery in southern Ireland.

Irish police chief Justin Kelly said the action was taken as a last resort.

The blockading of "critical national infrastructure" had "resulted in fuel shortages that are directly impacting on emergency services such as hospitals, the ambulance service, and the fire service", he said.

Elsewhere, police dismantled a makeshift barrier erected by protesters blockading western Galway docks.

A late-night operation also targeted the blockade of the capital Dublin's main thoroughfare O'Connell Street after multiple vehicles including tractors and lorries were removed.

Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said earlier the continuation of the protests despite the increasingly difficult situation had been "unacceptable".

"While we all acknowledge the impact of higher fuel prices, and seek to minimise that impact, no groups are entitled in our republic to hold our people to ransom in such a manner," he said.

In March, Dublin announced a 250 million-euro package to reduce fuel costs, notably including a diesel rebate for road haulier

There were now the "bones of an agreement" with the government, the president Ger Hyland of the Irish Road Haulage Association said on Saturday.

"It is a substantial package and we hope to have this over the line either late tonight or tomorrow," he added.
Trump orders US Navy to block Hormuz Strait after Iran talks fail



Washington, United States, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy on Sunday to block the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, furious with Iran's refusal to surrender its nuclear ambitions after peace talks in Pakistan broke down without an agreement.

In response to Trump's announcement, Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned they had traffic in the strategic waterway under their full control and would trap any enemy who tried to challenge it "in a deadly vortex".

In a lengthy declaration on his social media platform, Trump said his eventual goal was to clear the strait of mines and reopen it to all shipping, but that in the meantime Iran must not be allowed to profit from its control of the waterway.

"Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz," Trump said. "Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!"

Iran has itself been restricting traffic through the strait -- a key route for global shipments of oil, gas and fertiliser -- while allowing vessels deemed to be working for friendly countries, such as China, to pass. There have been unconfirmed reports that Tehran plans to charge tolls.

"THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION," Trump said. "I have also instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas. We will also begin destroying the mines the Iranians laid in the Straits."

The US military had said Saturday that two Navy warships transited through the strait to begin clearing it of mines and ensure it was a "safe pathway" for tankers, a claim denied by Tehran.

Iran's Fars news agency reported on Sunday that two Pakistani-flagged oil tankers heading for the strait had turned around.

Fears of renewed fighting rattled an already tense region after the US-Iran talks collapsed.

"I am worried about the continuation of the situation and the return of attacks again," said Imam, an Egyptian housewife living in UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

"I was making a great effort not to pass my tension on to the children."



- 'Act of extortion' -



Trump later in a Fox News interview again threatened Iran's energy infrastructure, before warning he would impose a 50 percent tariff on Chinese imports if Beijing tried to help the Iranian military.

"I could take out Iran in one day. I could have their entire energy everything, every one of their plants, their electric generating plants, which is a big deal," he said.

The president's latest ultimatum appeared to have been triggered by the failure of talks to secure a deal to end the six-week-old war, which began when the US and Israel launched strikes on Tehran and killed Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

Iran's refusal to give up its right to a nuclear programme frustrated the US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

"I have always said, right from the beginning, and many years ago, IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!" Trump said.

"The Blockade will begin shortly. Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade," he added, without specifying.

Experts said blocking the crucial waterway in the middle of a two-week ceasefire, after the Islamabad negotiations, would further erode America's global credibility.

"Imposing a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz right now -- even if it's implementable, which remains an open question -- is bewildering and seems self-defeating," said Shibley Telhami, a professor of peace and development at the University of Maryland.

Vance left Pakistan after the talks -- the highest-level meeting between the two sides since the 1979 Islamic revolution -- and warned that Washington had made Tehran its "final and best offer" for a deal, adding: "We'll see if the Iranians accept it."

Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the head of his country's negotiating team, said he had "put forward constructive initiatives" but the US team did not win Iran's trust.



- Ceasefire efforts -



The failure of the talks will raise concerns that a return to fighting could drive world energy prices higher and further damage shipping and oil and gas facilities.

Pakistan, which hosted the talks, urged both countries to continue respecting the temporary truce.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq, and both leaders agreed it "was vital there was a continuation of the ceasefire, and that all parties avoided any further escalation".

An EU spokesman said diplomacy would be "essential" to securing peace and hailed Pakistan's mediation efforts, while Russia's President Vladimir Putin called Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to offer his services to the diplomatic effort.

"Vladimir Putin emphasised his readiness to further facilitate the search for a political and diplomatic settlement to the conflict, and to mediate efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East," the Kremlin said, in its readout of the call.

burs/dc/jfx/smw
Saudi summons Iraq ambassador over 'attacks' from its territory: state media



Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry summoned the Iraqi ambassador to deliver a formal complaint, state media reported Sunday, saying the protest concerned attacks launched from the country.

The ministry "stressed the kingdom's condemnation and denunciation of attacks originating from Iraqi territory against the kingdom and the Gulf states", the Saudi Press Agency said in a post on social media that included a photo of a meeting between the ambassador and a Saudi envoy.

The statement marks one of the first official accusations in the region suggesting that attacks targeting the Gulf states during the fighting between Iran and the US and Israel may have been launched from Iraq.

The diplomatic protest comes just days after a similar complaint was issued by the US.

Along with the Gulf states, Iraq was dragged into the war between the US, Israel and Iran, with strikes repeatedly targeting both US interests -- especially the embassy in Baghdad -- and pro-Iranian groups in the country.

During the fighting, pro-Iranian armed groups in Iraq claimed launching daily attacks on "enemy bases" in the country and the wider region, but said on Wednesday they were suspending their actions after the announcement of a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran.
Iran Guards threaten to trap enemies in 'deadly vortex' in Hormuz



Tehran, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



The Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday that Iranian security forces had the Strait of Hormuz shipping bottleneck under their full control, warning that enemies would be trapped in a "deadly vortex" in the case of any miscalculation.

"All traffic... is under the full control of the armed forces," the Guards' naval command said in a Persian-language post on X after President Donald Trump ordered a US naval blockade of the Strait.

"The enemy will become trapped in a deadly vortex in the Strait if it makes the wrong move," it added, posting a video showing vessels in crosshairs.

In a separate statement released by the Guards' public relations office, the force's naval command insisted that "contrary to the false claims of some enemy officials", the Strait of Hormuz is "open to the harmless passage of civilian vessels in compliance with specific relevant regulations".

It did not give details on the nature of these rules but added: "Any military vessels that intend to approach the Strait of Hormuz under any pretext will be considered in violation of the ceasefire and will be dealt with severely."

In a lengthy declaration on his social media platform, Trump said that his eventual goal was to clear the strait of mines and reopen it to all shipping, but that in the meantime Iran must not be allowed to profit from its control of the waterway.

Iran imposed a de-facto blockade on the Strait of Hormuz after the start of the war with the United States and Israel on February 28, leading to a spike in global energy prices.

A two-week ceasefire was agreed late last week but it remains shaky, especially after the failure of talks between Iran and the US in Islamabad.

bur-sjw/smw
War in the Middle East: latest developments



Paris, France, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



The latest developments in the Middle East war:



- Trump orders blockade -



US President Donald Trump has ordered his navy block "any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz", after peace talks in Pakistan between American and Iranian delegations ended in failure.

He said on social media he has also ordered the US Navy to "interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas."



- Iran Guards' threat -



Iran's Revolutionary Guards said after Trump's announcement that Iranian security forces had full control over the Strait of Hormuz and warned enemies would be trapped in a "deadly vortex" in case of any "wrong move".



- US team exits Islamabad -



The entire American negotiating team involved in the weekend talks with Iran has left Islamabad, a US official said, leaving no-one behind who could have pursued back-channel discussions towards a deal.



- Iran mistrust -



The top Iranian official in the Islamabad talks, parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said on X that Washington was "unable to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations".

Iranian and US media said the main sticking points in the talks were the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran's insistence on a right to enrich uranium.



- Lebanon deaths -



Lebanese official media reported extensive Israeli strikes across the country's south as the health ministry said at least five people were killed and the war's overall toll on that front rose to 2,055 dead.

Israel asserts that the Middle East ceasefire does not apply to its military operations in Lebanon targeting the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.



- Saudi summons -



Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry summoned the ambassador of Iraq to deliver a formal complaint about attacks launched from that country, state media reported.

The diplomatic protest comes just days after a similar complaint was issued by the US.



- Trump threatens China -



Trump threatened 50 percent tariffs on Chinese goods imported into the United States if Beijing helps Iran militarily.

"If we catch them doing that, they get a 50 percent tariff, which is a staggering -- that's a staggering amount," Trump told Fox News.



- Ireland crisis -



Ireland's government has convened an emergency meeting to approve measure aimed at quelling protests over spiralling petrol and diesel prices amid the Middle East war.



- Kuwait arrests -



Kuwait arrested 24 people, including five former lawmakers, as part of a probe into the "financing of terrorist entities", authorities said.

Gulf states including Kuwait have, since Iran started attacking them, moved against individuals and organisations suspected of links to or supporting Tehran.



- Iran toll -



An Iranian official said 3,375 people in Iran have been killed in the war with the United States and Israel.

Abbas Masjedi, head of the judiciary's Iranian Legal Medicine Organization, said state media the toll included 2,875 males and 496 females, without specifying if they were adults or children.

Due to reporting restrictions, AFP is not able to access the sites of strikes nor to independently verify tolls in Iran.



- Ceasefire plea -



The foreign minister of Pakistan, which mediated the weekend round of talks, called for the two-week ceasefire that had been agreed by Washington and Tehran to be upheld.

His counterpart in Oman, which has mediated in the past, urged it be extended and a new round of talks be held.



- Putin mediation offer -



Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian that he was ready to help mediate the peace efforts, the Kremlin said.



burs/rmb/giv

Waters
Scores killed in airstrikes in northeast Nigeria



Maiduguri, Nigeria, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



Dozens of people died in airstrikes in Nigeria's northeastern Yobe state as military aircraft hunted jihadists, local residents and Amnesty International said Sunday.

Africa's most populous country has been fighting a jihadist insurgency for 17 years, since Boko Haram's 2009 uprising, which has seen the emergence of powerful splinter groups including Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

In recent years, civilians have been caught in the crossfire and killed in military air strikes targeting the militants, though the authorities sometimes dispute hitting civilians.

The latest airstrikes on the village of Jilli occurred on Saturday, the death tolls differing according to the sources.

Amnesty International said on X there were "more than 100 dead" and 35 people seriously wounded.

Local chief Lawan Zanna Nur however said "the total casualties, dead and injured, is around 200."

Many were taken to hospitals in nearby Geidam and Maiduguri, he added, where at least eight more of the wounded had died Sunday.

"We are talking of dozens dead but it is difficult to give a specific toll," he said.

Nigeria's military said in a statement it had struck a location in Jilli, "long identified as a major terrorist movement corridor and convergence point for Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists and their collaborators".

Calling it "a carefully, well coordinated planned and intelligence-driven operation", the military said in a statement that it "successfully conducted a precision air strike on a known terrorist enclave and logistics hub located near the abandoned village of Jilli".

It said "scores of terrorists" were killed in the strike, but did not mention any civilian casualties.

A market committee member Bulama Mulima Abbas told AFP "36 bodies have been counted" after the airstrike "on the traders".

An intelligence source told AFP that Jilli market "is wholly controlled by Boko Haram who provides security and collect tax from traders."

Jihadist violence had slowed from its peak in around 2015 but Boko Haram and ISWAP have recently stepped up attacks in northeastern Nigeria in their campaign to establish a caliphate.

The insurgency which started in 2009 has killed more than 40,000 and displaced around two million, according to the United Nations.

Early this year the United States began deploying 200 troops to Nigeria to provide technical and training support to soldiers in fighting jihadist groups.

Nigeria's Attorney General and Minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi on Friday said nearly 400 people had been convicted for terrorism and terrorism financing in latest series of mass trials.

"In total, we brought about 508 cases. Of this 508, we were able to secure 386 convictions, 8 discharges, 2 acquittals and 112 adjourned to the next phase," he told reporters.

str-abu-ks/sn/giv
Israel's Netanyahu, in south Lebanon, says threat of invasion removed



Jerusalem, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israeli forces had eliminated the threat of an invasion by Hezbollah militants during a visit to troops in southern Lebanon.

His visit comes two days before officials from Lebanon, Israel and the United States are due to hold direct talks in Washington.

"The war continues, including within the security zone in Lebanon," Netanyahu said in a video released by his office, which showed him wearing a flak jacket and surrounded by masked soldiers.

"What we are seeing is that we have thwarted the threat of an invasion from Lebanon through this security zone," he said, adding that he was accompanied by Defence Minister Israel Katz and military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir.

Netanyahu said the ground operations inside southern Lebanon helped in "containing the danger of rocket fire" from Hezbollah targeting northern Israeli communities, adding that Israeli forces were also "dealing with Hamas" in the area.

"There is still more to do, and we are doing it," he said.

Israel's Home Front Command logged at least 10 rocket attacks from Lebanon into Israel on Sunday, but there were no reports of casualties.

Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when Tehran-backed Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel a few days after US-Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader at the outset of the conflict on February 28.

Israel has responded with massive strikes and a ground invasion of southern Lebanon.

On Saturday, commenting on the planned talks in Washington, Netanyahu said that "we want the dismantling of Hezbollah's weapons, and we want a real peace agreement that will last for generations".
Trump orders blockade of Hormuz strait after Iran talks fail



Washington, United States, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



President Donald Trump ordered the US Navy on Sunday to block the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, furious with Iran's refusal to surrender its nuclear ambitions after peace talks in Pakistan broke down without an agreement.

In response to Trump's announcement, Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned they had traffic in the strategic waterway under their full control and would trap any enemy who tried to challenge it "in a deadly vortex".

In a lengthy declaration on his social media platform, Trump said his eventual goal was to clear the strait of mines and reopen it to all shipping, but that in the meantime Iran must not be allowed to profit from its control of the waterway.

"Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz," Trump said. "Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!"

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led the Iranian delegation in Pakistan, said upon arriving back in Tehran that the country would "not bow to any threats" from Washington.

Tehran has itself been restricting traffic through the strait -- a key route for global oil and gas shipments -- while allowing vessels deemed to be working for friendly countries, such as China, to pass. There have been unconfirmed reports that Tehran plans to charge tolls.

"THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION," Trump said. "I have also instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas. We will also begin destroying the mines the Iranians laid in the Straits."

The US military had said Saturday that two Navy warships transited through the strait to begin clearing it of mines and ensure it was a "safe pathway" for tankers, a claim denied by Tehran.

Iran's Fars news agency reported on Sunday that two Pakistani-flagged oil tankers heading for the strait had turned around.

Fears of renewed fighting rattled an already tense region after the US-Iran talks collapsed.

"I am worried about the continuation of the situation and the return of attacks again," said Imam, an Egyptian housewife living in UAE capital Abu Dhabi.

"I was making a great effort not to pass my tension on to the children."



- 'Act of extortion' -



Trump later in a Fox News interview again threatened Iran's energy infrastructure, before warning he would impose a 50 percent tariff on Chinese imports if Beijing tried to help the Iranian military.

"I could take out Iran in one day. I could have their entire energy everything, every one of their plants, their electric generating plants," he said.

The president's latest ultimatum appeared to have been triggered by the failure of talks to secure a deal to end the six-week-old war.

Iran's refusal to give up its right to a nuclear programme frustrated the US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

"I have always said, right from the beginning, and many years ago, IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!" Trump said.

"The Blockade will begin shortly. Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade," he added, without specifying which ones.

After the talks -- the highest-level meeting between the two sides since the 1979 Islamic revolution -- Vance warned that Washington had made Tehran its "final and best offer" for a deal, adding: "We'll see if the Iranians accept it."

Ghalibaf said he had "put forward constructive initiatives" but the US team did not win Iran's trust.

Iranian MP Mahmoud Nabavian, also present at the Pakistan talks, posted on X that the excessive US demands included "a joint share with Iran in the benefits of the Strait of Hormuz" alongside removing the country's 60-percent enriched uranium.

Expert Nicole Grajewski said a US blockade of the strait was "not a minor coercive signal", but would rather be considered an effective renewal of the war.

"It suggests Washington is increasingly disillusioned with diplomacy and more willing to rely on direct military means," said Grajewski, an assistant professor at Sciences Po's Center for International Research.



- 'War continues' -



The failure of the talks will raise concerns that a return to fighting could drive world energy prices higher and further damage shipping and oil and gas facilities.

Pakistan urged both countries to continue respecting the temporary truce.

But concern has grown that the ceasefire could collapse in part because of continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, where Iran has insisted the truce also applies.

Lebanese and Israeli officials are due to hold talks in Washington on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid a visit to troops in southern Lebanon, according to a video posted Sunday, saying the threat of a Hezbollah invasion of northern Israel was removed but the "war continues, including within the security zone in Lebanon".

Tamara, an 18-year-old cashier in Beirut, said focus should remain on her country, where Israeli strikes killed more than 350 people on Wednesday.

"We can't say the war has stopped because there are talks," she said.

"We mustn't forget the massacre that happened."

burs/dc/jfx/smw
Scores killed in airstrikes in northeast Nigeria



Maiduguri, Nigeria, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



Dozens of people in northeastern Nigeria died in airstrikes by the military, which claimed to be targeting jihadists, local residents, Amnesty International and a UN security report said Sunday.

Civilians have been caught in the crossfire and killed in military air strikes aimed at militants, though the authorities sometimes dispute hitting civilians.

Africa's most populous country has been fighting a jihadist insurgency for 17 years, since Boko Haram's 2009 uprising, which has seen the emergence of powerful splinter groups including Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The latest airstrikes on the village of Jilli occurred on Saturday, with the death tolls differing according to the sources.

A UN security seen by AFP stated that "4 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets launched airstrikes that mistakenly killed at least 56 people and injured 14 others at the Jilli market... on April 11."

"This occurred during a military operation targeting Boko Haram fighters who visited the market to conduct terrorism activities," it said.

Amnesty International earlier said on X there were "more than 100 dead" and 35 people seriously wounded.

Local chief Lawan Zanna Nur meanwhile said "the total casualties, dead and injured, is around 200."

Many were taken to hospitals in nearby Geidam and Maiduguri, he added, where at least eight more of the wounded had died Sunday.

"We are talking of dozens dead but it is difficult to give a specific toll," he said.

A market committee member Bulama Mulima Abbas told AFP "36 bodies have been counted" after the airstrike "on the traders".

Nigeria's military said it had "successfully conducted a precision air strike on a known terrorist enclave and logistics hub located near the abandoned village of Jilli".

It said "scores of terrorists" were killed in the strike, but did not mention any civilian casualties.

In a separate statement the air force said it had launched an investigation following reports that its airstrike "may have affected a local market in Jilli, resulting in civilian casualties".



- Nigeria facing international scrutiny -



This strike is the latest in a series of such incidents in the north of the country.

In January 2025, a military airstrike killed at least 16 people in northwestern Zamfara state after an army jet mistook local vigilantes for criminal gangs.

A month earlier, a military jet killed 10 people when it hit villages while bombing jihadist positions in neighbouring Sokoto state.

In December 2023, a Nigerian military airstrike mistook a Muslim religious gathering for bandits in Kaduna state, killing at least 85 people.

And in January 2017, at least 112 people were killed when a fighter jet struck a camp housing 40,000 people displaced by jihadist violence near the border with Cameroon.

Jihadist violence had slowed from its peak in around 2015 but Boko Haram and ISWAP have recently increased attacks in northeastern Nigeria vying to establish a caliphate.

They have also ramped up their assaults on the military, overrunning bases, killing soldiers.

Last week an army general was the second top officer to be killed in five months.

Researchers have noted a rise in violence since last year.

More than 100 people in the north have been killed over the last 10 days by both jihadists and criminal gangs.

Northwestern parts are gripped by criminal gangs -- locally called bandits -- that raid villages and extort farmers and artisanal miners and kill.

Nigeria is facing international scrutiny over its security situation, including pressure from US President Donald Trump, who orders bombardments on Islamists militants last Christmas.

Early this year the United States began deploying 200 troops to Nigeria to provide technical and training support to soldiers in fighting jihadist groups.

In the face of pressure to tackle insecurity, Nigeria's justice minister Lateef Fagbemi on Friday said government had brought to court 508 cases and convicted nearly 386 people for links to jihadists groups terrorism in a mass trial.

The United States Senior Advisor for Arab and African Affairs, Massad Boulos, commended the Nigerian government for its "strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism".

"We welcome the convictions of 386 Islamist militants in cases that had previously faced significant delays in the courts," he wrote on X.

str-abu-ks/sn/giv
Lebanon PM says working to achieve Israeli troop withdrawal



Beirut, Lebanon, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Sunday that he was working to stop the Israel-Hezbollah war, even as Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu told troops in south Lebanon that the fight there was far from over.

The health ministry said at least six people were killed in Israeli strikes in the south on Sunday, including a Red Cross paramedic.

The Lebanese Red Cross said in a statement that its personnel were "directly targeted by an Israeli drone" while carrying out a humanitarian mission, noting "the ambulances and their crews bore the protective Red Cross emblem".

And the United Nations peacekeeping force UNIFIL said an Israeli tank rammed its vehicles on two occasions, "in one case causing significant damage".

Israel says the fragile temporary ceasefire in the wider Middle East war does not apply to its battle with Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, and has kept up its attacks on the country as the militants fight back.

"We will continue to work to stop this war, to ensure the Israeli withdrawal from all our lands," Salam said in a televised address on the eve of the anniversary of the start to the country's 1975-1990 civil war.

"We are continuing our efforts... to negotiate to stop the war," he added, ahead of planned talks on Tuesday in Washington between Lebanese, Israeli and US officials.

Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East conflict when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel after US-Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader. Israel has responded with massive strikes and a ground invasion.



- 'Accountability' -



Netanyahu said Sunday that Israeli forces had eliminated the threat of an invasion by Hezbollah militants during a visit to troops in southern Lebanon, but added: "There is still more to do, and we are doing it."

"The war continues, including within the security zone in Lebanon," Netanyahu said in a video released by his office.

Israeli officials have repeatedly said that Israel wants to establish a "security zone" in south Lebanon to help prevent Hezbollah attacks.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli attacks on dozens of locations in the south on Sunday, with additional strikes on the adjacent West Bekaa area.

The health ministry raised the war's overall toll to 2,055 dead, including 165 children and more than 80 health workers.

The Lebanese Red Cross condemned attacks on its personnel as "clear and blatant violations of all provisions of international law".

Before Sunday's deadly mission which also wounded another paramedic, "the necessary contacts were made with UNIFIL for protection and safe passage," it said.

Israel's military has repeatedly accused Hezbollah of using ambulances for military ends.

Lebanon's health ministry also said an Israeli strike on Qana killed five people, including three women, and wounded 25 others.

An AFP photographer in the southern town saw significant destruction as an excavator worked to clear debris and first responders carried a body out from under the rubble.



- 'Moral obligation' -



In south Lebanon's Bazuriyeh, Hassan Berro, a rescue worker from the Risala Scout association -- which is affiliated with the Hezbollah-allied Amal movement -- said: "Our emergency centre was hit and completely destroyed, along with all its contents, including beds and medical equipment."

The AFP photographer saw windows shattered and debris covering several hospital beds in the building, where walls and ceilings were also damaged.

On Sunday, the Israeli army also accused Hezbollah of using a hospital compound in south Lebanon's Bint Jbeil "for military purposes".

Hezbollah said it launched attacks on Israeli targets across the border and inside Lebanon, including against troops in Bint Jbeil, where the NNA reported heavy fighting.

Pope Leo XIV, who visited Lebanon late last year, expressed his closeness to the Lebanese people on Sunday and said there was a "moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the atrocious effects of war".
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) is one of the undervalued large cap stocks to buy. On April 1, HSBC analyst Saul Martinez upgraded Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) from Hold to Buy, and lowered the price target to $94 from $104. The move was driven purely by valuation, considering that Wells Fargo had fallen about 17% year-to-date, making it the worst-performing stock among all banks and brokers in HSBCs coverage, noted Martinez.

Wells Fargo & Company (WFC): Re-Rating Potential as Market Sentiment Improves

Rob Wilson / Shutterstock.com

The analyst added that the stocks decline pushed its valuation to levels he described as an attractive entry point. Also, Martinez views Wells Fargo as a long-term winner in U.S. banking, citing its national scale, its strong capital base, and the fact that the asset cap, the regulatory restriction that had long constrained its balance sheet growth, has now been lifted.

However, the analyst acknowledged that those big regulatory catalysts are now behind the stock rather than ahead of it. He added that the banks January 2026 net interest income guidance disappointed markets, but argued that guidance could prove conservative. In other words, actual results may beat expectations.

Independent of the analyst action, on March 26, Wells Fargo said its artificial-intelligence-powered virtual assistant, Fargo, had passed 1 billion customer interactions. The tool hit this milestone in less than three years since launch, the lender said, and added that it had surpassed 33 million mobile active users the previous month.

Wells Fargo framed the update as part of its broader digital transformation, saying the figures show more customers are using its mobile banking tools for everyday financial tasks. The bank said Fargo has become a regular part of the mobile app experience since its 2023 debut. During this time, it has helped customers do routine jobs such as sending money with Zelle, paying bills, finding routing numbers, and checking spending patterns and account balances.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE:WFC) is a financial services company. It provides banking, lending, investment, and wealth management services to individuals, businesses, and institutions.

While we acknowledge the potential of WFC 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: 9 Best Gold Mining Companies to Buy With High Upside Potential and 12 Best Performing Cybersecurity Stocks in 2025.

Disclosure: None. Follow Insider Monkey on Google News.
US to begin blockade of Iranian ports Monday: military



Washington, United States, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



The US military said Sunday it would begin a blockade of all Iranian ports within hours, after peace talks in Pakistan collapsed with Washington blaming the Islamic republic's refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

The announcement came despite a ceasefire agreed on Wednesday aimed at pausing the six-week war until April 22, with tensions centered on whether the United States can force Iran to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, another of its key demands in the stalled negotiations.

"The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman," US Central Command said in a statement, adding that it would begin at 1400 GMT on Monday.

The statement said US forces would not impede vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports, and that further instructions for mariners would be forthcoming.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards had earlier warned they had full control of traffic through Hormuz and would trap any challenger "in a deadly vortex."

In a lengthy social media post, US president Donald Trump said his goal was to clear the strait of mines and reopen it to all shipping, but that Iran must not be allowed to profit from controlling the waterway.

"Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz," Trump said. "Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!"

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Tehran's delegation in Pakistan, said on returning home that the country would "not bow to any threats" from Washington, while navy chief Shahram Irani called Trump's blockade threat "ridiculous."

Tehran has already been restricting traffic through the strait -- a key route for global oil and gas shipments -- while allowing some vessels serving friendly countries such as China to pass. There have been unconfirmed reports it plans to charge tolls.

"THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION," Trump said. "I have also instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas. We will also begin destroying the mines the Iranians laid in the Straits."

The US military said Saturday that two Navy warships had transited through the strait to begin clearing it of mines and ensure it was a "safe pathway" for tankers, a claim Tehran denied.

Iran's Fars news agency reported Sunday that two Pakistani-flagged oil tankers bound for the strait had turned back.

The collapse of the talks rattled an already tense region and raised fears of renewed fighting.



- 'Final and best offer' -



In a later Fox News interview, Trump again threatened Iran's energy infrastructure and warned he would impose a 50 percent tariff on Chinese imports if Beijing tried to help Iran's military.

"I could take out Iran in one day. I could have their entire energy everything, every one of their plants, their electric generating plants," he said.

The US blockade appeared to be triggered by the failure of talks in Islamabad on ending the war.

The US delegation -- led by Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner -- was frustrated by Iran's refusal to give up what it called its right to a nuclear program.

"I have always said, right from the beginning, and many years ago, IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!" Trump said.

After the talks -- the highest-level meeting between the sides since the 1979 Islamic Revolution -- Vance said Washington had made Tehran its "final and best offer," adding: "We'll see if the Iranians accept it."

Ghalibaf said he had "put forward constructive initiatives" but the US side had failed to win Iran's trust.

Iranian lawmaker Mahmoud Nabavian, who also attended the talks, said on X the excessive US demands included "a joint share with Iran in the benefits of the Strait of Hormuz" as well as the removal of the country's 60-percent enriched uranium.

Nicole Grajewski, an assistant professor at Sciences Po's Center for International Research, said a US blockade was "not a minor coercive signal" but would rather be considered an effective resumption of the war.



- Truce under strain -



The failure of the talks will raise fears that renewed fighting could drive energy prices higher and further damage shipping and oil and gas facilities.

Pakistan urged both sides to keep observing the temporary truce.

But concern has grown that the ceasefire could collapse, in part because of continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, where Iran insists the truce also applies.

Lebanese and Israeli officials are due to hold talks in Washington on Tuesday.

In a video posted Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited troops in southern Lebanon and said the threat of a Hezbollah invasion of northern Israel had been removed, but that the "war continues, including within the security zone in Lebanon."

Tamara, an 18-year-old cashier in Beirut, said focus should remain on Lebanon, where Israeli strikes killed more than 350 people on Wednesday.

"We can't say the war has stopped because there are talks," she said.

"We mustn't forget the massacre that happened."

burs-ft/des
Lebanon PM says working to get Israeli troop withdrawal



Beirut, Lebanon, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Sunday he was working to stop the Israel-Hezbollah war, even as Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu told troops in south Lebanon that the fight there was far from over.

The Lebanese Red Cross said in a statement that one of its paramedics had killed in the south.

They said its teams had been "directly targeted by an Israeli drone" while on a humanitarian mission, even though "the ambulances and their crews bore the protective Red Cross emblem".

Secretary general of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Jagan Chapagain, said he was "appalled and saddened" at the killing of a second Lebanese Red Cross volunteer in weeks.

The United Nations peacekeeping force UNIFIL said an Israeli tank rammed its vehicles on two occasions, "in one case causing significant damage".

Israel says the fragile temporary ceasefire in the wider Middle East war does not apply to its battle with Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

It has kept up its attacks on the country as the militants fight back.

"We will continue to work to stop this war, to ensure the Israeli withdrawal from all our lands," Salam said in a televised address.

"We are continuing our efforts... to negotiate to stop the war," he added, ahead of planned talks on Tuesday in Washington between Lebanese, Israeli and US officials.

Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East conflict when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel after US-Israeli strikes killed Iran's supreme leader.

Israel has responded with massive strikes and a ground invasion.



- 'Accountability' -



Netanyahu said Sunday that Israeli forces had eliminated the threat of an invasion by Hezbollah militants during a visit to troops in southern Lebanon.

But he added: "There is still more to do, and we are doing it.

"The war continues, including within the security zone in Lebanon," Netanyahu said in a video released by his office.

Israeli officials have repeatedly said that Israel wants to establish a "security zone" in south Lebanon to help prevent Hezbollah attacks.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli attacks on dozens of locations in the south on Sunday, with additional strikes on the adjacent West Bekaa area.

The health ministry raised the war's overall toll to more than 2,050 dead, including 165 children and more than 80 health workers.

The Lebanese Red Cross condemned attacks on its personnel as "clear and blatant violations of all provisions of international law".

Before Sunday's deadly mission, which also wounded another paramedic, "the necessary contacts were made with UNIFIL for protection and safe passage", it said.

Israel's military has repeatedly accused Hezbollah of using ambulances for military ends.

Lebanon's health ministry also said an Israeli strike on Qana killed five people, including three women, and wounded 25 others.

An AFP photographer in the southern town saw significant destruction as an excavator worked to clear debris and first responders carried a body out from under the rubble.



- 'Moral obligation' -



In south Lebanon's Bazuriyeh, Hassan Berro, a rescue worker from the Risala Scout association -- which is affiliated with the Hezbollah-allied Amal movement -- said: "Our emergency centre was hit and completely destroyed, along with all its contents, including beds and medical equipment."

The AFP photographer saw windows shattered and debris covering several hospital beds in the building, where walls and ceilings were also damaged.

Also Sunday, the Israeli army accused Hezbollah of using a hospital compound in south Lebanon's Bint Jbeil "for military purposes".

Hezbollah said it had launched attacks on Israeli targets across the border and inside Lebanon, including against troops in Bint Jbeil, where the NNA reported heavy fighting.

Pope Leo XIV, who visited Lebanon late last year, expressed his closeness to the Lebanese people on Sunday.

He said there was a "moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the atrocious effects of war".
The coalition Government is expected to sign off on fuel-cost measures on Sunday evening, but it remains to be seen if it will convince protesters to call off any return to action when the return of schools on Monday adds to pressure on the roads.
I do not believe for a nanosecond that if this project were to be happening in the rest of the United Kingdom it would have been blocked in the same way, he said.
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Wed really value a bit of privacy as we navigate it, and what lies ahead, but thank-you again for the support as it means so much to dad and the rest of the family.
According to Mr Lawyer, the setup had been extensively tested at home in a sink before the trip, with Bebe showing no signs of distress while submerged. The mini-sub was also fitted with valves to keep air circulating, along with a gauge to monitor oxygen levels and trigger an alert if they dropped too low.
During his acceptance speech at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, Essiedu said: I remember being in that room, and even though I didnt have the language, I didnt have the vocabulary, hadnt been to the theatres, my creativity was still celebrated, nurtured, and valued. And that gave me access to being in this room with people like you today.
SCHD paid $0.2569 per share in March 2026, its most recent distribution. The fund underwent a share split in 2024, which explains why quarterly per-share payments now appear lower than the $0.8241 highs seen in 2022 and 2023. Income per dollar invested has remained more consistent than the raw per-share figures suggest.

Fidelity High Dividend ETF ( NYSEARCA:FDVV ): 2.59% yield, 0.15% expense ratio, $8.9 billion in assets. FDVV sits between the other two on yield but carries the highest expense ratio. Its portfolio is unusual for a dividend fund: Information Technology represents 24.9% of the portfolio, with top holdings including NVIDIA at 6.39%, Apple at 5.68%, and Microsoft at 4.35%.

Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares ( NYSEARCA:VYM ): 2.29% yield, 0.04% expense ratio, $92.3 billion in assets. VYM's yield is the lowest of the three, meaning the required portfolio to hit $70,000 in annual income is the largest of the three funds. The tradeoff is broader diversification across 600+ holdings and a long track record dating to November 10, 2006.

Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF ( NYSEARCA:SCHD ): 3.39% yield, 0.06% expense ratio, $85.9 billion in assets. The most popular choice in this category, with a heavy tilt toward Consumer Staples (19.5%), Healthcare (18.9%), and Energy (16.5%). The required portfolio at this yield runs well above $2.1 million to generate $70,000 annually.

The yield gap matters enormously for the $70k target. Here is where each fund stands:

The 10-year Treasury currently yields 4.31%, essentially risk-free. All three dividend ETFs yield less than that, meaning you are accepting equity volatility for a lower current income stream than Treasuries offer. The reason to do it anyway is dividend growth over time, which Treasuries cannot provide.

This question dominates dividend investing communities. The tension is common: an investor in their early 40s targeting income replacement within a decade may find their savings rate leaves them hundreds of thousands of dollars short of the required portfolio size. Getting the portfolio size right matters more than which of these three funds you pick.

Replacing a $70,000 salary with dividend income alone requires a specific portfolio size, and the required portfolio size is larger than most people expect. At a 3.39% yield from SCHD, the portfolio required to generate $70,000 per year before taxes runs into the millions, and the exact figure shifts depending on which fund you choose. That number shifts depending on which ETF you choose, but the range across these three funds is narrower than the marketing suggests.

Story Continues

VYM's recent quarterly payments have been more stable: $0.8617 in March 2026, $0.9474 in December 2025, $0.8417 in September 2025, and $0.8617 in June 2025. FDVV paid $0.44 per share in March 2026, consistent with its recent quarterly range of $0.377 to $0.447.

READ: The analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks

Three Paths to $70,000 in Annual Dividend Income

SCHD offers the highest yield of the three alongside a sector mix oriented toward dividend growth. Its sector mix of mature, cash-generating businesses has historically produced consistent payout increases. The fund has paid dividends every quarter since its October 2011 inception and has returned about 14% over the past year, meaning total return has supplemented income meaningfully.

VYM suits investors who prioritize stability and breadth over yield optimization. The fund's 11% annual portfolio turnover is the lowest of the three, which tends to produce more tax-efficient outcomes in taxable accounts. The cost is needing a larger portfolio to hit the same income target.

FDVV is the only fund of the three with meaningful technology exposure, making it distinct from a pure income vehicle. The heavy NVIDIA, Apple, and Microsoft weighting means this fund behaves more like a blend fund than a pure income vehicle. Its five-year return of roughly 83% reflects that growth tilt, but the higher 0.15% expense ratio erodes more dividend income than the other two funds.

The One Mistake That Derails Most Dividend Income Plans

The common error is targeting yield without accounting for taxes. Qualified dividends from these ETFs are taxed at capital gains rates, topping out at 20% for high earners, plus the 3.8% net investment income tax. To net $70,000 after federal taxes, someone in the 15% qualified dividend bracket needs to generate closer to $82,000 in gross dividend income, which pushes the required portfolio size meaningfully higher than the headline yield calculation suggests. A savings rate would leave them $800,000 short of the target if the portfolio size is miscalculated.

Rate cuts over the past year have helped dividend stocks compete against cash. With the 10-year Treasury still at 4.31%, the income case for these ETFs rests almost entirely on dividend growth over time. Build the portfolio size calculation around net income after taxes, not the headline yield, and the target number becomes much clearer.

The analyst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just named his top 10 AI stocks

Wall Street is pouring billions into AI, but most investors are buying the wrong stocks. The analyst who first identified NVIDIA as a buy back in 2010  before its 28,000% run  has just pinpointed 10 new AI companies he believes could deliver outsized returns from here. One dominates a $100 billion equipment market. Another is solving the single biggest bottleneck holding back AI data centers. A third is a pure-play on an optical networking market set to quadruple. Most investors haven't heard of half these names. Get the free list of all 10 stocks here.
Regular readers will know that we love our dividends at Simply Wall St, which is why it's exciting to see Costain Group PLC (LON:COST) is about to trade ex-dividend in the next three days. The ex-dividend date generally occurs two days before the record date, which is the day on which shareholders need to be on the company's books in order to receive a dividend. The ex-dividend date is of consequence because whenever a stock is bought or sold, the trade can take two business days or more to settle. This means that investors who purchase Costain Group's shares on or after the 16th of April will not receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 26th of May.

The company's next dividend payment will be UK0.032 per share. Last year, in total, the company distributed UK0.042 to shareholders. Based on the last year's worth of payments, Costain Group has a trailing yield of 2.1% on the current stock price of UK1.996. We love seeing companies pay a dividend, but it's also important to be sure that laying the golden eggs isn't going to kill our golden goose! As a result, readers should always check whether Costain Group has been able to grow its dividends, or if the dividend might be cut.

This technology could replace computers: discover the 20 stocks are working to make quantum computing a reality.

Dividends are usually paid out of company profits, so if a company pays out more than it earned then its dividend is usually at greater risk of being cut. That's why it's good to see Costain Group paying out a modest 30% of its earnings. That said, even highly profitable companies sometimes might not generate enough cash to pay the dividend, which is why we should always check if the dividend is covered by cash flow. Luckily it paid out just 15% of its free cash flow last year.

It's positive to see that Costain Group's dividend is covered by both profits and cash flow, since this is generally a sign that the dividend is sustainable, and a lower payout ratio usually suggests a greater margin of safety before the dividend gets cut.

Check out our latest analysis for Costain Group

Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends.

LSE:COST Historic Dividend April 12th 2026

Have Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?

Stocks in companies that generate sustainable earnings growth often make the best dividend prospects, as it is easier to lift the dividend when earnings are rising. If business enters a downturn and the dividend is cut, the company could see its value fall precipitously. That's why it's comforting to see Costain Group's earnings have been skyrocketing, up 62% per annum for the past five years. Costain Group is paying out less than half its earnings and cash flow, while simultaneously growing earnings per share at a rapid clip. This is a very favourable combination that can often lead to the dividend multiplying over the long term, if earnings grow and the company pays out a higher percentage of its earnings.
CAIRO, April 12 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia has restored full oil pumping capacity through the East-West pipeline L1N40S100 to about seven million barrels per day, it said on Sunday, days after providing an assessment of damage on its energy sector from attacks during the Iran conflict https://www.reuters.com/world/iran/.

More from Yahoo Scout Which Saudi oil facilities were targeted during attacks? What is the significance of the East-West Pipeline recovery? How quickly did Saudi Arabia restore its energy operations? How did Iranian attacks affect Saudi oil production capacity?

The ministry said energy facilities and the pipeline affected by attacks L1N40S100 during the conflict have recovered and restored operational capacity.

Saudi did not specify who launched the attacks, but the kingdom has intercepted many Iranian missiles and drones in recent weeks.

The strikes also disrupted operations nL1N40S0LS at key oil, gas, refining, petrochemical and electricity sites in Riyadh, the Eastern Province and Yanbu Industrial City.

OUTPUT RECOVERY TO HELP SUPPLY CONTINUITY

Saudi said on Thursday the attacks had cut its oil production capacity by around 600,000 barrels per day and throughput on its East-West Pipeline by about 700,000 bpd.

The East-West Pipeline has been Saudi Arabia's only crude export route amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported on Wednesday that Iran attacked the pipeline https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/saudi-arabias-east-west-oil-pipeline-hit-iranian-attack-damage-being-assessed-2026-04-08/ just hours after the ceasefire was agreed.

The ministry said it recovered affected volumes from the Manifa oilfield, where output had previously been reduced by around 300,000 bpd.

Work was ongoing to restore full output at the Khurais facility, after strikes on it reduced Saudi capacity by a further 300,000 bpd, the ministry said.

It said the quick recovery would enhance the "reliability and continuity of supplies to local and global markets."

(Reporting by Menna Alaa El-Din and Muhammad Al GebalyEditing by Bernadette Baum)
SEOUL, April 12 (Reuters) - South Korea is close to securing crude oil supplies from Kazakhstan, the industry minister said on Sunday, as the country looks for alternative energy sources amid the war in the Middle East.

"There has been quite (some) progress, so we should be able to announce specific amounts and details early next week," Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan said in an interview with local broadcaster KBS.

Earlier this month, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik travelled with Kim to Kazakhstan nL1N40Q01G, Oman and Saudi Arabia to secure supplies of crude oil and naphtha amid disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

"Kazakhstan might sound very far, but it actually takes about the same time with shipments from the U.S. About 50 to 60 days," Kim said, adding that the recent visit to the central Asian country was aimed at diversifying oil supplies in the long run.

South Korea, which is almost entirely dependent on imports for its energy with 70% of oil purchases coming from the Middle East, also secured a pledge nL1N40600F last month from the United Arab Emirates to supply 24 million barrels of crude oil.

(Reporting by Jihoon Lee; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Peter Magyar: Hungary's former govt insider promising change



Budapest, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



Just a few years ago, Peter Magyar applauded Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's speeches from a front row seat. Today, he is the nationalist leader's most serious challenger in his 16 years in power.

"They called me the 'eternal opposition' within (Orban's party) Fidesz," he told AFP soon after bursting into prominence in 2024 as the government faced a presidential pardon scandal involving a child abuser's accomplice.

A skilful communicator -- on social media but also on the campaign trail -- the 45-year-old conservative has promised change, vowing to dismantle "brick by brick" Orban's whole political system to which he had deep ties until recently.

People who know Magyar say he is a perfectionist with a short temper who will apologise for his shortcomings.

He has toured the nation almost non-stop over the past two years promising to curb graft and fix public services, propelling his Tisza party to the top of voter opinion polls.

His status as a former government insider contributed to his meteoric rise, according to Andrzej Sadecki, lead analyst at the Warsaw-based Centre for Eastern Studies.

"He sounds more convincing to some former Fidesz voters when he says the system is rotten from within," the expert told AFP.

"In a way, Magyar is like Orban 20 years ago without all the baggage, the corruption and the mistakes made in power."



- 'Courageous' -



Born into a family of prominent conservatives, Magyar was fascinated with politics from an early age.

During his university years, he befriended Gergely Gulyas -- Orban's current chief of staff -- and met Judit Varga, whom he married and who later became justice minister under Orban.

After a stint in Brussels, where Magyar served as a diplomat dealing with EU matters, the family moved back to Hungary.

Magyar then headed the state's student loan provider and sat on the board of multiple other state companies.

Magyar and Varga, who have three children, divorced in 2023.

In early 2024, Magyar -- who until then had been largely unknown to the public -- shot to prominence during anti-government protests over the pardoning of a convicted child abuser's accomplice.

Although Magyar brushed off a question about his political aspirations back then as a "bad (idea), even as a joke", weeks later he organised his first rally, attracting tens of thousands.

Magyar quickly became seen as "courageous, action-orientated and willing to take personal risks", Veronika Kovesdi, media expert at Budapest-based ELTE university, told AFP.

His social media messaging "emotionally resonated" with his followers, granting him an "unparalleled organic reach", said Kovesdi, adding many supporters see him as a "hero, tirelessly fighting for them".

The former insider took over the previously unknown Tisza party so he could legally run in the 2024 European elections, leading it to second place behind the ruling coalition.

As his popularity has skyrocketed, Magyar has faced a "tsunami of hatred and lies" as he put it, ridiculing some claims and denying others, including domestic abuse accusations from Varga.



- 'Chance for change' -



Magyar has promised to crack down on corruption, improve public services such as healthcare and carry out reforms required to unfreeze billions of euros in EU funds earmarked for Hungary.

On foreign policy, he has vowed to make the country a reliable NATO ally and EU member, while being critical of Russia, with which Orban has sought close ties despite Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Like Orban, Magyar also rejects sending arms to Ukraine and opposes the country's quick EU integration, although he does not share Orban's hostile rhetoric towards Kyiv.

He has even stricter anti-immigration views than Orban, pledging he would end the government's guest worker programme.

Magyar's stance on LGBTQ rights is vague, but he emphasises he backs equality before the law.

Occasionally, he has had heated arguments with the media, lambasting outlets for "misplacing" their focus.

"As he was socialised in Fidesz, there are also doubts whether he can provide a genuine rupture with Orban's rule," analyst Sadecki said.

"Left-wing voters might not be fully happy with his agenda, but they still support him, because he represents the biggest chance for change," he added.
Category 3 cyclone pummels New Zealand



Wellington, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



A category 3 tropical cyclone pummelled New Zealand's North Island on Sunday, triggering flooding and damaging infrastructure but authorities were relieved it bypassed Auckland, the country's most populous city.

Cyclone Vaianu made landfall in the Bay of Plenty on the east coast, where hundreds of residents had already evacuated from their homes or were warned to stay clear of heavy sea conditions.

Townships in the Bay of Plenty and neighbouring Coromandel regions also bore the brunt of winds exceeding 130 kilometres per hour (81 mph), strong enough to lift roofs from houses and cut power to about 5,000 customers.

Emergency services received hundreds of callouts but there were no initial reports of injuries.

New Zealand's weather forecaster MetService had described Vaianu as a "multi-hazard, potentially life-threatening event", as it moved south across the Pacific Ocean.

Numerous regions had been placed under states of emergency on Saturday but several of them escaped the worst of the cyclone's force, including Auckland, home to 1.8 million residents.

Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell said the damage could have been greater.

"It's moved more to the fringes and more to the east, which means that we haven't quite seen the intensity that we had prepared for or that we thought we were going to get hit with. So that is good news," Mitchell told journalists.

Mitchell warned some areas would continue to experience intense rainfall and potential coastal inundation over the remainder of the day.

The storm was expected to cross the eastern North Island and exit through Hawke's Bay later on Sunday, tracking a similar path to that of Cyclone Gabrielle, which battered the country three years ago.

Gabrielle was more damaging, claiming 11 lives and costing New Zealand an estimated US$8.5 billion in repairs.
Swedish coast guard boards Panama-flagged vessel on pollution claim



Stockholm, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



Swedish authorities boarded a Panama-flagged vessel on Sunday, suspecting it of an environmental offence over flushing coal residues into the Baltic Sea, the Swedish coast guard said.

The Panama-registered bulk carrier Hui Yuan had been on its way from Russia to Las Palmas in Spain when it was boarded off the southern port of Ystad, the coast guard said in a statement.

The 225-metre-long vessel had been discovered flushing coal residues into the Baltic Sea on Saturday during a coast guard aircraft monitoring mission in a violation of the Nordic country's Environmental Code.

The vessel is currently suspected of an environmental offence and a preliminary investigation had been launched, the statement said.

"The shipping industry should know that Swedish authorities are working close together to maintain order at sea," said Daniel Stenling, deputy head of the coast guard's operations department.

"If there is a suspicious vessel, we do intervene, based on the prevailing conditions," he added.
Boarded Panama-flagged vessel released:Swedish coast guard



Stockholm, April 12 (AFP) Apr 12, 2026



A Panama-flagged vessel which the Swedish coast guard boarded on Sunday morning suspecting it of an environmental offence has been released after the master of the vessel admitted to a crime, the coast guard said.

The Panama-registered bulk carrier Hui Yuan had been on its way from Russia to Las Palmas in Spain when it was boarded off the southern port of Ystad, the coast guard said in a statement.

The 225-metre-long vessel had been discovered flushing coal residues into the Baltic Sea on Saturday during a coast guard aircraft monitoring mission in a violation of the Nordic country's Environmental Code.

A preliminary investigation was launched and the master of the ship interviewed.

Later Sunday, the coast guard said the ship master "has admitted violating the Swedish Environmental Code" and "has deposited money for future fines.

"The ship is therefore allowed to leave Sweden," it said.

"The shipping industry should know that Swedish authorities are working close together to maintain order at sea," said Daniel Stenling, deputy head of the coast guard's operations department.

"If there is a suspicious vessel, we do intervene, based on the prevailing conditions," he added.
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Dan Walker is due to appear at an employment tribunal over accusations of bullying by his former Channel 5 co-anchor, reports claim.

The broadcaster, 49, will face his former Channel 5 News co-anchor Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije, 47, at a hearing in London that is expected to last four days, beginning from 20 April.

A spokesperson for ITN, the production company behind news for ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5, told The Independent: This claim, which is denied in full, will be addressed through the tribunal process.

The Independent has contacted representatives of Walker and Vanderpuije for comment.

A source told The Mail on Sunday that the Strictly Come Dancing star and ex-BBC Breakfast host absolutely denies any sexism, misogyny, racism or bullying. It has been hanging over him for some years now.

They continued: He will be at London Central tribunal later this month. Nobody wants this but he will be there to tell the judge the truth.

There will be tons of witness statements which will talk to Dans character. He has been absolutely stunned with the amount of people willing to support him. He has been stunned and actually very upset to be accused of such things.

open image in gallery Claudia-Liza Vanderpuije on Channel 5 ( Channel 5 )

The accusations are levied against him by his former co-anchor Vanderpuije, who left Channel 5 in 2023 after five years. She spent only her final year presenting alongside Walker.

This is not the first time that Walker has been at the centre of controversy. In 2024, he was hit by a multi-pronged complaint, leading network bosses to carry out an investigation.

Walker was cleared of any wrongdoing by the findings, with independent investigators citing a lack of evidence to support allegations.

At the time, a Channel 5 spokesperson said none of the claims had been upheld.

In a subsequent interview with The Telegraph, Walker said: I havent really talked about it, but that was fully investigated and everything was completely incorrect and I was entirely vindicated by an independent inquiry.

open image in gallery ( Getty )

So yeah, thats not nice, but you hold on to what you know the truth is and ultimately the truth is the important thing.

Asked whether the process was hard for his family, Walker replied: I think whenever youre under scrutiny its difficult. Its important that the industry is scrutinised, but its also important that we hold on to what is true and what is right.

Walker joined the evening news at Channel 5 in 2022 after leaving his post at BBC Breakfast, where the toll of presenting a morning programme  that necessitates a 3am wakeup call everyday  was so great on his mental health that he would cry in the toilets in the studios behind the scenes.

open image in gallery ( Getty )

By Wednesday I was like, full zombie mode. And also you get really emotional, he said on This Morning last month.

End of the show, you are like, in the toilets just crying. Anything sets you off. Someone says something nice about your trousers and you are [crying].

Walker has returned to morning hosting duties as presenter of Classic FMs breakfast show.
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GB News presenter Eamonn Holmes is "doing okay given the circumstances" after suffering a stroke, his eldest son Declan has confirmed.

Declan Holmes added his fathers medical issue "came as a real shock", and he thanked those who have sent messages of support, saying: "It means a lot to us as a family."

GB News announced on Saturday that Holmes, 66, had suffered a stroke last week and was recovering in hospital.

In a statement on Sunday, his son shared: What happened came as a real shock, but dad is doing okay given the circumstances and were taking it one step at a time.

I just wanted to share a quick message to say we hugely appreciate all the messages, it means a lot to us as a family.

For now, were focused on him and keeping things steady around him.

Wed really value a bit of privacy as we navigate it, and what lies ahead, but thank-you again for the support as it means so much to dad and the rest of the family.

open image in gallery GB News announced on Saturday that Holmes, 66, had suffered a stroke last week and was recovering in hospital ( Getty )

In a statement on Saturday, a GB News spokesperson said Holmes was taken ill last week and it was later confirmed he had suffered a stroke.

The statement added: He is currently responding well to treatment.

Eamonn has asked for privacy as he focuses on getting better.

His colleagues and everyone at GB News wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to the peoples channel when he is ready to return.

Alex Armstrong will present in his absence this week, the broadcaster added.

Holmes, from Northern Ireland, who presents GB News Breakfast with his co-host Ellie Costello, is Britains longest-serving breakfast news presenter, with a career spanning more than 40 years.

open image in gallery Eamonn Holmes has been using walking aids due to previous health issues ( PA Archive )

Before joining GB News in 2022, he anchored GMTV between 1993 and 2005, Sky News Sunrise between 2005 and 2016, and co-presented ITVs This Morning from 2006 to 2021.

Angelos Frangopoulos, chief executive of GB News, said on Saturday: Eamonn is a loved member of the GB News family, and were with him every step of the way as he recovers.

Holmes has long battled health issues after dislodging discs in his back which he said previously impinged on his sciatic nerve and affected the mobility of his right leg.

He previously spoke about going through spinal surgery, a double hip replacement, and his struggles walking and using a mobility scooter.

Holmes had two falls in May last year which seem to have taken place only weeks apart.

The former This Morning host was taken to hospital after a first fall at his home, then fell from his chair live on-air.
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Saturday Night Live UK wasted no time in spoofing the recent Kanye West Wireless controversy.

The newly launched British edition of the American sketch show is well and truly underway. In its fourth week, the series took on timely topics including the cancellation of the London music festival.

The sketch, praised by some viewers as hilarious, saw three of the cast mates  Jack Shep, Al Nash and Annabel Marlow  play Never Have I Ever, a game in which someone says something that they have never done and the other players must take a drink if they have done it.

Never have I ever kissed two boys on one night, Shep says, to which Marlow replies: Guilty!

Marlow then offers: Never have I ever accidentally booked a neo-Nazi to headline a music festival for three nights.

Girl, you said you wouldnt bring that up! Shep shoots back.

Last week, the music festival was officially cancelled after the artist, who now goes by Ye, was banned from entering the UK over his antisemitic comments. His application to enter the country via an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) was blocked by officials amid controversy over his scheduled festival appearance.

The Gold Digger rapper had been due to headline all three days of Wireless Festival at Finsbury Park in London this July.

open image in gallery The rapper has repeatedly made antisemitic remarks (Jonathan Brady/PA) ( PA Archive )

A statement issued by Wireless announcing the cancellation on Tuesday (7 April) read: 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.

It is understood that Wests ETA was initially granted online before ministers intervened. Prime Minister 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.

open image in gallery El Ministerio del Interior ha impedido que Kanye West viaje al Reino Unido (PA). ( PA Archive )

The rapper has been heavily criticised for making several antisemitic remarks including voicing praise for Adolf Hitler. Last year, he self-released a song titled Heil Hitler months after selling a swastika T-Shirt on his website.

In January, he took out a full-page advert in the Wall Street Journal apologising To Those Ive Hurt for his antisemitic behaviour and actions, which he attributed to his bipolar disorder.

In a statement issued hours before the governments decision was announced, Ye offered to meet and listen to members of the UKs Jewish community.

Ive been following the conversation around Wireless and want to address it directly, he wrote. 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 The festival announced that it would not be going ahead on Tuesday ( Getty )

Elsewhere in the same sketch on SNL UK, Emma Sidi appeared as Melania Trump to skewer the First Ladys recent statement in which she claimed she never had a relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Why do you keep bringing up all the Epstein stuff? Marlow asks in the sketch, as Shep adds: Yeah like, your husband literally started a war to distract us all from it.

Sidis Melania then begs for one last chance with her friends, saying that she no longer has any since they all died in a maximum security prison.

To solidify their new friendship, she offers up two truths and a lie, stating: I love my new friends, I like poor people  wink, wink  and live from London, its Saturday Night!
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A family has reunited with their beloved cat seven years after he went missing in California.

Amber Davidson and her kids adopted their pet cat, Dodger, in 2016 from the Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center in Clovis, California, according to local news outlet Your Central Valley.

But when preparing for a cross-country move in 2018, Dodger disappeared.

Davidson planned her familys move to Florida after the father of her children died. Of course, Dodger was supposed to be moving too, with Davidson having planned for a friend to transport the cat, along with the familys belongings, to Florida.

Dodger never made the move and has been missing ever since  but that all changed when Davidson recently got an unexpected email.

Amber Davidson and her family were reunited with their cat after he went missing in 2018 (stock) ( Getty Images )

It was like 11 p.m., and I get this email saying Dodger has been scanned into Fresno TNR, she told Your Central Valley, referring to Trap-Neuter-Return, a non-profit organization focused on reducing the number of free-roaming cats in Fresno, California.

Sydney Sherman, who works at Fresno TNR, told the publication that Dodger was found in Madera, California, and brought in for neutering. However, veterinarians realized hed already been neutered and had a microchip. Once Sherman scanned the chip, she learned that the cat belonged to a family that no longer lived in California.

I was like, oh my gosh, where do these people live, this isnt a 559 area code, she said, before learning that Davidson and her family now live 2,500 miles away in Georgia.

The pair began making plans to reunite Dodger and his family, with Sherman telling Davidson that she was going to be in Florida in March.

I was like, well, Im going to a wedding in Florida on March 24, I can try to bring him to you guys if you can meet me in Florida, Sherman said. The reunion plans were then set in place, with Davidson and her family driving seven hours to Florida to see Dodger for the first time in seven years.

That moment, of Hes finally home, he gets to be with his people again, Sherman said. Its very special.

When we were walking away, Schylar was like, Mom, you did so good, you didnt cry, Davidson added, referring to her son.

This isnt the first time that a pet has made headlines for traveling across state lines to reunite with loved ones. In October, beloved calico cat Francine returned to her home in a Richmond, Virginia, Lowes store after she was missing for a month.

Francine, formerly a stray, was discovered at a company distribution center in Garysburg, North Carolina, having hitched a ride on a truck. Two Richmond Lowe's employees made a 90-minute drive to retrieve her. She was back on duty the following day, playing with customers, posing for photos and enjoying affection.

Before she went missing, Francine spent much of her time either at the customer service desk or in the store's seasonal area.
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Everywhere I look, there seems to be a headline about a celebrity in her forties having a child. Aubrey Plaza is expecting her first child, aged 41, with partner Christopher Abbott, while both Sienna and Savannah Miller are expecting children in their mid-forties.

Sienna has said she counts herself as really fortunate to be expecting her third child at the age of 44, and says being pregnant in her forties is the best because her life is in a more grounded space.

Having had a baby at 29, and then having a baby at 42, and now 44, its so much easier, she recently told Glamour magazine  as if womens declining fertility as they age is absolutely meaningless. We don't judge men who are having kids in their 80s. Why on earth is there any sort of narrative?

Sienna froze her eggs, but she didn't use them and got pregnant naturally. Likewise her fashion designer sister, Savannah, is expecting her fourth child at 47 and shared photos of her baby bump last month.

Our longed for miracle baby is joining gang in August! she said, referring to her pregnancy as a profound and phenomenal gift.

It really is, but its also a struggle. Celebrities make it sound easy-peasy to be older mums and have kids later in life, but thats not always the case. For me and countless other women who leave it until our forties, it is an utter nightmare.

open image in gallery Sienna Miller's sister Savannah revealed on Instagram in March that she is pregnant with her first child with new husband, James Whewell, aged 47 ( Savannah Miller/Instagram )

I waited for the right man to have kids, but by the time I found him and we were ready to have children, I was 38. When we embarked on an IVF journey after I was told my ovarian reserve was practically non-existent, I spent more than 80,000 on fertility treatments to welcome my miracle babies, first at the age of 40 and then 42. I was lucky to have equity in my flat, which I plundered in a desperate last-ditch attempt to have my longed-for children in 2016 and 2018  but many people do not have those sorts of funds at the ready.

Thats why these celebrity miracle stories are selling a sometimes impossible dream of motherhood over 40. While they share about how it is easier to have children in their forties, they rarely talk about the challenges of getting pregnant after 40. I know the brutal truth.

By the time I ended up in a fertility experts office, I was told I had a 1 to 5 per cent chance of conceiving if I resorted to IVF. Although every womans fertility clock is different, what is missing is a reality check: having a baby over 40 is often hard. Around one in seven couples of any age may have difficulty conceiving, according to the NHS, and any pregnancy in a woman over 35 is labelled a geriatric pregnancy or advanced maternal age precisely because risks can increase with age.

But that narrative is rarely discussed during celebrity interviews. The Millers arent alone in excitedly announcing their pregnancies over 40  supermodel Gisele Bundchen welcomed her third child in early 2025 aged 44, while actor Hilary Swank welcomed twins, Aya and Ohm, at age 48 in April 2023, describing the experience as a total miracle having frozen her eggs at the age of 37.

open image in gallery Aubrey Plaza has confirmed she is pregnant with her first child aged 41 ( Getty )

Naomi Campbell famously had her first child at 50 in 2021 and a second in 2023 at 53  saying it's never too late. Chloe Sevigny gave birth to her first child aged 45, Rachel Weisz had a child aged 48 with Daniel Craig, and Halle Berry had her second child at the age of 47.

Im happy for them all, but I also cant help but ask how it was so easy for them while millions of women in their forties and even their thirties are crying their eyes out over yet another failed pregnancy test?

The Night Manager actor Camila Morrone, 28, has added fuel to the fire by sharing her admiration for women having babies in their forties and defying social norms in Aprils issue of Porter magazine. But I look around and the possibilities are just expanding [in Hollywood], she said. I love that the norm now can be first-time moms in their forties. Im all about breaking up with what we think we know. And being pro-women at all costs  it really is that simple.

open image in gallery Hilary Swank welcomed twins, Aya and Ohm, at age 48 in April 2023 ( Invision/AP )

Its not that simple, however. This miracle baby narrative is driven by a fantasy that we can have kids whenever we like, and why the hell shouldnt we do it when it suits us! The 40-plus celebrity mother typically throws fire onto that fantasy by saying it is the best era to have a baby because they are more grounded, stable, and have increased patience  all of which I can attest to.

But their proclamations of the joys and ease of a miracle pregnancy make out that age doesnt matter, which is sadly not the truth, no matter how much I wish it were. And while I dont judge any of them for wanting kids later in life as I did, it would be helpful if they could share either their own truthful fertility challenges, or warn others that its not the norm.

It is true that a record number of women in their forties are now having children, according to official data, as the birth rate continues to drop off in younger age groups. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in America shows the birth rate for women aged 40 to 44 rose 4 per cent in 2022 compared to the previous year. There was also a 12 per cent rise from 2021 to 2022 among women who were aged 45 to 49 years having babies, the first change in this rate since 2015.

More than half of intended pregnancies in women aged 42  nearly 55 per cent  resulted in foetal loss

However, natural fertility declines significantly after age 40. According to experts, the chances of getting pregnant naturally after 45 are very low, typically estimated at 1 per cent  and most women in their early 40s only have a five per cent chance of becoming pregnant per month of trying. While natural conception is possible, declining egg quality and quantity make it difficult.

Nearly 55 per cent of intended pregnancies in women aged 42 resulted in foetal loss, according to a large study published in the BMJ in 2020. In younger age groups, the risk of miscarriage was lower, around 10 per cent for women aged 20-24, but started to rise more sharply nearer to the age of 35, when it was over 20 per cent.

By the time I had my daughters, Lola and Liberty, it was termed a geriatric pregnancy, and I looked upon it like a miracle. It had taken me four years and I spent thousands on IVF.

So while Sienna calls it easy, Id point out that such success stories are luring women into a false sense of security. Many women cant afford IVF  and even if they can, its not a guarantee. Hopeful mums aged 40 to 42 only enjoyed a 10 per cent birth rate per embryo transferred in 2022, according to HFEA research, declining to just 5 per cent in women aged 43 to 44 in that year. For women aged 18 to 34, IVF birth rates were higher at 35 per cent per embryo transferred. This is if you are lucky to even have a viable embryo transferred  many times mine werent good enough due to my age.

For this reason, IVF isnt usually recommended for women over 42 as the success rate is considered too low.

open image in gallery Gisele Bundchen welcomed her third child aged 44 in early 2025 ( Gisele Bundchen/Instagram )

The reality for women in their 40s trying to conceive is that the majority of them will find it challenging  and by the time they hit their mid-forties, its rare.

While some of the celebrities in their forties having children are doing so naturally, others are conceiving with IVF by using their own eggs, ones they froze when they were younger, or via a donor egg. But we rarely hear about the details.

Of course, women should have kids whenever they want  as long as they are prepared for the risk of failure, or financial hardship. But the great lie that age is irrelevant for motherhood shouldnt be glossed over. Having a baby isnt a Hollywood film  its real life.
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Multiple people were injured after several gunmen opened fire at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in New Jersey.

Police responded to reports of a shooting at the fast-food stop in Union Township at around 9 p.m. Saturday.

Dash cam footage shared online showed one alleged suspect, dressed in black, running from the scene holding a gun. Frightened customers were also seen fleeing the restaurant.

The Independent has contacted Union Township police for more information.

A 911 dispatcher audio recording obtained by CBS New York revealed that there were multiple victims, one of whom had been shot in the face. Pictures showed a heavy police presence at the scene.

Multiple people were injured after several gunmen opened fire at a Chick-fil-A restaurant in New Jersey ( Google Maps )

The New York Post also reported that six people had been injured and that one had died, although officials have not confirmed that.

Witnesses told the outlet that a group of men had come into the restaurant and made their way behind the counter, where an altercation broke out and multiple shots were fired.

Chick-fil-A employees were among the injured, another witness told CBS.

In a statement shared online, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said, "I have been briefed on the shooting last night in Union Township.

As local law enforcement continues their investigation, we remain in close contact with officials on the ground. My thoughts are with those who were injured in the shooting, and with their families.

I am grateful to our first responders for their swift action and continued efforts to keep the community safe."

Investigations are ongoing.
April 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is negotiating a potential settlement with several major advertising companies to resolve a probe into whether they violated federal antitrust laws by coordinating boycotts against platforms, including Elon Musks X, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter.

Several advertising firms, including Dentsu, Publicis and WPP, would commit not to direct clients' advertising budgets away from media platforms based on political content that might appear on those sites, the Journal said.

However, individual advertisers would still be free to choose to avoid specific sites for their advertisements, the report added.

Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The FTC did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

Last year, the agency greenlit nL6N3SQ0MO Omnicom's $13.5 billion acquisition of rival Interpublic on the condition the new company does not enter agreements with others to steer ad dollars toward or away from publishers based on political content.

Talks between the FTC and the advertising companies are ongoing, and it remains possible that no deal will be reached, the report said.

Last year, the FTC escalated its probes https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/ftc-probes-media-matters-over-musks-x-boycott-claims-document-shows-2025-05-22/ into advertiser boycotts by targeting civil society watchdogs like Media Matters that had previously reported major brands had appeared next to far-right extremist posts on billionaire Elon Musk's X social media platform.

(Reporting by Ruchika Khanna in Bengaluru; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
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BusinessConsumer affairsAviation Iran-US ceasefire fails to lower airfares  for now at least Chris Zappone April 12, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The prospect of lower-priced airfares stemming from a ceasefire between Iran, the US and Israel hinges on how durable the pause in violence is, and how soon travel warnings for the Persian Gulf are lifted. US President Donald Trumps two-week halt in the conflict with Iran wont likely change international long-haul ticket prices, as the shortfall of jet fuel grips the global aviation sector. Emirates flies a four-class Airbus A380 superjumbo. Bloomberg Flights from Sydney to London Heathrow from June 1 to June 17  booked this week  range from $1755 for a round trip on China Eastern to $4485 through Singapore Airlines, according to Google Flight data. The same flights a year ago ran approximately $1350 to $2450 in June 2025, according to Google data. The elevated cost is linked directly to the fuel charges for the airlines, which are second only to labour costs.

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A year ago, jet fuel traded as low as $US75.18 a barrel in Singapore. On Thursday, the same barrel cost $US191.56, after rising as high as $US233.47 on March 30, as Iran hit its Persian Gulf neighbours in response to the US- and Israel-led attack. Related Article Aviation Qantas steps up flights to Europe as travellers scramble for options amid Iran war The International Air Transport Association calculates that fuel makes up on average about 27 per cent of airlines operating expenses. Not only has the war removed refining capacity, Iran has effectively taken control of the Strait of Hormuz, adding cost and uncertainty to oil shipments from its foe, Saudi Arabia, to the world. Even with a ceasefire announced on April 8 and the prospect of a resolution, there is a gap in the supply line for airlines, which must make up the difference through added ticket costs, cuts to capacity, or the cancellation of services.

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Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin have hiked costs and reduced capacity on some routes since the war began. Qantas has shifted capacity away from North America to serve key Australia-Europe routes. Gulf carriers such as Dubai-based Emirates, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad and Doha-based Qatar Airways have been forced to dramatically scale back flights, amid persistent airspace closures. Emirates will be keen to welcome back customers, says one travel expert. Getty Images Australian Institute of Petroleum CEO Malcolm Roberts said Australia had good stocks of jet fuel at the start of the conflict, with crude on hand for refining as well as shipments en route from the Middle East to China. But now were really well past that point, he said. And theres been no resupply from the Mideast. Typically, the Middle East contributes 14 million barrels of crude oil a day, which includes about 4.5 million barrels of refined product such as jet fuel, AIP numbers show. Since the conflict kicked off on February 28, the world has lost 10 million barrels a day in crude.

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Roberts said the price spikes in airfares have helped ease demand for jet fuel. At the same time, the government has not been forced to tap jet fuel reserves; Australia currently has 30 days of jet fuel in reserve, or 28 per cent above the required volume. Related Article Updated

Aviation Jetstar cuts Australia-New Zealand flights amid oil price shock Despite March 11 reports that China would restrict crude and petrol, Roberts said it doesnt seem that jet fuel exported from China is affected at this point. CAPA Centre for Aviations head of research, Simon Elsegood, said that Australias jet fuel reserves have remained steady: Partly because ... it takes about six weeks for oil that is extracted out of the Middle East to end up in fuel bunkers in Australia. So Australia hasnt seen the same drawdown of oil, petrol and diesel that would be seen in refining hubs elsewhere.

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We will be the last to feel fuel shortages, but we will also be the last to feel fuel price relief because were at the end of the line. An Airbus A380-800 in flight. Bloomberg Another part of the airfare equation is the risk for travellers. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trades recommendation for Australians to avoid Gulf states means that anyone booked to the region wont be covered by insurance. Australians are instructed by DFATs Smartraveller site to stay away from the Middle East, noting: Even if you dont plan to leave the airport, do not transit through these countries. That puts a cloud over flights booked on Qantas-partner Emirates, which has scaled back its own flights to capital cities. Virgin services on Qatar Airways cancelled flights until mid-June as the conflict plays out.

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Cinzia Burnes, executive director at Helloworld travel agency, said the DFAT warning reduces the option and the capacity to book any of the Gulf carriers. The International Air Transport Associations chief Willie Walsh. Bloomberg If the ceasefire holds and turns into something like peace, Burnes expects significant sales from Gulf carriers. As soon as thats lifted, which we really hope it will be soon, that will definitely, have an impact, Burnes said. Carriers such as Emirates, Qatar and Etihad coming back online will be very keen to motivate the market to travel with them again. IATA director general Willie Walsh, speaking in Singapore, said that nobody knows whats going to happen in two or three months.

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But certainly the forward curve [showing oil price over time] would suggest prices will come down and get back to where they broadly were at the end of February  by the end of this year. Related Article Aviation Some European flights are cheap again, but are they safe to book? I fully expect the Gulf hubs to recover, and recover quickly, he said. Walsh is not alone. Last week, Malaysia-based low-cost carrier AirAsia X reaffirmed plans to develop the airport of Gulf nation Bahrain as a key strategic hub between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. It set the date of June 26 for the launch of services with optimism that the conditions in the region will normalise by then. Helloworlds Burnes said that, if history is any guide, restoring consumer confidence once the conflict ends wont take long.

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In our experience, having been through the Gulf War and everything after that  SARS, volcanoes, COVID, the September 11 attacks, it takes 90 days for the consumer to regain confidence and forget all about it. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning.
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Some Australians are stocking up on essentials as uncertainty remains around war in the Middle East, but experts say most consumers arent resorting to COVID-era panic buying. In a market update on Thursday, Australian food and beverage manufacturer SPC Global said there was some evidence of customers stockpiling certain non-perishable goods, but that the company does not believe the conflict in the Middle East will have a material impact on its financial results. Little panic buying going on since the start of the Iran War. Luis Enrique Ascui Weeks four and five of the conflict evidenced the potential increase in demand of certain products, with sales of tomatoes, baked beans and packaged fruit increasing between 12 to 20 per cent across major retailers, it said. SPC noted it had secured additional stock to ensure sufficient supply across the next 12 to 18 months. SPC chief executive Robert Iervasi told the Financial Review people have been buying some additional goods to stock their pantries.

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Its one or two tins when they go shopping, they are topping up, he said. Its not really panic buying, but they are definitely buying extra. The latest monthly household spending data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that in February, food was among the categories with the biggest increase in spending. There has been a small uptick in purchases of some staples. Luis Enrique Ascu Fred Harrison, chief executive of the Ritchies IGA chain with more than 80 supermarkets across NSW, Victoria and Queensland, said there was a slight increase in purchases of non-perishable and long-life products a few weeks ago. There was a slight uptick in purchases of toilet rolls, around 15 to 20 per cent, although not as much as during COVID, he said, with higher spending on long life foods and drinks such as canned vegetables. People werent panicking, but they were buying one or two more [than they usually might].

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However, Harrison said that uptick in spending had backed off more recently as customers turned to other priorities such as spending on making the most of school holidays. Independent economist Saul Eslake said he could understand why some people panic buy in circumstances such as during the pandemic or when wars break out. The stockpiling is nothing like what was seen during COVID. Edwina Pickles It is a classic case of what might be perfectly rational behaviour for individuals being quite irrational from the standpoint of society as a whole, he said. Eslake said the best remedy would be for governments to say and do things that would persuade people that they dont need to stockpile.

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Thats easy for me to say and harder for governments to do, he said. But maybe if people more generally trusted governments to do the right thing most of the time  which they clearly dont  the instinct to look out for number one in these circumstances wouldnt be so strong. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Alex Ellinghausen On Sunday, the federal government rolled out a $20 million campaign to encourage Australians to reduce driving, take public transport and conserve petrol. Mindful of the impact regular press conferences had on public confidence during the COVID pandemic, the federal government initially took a low-key approach to its handling of the fuel shortages. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was widely criticised for his recent address to the nation, which he delivered on the eve of the Easter weekend, in which he urged calm, told people not to cancel their holiday plans and asked for people to try and use a little less fuel by taking public transport, for example.

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Critics argued that Albaneses address had been unnecessary but within government the view was that the prime ministers short address had caught the attention of people who dont typically read or watch the news, and that it had reassured people. Related Article Opinion

Political leadership Cost of living? We should be more concerned about something else Ross Gittins Economics Editor Since the address, panic buying and fuel supply shortages have eased and cuts to fuel excise have brought down the price of petrol, and to a lesser extent diesel, and the address is judged to have been a success in calming the public mood. In a research note last week, Jarden analyst Ben Gilbert said while spending on groceries fell in early March as households spent more on fuel, there had been a re-acceleration in grocery spending in recent weeks, partly driven by pantry-stocking. Westpac chief economist Luci Ellis said while there was some evidence of customers pulling forward fuel purchases earlier in the year.

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We did see some pre-purchasing of fuel in March, and there will always be people who are preppers, but weve not seen any evidence in the overall spending data of people stockpiling groceries or anything like that. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
A two-week ceasefire in Iran has offered the market a temporary reprieve ahead of the earnings cycle.

Strategists say the volatility is far from over. But AI remains a powerful catalyst, despite sectors like software getting hammered. The iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF (IGV) has plunged 12% over the past month, while the S&P 500 (^GSPC) has managed to rise slightly.

More from Yahoo Scout Are AI stocks still viable investments after declines? What makes Oracle attractive despite recent job cuts? How is the Iran ceasefire affecting market volatility? Why are software stocks experiencing significant sell-offs recently?

"There's clearly a bit of an overreaction," Ben Emons, founder of FedWatch, told Yahoo Finance. "I'd say some of the software stocks become interesting plays, maybe, in addition to utility-driven financials."

The uncertainty is visible in names like Palantir Technologies (PLTR), whose shares slipped 14% this past week. The software defense contractor has come under fire from "Big Short" investor Michael Burry, while garnering a bold-faced endorsement from President Trump.

Despite the noise, Mark Gibbens, chief investment officer of Gibbens Capital, told Yahoo Finance it's "time to jump in." He said the market has thrown Palantir "out with the bathwater."

Skepticism toward the recent software sell-off has extended to Palo Alto Networks (PANW), which has seen shares drop over 8% this year.

Gradient Investments senior portfolio manager Keith Gangl told Yahoo Finance that security software remains a top priority for IT departments regardless of the macro backdrop. He called this a rare opportunity to buy a high-quality name "that's on sale compared to where it normally trades."

"I think Palo Alto is a winner there," Gangl said.

A Wall Street sign is seen outside of the New York Stock Exchange on March 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)  ASSOCIATED PRESS

Oracle (ORCL) has faced similar pressure, falling about 4% this past week. The company recently said it would slash up to 30,000 jobs while ramping up AI infrastructure spending. Despite shares dropping 30% year to date, its valuation remains more reasonable than megacap peers.

Pivotal Advisors CEO Tiffany McGhee contends that Oracle's strong cash flow, pricing power, and enterprise contracts make it a standout.

"Oracle is one that we like," she told Yahoo Finance, noting its role as a "core enterprise software cloud infrastructure company." The company is becoming a "key player in the AI infrastructure and cloud demand [space]."

While software struggles for footing, a different valuation story is taking hold for Nvidia (NVDA). The face of the AI trade has largely gone "almost nowhere," Gibbens said. The stock has slid from recent highs to trade at just 21 times forward earnings. Per Gibbens, the most dominant semiconductor plays are "still a good place to be."
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LifestyleBeautySunday Life This beauty mogul sold her brand for $514 million. Heres whats in her make-up bag Stephanie Darling April 12, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

This story is part of the April 12 edition of Sunday Life See all stories .

Susan Yara, founder of skincare brand Naturium and the YouTube channel Mixed Makeup, has close to 1 million followers on social media. In 2023, Yara sold Naturium to e.l.f. Beauty for about $500 million. Susan Yara: It is my religion to do my skincare routine at night no matter how tired I am. What is your beauty mantra? Loving yourself and your skin. People always used to put their focus on their make-up, but I wouldnt feel confident if I didnt love my skin and my hair. What are your favourite Naturium products? This is always a hard one but here goes  Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum ($47), with encapsulated copper peptides  theyre great antioxidants and, in my opinion, more powerful than vitamin C. It also has hydrolysed collagen, which helps to hydrate and plump your skin. I also love the Retinaldehyde Cream Serum ($60). Retinoids are the only things that have been proven to help with the signs of ageing and blocked pores. Our Retinol Renewing Body Lotion ($49)

is also amazing. I use that on my face sometimes; as I get older, I like to use a thicker cream.

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How do you do your make-up for daytime? Ill do a tinted sunscreen, then cream bronzer all over

my face, even my eyelids. Im using Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Soft Matte Powder Bronzer ($51). I always curl my lashes and then coat them in Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Extreme Mascara in Black ($70). For lips, I use a brown lip liner combined with a pinky nude  very 90s. Whats in your makeup bag? Rhode Pocket Blush Buildable Hydrating Cream Blush in Toasted Teddy ($43) is a new favourite; I love cream products. This blush is the ever-lasting gobstopper of make-up [it never runs out]. I also have a foundation stick  the Dior Forever Skin Perfect Multi-Use Foundation Stick ($103) is one of my favourites as its so creamy. Next, a Make Up Forever Artist Colour Pencil ($41) and, finally, Naturium Multi-Bright Milky Toner ($31), which hydrates and has azelaic acid to help brighten skin and target surface redness, as well as exfoliate. What are your favourite scents right now? My all-time favourite is Chanel Cristalle EDT ($260). I also love Ex Nihilo Fleur Narcotique EDP ($510 for 100ml) and Tribu by United Colours of Benetton EDT Spray ($67 for 100ml). Watch this space, as I am also launching a body and hair fragrance in the US in May with my new brand, Playa. What is your skincare routine? It is my religion to do my skincare routine at night no matter how tired I am. I always indulge with a double cleanse using our oil-based cleanser Naturium Glow Getter Body Wash ($32), which is great for face and body. I follow this with Naturium The Milky Toner ($31) and I also apply Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel 30 Treatments ($160). Next, I use Naturium Multi-Bright Advanced Serum ($43). Whats your best skincare tip? Wear sunscreen every day!

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What are your favourite social media accounts? @emonthebrain and @sambythecounter. THE LOVE LIST

The double cleanse is still the gold standard for both face and hair. Here are three must-haves to elevate your routine. ASK STEPH How do I stop my skin from feeling dry?

As the weather cools, humidity becomes a distant memory and the air is drier: this is great for hair, but it can take a toll on hydration levels in the skin. To keep the skin barrier in balance and to make skin look smoother, try an intense moisture hit with CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($39).

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Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling. Get the best of Sunday Life magazine delivered to your inbox every Sunday morning. Sign up here for our free newsletter.
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NationalFatherhood Opinion Andrew Tates not the only man missing from Therouxs manosphere doco Parnell Palme McGuinness Columnist and communications adviser April 12, 2026  5:00am

April 12, 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

Theres a character missing from Louis Therouxs Inside The Manosphere documentary, and its not Andrew Tate. Much has been written about Therouxs probe into the world of the content creators who sell manhood to a generation of dislocated boys. Whether these meditations centre on the missing character or glide over him tells you a lot about the author  and even more about their cultural politics. Louis Theroux with Justin Waller in Inside the Manosphere. Waller told him about growing up in a Louisiana trailer park, with a mother who would just come in sometimes and start punching his father. Netflix Because the missing man is the father. The fathers of each of the interviewees. The fathers of their audiences. The absence forces viewers to grapple with the idea of the father as a key contributor to the development of a child. Therouxs documentary is a patchy experience. The filmmaker becomes a character to a degree that even celebrity documentarians try to avoid. He is not sure how to be on the sidelines of this world of misogyny, antisemitism and paedophile hunting, which turns into a gay bashing.

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His subjects, used to controlling the image they put into the world, are not sure how to handle an outside camera usurping their ability to edit and shape it. They joke about the situation uncomfortably. They turn their cameras on him. They vacillate between hamming it up for the documentarian and seemingly genuinely wanting to be understood. Nonetheless, valuable insights emerge. First, regarding the content creators relationships to women. For all the men boast about one-way monogamy and exerting control in relationships because thats what women really want, when their wives and mothers are in the room the dynamic shifts. The OnlyFans models the men invite on their broadcasts might be happy to play the part the manosphere has written for them. But the women they love disrupt the narrative. Insofar as they tolerate the bluster, they do so because they say the public image is not what they experience in private. The men seem to be trying to prove something to themselves as well as the women, which the women arent buying. Harrison Sullivan, aka HSTikkyTokky, with his mother, Elaine, and documentary maker Louis Theroux in Inside the Manosphere. Netflix And then there are the creators relationships with men. Theroux tells the viewer towards the end that its striking how many were raised without dads. The documentary explores the story of influencer HSTikkyTokky, the child of a single mother, born of a brief relationship with a rugby star. The mum comes across as a switched-on woman who is clearly devoted to her son and worked long hours to give him a good education. If anyone is enough as a parent, surely its her. And HS tells Theroux that if there is any trauma there  it is subconscious  its not something that Im aware of. In a clip of an encounter between father and son, HS body language betrays a wary yearning. The subconscious will out.

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Another creator, Justin Waller, tells of growing up in a Louisiana trailer park, with a mother who would just come in sometimes and start punching his father. As a society, we dont talk much about female violence. But theres trauma here too. Justins father was later prevented from seeing his children and Justin and his siblings were raised by their mother. We never find out how that came to pass. Related Article Investigation

Extremism An Andrew Tate insider is helping Australian Nazis recruit teens These are the sad stories of the men trying to teach boys how to be masculine without having had good role models themselves. Thats like me trying to teach someone to conduct an orchestra, having only observed it being done from afar from the wrong angle. With the benefit of hindsight, the issue of fatherlessness would have been a strong lead for Theroux to start his investigation into the manosphere, instead of the place to end it. The problem isnt new and nor is scholarly work on it. In 1965, Daniel Patrick Moynihan, in his capacity as assistant secretary of labor to US president Lyndon Johnson, authored a report on poverty in black communities, which was politically controversial in its time. The report argued that the high rate of black families in which the father was absent  often due to a cycle of crime and imprisonment  was holding the black community back from attaining economic and political equality. It found that that black families which had both father and mother were more likely to become and remain safely middle class. Many white American families are also now fatherless, often with similar results.

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Nonetheless, there is ongoing resistance to discussing the issue of fatherlessness in polite society. Partly from the generous instinct not to shame, guilt or stigmatise mothers and children who, for whatever reason, find themselves in that situation. Partly because there are more than a few shining examples of boys who grow up to be wonderful men and fathers despite not having had a father around themselves. Trust me, I know. I am the daughter of one and married to another. Not everyone is so lucky. Among the many fascinating insights of a recent federal Department of Education research project, which studied outcomes for 274,000 children based on their first five years of life, is the finding that boys are especially vulnerable to adverse conditions. Not every boy who grows up in a less than ideal situation will suffer serious setbacks. But enough will that we should give special thought to what can be done to protect these vulnerable children. Another perspective Opinion

Feminism I watched the manosphere documentary. Wow, are men OK? Jacqueline Maley Columnist and senior journalist David Maywald, an Australian advocate for men, boys, healthier relationships and social balance, says the research shows that fatherlessness is connected to youth crime, mental health struggles and educational disadvantage. It is also, as Therouxs documentary suggests, connected to a form of misogyny, violence and antisocial behaviour that are sold as masculinity by men  whove never experienced the real deal  to boys looking for role models they dont have in their own families. The solution to bad men is better men. And a society which stops treating fathers as extraneous.

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Parnell Palme McGuinness is an insights and advocacy strategist. She has done work for the Liberal Party and the German Greens and is a senior fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.

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For subscribers Parnell Palme McGuinness is an insights and advocacy strategist. She has done work for the Liberal Party and the German Greens and is a senior fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies. She is also an advisory board member of Australians For Prosperity, which is part-funded by the coal industry.
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NationalChild abuse Boost for helpline which supports those who may commit sexual abuse, in bid to protect children Wendy Tuohy April 13, 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

An anonymous helpline designed to support people at risk of committing child sexual abuse, or who may already be engaging in it, will receive federal government funding as part of an ongoing national prevention effort. In its first three years, the pilot of the service, Stop it Now!, run by Jesuit Social Services and funded by philanthropy, received 910 calls and live chats from about 500 people, about their own behaviour or someone elses. Men are offered confidential support for concerning sexual thoughts or behaviours towards children. Getty Images About half of callers discussed their own actions, and of those, more than half (55 per cent) said they were not yet known to police. The helpline was staffed by experienced psychologists, social workers and counsellors, but due to limited resourcing, many calls were missed.

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Crime Some of the worst: Dozens charged as police bust online paedophile ring As of May 2025, more than 42,000 people had accessed the Stop it Now! website, often via warning notices that appear when child sexual abuse material is searched online. The general manager of Child Sexual Abuse Prevention at Jesuit Social Services and Stop it Now! Australia, Georgia Naldrett, said the scaling-up of the program would allow the service to increase from operating between seven and 14 hours a week to eventually 56 hours within a year, boosting early intervention and helping keep children safe. Child sexual abuse is one of the most significant issues facing Australia, with one in three girls and one in five boys having been the victims of child sexual abuse, she said. The prevalence of online offending has only intensified this issue and the need for evidence-based approaches to prevention.

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The concept for Stop it Now! was pioneered 30 years ago in the United States by Fran Henry, a victim-survivor of childhood sexual abuse who wanted prevention made a public health issue. The service also operates in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium. Dee Nicholas, a forensic psychologist and helpline co-ordinator, said the most common reason people had called the helpline was for support to stop offending. Often we hear from callers that they recognise they are having these problematic thoughts, or sexual behaviour, and they just have nowhere else to go, she said. Loading They talk about struggling for years but not knowing where to go and get out of that cycle of offending.

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The services target group includes adults who had accessed child sexual abuse material or made sexual communication with children online. It also includes those with sexual thoughts about children but who have not offended, and those who have conducted real-world contact abuse. Though confidential, the helpline is still subject to mandatory reporting, and practitioners are obliged to inform authorities if they believe child sexual abuse has occurred, is imminent, or if identifiable information regarding serious offending is disclosed. Nicholas, who like Naldrett has worked with Stop it Now! UK, said adults who were concerned their children were showing signs of sexual abuse or exploitation were also among those who had called the helpline during its pilot phase. They talk about struggling for years but not knowing where to go and get out of that cycle of offending. Dee Nicholas, helpline co-ordinator, Stop it Now Australia Nicholas said helpline workers were non-judgmental, but also held callers accountable.

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Naldrett conceded that discussion of child sexual abuse was confronting  Australians were shocked last year by horrifying revelations of sexual abuse in childcare centres. But she said it was vital to work with offenders, particularly when it came to early intervention. Our experience delivering the pilot program, supported by independent evaluation, shows that this approach helps callers take meaningful action to reduce harm and keep children safe, she said. Matt Tyler, executive director of Jesuit Social Services The Mens Project, said that when the pilot was launched, it aimed to reach people in the long window between someone realising they had concerning thoughts and behaviours and them coming to police attention. The need for such a service was also highlighted in the 2017 report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. An evaluation of the pilot is being led by Melbourne University Senior Research Fellow Dr Gemma McKibbin, to be released later this year.

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Alison Geale, chief executive of the national child protection organisation, Bravehearts, said she strongly supported the program. Related Article Childcare Commercial childcare operators fight to survive as parents head for exits after scandal This groundbreaking program represents a crucial shift towards prevention-focused child protection ... Protecting children from sexual harm requires comprehensive approaches, including addressing risks before harm occurs, she said. Stop it Now! filled a critical gap in protection by offering a safe place for individuals to seek help voluntarily, Geale said, and could be an essential tool in creating safer communities for all Australian children. Victoria Police was contacted by this masthead for comment.

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Stop It Now! offers free, anonymous support  including a helpline and online resources  for anyone concerned about sexual thoughts involving children. Sexual assault support lines: 1800 Respect National Helpline: 1800 737 732

Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114

Bravehearts counselling and support for survivors of child sexual abuse: 1800 272 831
The term has re-emerged amid war in Iran. But what qualifies as a failed state  and why are they such a worry?

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In these Explainers, journey with us to far-flung regions (and some closer to home) to understand the tensions shaping our world. See all stories .

These have been extraordinary times in Iran, home to more than 90 million people. Theres now an eerie pause after wave upon wave of air attacks left plumes of smoke staining the air, black raindrops, apparently the result of strikes on oil facilities, leaving a slimy residue on streets and windscreens in Tehran. In the city of Isfahan, fragments of mirror shattered by shockwaves litter an ancient palace. The two-week ceasefire already looks fragile, however, a peaceful outcome still far from certain. Donald Trumps reasons for joining Israel in attacking Iran on February 28 have not been made entirely clear. But the allies aims appeared to include forcing regime change, presumably hoping for a moderate government friendlier to Western and Israeli interests, or weakening the incumbent regime so severely it might no longer be a regional threat. As the conflict wore on commentators were even speculating that Iran, its leadership decapitated, its critical infrastructure decimated, could become a failed state  a term coined by Americans in the early 90s to describe a nebulous existence where government control collapses, leaving a population in chaos. Trumps rhetoric has seemed to support this outcome. He promised, before the ceasefire, to bomb Iran back to the Stone Ages and, as the deadline for negotiations approached, he threatened: A whole civilisation will die tonight, never to be brought back again. Over the years, neighbours such as Syria, Lebanon and Iraq, riven by internal strife and foreign interventions, have found themselves teetering, or are still teetering, on the edge of institutional failure; nearby Yemen, home to the Iran-supported Houthi militia, remains imperilled by civil war. If Iran, one of the Gulfs biggest gorillas, modern-day successor to the once-mighty Persian empire and regional challenger to Saudi Arabia, somehow failed, what would that look like? What can we learn from the worlds failed or fragile states? In Tehran, a couple embraces as other pro-government Iranians shout slogans during the April 8 funeral for a senior figure in Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps, killed in US-Israeli air strikes. Getty Images

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What qualifies as a failed state? It was mid-afternoon on October 3, 1993, when US airborne forces, providing security to a broader UN operation delivering aid to war-torn Somalia, set out from Mogadishu International Airport on an ambitious snatch job. The targets were two high-ranking advisers to a powerful local warlord who was obstructing the distribution of food and had proven recalcitrant. There was a chance he would be grabbed too, forcing the issue. Somalia had been riven by civil war for two years following the collapse of the last legitimate, albeit dodgy, government headed by the military dictator Siad Barre, who had fled overseas, leaving his people to suffer famine and chaos. Mogadishu, the capital, was now largely controlled by clan chiefs, policed by gunslingers armed with rocket-propelled grenades and AK-47 assault rifles. This particular US mission was complicated. After an initial assault from helicopters, elite troops would shimmy down ropes to the ground to grab the bad guys then were to be scooped up by a convoy of armoured getaway vehicles  all in 30 minutes. What happened next was, for the US at least, a disaster, later recounted with fictional embellishment in the movie Black Hawk Down. Militia fighters shot down two of the US helicopters with rockets and waged an overnight battle that cost 18 American lives, believed to be the most US fatalities in a single engagement since Vietnam (although Somali casualties were estimated to be much higher). Children stand on the wreckage of a US helicopter shot down during a raid over the Somali capital Mogadishu in 1993. Getty Images Not long after, under the weight of public disapproval back home, the US withdrew its forces, leaving the floundering nation and its warring factions to their own devices.

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When The New Yorkers Jon Lee Anderson visited Mogadishu much later, in 2009, to meet with the then-new and hopeful president, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, things were still precarious (reflected in the title of his subsequent article, The Most Failed State). Peacekeeping troops (volunteers from other African nations) controlled the presidential compound, the airport and the port but not much else; fighters from a fearsome group of Islamist guerrillas called Al-Shabaab (the youth) roamed freely. Somalia remains an open battlefield, Anderson wrote. Most buildings had either been wrecked, like the cathedral, or, like the old parliament, had vanished. A failed or failing state is one that  has weak or almost nil capacity to provide for the basic needs of its people. Lavina Lee, University of Sydney Somalia, still yet to truly find its feet, is often held up as an archetype of a failed state, a term used to describe a nation where the central government is nonexistent, or has minimal control, and central authorities are unable to provide basic services. Says Lavina Lee, director of the Foreign Policy and Defence program at the University of Sydney: A failed or failing state is one that doesnt have control over the monopoly of the legitimate use of force, that has weak or almost nil capacity to provide for the basic needs of its people. While many states have, historically, failed for numerous reasons, the term in modern times refers to states that have typically struggled either because they have not been able to reconfigure robustly after years of colonial rule, instead sliding into internal power disputes; and/or because of external forces (more on which shortly); or because they have been abandoned by wealthier allies. The Soviet Union stopped aiding client states after it ceased to exist, noted The Economist in 2021. America ceased propping up dictators solely for being anti-Soviet  Without patrons with deep pockets, several regimes were toppled, and some states slid into anarchy. In such a failed state, people are likely to live under the threat of criminal violence if not outright civil war. What government remains is often unable to maintain its borders. Much of the population is likely to be dispersed, either as refugees within the country or fleeing elsewhere. Mobutu Sese Seko, here being sworn in again as president of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) in 1984, was known for his brutal and economically ruinous leadership over 32 years, following an era of Belgian colonial rule marked by cruelty. Getty Images As Robert I. Rotberg, a scholar of international affairs who worked on a five-year project on state failure for Harvard University and the World Peace Foundation, writes: Once the downward spiral starts in earnftoughest  corrupt autocrats and their equally corrupt associates usually have few incentives to arrest their states slide, since they find clever ways to benefit from impoverishment and misery. They end judicial independence, block civil society, and suborn the security forces.

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The rulers demonstrate more and more contempt for their peoples  Many of these leaders drive grandly down their boulevards in motorcades, commandeer commercial aircraft for foreign excursions, and put their faces prominently on the local currency, on airports and ships, and on oversized photographs in public places. You have resilient states on one end, fragile states in the middle and failed states on the other end. Lavina Lee, University of Sydney Some academics today prefer the term fragile to describe all struggling nations. I see it as a spectrum of state strength and weakness, says Lavina Lee. You have resilient states on one end, fragile states in the middle and failed states on the other end. The opposite of a failing or fragile state is a stable state, not necessarily just affluent and peaceful but able to endure crises  such as fuel shocks or pandemics  without descending into disarray. We [Australians] live in a strong state, says Lee. We have things like the monopoly on the legitimate use of force by the government. We have a state that has the strong capacity to provide for the basic needs of the people and to actually extract taxes in order to do that. And then youve got the monopoly on the creation and enforcement of rules and institutions, court systems, the law. Stallholders at a street market in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, after general elections had been delayed following unrest in 2018. Kate Geraghty Why are so-called failed states such a worry? As Somalia collapsed into anarchy in 1991, failed states increasingly began to be seen as a risk to US interests. Instead of the spectre of aggressive governments challenging US hegemony, it was now the threats of terrorism and radicalism, flowering in largely uncontrolled territories, that came to be seen as paramount concerns.

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The journal Foreign Policy was one of the first to use the term, in 1992-93 identifying what it said was a disturbing new phenomenon  the failed nation-state, utterly incapable of sustaining itself as a member of the international community. It cited as examples Somalia, Sudan, Liberia, Haiti and the remnants of Yugoslavia, which broke up between 1990 and 1992. It is becoming clear that something must be done, wrote authors Gerard Helman and Steven Ratner, citing the massive abuses of human rights that tended to be seen as nations fell into anarchy but also noting the need to help those states is made more critical by the evidence that their problems tend to spread. Ziba, 21, with sons Ahmed and 18-month-old Suleiman, who was suffering from malnourishment, in a camp for displaced people in Afghanistan in 2019, after their village suffered drought then floods. Kate Geraghty Not long after, Madeline Albright, a future US secretary of state who was then the US ambassador to the United Nations, also used failed state to describe Somalia, writing in The New York Times in defence of the ongoing UN action there. Success is important not only for the Somalis, she wrote, but also because anarchy may produce refugees, uncontrolled arms peddling and targets of opportunity for terrorists and their state sponsors. It was probably the most important and consequential change in US national security strategy. Levi West, ANU The CIA decided this was such a concern that in 1994 it funded a long-term research project at the University of Maryland called The State Failure Task Force, seeking to identify the causes of state failure, which it defined as a relatively new label that encompasses a range of severe political conflicts and regime crises exemplified by events of the 1990s in Somalia, Bosnia, Liberia, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire). A US national security strategy paper from 2002 subsequently argued that America [was] now threatened less by conquering states than by failing ones. US president George H. W. Bush visits US forces in Somalia just a month before the disastrous death of 18 soldiers in Mogadishu in October 1993. Getty Images

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The administration of George W. Bush was heavily informed by this notion, says Levi West, an authority on terrorism and counter-terrorism at ANU: that states with what he calls alternate governance arrangements were likely to become breeding grounds for terrorists. Therefore, we needed to go and bring light to the dark corners of the world, so to speak, to turn these into stable, functional governing arrangements so that theres law enforcement capability to stop all of the terrorism. It was probably the most important and consequential change in US national security strategy. By then, the notion of state failure had become common in foreign policy discourse, observed the international affairs scholar Charles T. Call in Third World Quarterly in 2008; he criticised it as a vague catch-all that he considered counterproductive. The US Carnegie Endowment for International Peace also funded several research projects on the subject; in the UK, the Overseas Development Institute still focuses on researching aid delivery to what it calls fragile states. Passengers ride in a shared taxi as it makes its way through Port-au-Prince, Haiti in March 2026. AP What does it mean, in practice, to label a state failed? Once identified as a risk the challenge for the US and others seeking to intervene in a failed state has been how to do so effectively, Somalia an object lesson. Says Levi West: Are we trying to make it into a functioning, thriving liberal democracy? Or do we just need it to be stable enough and capable enough that its not going to result in terrorist attacks against our people, either in that part of the world or in the West? Or are we just getting it to a stable enough position where we can extract resources from it? Of course, it can be argued that US interventions (and those by other powerful nations) have often been responsible for creating the conditions for failure to happen in the first place: the CIAs backing of the successful coup-detat against Haitis first democratically elected president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, in 2004, certainly contributed to decades of political instability that led, eventually, to todays humanitarian crisis. Sending a US-led coalition of forces into Afghanistan in 2001, after the attacks on September 11, 2001, to topple the Taliban  which was harbouring the terrorist organisation al-Qaeda  was initially successful. The Islamist regime was replaced with an interim administration. Yet the coalition was unsuccessful in eradicating the Taliban and al-Qaeda, whose fighters waged a destructive but ultimately successful 20-year guerilla war against Western forces. The US withdrew the last of its forces and ceded the now-shattered nation back to the Taliban, on August 30, 2021. Us troops in central Baghdad topple a statue of Iraqs leader Saddam Hussein in April 2003. Getty Images The US invasion of Iraq in 2003, sold to the public as a hunt for non-existent weapons of mass destruction, did topple the regime of the dictator Saddam Hussein but led, again, to decades of political instability that endure today. Day-to-day life for many people in crisis-affected countries such as Haiti, Sudan and Afghanistan is an insanely tough mix of ingenuity to survive. James Elder, global spokesperson UNICEF To wit: it is certainly possible for a mighty nation like the US to initially impose its will on a smaller one, but its significantly harder to implement and maintain a stable government in the aftermath. Theres a lot of assumptions that it is a thing that can be resolved or fixed by a military intervention, says West. Afghanistan and Iraq have probably demonstrated that actually thats not really true. Terrorism and crime aside, failing states typically also trigger humanitarian catastrophes. Day-to-day life for many people in crisis-affected countries such as Haiti, Sudan and Afghanistan is an insanely tough mix of ingenuity to survive, says James Elder, global spokesperson for UNICEF, the United Nations agency dedicated to protecting the wellbeing of children. On the first day of Eid celebrations in March, Yemenis visit a cemetery to pray for relatives in the capital Sanaa. Getty Images In war-torn Yemen, according to the aid group Oxfam, some 4 million people have been displaced by fighting, more than half of the population does not have enough to eat and diseases such as cholera are rampant. Some 2.5 million Syrians fled the 2011 civil war into Turkey with another 1.5 million into Lebanon  placing enormous strain on its public services, according to the UNHCR  while those left at home faced severe shortages of essential supplies. In Iran, in mid-March, 3.2 million people were estimated to have been temporarily displaced by the conflict. In fact, UNICEF says more than one in six children globally either live in a conflict zone or are fleeing from one. There comes a point where trauma reaches a critical mass, where entire communities exist in a state of shock and awe. James Elder, UNICEF Failing states offer little or no safety net to populations who have lost their livelihoods or are displaced due to internal conflicts, famine or drought. Families fall back on small trade, family-to-family agriculture, casual labour and remittance networks to meet basic needs, says Elder. Communities still have strong social cohesion, so they share limited resources. But the reality is many households are not able to make do. Eventually, he says, There comes a point where trauma reaches a critical mass, where entire communities exist in a state of shock and awe. There is only so much you can endure. Note, though, that some academics argue that a states failure can depend on a Western definition of success, such as a functioning democracy, which might trivialise the effectiveness of power structures outside the reach of more recognised authorities. In Lebanon, for example, in some areas the listed terrorist organisation Hezbollah and its members of parliament provide government-like services, such as funding health and education, where the actual government does not. Fragility is not shorthand for chaotic poor countries, observes Bridi Rice, CEO of the Development Intelligence Lab, a Canberra-based think tank. But it is true that some countries have more sources of fragility than others. In a fragile state, shocks hit harder and people suffer more because institutions, politics, economies or social cohesion are not strong enough to absorb them. Police officers attend the funeral of a colleague in July 2025 in Haitis capital Port-au-Prince, which has been overrun by criminal gangs. Getty Images Which states are fragile today? Certainly at risk of failing is Haiti, which has not had presidential elections for a decade and is slipping into anarchy, over-run by criminal gangs that threaten its sovereignty, its police forces beleaguered. It currently hangs on the success of a United Nations intervention, a Gang Suppression Force that will eventually number some 5500 troops to tackle the criminals, who control as much as 90 per cent of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Related Article Explainer

Trump diplomacy Cuba is finished: What does Trump want with the island nation? Yemens civil war, which began in 2014 when Houthi rebels took the capital, Sanaa, broadened into a regional crisis with Iran, the US, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia intervening. Sudans internal conflict has also at times morphed into a struggle for control by several outside nations with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and others linked to one or other of the two main warring factions, seeking to shore up their interests in the region. Cuba, suffering an energy shock and the increasing inability of the state to provide essentials for much of its populace is in a precarious spot, in no small part thanks to decades of US trade embargoes and now Trumps oil blockade. That failure to control territory has enormous implications for regional stability. Dara Conduit, University of Melbourne So too Myanmar, where the civil war endures, displacing millions, and opium production is booming after a decline in production in Afghanistan under the Taliban. Says Lavina Lee: Youve got parts of Myanmar on the Thailand border where organised crime syndicates have taken control over pockets of territory and trafficked people who are slaves to these scam syndicates. Colombias government, nominally stable, has at times been unable to control much of its territory, ceding it to guerillas and drug cartels; extremist Islamists, meanwhile, have flourished in contested territories  Somalias Al-Shabaab, al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, parts of Africa such as Mali, where the UNESCO-protected city of Timbuktu was briefly laid siege in 2023 by the al-Qaeda affiliate Jamaat Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin. Built in the 14th century, the UNESCO world heritage-listed Sankore mosque in Timbuktu in Mali was briefly laid siege by an al-Qaeda affiliated group in 2023. Getty Images That failure to control territory has enormous implications for regional stability, says Dara Conduit, an expert on authoritarian regimes at the University of Melbourne. Syrias civil war, in particular, allowed groups such as the Islamic State to thrive. Iraq also remains fragile, although its not a failed state, says Conduit. Theres some extent of law and order there. But the situation in Iraq has had significant consequences for regional stability as well. Somalias new-ish federal government has made some progress towards re-establishing a coherent state but, according to Freedom House, is still handicapped by competing demands for control from semi-autonomous regional governments, an outright separatist government in Somaliland, and by the ever-present threat of attacks by Islamist militants. Political affairs remain dominated by clan divisions, it notes. People affected by drought receive food packages from a Turkish aid group in the Somali capital Mogadishu in February 2026. Getty Images Consequently, Somalia tops the most recent annual ranking of fragile states compiled by the not-for-profit Fund for Peace, generally accepted as the most comprehensive index of its kind. It aggregates a dozen major indicators (such as violence, grievances between different groups, human rights, economic stability, refugees and provision of services such as sanitation and education) to rank 179 countries from most fragile to most secure. Joining Somalia in the top 10 most fragile (using data from 2024) were, in order, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yemen, Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Haiti and Chad. Myanmar was 11th, Mali was 14th. On the other side of the funds ledger, Australia ranked 11th-most stable behind the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Canada, Ireland, Switzerland, Denmark, New Zealand, Iceland, Finland and, least fragile of all, Norway. The UK was the 31st-most stable, seven spots ahead of the US. Increased fragility in the Indo-Pacific is a direct threat to Australias national interests, both economically and in security terms. Bridi Rice, CEO Development Intelligence Lab In our immediate neighbourhood, Papua New Guinea stands out as the most fragile state, which is no surprise to Bridi Rice, who lived there for several years. Whether you agree with the fragile state label or not, Papua New Guinea is facing a convergence of pressures including violence, insecurity, corruption and declining human development outcomes, she says. Increased fragility in the Indo-Pacific is a direct threat to Australias national interests, both economically and in security terms. Fragility should be read as a strategic warning light. Royal Thai Army soldiers patrol the border with Myanmar on the lookout for people trafficking in 2025. Kate Geraghty At 43rd on the index, Iran, meanwhile, ranked as less fragile than Turkey (41st), though recent events may see that change, beginning with the economic stresses that sparked nationwide protests in January, which then triggered a brutal crackdown that saw many thousands killed. Related Article Explainer

Middle East tensions The Great Satan: How the era of the ayatollahs began There are few signs, though, that the regime is about to collapse. The Iranians are doing a very good job of both weathering this [war] and imposing significant costs, not just on the US administration but on the rest of the world, says Levi West. Lavina Lee concurs. President Trump is very open about the fact that he has been surprised that the Iranian regime has been more resilient than they expected, that the security apparatus is still intact, that it might be severely degraded, but we dont see any signs yet of significant defection within the regime, she says. But its not over. Even if theres not a complete collapse of the regime, given that so many leaders have been assassinated, theres a high degree of possibility theres going to be an internal power struggle there, and we might not know what the outcome of that would be. Get fascinating insights and explanations on the worlds most perplexing topics. Sign up for our weekly Explainer newsletter.
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NationalNSWPolice Houses shot, police chase kill car in night of gang violence across Sydney Perry Duffin April 12, 2026  1:05pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Sydneys gang war has boiled over with gunmen dispatched to shoot up homes while masked men, armed and driving a kill car, led police on a high-speed chase across the city in separate incidents. The anti-gang NSW Police Raptor Squad spotted a stolen white Audi at about 2.30pm Saturday on the Great Western Highway in Wentworthville. A white Audi allegedly used in underworld shootings in Panania was intercepted by anti-gang police in a high-speed chase. Nine Locals had called police, concerned after seeing a group of men sitting in the car outside the leagues club wearing balaclavas. When police tried to stop the car, the driver allegedly accelerated away and the occupants threw fuel jerry cans and containers of bleach from the vehicle.

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A Raptor car rammed into the Audi, pinning it in on the M4 motorway near Silverwater and three men ran from the car. The trio were arrested after a short foot chase. Inside the car, police allegedly found a loaded semi-automatic rifle, a pistol and cloned number plates. Police charged Ethan Mclaws and Chayce Jensen, both aged 24, with weapons and criminal groups charges. The alleged driver, 28-year-old Dean Saunders, was also charged with additional driving and stolen car charges. Saunders was wanted for domestic violence and assault.

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The men did not appear in court and made no application for bail on Sunday morning. The white Audi had been stolen on March 7 from Edmondson Park and allegedly used in shootings and arson attacks around Sydneys south-west, police said. CCTV captured a gunman opening fire on a Panania home that was attacked four times in four weeks in March and April. Police suspect the white Audi getaway vehicle was later involved in a high-speed chase on April 11. Seven News That included a shooting at a Panania home on March 14 and a firebombing at another Panania home two nights later, where a gun was flashed but not used. We believe the vehicle was also linked to three other shooting offences that occurred on the same night in St Johns Park, Colyton, and again, at the same Panania address, Detective Inspector Brad Abdy told media on Saturday evening.

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The Panania attacks are believed to have been captured on CCTV. Security footage was published by Seven News earlier this month showing one house on Tyalgum Avenue being attacked four times in four weeks. A white Audi was recorded rolling up outside the home before a gunman emerged and fired once through the bedroom window. The gunman returned two days later, but the weapon jammed. On another occasion, the attacker lit a fire in the neighbouring homes driveway in what police believed was mistaken identity.

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Shootings at homes have become all too familiar in Sydneys south-west as warring gangs vie for control of the drug trade, or exact revenge in tit-for-tat attacks. Hours after the Audi car chase, in the early morning of Sunday, shots rang out at a home on Columbine Avenue in Punchbowl in another suspected gang attack. Strikeforce Raptors Detective Inspector Brad Abdy. NSW Police Police raced to the scene and found several shots had been fired into the front of the home from an unknown vehicle. A few minutes later, at 3am, more calls of gunfire came from Noble Avenue in Greenacre.

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Several more shots had been fired from an unknown vehicle into a second home. Related Article Updated

Crime Former NRL star shot in brazen ambush, police probe sons gangland links No one was injured in either shooting, but police believe the two shootings are linked and a manhunt is now underway for the gunmen. Police have not said whether the kill car was linked to the shootings, or whether any of the weekends incidents were linked to a particular underworld group or gang. In February, a wave of arson and shooting flashed across the citys south-west as former allies, the Coconut Cartel and Alameddine crime families, fell out with dramatic consequences.

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It began with the shooting of former NRL star Matt Utai outside his Greenacre home in the early hours of 17 February. He narrowly survived. Homes and cars were torched and shot across St Clair, Colyton, Chester Hill and Guildford West in the days that followed. Police ultimately sheeted the violence home to retaliation against Iziah Utai, a former Alameddine gangster who had patched over to the Coconut Cartel. Iziah, also known as Ziggy, is believed to be offshore and wanted over the shooting murder of an Alameddine bodyguard. Police have not suggested the latest wave of violence is linked to that conflict. Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app.
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NationalFive Minutes with Fitz Opinion Prime lunar real estate: Australias lawyer to the stars  and the moon  is worried Peter FitzSimons Columnist and author April 12, 2026  5:00am

April 12, 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

Dr Cassandra Steer is an internationally recognised expert in space law and the chair and founder of the Australasian Centre for Space Governance. She is now director of policy research with Space Strategies Consulting Ltd. She spoke to me from her Montreal home on Thursday. Fitz: Dr Steer, thank you for your time. In this week of Artemis II boomeranging around the far side of the moon, I seek an overview of the whole space thang. Where its up to, and where its going? They tell me you are one of the worlds leading legal experts in the field. How did you, as an Australian, get into space law, something I think a lot of us didnt quite know exists. Cassandra Steer says we have a custodian responsibility for space as much as for Earth. Photo: Supplied CS: [Laughing] I was always interested in the humanities, philosophy, languages, international relations. My background is international law and international conflict, and it was in the course of working in that field that I started to become interested in what technology is doing to warfare. How do we look at whos responsible? How do we restrain states? How do we limit the impacts on civilians of warfare? And it was actually military lawyers who I worked with who said, Well, youve got to look at space. Fitz: A difficult place to put up a shingle, but, OK?

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CS: I hadnt even thought about space, but the more I started to look at it, the more I realised space is just another domain where all of these issues are playing out, where nations and corporations need legal help in navigating all the agreements, protocols and treaties that are supposed to control what happens there. Fitz: Whats happening there right now, and making headlines, is the whole Artemis program  named because in Greek mythology Artemis is the sister of Apollo. But as opposed to the Apollo program, it is not, according to The New York Times, a flag and footprint exercise. CS: Yeah, its a race for dominating prime lunar real estate in the long term, not just landing and leaving. Fitz: The NYT said this week that this race now is no longer between America and Russia; its between America and China, and it looks like the Chinese are winning, with the big deal being who is first to get to the south pole of the moon. CS: Yes, but while the US likes to paint it as a Cold War 2.0, its not just China in the race with them, because were not in a bipolar era politically. Were in a multipolar era where youve got countries like India, Japan, and even Israel, trying to get to the moon. And importantly, youve got commercial players who are very much part of it.

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Fitz: But why go to the moon at all, beyond the wonder of it? Does the moon have minerals that we dont have on Earth, and could we get them back here in commercial quantities? And what is the big deal about the south pole? CS: The reason the south pole is so interesting is because it has ice, which means a space station established there can use it for water. And it probably has helium-3, which is a highly rare gas, and it can be used for fuel. But there really is an interesting question mark around what is the justification here, really? Because we keep being told were going back to the moon to have a long-term human presence on the moon. Well, why are we doing that? Yes, well, to get the resources. Well, why do we want the resources? Well, to support a long-term human presence on the moon? But why do we want that to get the resources? So its this circular argument. Fitz: It certainly is. The new Earthrise, taken by the Artemis II crew. AP Australian scientists are helping develop laser communications technology on board the Orion spacecraft. AP

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Artemis II launches at Cape Canaveral on April 2. Getty Images CS: All these companies are involved because theyre trying to make a case that theres trillions of dollars worth of profit to be made, but were still not quite sure how. So this is not about bringing those resources back to Earth. Theres no business case for that. Fitz: So, why? CS: In the shorter term, its just about dominating the next politically important piece of space, at a time when everyone also recognises the growing military and economic benefits of near-Earth space. For one thing, satellites now are integral to just about everything we do on Earth, so it really is important. But who gets to the south pole first to establish a base is hugely strategically and symbolically important. Fitz: And so, good Lord willing, and the creeks dont rise, in early 2028, the Americans will land on the moon, unload the sleds, get out the huskies, put on their space-helmets and head to the south pole. Mush you dawgies! I said mush!

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Space Nuclear-powered villages could be on the moon within 10 years. Where do we fit in? CS: [Laughing] Yes, but my bet is on China getting there first. The US, as we know, is in total and utter internal turmoil. Trump keeps chopping and changing, and recently cut the NASA budget to levels it hasnt seen since before the Apollo program of the 60s, and then Congress tried to put the budget back in place, but the new administrator just said hes in favour of the cuts. And their timelines have changed, and Ive lost count of how many times theyve changed their goals, of whether this is about the moon or Mars. They just cancelled, two weeks ago, a thing called the Gateway, which was supposed to be a critical piece of infrastructure for Artemis. The Canadians and the Europeans are saying, Hang on, weve spent billions of dollars on this already. The research and development timelines go for years. You cant just cancel it last minute. Fitz: So, its a typical Donald Trump shambles? CS: Yes, exactly. You cant run space programs and planning with that kind of shambles, while the Chinese have extremely consistent internal governance. It has a dictatorship, but that means it has very consistent programs and funding and timelines that do not diverge from what was put in place already more than 10 years ago. Everyone works towards a single goal, and its a very clear timeline, and theyve always said theyll be on the moon by 2030 and theres no question in my mind that they will. Fitz: Whoever gets there first, you told me previously, will establish an exclusion zone?

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CS: Yes, as this is prime lunar real estate, and were pretty sure there are resources there. Whoever is first will set up shop pretty quickly, and then theyre going to say we need to put a safety zone around these operations because lunar dust is really highly abrasive, and any small movement will kick it up, and it could become very destructive to equipment and possibly threaten human lives if there are humans around. Fitz: OK, lets just say that the USA gets there first and sets up a lunar space station with a, lets say, 20-kilometre radius around their exclusion zone on the south pole of the moon. And lets say the Chinese then land 18 kilometres away. Would you expect a phone call from the Americans? You know, Better call Saul ... nah, lets call Dr Cassandra Steer. Shes space lawyer to the stars, and the moon! CS: (Laughs) Fitz: I mean, how is the law up there enforced? Who runs the show? CS: Yeah, I want to be clear. Theres no law around this. This is actually something thats being asserted in the non-binding Artemis Accords and also in Chinas own principles around its own program for its International Lunar Research Station. In this, America and Chinas principles are very much the same. They are not going to try and infringe on that safety zone because it means they wont be able to set up their own safety zone. But its not actually an enforceable law at all.

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Fitz: But it is a whole lot of treaties, to start with? Related Article Explainer

Space Like the Wild West: Who owns the moon and whats up there? CS: Yes, and the foundation stone is the UNs Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which is like a constitution, and it puts down organising principles and values, and it says all space activities should be for the benefit of all nations, regardless of their scientific or economic status. It is prohibited to claim territory in space, and the treaty says by claims of sovereignty or by any other means, it prohibits nuclear weapons in space, and it prohibits military bases in space. So what it did was put in place key principles that the world agreed upon. Fitz: But in the age of Trump, when $300 will just about let you fill up your tank with diesel, whats the value of that American commitment to any treaty? American commitments are surely worthless? CS: The Americans still basically support the Outer Space Treaty. But they also say, We interpret non-appropriation as still allowing for resource extraction because thats not a territorial claim. So this was hotly debated in 2015 under president Obama when the US introduced national legislation to this effect, but then they put in place something called the Artemis Accords, and they said anyone who wants to be part of this new, exciting Artemis program to return to the moon has to agree with that interpretation and has to sign this accord. It includes saying that mining of space resources is not appropriation and is allowed under the Outer Space Treaty. Australia was one of the first seven countries to sign on to that because we were very keen to be part of the Artemis program.

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Fitz: Lets go back to you, as a space lawyer. When its 9am on a Monday, and your phone rings, who is it? What do they want from you? CS: A lot of my contracts are with defence departments, particularly Canadas and Australias where Im explaining to them a bit about what weve just discussed, but also things like how the laws around conflicts apply to satellite operations, what the impacts are on civilians. I am currently on a team writing doctrine for Canadian defence about how they can operate in space. And I do a lot of education about policy and strategy, and some of it is the civil side, like the Australian Space Agency, thinking about sustainability in space and how we can make a good regulatory environment for Australian companies. Fitz: Sustainability in space? Put your potato peels in worm farms? I get that on Earth, but what is the concept of sustainability in space? Related Article Data centres Data centres in space? Thats less crazy than you think CS: Because of our global dependencies on satellites, we have a huge problem of space traffic. In the first 50 years of space activities, we went from zero satellites to about 300. But in the last 20 years, weve gotten up to 16,000 satellites, most of them in low Earth orbit moving at 10 times the speed of a bullet. Theres an ever-growing risk of collision between satellites, or between bits of debris and satellites. Theres been a few events in space like collisions or actual deliberate military testing to destroy satellites which have created enormous amounts of debris. So although theres this huge commercial competition to launch more and more satellites, that is simply unsustainable. So these things have to be worked out.

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Fitz: And Australia in all this? CS: The Australian government doesnt really get it. Our space agency is sorely underfunded and constantly being shrunk down in size, and its crippled. It cant do anything that it should be able to do. Europe thoroughly understands how important space is, both for the civil side and economy, global trade, and also for the military and strategic side. But right now, Australia is not a good environment for space companies. Fitz: What a strange turn your career has taken that you start out studying arts, and find yourself as a sheriff in the badlands of the space frontier. When youre with your Canadian partner on a starry, starry night, and you gaze up at the moon, does it change the way you look at it? CS: It does! I mean, when I look up at the moon now, I apologise to it, and I say, Im really sorry. Were about to come and f--- things up. Fitz: How? How are we going to ruck things up? Why? What is the ruck-up thats coming?

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CS: There are historical heritage sites, like the first human footprints on the moon that could be destroyed by this competitive activity. We have a custodian responsibility for space as much as for Earth. There are all sorts of cultures around the world who have sacred relationships to the moon. And whats going to happen is, entities like Elon Musks company are going to speed things up. Were going to have commercial and militarised competition on the surface of the moon to extract as much as possible, as quickly as possible, with very little concern for the natural environment. And I just think thats really sad. Fitz: Thank you for your time. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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NationalVictoriaCity life Concern over plan for six-storey community housing in Prahran, with just five car parks Rachael Ward April 12, 2026  5:07pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

A proposal to replace a double-storey community housing development in Melbournes inner east with a six-storey building containing just five car parks has sparked concern among locals over its potential impact on nearby residents. For decades, the High Street property near Orrong Road in Prahran has been used as community housing for people aged 65 and over. It included 22 homes within multiple two-storey buildings. Nearby residents Nadine Parkington, Kathleen Munson and Hugh Hardy support an expansion of community housing, but fear plans for a six-storey building are too big and will impact the area. Joe Armao With the existing site being bulldozed, there are plans to increase the number of homes to 50 and raise the height of the buildings by four storeys to be 21 metres tall. There are also plans to lower the age of entry for tenants to 55. However, with development currently restricted to 14.5 metres it would require permission from Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny.

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Strata Thumping and crashing: Pilates studio exposes Melbournes strata failings While the new design includes 20 bike spots and an internal courtyard, just five car spaces and a single elevator are included, despite adding 28 homes to the site. Vehicles would have to enter via the residential Florence Street at the propertys rear, and occupants would be ineligible for on-street parking permits under Stonnington Council rules. The property is owned by not-for-profit Housing First, which manages a $750 million community housing portfolio and is moving to sell two apartment blocks in St Kilda. The documents released as part of the planning application reveal the cost of the High Street development is estimated at more than $26 million. Nadine Parkington is among residents concerned by the proposal. She said locals were extremely supportive of social housing, but were worried about more vehicles on the one-way Florence Street.

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Were talking about people over 55  theres going to be food deliveries, people getting showered, people getting cared for, she said. Theres no thought as to how thats going to happen, and its all sort of going to impose on our tiny little street. Hugh Hardy has happily lived next door for more than a decade but is now concerned about a bigger building overshadowing his home, and hopes it will be reduced to four storeys. He said while the developer could afford to commission hundreds of pages of reports on the site, residents were limited by what evidence they could afford to commission before the minister decides on the planning application.

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Related Article City life These apartments were donated for social housing for the elderly. Now theyre being sold We feel its a David and Goliath situation here  us versus the state government vis-a-vis Housing First, he said. A former resident of the community housing property who spoke to The Age on the condition of anonymity said five car spots for an older group of people who rely on vehicles was ridiculous and queried how one lift could service six storeys. We cant wait to move back, but not under the plans that theyve got, they said. Stonnington Council also has serious concerns with the plan and has formally objected to the application, Mayor Melina Sehr said.

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She cited the number of car parks, landscaping, impact on neighbours and poor presentation along High Street  including a large substation and access ramp dominating the front of the building. We do believe that every development, regardless of its purpose, should be designed well, integrate with its neighbourhood, and genuinely serve the people who will live in it, Sehr said. Prahran MP Rachel Westaway, who is sponsoring a parliamentary petition launched by Parkington, said the area needed more social housing and claimed locals had been sidelined. With only five car parks for 50 apartments and building two-storeys above the mandatory height limit, this project, in its current form, doesnt make sense, she said. A Housing First spokesperson said all design elements  including height, parking and amenity  would be assessed against planning requirements and standards, and that comprehensive traffic and parking assessments had been carried out.

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All necessary planning approvals will be obtained prior to any redevelopment proceeding, they said. We recognise that community members may have questions or concerns, and the planning process provides a formal avenue for submissions to be made and considered. Jonathan OBrien, an organiser for the pro-housing-density advocacy group YIMBY, accused Westaway of being tone-deaf, saying the proposal appeared to be compliant, and the apartments would get built. Grandstanding against common-sense inner-city housing is just a really embarrassing look in 2026, he said.

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A Victorian government spokesperson said any proposal would be considered on its merits. As of December 2025, more than 55,000 people had applied for public housing (managed by the state) or community housing (managed by not-for-profit organisations) through the state housing register. Victorian Council of Social Service chief executive Juanita Pope said Victoria had the smallest proportion of social housing in Australia, and called for the state to commit to a social housing growth target. Social housing designed to meet the needs of older Victorians will make life easier for residents who are ageing in place, recognising that for many this will be their final home before moving into aged care, she said.
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NationalWACyclones Tourism funding boost to help cyclone-hit WA towns recover Samantha Lock April 12, 2026  3:11pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Tourism operators ravaged by one of Australias most remarkable cyclones will receive grants to help rebuild. Businesses across north-west Western Australia are still reeling after Tropical Cyclone Narelle left a trail of destruction when it struck days before the peak Easter tourism season. Tropical Cyclone Narelle left a trail of destruction in Exmouth. Blue Media Exmouth The weather system caused flooding, cut off towns, destroyed homes and devastated marine wildlife across the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef in WAs Gascoyne region. Locals have been working hard to get towns such as Exmouth, one of the hardest hit by Narelle, back up and running for tourists.

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One-off relief payments will be rolled out to eligible tourism operators as part of a $1.45 million tourism support package announced by the Cook government on Sunday. Related Article Cyclones WAs cyclone-affected wildlife to be given helping hand Payments of $10,000 and $20,000 will be available for tour operators, experiences and attractions, and accommodation providers impacted by access closures from the Shires of Carnarvon, Exmouth, Ashburton and Upper Gascoyne. The package will include 50 per cent discounts on select tours and experiences to incentivise visitors to the region. WA Tourism Minister Reece Whitby said tourism was crucial to the local economy for communities across the Coral Coast and remained one of the regions biggest employers.

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We encourage all West Australians to support tourism businesses by visiting the region and helping this iconic part of the state get back to what it does best, which is offering an incredible tourism experience, he said in a statement on Sunday. WA Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas said the announcement was welcome, although he would have liked to have seen it sooner. It feels to me as though, again, the government is reactive, not proactive, he said. Theyve had some time to get this together, and now finally, the announcement has come. I would have liked to have seen it sooner, and I know from the people that I spoke to on the ground in Exmouth and Carnarvon, the uncertainty has been very difficult for them, they would have liked to have seen it sooner also.

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Narelle - which hit northern Queensland before moving west across the NT and reforming in WA - is only the third storm in recorded history to make landfall as a cyclone in three Australian jurisdictions, joining Ingrid (2005) and Steve (2000). AAP

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WorldEuropeWorld elections Trump-backed Viktor Orban swept from power in Hungary after 16 years David Crowe Updated April 13, 2026  9:46am ,first published 6:03am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Budapest: Hungarian voters have delivered a crushing election defeat to populist conservative Viktor Orban, giving his challenger, Peter Magyar, a powerful majority as prime minister to repeal laws, sack officials and expose corruption. The emphatic result defied Orbans attempt to use endorsements from US President Donald Trump and other leaders to position himself as the safe choice for the nation after 16 years in power. Magyar declared victory with a vow to stop Hungary from being a vassal state beholden to others, reprising a key campaign theme that Orban was too close to Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin. Peter Magyar, leader of the Tisza party, casts his ballot at a polling station in Budapest on Sunday. AP Viktor Orban prepares to cast his ballot in Budapest. AP

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Supporters of Magyar and his Tisza party erupted in cheers at a celebration opposite the parliament in Budapest, with thousands of people joining the rally as the scale of the victory became clear. Magyar claimed victory with a pledge to govern for all Hungarians and a vow to exercise the full power of his election mandate, given that his party appears set to have more than two-thirds of the seats in parliament  a key threshold for amendments to the constitution and other major changes. The scale of the victory gives Magyar the ability to stare down the Hungarian president, Tamas Sulyok, an Orban ally, who could block the new prime ministers agenda if the governing party did not reach the key threshold. Together we replaced the Orban regime, liberated Hungary and took back our homeland, Magyar said in his victory speech, according to a translation by media site HVG.

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May this day also be a golden date for Hungarian freedom: not the victory of one party over another, but the victory of freedom and truth over oppression and lies. In a bold move to avoid a long clash with the president, Magyar called on Sulyok to recognise the election result by resigning from his office once he had asked Tisza to form a government. Revellers celebrate the resounding Tisza party win. Getty Images Magyar also called on some of Orbans key allies in top government posts, such as the chief prosecutor and the president of the constitutional court, to step down because he intended to remove them. Orban accepted the result despite his complaints in the campaign about voter fraud and foreign interference  a theme that may have prepared him to challenge the vote count.

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We do not know what todays election results mean for the fate of our country and nation, Orban said after the results showed he would not command a majority. But no matter how it turns out, we, as the opposition, will serve our country and the Hungarian nation. A man waves a Hungarian flag as he celebrates in the streets after the announcement of partial results. AP While the early results indicated that Magyar would gain a majority, the elections historic significance only became apparent over time, as the counting showed that Tisza would have more than two-thirds of the seats. Orbans party, Fidesz, had only 55 seats in the count at midnight, local time (8am on Monday AEST). Final results could take a week.

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Magyar and his Tisza party emerged with 138 seats, representing 69.3 per cent of parliament, surpassing the 66.6 per cent threshold. Related Article Analysis

World elections How a former Orban ally toppled the populist right-wing leader A smaller right-wing party, Mi Hazank, which translates as Our Homeland, won 5.9 per cent of the vote and gained about six seats in parliament. Other parties failed to exceed 5 per cent and did not qualify for any seats. The campaign was marked by competing claims of foreign interference as Orban  who opposes EU funding for Ukraine and has good ties with Putin  accused Magyar of being close to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and therefore taking Hungary into the war with Russia. Orban relied heavily on outside help, however, and touted a pledge from Trump to throw the full economic might of the US behind a Hungary under Orban.

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Voters who spoke to this masthead on polling day were divided on Trumps endorsement; some welcomed the pledge, while others said it made no difference because they were more worried about corruption in the Orban government. Thousands gathered at competing rallies in Budapest on election night, with Tisza supporters cheering Magyar at their celebrations on the banks of the Danube near the nations historic parliament. People queue up to vote in Budapest. AP Magyar supporters wait for the results. AP EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hailed the landslide election victory as a move by the country towards Europe.

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Europes heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight, she said in a post on X. Hungary has chosen Europe. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger. Related Article Hungary The election that everyone seems to have a stake in  especially Putin and Trump Others were more pointed about the long-standing concern that Orban was too close to Putin and that the Hungarian foreign minister, Peter Szijjarto, called his counterpart in Russia to share information about EU meetings. Orban opposed support for Ukraine in the war with Russia and ran a negative campaign ad that claimed Magyar and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were dangerous and would bring Hungary into the war. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who clashed with Orban over Ukraine, said the result meant that Poland, Hungary and Europe were back together.

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A dog waits for a voter to cast their ballot. Getty Images Glorious victory, dear friends! Ruszkik haza! he posted on X. The final phrase of his message means Russians go home and was used by Hungarians when they sought to stop Russian troops from taking control of their country in 1956. The words were often chanted by Magyars supporters at their rallies. Related Article Analysis

World elections Hungarian voters face a big question. JD Vance thinks he has the answer Magyar also drew congratulations from Zelensky, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and French President Emmanuel Macron. 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.
Steven Soderbergh doesn't feel "threatened" by AI.

Steven Soderbergh is comfortable about using AI during the filmmaking process

The 63-year-old director has declared that he will be using "a lot" of the technology in his new picture about the Spanish-American war and feels "obligated" to use it in the filmmaking process if it enhances the product.

Soderbergh told Variety: "Im just not threatened by it. Im only scared of things I dont understand. So I felt obligated to engage with it, to figure out what it is and what it can do."

The Traffic filmmaker explained how AI was particularly useful for him during production on his forthcoming documentary about Beatles legend John Lennon.

Soderbergh said: "It turned out to be a very good tool for certain passages of the Lennon documentary where I needed surrealistic imagery that was impossible to shoot. It allowed me to solve a creative problem about how to visualise what John and Yoko (Ono) are speaking about philosophically.

"Ten years ago, I would have needed to engage a visual effects house at an unbelievable cost to come up with this stuff. No longer. My job is to deliver a good movie, period. And this tool showed up at a moment when I needed it."

The Oscar-winning director stressed that the world is still in the "early stages" of understanding AI and has called for people not to rush into making doom-laden predictions about the tech.

He said: "I dont think its the solution to everything, and I dont think its the death of everything. Were in the very early stages. Five years from now, we all may be going, 'That was a fun phase.' We may end up not using it as much as we thought we were going to. "There are some people that I have absolute love and respect for that refuse to engage with it. Thats their privilege. But Im not built that way. You show me a new tool. I want to get my hands on it and see whats going on."

Soderbergh's latest movie The Christophers centres on ageing painter Julian Sklar (Sir Ian McKellen) - who hires assistant Lori Butler (Michaela Coel) to dispose of his works - and the director says the movie explores something that every creative fears.

He said: "Thats the terror for every creative person. I call it the slackening. Its night sweat material for me. Im very interested in the lives of artists. How can somebody maintain their output right up to the end? What is it about their personality that enabled them to keep their level high? And why does the opposite happen? What makes someone incapable of sustaining that quality? Nobody wants to be described as an artist whose stuff fell off."

The Erin Brockovich filmmaker added: "But also, how do you determine that? Sometimes critics are wrong. Sometimes your work showed up too soon, and you were ahead of the audience.

"I focus on what I can control, which is the method of making things. I set up circumstances and environments with trusted collaborators that allow for the alchemy that creates good stuff to take place. All I can do is bring the ingredients together in a pot. Thats the best chance youve got of making something that tastes good."
The energy infrastructure analytics firm Arbo is tracking more than 150 gas pipeline projects nationwide that would provide about 150 billion cubic feet daily of gas supplies.

There are the obvious environmental concerns, but the overall demand surge and the need for power as soon as possible mean that both natural gas and renewable energy will continue to grow quickly.

A few years ago, people were saying, We dont need more gasever, said Hinds Howard, energy analyst for CBRE Investment Management, citing the pivot to renewable energy. Now, technology companies that were the most net-zero people are clamoring for any power they can get, no matter if its gas or not.

And in order to keep the gas flowing and the data center dots connected, more and more pipe must plow into the ground.

U.S. natural gas production was largely flat from 1970 to 2010, and then volumes spiked nearly 70% in a decade to about 100 billion cubic feet per day by 2020. Already having risen another 20% since then, production is projected to keep surging to about 160 billion cubic feet daily by 2040, driven by data centers and exports. The ample domestic supply is why the war in Iran hasnt affected natural gas prices in the U.S., even while oil and fuel prices have spiked.

Were trying to bring our capabilities to places where American companies and hyperscalers cant get access to power and otherwise wouldnt be able to build, Zamarin said.

While massive, long-haul pipelines are underway to liquefied natural gas (LNG) export hubs in Texas and Louisiana, a huge backlog of smaller gas pipelines or expansions is rising throughout the country from the Pacific Northwest to the Rockies and mid-continent to the Southeast to connect data centers with gas-fired power.

Courtesy of a convergence of the AI data-center power wave, rapidly growing export facilities , and population growth, the nations natural gas pipeline build-out is looking at its biggest growth surge in nearly 20 yearssince the beginning of the shale gas boom.

Thats the first pipe in New York in over a decade, Williams CEO Chad Zamarin told Fortune. What youre seeing now is very broad [growth] across the U.S. footprint.

Oklahoma-based Williams Companies will break ground April 14 on the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline that expands its Transco natural gas network in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

New pipeline construction is almost as hard to find in New York and New England as the Loch Ness Monster is in Scotland. But theres now a NESE (pronounced Nessie) sighting in Brooklyn.

Story Continues

Id say theres a far greater number of projects that are smaller in this build-out, said Arbo CEO Chip Moldenhauer. But were sort of in the early innings when you look at the number of projects and the stages in which those projects are at right now. Theres a significant number  still in the very early stages. A lot more of this game has to be played.

Theres still a big unknown about how large the AI boom will ultimately grow, and many more pipelines could still be built as new data center campuses commence construction, he said.

For now, the new pipeline construction isnt close to meeting the projected demand, said Williamss Zamarin. And the historical goals for a boring, but very profitable industry now has the potential for pipelines to take center stage.

This is definitely an upcycle, he added. To get low-cost, abundant natural gas supplies to demand markets that really, really need it and want itits all about the infrastructure in between, not just for the next five to 10 years, but for a very long time for our country. Its going to be exciting; its not going to be boring.

Chad Zamarin, president and CEO of Williams Companies, at the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston, March 25, 2026.

Growing market recognition

Just as stock market values have spiked for many utilities and power generators, so have market caps for gas pipeline developers. And Williams is the poster child for that growth, Howard said.

Williams focuses almost exclusively on natural gasnot the more stagnant oil and refined products marketsand expanded last year into the power business, including building power plants for hyperscaler Meta in Ohio.

As such, Williamss market cap has surged about 90% in two years to nearly $90 billion, the highest for any U.S. pipeline player and second industrywide only to Calgary-based Enbridge.

In an increasingly consolidated industry, other pipeline players such as Kinder Morgan, Energy Transfer, Enterprise Products, TC Energy, and the smaller DT Midstream are also on the rise. Others with less of a natural gas focus were being left behind. The crude-oil-focused Plains All American Pipeline, for instance, has slumped, but is now seeing a bump owing to supply shocks from the Iran war. The growth story now and longer term, however, is focused on gas, analysts said.

The big differentiator for Williams of late is offering a one-stop shop for gas and power with both the gas pipeline growth and the gas-turbine procurement experience to now start building power plants. Williams has already announced $7.3 billion in power projects in Ohio and Utah with the potential to grow much more.

This next five-plus-year period of growth is going to be very much focused on pipe and power, Zamarin said. Thats why we are focused on pipeline and storage projects, and were focused on bringing tailored power generation solutions directly to  data centers for hyperscalers.

Williams also announced a goal of 10% or higher compound annual growth in adjusted Ebitda from 2026 through 2030, an admittedly high bar to achieve.

To wax philosophical, Williams is currently building the Project Socrates power project for Meta in New Albany, Ohio, with two gas-fired power plantsPlato North and Plato Southand a 20-mile pipeline slated to come online late in 2026. Williams also is developing the Apollo and Aquila power projects in Ohio and Utah, respectively. And most recently, it announced the Socrates the Younger project in Ohio. All these combined would be enough to power nearly 1.5 million homes.

In terms of pipelines, Williams continues to focus on expanding its crown jewel Transco network, which runs more than 10,000 miles from southern Texas into the deepwater Gulf of Mexico and all the way up the Atlantic Coast to New York.

The Southeast Supply Enhancement expansion on Transco is Williamss biggest project ever from an earnings contribution perspective in the companys 118-year history, Zamarin said. The expansion will serve all the population and data center growth in Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, and the Carolinas, he said.

Expansions also are underway on Williamss MountainWest Pipeline network in the Rockies and the Northwest Pipeline system, including for new demand from AI hubs.

When you think about the Pacific Northwest, we havent had significant growth projects in 20 years, Zamarin said. Thats a market that hadnt been open for any kind of growth and now is recognizing it really needs more gas supply.

The Trump effect

Outside of gas-abundant and regulatory-lenient Texas and Louisiana, the last major gas pipeline built in the U.S., the Mountain Valley Pipeline, took more than a decade and a literal act of Congress before it came online in Virginia and West Virginia.

So building enough pipelines to meet the potential data center demand wont happen easily. A pipeline-friendly Trump administration helps, but Zamarin and industry advocates want more tort reform and congressional permitting reform, expediting everything from pipelines to electric transmission to renewable energy projects.

When President Donald Trump started talking about reviving the proposed Constitution Pipeline project in New York in February 2025, it caught former Williams CEO Alan Armstrong by surprise, he confessed.

After all, Constitution is a large Williams gas pipeline project that would service New York and the entire New England region. Williams had canceled the project in 2020 because of regulatory and permitting woes in the difficult-to-build region. And Trump hadnt spoken with Armstrong before he talked about reviving it.

Williams also had killed the Northeast Supply Enhancement project in 2024 for similar reasons.

Although New York Gov. Kathy Hochul denied any quid pro quo, after the White House removed its block on New Yorks Empire Wind project, Hochul decided to support NESE, which Williams initially prioritized reviving over Constitution largely because its smaller and easier. Williams also wants to resuscitate Constitution.

Even though NESE has some unresolved permitting issues in New Jersey and pending environmental lawsuits, the groundbreaking is moving forward. Earthjustice, the Natural Resources Defense Council, and others are suing.

Energy analysts see NESEs successor potential failureas a litmus test for building more pipelines in the Northeast, including Constitution, and even nationwide.

NESE would be a bellwether for litigation, Arbo chief operating officer Craig Heilman said. That would be symbolic of what the current disposition of the large environmental opposition groups are. Theres been such a big sentiment change globally from energy transition to energy dominance, or all-of-the-above energy.

In the meantime, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is fast-tracking pipeline projects to the extent its staff is able. But the real goal for industry is Congress approving permitting reform, which it has tried and failed multiple times in recent years.

I think theres this growing recognition that we have a lot of potential as a country, Zamarin said. Ive been calling it our superpower: our ability to produce natural gas. But we have this infrastructure limitation that is holding us back from reaching our full potential.

Zamarin took over as CEO from a retiring Armstrong in July. In March, Armstrong was sworn in as the new Republican junior senator for Oklahoma, filling in on an interim basis for Markwayne Mullin, who vacated the seat to become the new U.S. secretary of Homeland Security.

Armstrongs top priority as a new senator? Permitting reform, of course.

We need to retool American industry and its ability to scale up and build things, Zamarin said.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
2 quakes in State cause panic among citizens





Team Hitavada :

Earthquake tremors in two districts in Maharashtra raised panic among citizens on Saturday. Chandrapur district witnessed 3.4 Magnitude tremors around 4.22 pm near Chandanwahi village, Rajura-Korpana Road on Saturday. The epicentre of the quake was at a depth of 10 km. The epicentre was 156 km away from Nagpur district. Similarly, 4.7 Magnitude earthquake shook Hingoli district on Saturday morning at around 8.44 am. The epicentre of this tremor was also at a depth of 10 kms and it took place 266 km away from Nagpur district. No casualties or loss of property have been reported in both districts.

The local administration has appealed to the people not to panic and not to fall prey to rumours on social media. The Disaster Management agencies have been alerted. In Hingoli, people ran out of their homes immediately after they felt tremors. Most of them were preparing to go to their workplace and schools. The earthquake in Hingoli district was also felt in Pusad city and nearby villages of Yavatmal district of Vidarbha. The mild tremor was experienced at Vasant Nagar, Gadi Ward, Majid Ward, Itawa, New Pusad and some other places.

Chandrapur district is located in a seismically active, yet relatively stable, intraplate region of the Indian Plate, falling under Seismic Zone-III (moderate-risk). Whereas, Hingoli lies within a region known for ancient, reactivated, and minor localised fault lines, causing rare low-magnitude earthquakes due to intraplate stress. The area is classified under low-to-moderate seismic risk, often associated with the Deccan Plateaus geological activity.
5-yr-old found in bushes;





Staff Reporter :

BHILAI :

In a shocking and heinous crime, a five-year-old girl was found unconscious in bushes after being allegedly abducted, sexually assaulted, and attempted to murder in Utai, Durg. The police acted swiftly upon receiving the complaint and arrested the accused involved in the crime. The incident sparked widespread outrage among villagers, with a large number gathering at the local police station to demand strict action against the accused. The protest was later called off after police officials pacified the agitating crowd and assured them of stringent legal action in the case. According to information, the victim girl had returned home from her school around 11 am on Friday.

Later, she stepped out to a nearby shop after taking money from a family member but failed to return even after two hours. Worried relatives began searching for her and eventually alerted the police when she remained untraceable. A police team promptly reached the area and launched a search operation. During the search, officers spotted a suspicious sack lying in bushes near a dilapidated structure, with a girls leg protruding from it.

On opening the sack, they found the victim unconscious, with her mouth reportedly tied using a pillow cover to prevent her from raising an alarm. She was immediately rushed to a hospital, where doctors provided primary treatment. Her condition is said to be stable and she is now out of danger. During the investigation, police successfully traced and arrested the accused, identified as Dhaneshwar Sahu alias Janata Sahu (40), a resident of Utai in Durg. Preliminary findings suggest that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crime. He allegedly abducted the girl and took her to his residence, where he committed the rape. Crucial evidence has been recovered from the residence of the accused, and a forensic team has examined the crime scene. Further investigation in the case is underway.
A Professor, Architect, A Gentleman Prof Deshpande no more





Staff Reporter :

Professor Shireesh Atmaram Deshpande, a well-known Architect, lovingly known as Dada to his family and respectfully addressed as Sir by the generations of students passed away on Friday night. He was 91. He was a resident of Paramount Heights, Shivaji Nagar. He leaves behind son, Unmesh Deshpande, Head of IT at Wockhardt Hospitals, and daughters, Sharvari Parasnis, Pune, and Prajakta Inamdar, Bengaluru.

Last rites were performed at Ambazari ghat. Born to the illustrious literary duo of Kavi Anil (Shri Atmaram Raoji Deshpande) and Shreemati Kusumavati Deshpande, he inherited a legacy of intellect, discipline, and cultural depth. A proud alumnus of Sir J J School of Architecture, Mumbai, Prof Deshpande chose the noble path of education over fame and fortune. He gave up a high-profile corporate career in architecture including prestigious work under Le Corbusiers influence in Chandigarh and Mumbai  to mould generations of architects in Nagpur.

As Head of the Department of Architecture at VRCE (now VNIT), Nagpur, he breathed life into the very concept of architectural education in India for nearly three decades. Prof Deshpande created the now-iconic M Arch in Architecture Education program. His Talkshop to Workshop approach revolutionised pedagogy, emphasising experiential learning, interdisciplinary thinking, and rootedness in Indian ethos. Prof Deshpande was also the President of the Indian Institute of Architects (19921994) and remained associated to The Architects Regional Council Asia (ARCASIA). His design initiatives, such as the Planning Cell at VNIT, delivered significant architectural projects, including the master plan of Panjabrao Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. Prof Deshpande received numerous accolades, including the MASA Lifetime Achievement Award and the prestigious Madhav Achwal Gold Medal.

Prof. S A Deshpande Studio Design Competition was instituted by the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) to acknowledge his contribution to Architectural Education. His depth and rigour are on full display in the book he wrote on the Taj Mahal (The Ultimate Taj Mahal). The second book he published was Design Dialog  Dialectics of Design in Architecture. Dada was a humble soul with unmatched clarity, elegant expression, disarming humour, and unwavering discipline. He was a beacon of wisdom, a quiet force of reason, and a compassionate pillar to those who sought his counsel. His teachings, often laced with poetic introspection, left lasting imprintsmuch like his fathers sonnet lines. He leaves behind a family in reverent memory of his rich life, a nations architectural conscience, and an army of students, mentees, and admirers keen to carry his torch forward.
Man duped of Rs 2.65 lakh in pretext of franchise scam





Staff Reporter :

A man was duped with Rs 2.65 lakh in pretext of fake dominos franchise scam under the jurisdiction of Vijay Nagar police station. According to Vijay Nagar police, the complainant, Anay Tiwari (43), a resident of Kachnar Barsana in Vijay Nagar, lodged a complaint that he runs a private business. On February 21, 2026, he received a call and email from a person identifying himself as Nitesh Pathak, claiming to be a Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) at Jubilant Food Works, the company that operates Dominos Pizza in India.

The accused convinced Tiwari that he could help him secure a Dominos franchise and asked him to submit various documents, including Aadhaar card, voter ID, PAN card, firm details, income tax returns for the past two years, photographs, site images, a 360-degree video of the proposed location, live location details, educational certificates, business details and bank statements. On March 10, 2026, Tiwari received an email stating that his franchise application had been approved. Following this, he transferred Rs 2,65,500 to the bank account provided by the accused and informed him via phone and email. Later the same day, while browsing the official Dominos website,

Tiwari came across a warning advising customers to contact only the official email ID for franchise-related queries and cautioning against fraudsters posing as company representatives. Upon comparing the email addresses, he realized that the one used by the accused was fake, confirming that he had been cheated. On March 11, the accused again contacted him, demanding an additional Rs 4,72,000 as a NOC fee which further raised suspicion. Following the complaint, Vijay Nagar police have registered a case against the unknown accused under Sections 318(4) and 319(2) of BNS while further investigation is underway to trace the accused and recover the defrauded amount.
Medical fraternity outraged over brutal attack on doctor; writes letter to Home Ministry





Staff Reporter :

The audacious robbery of senior physician Manoj Verma in the high-security zone near the Chief Ministers residence has sparked widespread outrage across the State capital. A day after the incident, the citys medical community has formally intervened, demanding urgent measures for the safety of professionals and the immediate neutralisation of the criminal gang involved.

The Alumni of Gandhi Medical College (GMC) Bhopal has expressed deep resentment over the security lapse in what is considered the citys safest enclave. In a formal letter addressed to the Home Minister, the association demanded the swift arrest of the culprits and exemplary punishment. The fact that such a violent crime occurred in a VVIP zone is extremely alarming. If strict action is not taken immediately, the medical community will be forced to launch a protest, stated Gurudutt Tiwari, President of the GMC Alumni Association.

He emphasised that the police administration must take concrete steps to ensure a secure environment for doctors. Shyamla Hills Station House Officer (SHO) Bhupendra Kaur stated that the investigation has been intensified with multiple teams working on the case. Police are currently analysing CCTV footage from across the city, starting from the crime scene to the citys exit points.

A digital route map has been created to track the arrival and escape path of the three suspects. We have found significant leads regarding the looters and expect an arrest soon. Security checks and barricading at the city borders have been increased to intercept the suspects, Kaur added. The victim, Manoj Verma, Director of the District TB Training Center, underwent surgery on Saturday for a severe hip fracture sustained during the attack. The incident occurred on Friday morning when three bike-borne miscreants deliberately rammed into his bicycle near Kilol Park. The assailants used chilli powder to blind Verma before robbing him of a gold bracelet.
Naxal hideout razed





Our Correspondent :

NARAYANPUR :

Apr 11 IN a major breakthrough in ongoing anti-Naxal operations, security forces in Narayanpur have uncovered and destroyed a concealed underground hideout used by Maoists in the Kakur area. The structure, located under the jurisdiction of Sonpur Police Station, was detected during an intensive search operation conducted near a security camp. Acting on sustained inputs and thorough area domination, personnel discovered the bunker hidden beneath the forest terrain. Officials said the underground facility was being used by Maoists for shelter, holding meetings, and carrying out routine activities.

Considering the potential security threat, the forces acted promptly and razed the hideout on the spot. The operation is seen as a significant step towards tightening the security grid in the region, which has long been affected by Left-wing extremism. Police authorities stated that continuous search and area domination exercises are being intensified to curb Maoist activities. Efforts are also underway to detect and recover improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other concealed materials, with a focus on ensuring civilian safety and maintaining stability in the area. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining pressure on insurgent networks and restoring normalcy across affected regions.
Six accused, including three women, held with 7.20 kg ganja worth Rs 3.60 lakh





Staff Reporter :

Crime Branch and Tilwara police arrested six accused including three women and seized 7.20 kg of Ganja amounting to Rs 3.60 lakh from them. The arrested have been identified as Bhuvneshwar Kumbhar (29), Faganu Manjhi (27), Sunap Harijan (29), Kajal Manjhi (30), Tapasni Digal (35) and Manini Digal (25), all residents of Odisha SHO of Tilwara Police Station Brijesh Mishra informed that the joint team of Crime Branch and Tilwara Police was on patrol in the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, when they noticed three men and three women near a tea stall close to Garha Railway Station. Police led doubt on the unidentified persons when they appeared nervous on seeing the police and attempted to leave the area.

The police team surrounded and detained them. Upon questioning, the accused were identified as Bhuvneshwar Kumbhar, Faganu Manjhi , Sunap Harijan, Kajal Manjhi, Tapasni Digal and Manini Digal, all residents of Odisha. During the search of their bags, police recovered three packets containing illegal ganja. The total weight of the seized contraband was found to be 7.20 kg, valued at around Rs 3,60,300. During interrogation, the accused revealed that they had cultivated the ganja in Odisha and brought it to Jabalpur with the intention of selling it to a local buyer, identified as Piyush Kushwaha. All six accused have been booked under Sections 8 and 20 of the NDPS Act.

The police have also initiated further investigation to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the smuggling network. Drug peddlers were apprehended by police team comprised of SI, Abhishek Kaithwas, Head Constable Jayashankar Chauhan, Constables Rajesh Gupta and Rahul Sanodiya, along with the Crime Branch team under the supervision of SHO (Crime) Shailesh Mishra comprised of ASI, Prashant Solanki and Anil Pandey, Head Constable Atal Janghela, Constables Pradeep Tekam, Vinay Singh, Rajesh Matre and Woman Constable Neelam.
Soil Mobile App and e-form launched at Raisens Unnat Krishi Mahotsav





Staff Reporter :

A new Soil Mobile App and e-form were launched on Saturday, enabling farmers to independently monitor and test the health of their soil. The digital tool was unveiled during the inauguration of the three-day Unnat Krishi Mahotsav-2026 at the Dussehra Ground in Raisen. The mega-event commenced in the presence of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, and Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Beyond the digital launch, the dignitaries distributed benefits to farmers under various government schemes, including crop residue (Narwai) management and custom hiring centers.

Addressing a massive gathering of farmers, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasised the symbiotic relationship between the soldier at the border and the farmer in the field. Both serve the soil of this nation with their life and soul, Singh remarked, describing farmers as the backbone of the Indian economy. Reflecting on his own roots, Singh stated, As the son of a farmer, I understand their pain and needs. Our government is committed to ensuring that the Annadata (provider of food) leads a life of dignity. Schemes like the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, which provides direct financial assistance of Rs 6,000 annually, are designed to ensure that farmers do not struggle for basic inputs like seeds and fertilisers.

Minister Rajnath Singh announced that the Ministry of Defence has decided to procure fruits and vegetables grown through natural farming from farmers residing near army cantonments to boost their income and improve soldier health. Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav highlighted that the State has declared 2026 as the Year of Farmer Welfare. He noted that under the current administration, the irrigated area in Madhya Pradesh has expanded from 7.5 lakh hectares in 2002-03 to 55 lakh hectares today, with a mission to reach 1 crore hectares. The Unnat Krishi Mahotsav is not just an exhibition; it is a mission to change the destiny of our farmers, Dr Yadav said.

He also noted that the state is providing a bonus of Rs 40 per quintal on wheat, bringing the effective procurement price to Rs 2,625 per quintal. Knowledge from Seed to Market Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan described the Mahotsav as a school for farmers where science and research meet traditional wisdom. He shared that through integrated farming techniques showcased at the event, farmers can potentially earn up to Rs 2 lakh per acre. The dignitaries urged the youth to view agriculture as a professional start-up opportunity, utilising mobile sensors and drones to eliminate middlemen. The three-day festival, which runs until April 13, features over 350 stalls and 20 specialised sessions covering subjects ranging from organic farming and drone technology to food processing and bank loans. The inaugural session was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Union Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary, various state cabinet ministers, and senior officials from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
Photo Credit: iStock

Many individuals are struggling to find or keep a job, and Coca-Cola employees are among the latest affected by worsening economic conditions. The company has undergone significant restructuring, with many jobs lost. What is even more discouraging is that sustainability roles have taken a hit, according to Eco-Business.

What's happening?

Following Coca-Cola plant closures last year, the company restructured positions at its headquarters in Atlanta in January. It eliminated sustainability positions there, followed by a wave of similar changes in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific markets. While Eco-Business did not provide numbers, it noted that the last restructuring at the company in 2020 resulted in the loss of 22,000 jobs.

Why is this business move important?

While restructuring is not necessarily unusual  Eco-Business reported that this cycle repeats every three to five years  the focus on removing sustainability personnel is a significant problem. Coca-Cola has been criticized as the world's worst plastic polluter for multiple years, making it vital for human health and the ecosystem that it address its impact on the planet.

Yet despite major shortcomings that have yet to be addressed, the company removed even its global vice president of sustainability and digital transformation, transitioning them to a different position. This, combined with its choice to scale back 2030 sustainability targets, indicates a lack of commitment to reducing its negative impact.

What can I do about Coca-Cola's sustainability problems?

You can reduce plastic pollution directly by supporting products with plastic-free packaging, becoming part of the group of consumers who pushes companies like Coca-Cola toward more responsible behavior. If you do drink Coke, choose options that are the least environmentally damaging, like those packaged in glass.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
US will not allow Iran to impose tolls on Strait of Hormuz: Trump





WASHINGTON DC :

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Saturday (local time) asserted that Washington would not allow any attempt by Iran to impose tolls on vessels passing through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, describing it as an international waterway amid rising tensions with Tehran. Speaking to reporters at Joint Base Andrews ahead of US Vice President JD Vances departure, Trump dismissed the possibility of permitting any transit charges in the region. No, were not going to allow that, its international water. If theyre doing that, were not going to let that happen, he said. Trumps remarks come a day after he strongly criticised Tehran over its reported proposal to levy transit fees on ships crossing (Contd from page 1) the Strait, which serves as a vital artery for global oil shipments.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump criticised Iran for attempting to use international waterways for leverage, stating that the United States had restrained itself only to allow space for negotiations. The Iranians dont seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short-term extortion of the World by using International Waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate! the post read. In a separate post, he also took aim at Irans communication strategy, saying, The Iranians are better at handling the Fake News Media, and Public Relations, than they are at fighting! The remarks come amid renewed debate over transit policies through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy shipping route. Earlier, Head of Irans Parliament National Security Commission, Ibrahim Azizi, said that under a parliamentary proposal, transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz could be required to be paid in Irans national currency, the rial. According to a post on X by the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai, Azizi stated that under the Strategic Action Plan for Security and Sustainable Development of the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian government may, if necessary, sign an agreement with Oman.

However, he clarified that this is a secondary provision and not the core element of the plan. Under a parliamentary proposal, transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz would be paid in Irans national currency, the rial. In the Strategic Action Plan for Security and Sustainable Development of the Strait of Hormuz, the government may, if necessary, sign an agreement with Oman; though this is a secondary provision, not the core of the plan, the post read. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the worlds most strategically important maritime chokepoints, with any regulatory or fee-related changes drawing global attention due to its impact on international oil and trade flows. The meeting between the two sides is set to take place to end the over-month-long conflict in West Asia and follows an immediate ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran for two weeks.
Vice President JD Vance, second left, shakes hands with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, as Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, left, Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir, third left, and Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad Natalie A. Baker, right, look on, as he prepares to board Air Force Two after attending talks on Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Jacquelyn Martin/AP Vice President JD Vance gives a thumb up sign as he boards Air Force Two after attending talks on Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, April 12, 2026, . Jacquelyn Martin/AP Vice President JD Vance, left, talks to Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir, right, and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, center, before boarding Air Force Two after attending talks on Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Jacquelyn Martin/AP Vice President JD Vance walks with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, partially seen on the left, Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir, third left, Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad Natalie A. Baker, right, before boarding Air Force Two after attending talks on Iran in Islamabad, Pakistan, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Jacquelyn Martin/AP

President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy would swiftly begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, after U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement.

U.S. Central Command announced that it will blockade all Iranian ports beginning Monday at 10 a.m. EDT, or 5:30 p.m. in Iran.

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CENTCOM said the blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations. It said it would still allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier in the day, the United States and Iran ended 21 hours of face-to-face talks in Islamabad without reaching a deal, leaving the fate of the fragile, two-week ceasefire still unclear.

The war that has killed thousands of people and shaken global markets has entered its seventh week.

The Hour Logo Want more Norwalk Hour? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source

Here is the latest:

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Trump says he doesnt care when Iran returns to the negotiating table

Speaking to reporters outside Washington after flying back from Florida, Trump was asked how long it might be before Iranian officials returned to the negotiating table amid a fragile ceasefire.

I dont care if they come back or not, he replied. If they dont come back, Im fine.

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Trump said that during weekend negotiations led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Iran said they were pushing for a nuclear weapon.

They still want it, and they made that clear the other night. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon, he said.

Trump lambasts Pope Leo XIV, extending feud over Iran war

Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV on social media Sunday, saying the first American pope should stop catering to the Radical Left.

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It was an extraordinary broadside against the global leader of the Catholic Church, exacerbating a feud that began over the war in Iran.

A short time later, speaking to reporters after Air Force One landed outside Washington from Florida, Trump said, We dont like a pope who says its OK to have a nuclear weapon.

I dont think hes doing a very good job, Trump said, adding that Im not a fan of Pope Leo.

Trumps comments followed Leo having denounced over the weekend the delusion of omnipotence that is fueling the U.S.-Israel war in Iran and demanded political leaders stop and negotiate peace.

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The U.S.-born pope didnt mention the United States or Trump by name in his prayer.

But Leos tone and message appeared directed at Trump and U.S. officials, who have boasted of U.S. military superiority and justified the war in religious terms.

Ships have stopped moving through the Strait of Hormuz, says intelligence firm

Lloyds List Intelligence wrote Sunday that all traffic through the Strait of Hormuz stopped after President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the U.S. would blockade the waterway. It said two vessels that were leaving the strait turned around after the post.

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A trickle of traffic had returned to the strait in the days since the U.S. and Iran agreed to pause the conflict.

Australia calls for Strait of Hormuz to be open to all

Australias Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called for the Strait of Hormuz to be open and said the United States had not requested Australian help to blockade it.

President Donald Trump said the U.S. Navy would swiftly begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, after U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement.

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Albanese told Nine Network television on Monday: Weve received no requests, and theyve made this announcement overnight and theyve done that in a unilateral way. And we havent been asked to participate.

What we want to see is negotiations continue and resume. We want to see an end to this conflict. We want to see the Strait of Hormuz opened for all. We want to see freedom of navigation as required by international law as well, Albanese added.

Planned US blockade isnt as sweeping as Trump vowed

The U.S. militarys logistical plans for blockading the Strait of Hormuz appeared to have been scaled down from the sweeping measures President Donald Trump had earlier threatened.

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Trump originally wrote on Truth Social that the U.S. would blockade any and all ships exiting or entering the Strait of Hormuz. The military, however, says it will still permit passage of ships headed between non-Iranian ports.

Iran keeping 21 million barrels of oil in floating storage

Samir Madani, the co-founder of Tankertrackers.com, told AP that the monitoring group used imagery from the European Space Agencys Copernicus-2 satellite to identify the types of Iranian oil tankers present in the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend.

They identified 10 Very Large Crude Carrier supertankers - which can hold 2 million barrels of oil each - and 1 Suezmax tanker - which holds 1 million barrels - in the Gulf of Oman as of Sunday, adding up to 21 million barrels.

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Iran could be keeping the oil in floating storage to better regulate exports amid turbulence or in case of disturbances at Kharg Island, the group said on X.

Kharg Island, which the U.S. struck during the war, is home to a terminal through which Iran exports most of its oil.

Irans foreign minister claims US tanked productive talks

Writing on X, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran had negotiated with the U.S. in good faith for an end to the war.

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But when just inches away from Islamabad MoU, we encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade, he wrote, using an acronym for memorandum of understanding.

He then echoed earlier threats from Iranian officials.

Good will begets good will. Enmity begets enmity.

US Central Command to blockade Iranian ports

U.S. Central Command has announced that it will begin a blockade of Iranian ports on Monday at 10 a.m. ET.

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CENTCOM said the blockade would be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas.

It said it would still allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

In its statement, CENTCOM said the blockade would include all Iranian ports. It said it would give more information to commercial vessels before the start of the blockade.

Lebanese Red Cross says Israeli drone strike hit their unit, killing a paramedic

The Lebanese Red Cross said Sunday another paramedic was lightly wounded in the attack in the southern Lebanese town of Beit Yahoun.

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At least 87 medical workers in Lebanon have been killed in Israeli strikes since the beginning of the war between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group, according to the countrys health ministry.

Middle East security expert says Trump has little leverage in the Strait of Hormuz

Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer in security studies at Kings College London, said Sunday that Trumps plan to use the U.S. Navy to block the Strait of Hormuz is unrealistic.

We should bear in mind that the Americans have a much lower threshold of pain than the Iranians, Krieg said. The Iranians, whatever happens, can sustain this for far longer than the world economy, far longer the Gulf states, far longer then the Americans.

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Krieg said Trump doesnt have any good options and that he will have to concede on some issues.

There isnt any tool in the toolbox in terms of the military lever that he could use to get his way, he said.

Energy expert says oil price could jump by $10 on Trumps threatened blockade of the Strait of Hormuz

Brent crude oil, the international standard, has gone from roughly $70 per barrel before the war in late February to more than $119 at times. Brent for June delivery fell 0.8% to $95.20 per barrel Friday.

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Michael Lynch, distinguished fellow at Energy Policy Research Foundation, estimates Trumps threatened blockade could boost oil prices $5 to $10 when the market opens on Monday.

The blockade would take an estimated 2 million barrels of oil per day off the market, and the Iran war has already taken roughly 10 million barrels per day out of supply, Lynch said.

This is a pretty big insult to a pretty big injury, I guess, is the way to put it, he said.

But Lynch said the blockade might be short-lived as Trump will be pressured to walk it back.

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I wouldnt be surprised to see him to give it up by midweek, especially if oil prices keep going up, he said.

Irans chief negotiator says Trumps threats have no effect on Iranian people

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf told reporters Sunday that Iran has shown it doesnt surrender to threats, hours after Trump said the U.S. would impose a blockade to stop ships from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz.

If you fight, we will fight. Qalibaf said in a social media post addressing Trump.

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Qalibaf said the talks in Pakistan were intensive, serious and challenging, and that Irans negotiators designed strong initiatives to demonstrate Irans goodwill, which led to progress.

He did not describe the progress made during the talks nor Irans strong initiatives.

Lebanons prime minister says his government is committed to ending the war through negotiations

Nawaf Salam made his remarks on the eve of the 51st anniversary of the start of Lebanons 15-year civil war.

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Lebanon and Israel will hold direct talks in Washington starting Tuesday in a bid to end Israels conflict with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group in Lebanon.

Hezbollah supporters and critics of the decision to negotiate have protested in Beirut, saying the government is too weak to end the war.

The government has set a truce as a prerequisite for talks, and plans to demand an Israeli withdrawal, the release of Lebanese prisoners, and the return of over one million displaced Lebanese.

Lebanese authorities have criticized Israels airstrikes and ground invasion, but have also decried Hezbollah for launching rockets on March 2 in solidarity with Iran, sparking the latest escalation.

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The Lebanese government came to power just over a year ago promising to disarm all non-state groups.

I feel the pain of the mother who lost her son combating on the front lines as I feel the pain of the mother who lost her child who did not choose this war and only wanted to live, said Salam.

Experts say blockade could lead to higher oil prices but more details are needed on implementation

Kevin Book, the managing director of research at research firm ClearView Energy Partners, said Sunday that leaner volumes generally mean tighter markets and higher prices, but much depends on the scope and implementation of the blockade.

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How Tehran responds matters, too. Iranian and/or Houthi reprisals against Gulf producers alternative routes could drive prices still higher, Book said.

Jonathan Elkind, senior research scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University said Trumps statement on Fox News that implementing the blockade will take some time also adds uncertainty.

Is this a climb down because of concerns about how sharply oil markets were set to rise in tomorrows trading? No one knows, he said.

US official says Iran could not agree to Americas red lines for ending the war

U.S. Vice President JD Vances goal in the talks with Iran was to outline Americas red lines and where there was room to negotiate. But Irans delegates could not agree to all of the stated red lines.

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Thats according to a U.S. official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to describe negotiating positions on the record.

The core objective for U.S. negotiators was that Iran never obtain a nuclear weapon. But there were additional red lines set by the U.S. that Iran objected to, the official said.

The red lines include Iran ending uranium enrichment, dismantling its major enrichment facilities, allowing retrieval of its highly enriched uranium, ending funding for Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, creating a broader framework for peace and security in the region, and opening the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. believes that blockading the strait will show Iran the limits of its leverage as it considers the offer, the official said.

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__ By Josh Boak

Netanyahu visits parts of southern Lebanon under Israeli military control

Israels prime minister was making his first visit since the start of the current round of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

One of the things we see here is that we have essentially changed the face of the Middle East, Netanyahu said Sunday. Our enemies  Iran and the Axis of Evil  they came to destroy us, and now they are simply fighting for their own survival.

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Netanyahu said Saturday that Israel was working to control an 8 to 10 km (5 to 6 mile) buffer zone inside Lebanon to ensure Hezbollah does not fire close-range rockets and anti-tank missiles over the border.

Iran says it has full control of the Strait of Hormuz and that the waterway remains open for non-military vessels

Irans Revolutionary Guard Navy said Sunday that military vessels approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be met with a firm and forceful response, according to two semiofficial Iranian news agencies.

Earlier Sunday, Trump said the U.S. Navy would begin a blockade on the critical waterway to stop ships from entering or leaving.

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The talks in Pakistan between Iran and the U.S. ended Sunday without an agreement to end the fighting.

UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon says Israeli tanks rammed into their vehicles

The mission, known as UNIFIL, said Israeli ground troops twice rammed their vehicles with a Merkava tank on Sunday.

The soldiers were blocking a road in Bayada that peacekeepers have been using to access their positions, UNIFIL said in a statement.

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UNIFIL has decried attacks on its personnel and damage to its facilities since

the latest war between Israel and Hezbollah militants started on March 2. Three peacekeepers have been killed in the past month.

Israeli soldiers have continually blocked peacekeepers movements on this road in recent days, in addition to denials of freedom of movement recorded in other areas, UNIFIL said. They hinder peacekeepers ability to report violations by both sides on the ground.

Trump says the UK is sending minesweepers to the Strait of Hormuz

Britains Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment about Trumps assertion Sunday on Fox News.

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In an April 2 meeting of top diplomats from 40 nations, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper discussed mustering their collective powers to remove mines from strait once the conflict diminished.

Cooper convened a meeting with about 30 of those nations last week to discuss restoring free movement in the shipping channel and a follow-up is scheduled this week.

In March, James Cartlidge, the opposition Conservative Partys defense secretary, said the British Navy removed its last minesweeper from the Persian Gulf a week before the war began.

Saudi Arabia summons Iraqi ambassador over drone attacks

Saudi Arabias Foreign Ministry submitted a protest note Sunday to the Iraqi ambassador following what it called ongoing drone attacks launched from Iraqi territories against Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf States.

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It was not immediately clear if the Iraqi drone attacks are still taking place.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed Iraqi militias, said last week that it would halt its operations in Iraq and the region for two weeks, 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.

Irans president says his country is prepared to reach balanced and fair agreement

President Masoud Pezeshkian told Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday that his country is prepared to reach a deal that would ensure lasting regional peace.

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Pezeshkian added that Irans national interests are a red line, according to a readout of the call carried by Irans state media.

He criticized the U.S. use of bases in Gulf countries to carry out strikes against Iran, while maintaining that Gulf countries are brothers and that Tehran is willing to cooperate with them to achieve regional security without outside powers

Iran has said it has repeatedly struck U.S. facilities in neighboring Gulf countries since the war started in late February. Gulf countries say Iran has also targeted civilian infrastructure and facilities.

Egypts foreign minister speaks with a senior Pakistani diplomat and a US envoy

In the call with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty affirmed the importance of adhering to the diplomatic path and prioritizing dialogue and peaceful solutions to settle all disputes.

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Abdelatty and his Pakistani counterpart, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, affirmed that they will continue their efforts to de-escalate and bridge the gaps between the U.S. and Iran.
Jack Pavia, a senior at American University in Washington, D.C. and Norwalk native, is running for a state representative seat in District 142, held by Rep. Lucy Dathan. Dathan, a Democrat, is running for a state senate seat in District 26. Courtesy of Ethan Kauffman Tina Duryea, a Democrat, is running for the vacant 142nd District seat held by Rep. Lucy Dathan. Dathan, a Democrat, is running for a state senate seat in the 26th district. Duryea will be facing off against Jack Pavia, a college student at American University, in a primary on Aug. 11. Courtesy of Tina Duryea

NORWALK  A college student running for public office is a rare occurrence. But it's not unheard of and reports show that political candidates are getting younger.

Enter Jack Pavia, who is set to graduate from American University in Washington, D.C. in May.

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The Norwalk native is running for the vacant Democratic seat in state House District 142, which comprises Norwalk and New Canaan.

The fact that Im 21  that doesnt disqualify me for public office, he said. I think it qualifies me for public office because I bring a unique set of experiences that will give me the perspective to highlight voices in the legislature that havent previously been understood.

Pavia will be campaigning to win the Democratic primary on Aug. 11 against opponent Tina Duryea.

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Duryea, 54, said shes looking forward to the conversations she and Pavia will have on the campaign trail.

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I really plan on talking to the constituents and the voters, listening to them and hearing from them what their concerns are, she said. Its incredibly important to have these conversations when youre running for office, because as much as I bring my experience to the table and my strength, if I dont use it in service to the voters, then Im not really sure that I would be a good person to run.

Duryea, a Norwalk resident, is a self-employed artist and content creator whos built her online platform on political activism, and more specifically, is focused on getting more women in the Democratic Party elected.

Pavia and Duryea are hoping to replace Rep. Lucy Dathan, who won the seat in the 2018 general election. Dathan announced in a Facebook post on March 9 that shes running for District 26 state senator after incumbent Sen. Ceci Maher decided not to run for reelection. Maher served two terms.

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District 26 represents Darien, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Stamford, Weston, Westport, and Wilton. Dathan will be in a primary against Weston First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor. The race also includes Republican candidate Alma Sarelli of Westport.

Pavia spoke highly of Dathan and said hed like to fill her shoes while blazing his own path to serve his community.

I would certainly look to continue her work, he said. The biggest takeaway about her legacy to me is that she works harder than anybody else for this district. I mean, my door got knocked in 2024, but she didnt even have an opponent. Thats the kind of work ethic that I want to bring to this district as well.

Trish Crouse, professor of both political science and public administration at the University of New Haven, said college-aged people running for public office is rare but can be, and has been, done successfully.

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Its not something thats very common, she said. I do see it though.  Ive been teaching a total of 20 years, and over those 20 years, Ive seen several students that have run for office, some successfully, some not. But I dont think its out of the realm of possibility that college students would want to consider this.

A notable example of a young person successfully running for office was former state Sen. Will Haskell, who won the District 26 seat at the age of 22, in 2018 after unseating incumbent Toni Boucher, a Republican, whod represented the district for 10 years.

What Will really did was prove that young people are able to stand up and that theres no age limit to caring about your community, Pavia said. And I look at his accomplishments and his service and his work ethic, and I really just want to commend him for allowing Gen Z, allowing young people, to be taken seriously when we decide that its time for us to step up.

A report from the national, bipartisan nonprofit Future Caucus, shows that although Gen Z  those born between 1997 and 2012  made up a small portion of political candidates during the U.S. 2024 general election, there is a growing trend of younger people pursuing public office.

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According to the organizations 2024 report, one in four political candidates during the 2024 general election were either Gen Z or millennials. The latter were born between 1981 and 1996.

However, the report also showed that younger candidates were disproportionately eliminated from their races compared to their older counterparts, primarily because of losing the primary, caucus or convention stage; withdrawing from the race; or failing to qualify to get on the ballot.

There have been a few Connecticut college students whove run for public office, but lost in their respective primaries.

Tyler Flanigan, of Wethersfield, was a 19-year-old college student when he ran for 9th District state senator in 2018. He lost the Republican primary to Ed Charamut, but was elected to the Wethersfield Town Council the next year.

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Tyrell Brown was a college student when he was elected to the Middletown Planning and Zoning Commission in 2017. He ran for District 100 state representative the next year, but lost in the Republican primary against Anthony Gennaro.

Crouse said part of what makes political office difficult for younger people to pursue is a lack of support from older generations.

Its not out of the realm of possibility for the younger generation, even one at the national level, but I think theyre discouraged from doing so by the older generation, she said. We have to have more faith in the younger generation. I teach them every day. They can do this. We just dont give them enough credit for doing it.

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Pavia said hes ready to challenge the notion people might have about him being too young to run for public office.
Norwalk High School senior Joy Weng, 18, recipient of the Kevin M. Eidt Memorial Scholarship Fund, is photographed at her home in Norwalk on April 9, 2026. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media Norwalk High School senior Joy Weng, 18, recipient of the Kevin M. Eidt Memorial Scholarship Fund, is photographed at her home in Norwalk on April 9, 2026. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media

NORWALK  A Norwalk High School student with a 4.9 GPA who is also an accomplished runner and violist can now add scholarship winner to her resume.

Senior Joy Weng, who is headed to Northwestern University in the fall, was named the recipient of this years Kevin M. Eidt Norwalk High School Scholarship, which will award her $120,000 for her college studies.

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I did not expect that I would get it, Joy said from her Norwalk home Thursday.

The 18-year-old said she was shaking after she got the news. The first thing the New York-born Joy did was tell her parents, who immigrated to the U.S. from China.

The only problem was that she didnt know how to translate scholarship into Mandarin.

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These generous people are giving me money to go to school, she told her dad, in Mandarin, improvising a way to break the news.

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Joy said she was anxious about the college application process before winning the scholarship because she didnt want to burden her parents with a hefty tuition.

Its awesome to tell my parents you dont need to help me pay for anything for college, she said.

The scholarship, also known as Kevins Fund, is awarded each year to a senior at the high school who meets a set of criteria. The winner must be a member of the Norwalk High School Honor Society, which is named after Eidt, and be ranked among the top 10% of students at the end of their junior year, among other requirements. Candidates must submit a preliminary application in October, followed by a final application in February.

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Finalists are chosen for interviews with a nine-member selection committee before the winner is selected.

Joy was ultimately chosen for the prize due to the breadth of her experiences at the school and in the community, said Daniel Sullivan, assistant principal of Norwalk High.

Shes involved in a myriad of activities and really made meaningful contributions not only to our school but I think it even transcends into the community, said Sullivan, who described Joy as a remarkable young lady.

Besides maintaining a 4.9 GPA while taking four Advanced Placement courses this year, Joy is also a member of the superintendents Student Leadership Council and the national Tri-M Music Honors Society. She is a four-year member of the varsity cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field teams. The avid runner is the captain of all three teams.

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She also finds time to perform in the high schools Honors Principal Orchestra as first stand violist and is a three-year volunteer at the Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk ACTS group and the Norwalk Public Library.

Joy said the key for her is loving the activities she takes on.

I think its very important to be passionate about what you do because if you really do care about the stuff that you do, then you would gain a better character from it, but you would also benefit the people around you, she said.

Sullivan said he was impressed by the variety of Joys interests.

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Teachers who wrote recommendations wrote about her intellectual curiosity that she shows and that her interests are really interdisciplinary, he said.

Joy has been able to accomplish plenty in Norwalk even though she has lived in the city for only about five years. She grew up in Warsaw, Ind., and said the move to Norwalk was challenging for her.

I had a really tough time before I went into school because it was really hard to leave all of your friends and leave everything you know, she said.

However, Joy said she soon discovered that Norwalk wasnt much different than her previous home.

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Connecticut is like the same as Indiana just a little bit less cornfields, she said.

Joy, who also works at Kumon in Norwalk as a tutor, said the Kevins Fund scholarship  coupled with financial aid from Northwestern  will cover her costs at the Illinois university for four years.

I was super honored and super surprised to receive it, she said of the local scholarship.

She said she plans on studying environmental engineering and perhaps adding business as a double major.

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I definitely do want to go into something environmental, she said. I just want to help the planet.

Joys scholarship is one of 16 others totaling $205,000 this year, according to a statement from Kevins Fund. The other finalists for the scholarship were Grace Gordon and Jada Profit.

The scholarship fund is a nonprofit founded in honor of Kevin M. Eidt, who died Jan. 23, 1997, after suffering cardiac arrest while playing intramural basketball as a student at Boston College. He was the co-valedictorian of the Class of 1996 at Norwalk High School.
FILE - President Donald Trump speaks about the economy during an event at the Circa Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Jan. 25, 2025. John Locher/AP FILE - A tip box sits next to a register in Philadelphia on Dec. 10, 2025. Matt Rourke/AP An Arizona state personal income tax form is shown Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Jefferson City, Mo. David A. Lieb/AP

As the tax-filing deadline nears, millions of Americans are expected to claim new federal income tax breaks for tips and overtime wages available for the first time under a wide-ranging tax law enacted by President Donald Trump.

But many people wont get those same deductions when they fill out their state income tax forms. That is because it is up to each state to decide whether to match federal tax changes, and many have decided not to do so.

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In states that dont conform to the federal tax changes, workers who receive a federal tax deduction for tips or overtime still will owe state taxes on those earnings.

The tax-filing deadline is Wednesday for the federal government and most states. Here is what to know about state income tax rates and deductions:

41 states tax wages and salaries

In most states, individuals must fill out two separate tax forms. First, the federal income tax form. Then a state income tax form. The order matters, because most states use figures from the federal tax form as the starting point for their state tax calculations.

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No income tax is levied in eight states  Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wyoming. Washington state taxes income from capital gains but not wages and salaries. Missouri taxes income from wages and salaries but not capital gains.

Most states still tax tips and overtime wages

Only about a half-dozen states are mirroring Trump's law by offering tax breaks on tips and overtime wages or for loan interest on new vehicles assembled in the U.S.

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All three of those tax deductions are available to state income taxpayers in Idaho, Iowa, Montana, North Dakota and Oregon. Colorado offers the tips and auto loan deductions but not the overtime tax break. Alabama offers only the auto loan deduction.

Laws in several states automatically apply federal tax changes to state income taxes unless the governor and lawmakers opt out  like Colorado officials did on the overtime tax deduction. But in most states, the tax breaks are available only if officials updated their state laws, like they did in Idaho.

Arizona is an oddity on tax deductions

State income tax forms in Arizona list tax deductions for tips, overtime, auto loans and older residents based on a November executive order from Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. She assumed the Republican-led Legislature would later pass a bill putting the tax breaks into state law.

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But Arizona law remains unchanged. Hobbs vetoed two tax-break bills because she objected to provisions that also would have adopted Trump's corporate tax breaks. And lawmakers have not passed a third attempt.

Its an extraordinarily unusual situation, said Adam Chodorow, a law professor at Arizona State University who specializes in tax law.

We will likely have lots of people deducting tips and overtime wages who arent legally entitled to do so, he said. But they are being instructed by the state government to take those deductions.

It is possible that Arizona still could enact a law officially allowing the deductions; it could even be done retroactively, after the tax-filing deadline.

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Tax breaks got scuttled in two states

Tipped workers and overtime earners almost got tax breaks this year in some additional states.

South Carolina extended its deadline to file for tax refunds to Oct. 15 to allow time for the Republican-led Legislature to opt in to the federal tax deductions. Legislation to do so passed the House but got defeated in the state Senate.

Wisconsin's Republican-led Legislature passed bills to allow the tips and overtime deductions. But Democratic Gov. Tony Evers vetoed them on April 3.

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Residents in some states must wait for tax breaks

Officials in Indiana, Georgia and Michigan have passed legislation that would allow tax deductions for tips and overtime wages starting with the 2026 tax year. That means they aren't available for people currently filing their 2025 tax returns.

Oregon, meanwhile, is moving in the other direction. Legislation signed by Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek would stop offering the auto loan deduction and some corporate tax breaks for the 2026 tax year.

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Women walk past a banner depicting the late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the U.S. and Israel strikes on Feb. 28, in northern Tehran, Iran, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP Haifa Kenjo, who fled Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, holds her 15-day-old daughter Shiman inside the tent she uses as a shelter and where she gave birth to her in Beirut, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Emilio Morenatti/AP A women sits at a cafe in northern Tehran, Iran, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP Policemen sit on their motorcycles in northern Tehran, Iran, Sunday, April 12, 2026. Vahid Salemi/AP Vice President JD Vance speaks during a news conference after meeting with representatives from Pakistan and Iran, Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Islamabad. Jacquelyn Martin/AP

ISLAMABAD (AP)  President Donald Trump said Sunday the U.S. Navy would swiftly begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the strategic Strait of Hormuz, after U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement.

U.S. Central Command announced the blockade would involve all Iranian ports, beginning on Monday at 10 a.m. EDT, or 5:30 p.m. in Iran, to be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations.

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However, CENTCOM said it would still allow ships traveling between non-Iranian ports to transit the strait. Its announcement was a step down from the presidents earlier threat to blockade the entire strait, and allows traffic to flow in the crucial waterway as long as it avoids Iranian ports.

Trump wants to weaken Irans key leverage in the war after demanding that it reopen the strait to global traffic on the waterway where 20% of global oil transited before fighting began.

That traffic has been limited even in the days since the ceasefire. Marine trackers say over 40 commercial ships have crossed since the start of the ceasefire.

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A U.S. blockade could further rattle global energy markets.

Oil prices rose in early market trading after the blockade announcement. The price of U.S. crude rose 8% to $104.24 a barrel, and Brent crude oil, the international standard, rose 7% to $102.29. Brent crude cost roughly $70 per barrel before the war in late February.

Later Sunday, Trump extended his feud over the war with Pope Leo XIV, lashing out in a TruthSocial post that called the Catholic leader terrible on foreign policy. The extraordinary broadside came after Leo denounced the war and demanded that political leaders stop and negotiate peace.

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Iran says if you fight, we will fight

Irans Revolutionary Guard later said the strait remained under Irans full control and was open for non-military vessels, but military ones would get a forceful response, two semi-official Iranian news agencies reported.

During the 21-hour talks this weekend in Pakistan, the U.S. military said two destroyers had transited the strait ahead of mine-clearing work, a first since the war began. Iran denied it.

Trumps plan to use the Navy to block the strait is unrealistic and he will have to concede on some issues with Iran, said Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer in security studies at Kings College London. There isnt any tool in the toolbox in terms of the military lever that he could use to get his way, Krieg said.

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Trump said Tehrans nuclear ambitions were at the core of the talks' failure. In comments to Fox News, he again threatened to strike civilian infrastructure.

Iranian parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who led Irans side in the talks, addressed Trump in a new statement on his return to Iran: If you fight, we will fight.

No word on what happens after ceasefire expires

The face-to-face talks that ended early Sunday were the highest-level negotiations between the longtime rivals since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

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Neither indicated what will happen after the ceasefire expires on April 22.

We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, said Vice President JD Vance, leading the U.S. side.

Iranian negotiators could not agree to all U.S. red lines, said a U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to describe positions on the record. These included Iran never obtaining a nuclear weapon, ending uranium enrichment, dismantling major enrichment facilities and allowing retrieval of its highly enriched uranium, along with opening the Strait of Hormuz and ending funding for Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi rebels.

Iranian officials said talks fell apart over two or three key issues, blaming what they called U.S. overreach. Qalibaf, who noted progress in negotiations, said it was time for the United States to decide whether it can gain our trust or not.

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Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said his country will try to facilitate a new dialogue in the coming days. Iran said it was open to continuing dialogue, state-run IRNA news agency reported.

The European Union urged further diplomatic efforts. The foreign minister of Oman, located on the Strait of Hormuz's southern coast, called for parties to make painful concessions." The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasized his readiness to help bring about a diplomatic settlement in a call with Iran's president.

Iran's nuclear program is a key sticking point

Irans nuclear program was at the center of tensions long before the U.S. and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28. The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,055 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and damaged infrastructure in half a dozen countries.

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Tehran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons but insists on its right to a civilian nuclear program. The landmark 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump later pulled the U.S. out of, took well over a year of negotiations. Experts say Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium, though not weapons-grade, is only a short technical step away.

An Iranian diplomatic official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of closed-door talks, denied that negotiations had failed over Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Inside Iran, there was new exhaustion and anger after months of unrest that began with nationwide protests against economic issues and then political ones, followed by weeks of sheltering from U.S. and Israeli bombardment.

We have never sought war. But if they try to win what they failed to win on the battlefield through talks, thats absolutely unacceptable, Mohammad Bagher Karami said in Tehran.

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Elsewhere in the region, airstrikes calmed over the past day except in Lebanon.

More questions as Israel presses ahead in Lebanon

Irans 10-point proposal for the talks called for a halt to Israeli strikes on the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel has said the ceasefire did not apply there, but Iran and Pakistan said it did.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited parts of southern Lebanon under Israeli control on Sunday, for the first time since the current fighting. Attacks on southern Lebanon have intensified alongside the ground invasion renewed after Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel in the wars opening days.

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Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin Tuesday in Washington after Israels surprise announcement authorizing talks despite their lack of official relations. Israel wants Lebanon to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, but the militant group has survived efforts to curb its strength for decades.

The day the Iran ceasefire deal was announced, Israel pounded Beirut with airstrikes, killing more than 300 people, according to the Health Ministry.

Lebanons state-run National News Agency reported six people were killed Sunday in Maaroub village near the coastal city of Tyre.

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Bruce Matos speaks at a ceremony honoring him as a recipient of the Hispanic Heritage Foundations National Youth Award in community service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 23, 2026. Nicolas Pena/Courtesy of Nicolas Pena

WESTON  Bruce Matos, a senior at Weston High School, said he often hears his father on the phone, frustrated with health care providers when somethings getting messed up.

His father, who has Type 1 diabetes, suffered a stroke more than a decade ago that left him unable to use the left side of his body.

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I can only imagine what he's hiding emotions-wise and how he truly feels and how much pain he's in, Matos said. He's always going to hide it.

Watching his father navigate those challenges made him want to pursue a career in health care, or at least health related, Matos said.

Helping with daily tasks, like checking his fathers blood sugar, led him to take on his own philanthropic and health advocacy efforts in high school where he joined Joshuas Heart Foundation, a nonprofit focused on food distribution.

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Now, through his work in Connecticut and with the foundation, Matos is one of only six high school students nationwide to receive the Hispanic Heritage Foundations National Youth Award in community service, which recognizes leadership, academic excellence, and service to their communities, according to an email announcing the award.

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He was recently honored at a ceremony in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Matos said he felt both a sense of duty and was ecstatic when he learned he won the award.

I started to realize they chose me to be a representative of my people, he said.

Matos said his interest in service began in first grade, when he joined Cub Scouts.

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To then become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable in Boy Scouts, he collected, refurbished and donated martial arts equipment to under-resourced schools for after-school programs, according to a press release announcing the award.

(Scouting) really drills those ideas into you, of helping out your community and your people, Matos said.

As he progressed through high school, he became more involved with Joshuas Heart Foundation as the organization shifted toward youth-led initiatives.

He also founded his schools HOSA Future Health Professionals chapter, formerly Health Occupations Students of America, and organized panels featuring medical professionals.

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In high school, Matos became head of partners and sponsors for all of the Joshua Hearts Foundation, working remotely out of the Connecticut chapter to connect with businesses and organizations to support food drives and other initiatives.

In that role, he and his team raised $43,000 in 18 months, helping provide food to more than 1,500 families in South Florida.

Amid the outreach and logistics, Matos said he often thinks about his father, who grew up in not a great neighborhood in New York City, and frequently ate cheaper, not so healthy food, which Matos said he believed contributed to his fathers long-term health issues.

Matos said the work he does through food drives and partnerships is one way he hopes to address broader health issues in his community by making sure people can access healthy foods his father didnt have when he was growing up.

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He also said he wanted to focus on supporting underserved Hispanic communities, which is a value he said his parents instilled in him.

I always think of making sure people dont have to do that, Matos said. That they can live as normal lives as they can.

That connection became especially clear when Matos traveled to Miami to help run a food distribution event. When trucks broke down, he and other volunteers unloaded supplies by hand.

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Americans pulling into gas stations across the country are getting used to paying at least $4 per gallon. That probably won't change soon, even with a temporary truce in the Iran War.

On Tuesday, the U.S. reached a two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran while officials negotiate an end to a month-long war that killed more than 5,000 people, mostly in Iran and Lebanon. During the war, Iran carried out missile attacks on oil facilities and other energy infrastructure that caused drastic production cuts in Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf nations.

With the clerical regime's survival at stake, Tehran lashed out and upended the global economy. Iran virtually shut down all commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz during most of the conflict. The combined punches to energy supplies sent the cost of crude oil skyrocketing by 50% since Feb. 28, the start of the war.

An ensuing spike in gas prices has been among the most visible ways that Americans experienced the fallout of the conflict. Gas prices move in tandem with crude oil. They usually rise quickly like a rocket and fall gently like a feather in a trend that energy analysts labeled "rockets and feathers."

Part of the lag can also be explained by the amount of time necessary for oil to be refined into gasoline, shipped to a distribution center and finally transported for sale at gas stations across the country. Gas prices reflect the expensive crude it was refined from.

The price of a Brent crude barrel hovered at around $96 on Friday afternoon. Following the ceasefire announcement, oil prices slid close to 20%. Some energy analysts believe it will take at least two weeks for gas prices to reflect the recent drop in the cost of crude oil.

A closed waterway means high gas prices for now

In the U.S., the average cost for a gallon of gas stood at $4.15 as of Friday, according to AAA. It's the highest level since August 2022.

Since the ceasefire agreement is shaky at best, most shipping firms still believe routing oil and gas tankers through the economically vital waterway is too risky. Iranian state media has relayed that "99%" of ships are barred from entering the strait, citing Israel's ongoing attacks across Lebanon.

Only two oil tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz in the three days since the ceasefire announcement, according to data intelligence firm Kpler.

Scarce oil supplies and energy markets mean prices for gas and other consumer goods are likely to remain elevated for weeks, perhaps months after the conflict is over.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration on Tuesday released its short-term forecast for gas prices that accounted for the severe disruption in energy supplies through the strait. The agency said prices could climb even higher this month, peaking close to $4.30 per gallon.
Investing.com -- Japan will seek to deepen strategic cooperation with its Asian neighbors to secure the crude oil supplies necessary for regional manufacturing, Economy Minister Ryosei Akazawa stated during an NHK broadcast on Sunday.

The initiative aims to protect the production of essential petroleum-based goods, including critical medical equipment, which are manufactured across Asia and exported to Japan.

AI-driven monitoring to tackle distribution complexity

Minister Akazawa confirmed that Japan maintains "ample" national oil reserves, but he admitted that the primary challenge is no longer just volume, but the increasing complexity of distribution networks.

To combat emerging supply chain bottlenecks, the Japanese government has begun deploying artificial intelligence tools to pinpoint constraints within the intricate networks and prioritize logistics fixes until the regional energy situation stabilizes.

The reliance on Asian production centers makes Japan uniquely vulnerable to any disruption in the "flow" of raw energy. "Many goods are made in Asia and exported to Japan, and so securing the crude oil needed to supply these is critical," Akazawa noted.

Japans shift toward high-tech monitoring reflects a growing concern that traditional supply chain management is insufficient to handle the volatility currently affecting the maritime trade routes connecting the Middle East to Asian factories.

A permanent shift to a "high-price" environment

Addressing the economic impact on consumers, Akazawa issued a stark warning regarding the global energy floor. Japan is bracing for a "prolonged period" of elevated costs, with the minister asserting that oil prices are unlikely to return to the $60-$70 per barrel range in the near future.

Since the Japanese government intends to continue gasoline subsidies to cushion households from the initial shock, Akazawa clarified that Tokyo has "no intention of maintaining them indefinitely."

The comments suggest a strategic pivot toward fiscal normalization, forcing the economy to adjust to a structural reality of more expensive energy.

Investors focus remains on how Japans manufacturing giants will manage the sustained higher input costs as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains unresolved in the wake of the Islamabad talks collapse.

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This sector is 'poised for a big, beautiful year': Truist
Photo Credit: Facebook

Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, will pay for 10 natural gas power plants to fuel its AI data center complex in rural Louisiana, called Hyperion, tripling its initial plans for just three gas-fired plants, according to Fortune.

Meta reached a new agreement with Entergy Corporation to build and pay for seven more gas plants to generate 5.2 gigawatts of electricity to Meta's AI data center in rural Richland Parish, the utility's local subsidiary announced in a statement on March 27.

Entergy already received approval to build three natural gas plants in 2025 to provide electricity to Meta. With the new expansion, Hyperion will now be powered by 10 natural gas facilities, delivering more than 7 gigawatts of power, according to Entergy.

Still, the seven new plants will need to be approved by state regulators before construction can begin.

With the 7.5 gigawatts of capacity added from the 10 gas power plants, Fortune reported it "would represent a more than 30% increase to Louisiana's entire grid capacity."

The agreement between the companies includes a commitment from Meta to help fund up to 2.5 gigawatts of new renewable energy resources, 240 miles of new transmission lines, and battery energy storage systems, as well as a memorandum of understanding to explore the potential future usage of nuclear power.

This announcement comes on the heels of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg disclosing plans to nearly double the company's "AI-related capital expenditures" for 2026.

The contract runs for 15 years, and some critics are worried ratepayers could be stuck with the bill if Meta no longer requires the plants after then. Consumers are already enduring rising electricity costs tied to the AI infrastructure boom.

Entergy notes that Meta is paying for "its full cost of service." The company also claims that the agreement would account for more than $2 billion in customer savings over 20 years.

However, critics are also concerned that powering this sprawling AI infrastructure with natural gas only increases Meta's reliance on fossil fuels amid the fast-moving artificial intelligence race. If such a substantial amount of energy is necessary to operate the new Louisiana data center campus, the environmental implications could be significant.

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.
It didn't take long for oil traders to get their answer.

A ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran led to a significant relief bounce in the market on April 8. The expectation is rather clear. A truce between the U.S. and Iran will immediately calm the area and reopen one of the world's most significant energy chokepoints.

That hope was already fading by April 9. Crude prices went up again, as Reuters reported, when investors recognized that the headline about the truce wasn't the true story. Instead, it was whether ships could really get through the Strait of Hormuz.

That change is important in more than just the oil market. When Hormuz slows down, traders quickly factor in the risk of supply.

Next, drivers sense it. AAA noted that on April 9, the average price for a gallon of normal gasoline in the U.S. was $4.16. The live tracker showed the price on April 10 was $4.153.

This change is what is causing oil prices to go up again. The market is no longer betting on peace. Instead, the focus is on trading when usual flows aren't happening.

"In the oil market, the immediate next steps hinge on when Strait of Hormuz traffic returns to normal," UBS analysts said.

Looking ahead, U.S. officials are in Pakistan talking to Iranian officials about how to end the conflict, according to NBC News. People who watch the market will be genuinely interested in these events to see what happens next.

Oil traders stop trusting the ceasefire headline

The rebound in crude does not come as a surprise when you look at developments past the diplomacy stage.

U.S. oil moved back near $99 a barrel on April 9, according to NBC News, as Israelis continued to pound Lebanon. Such action will give traders cause for pause.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Donald Trump are combining their efforts to open up the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint. It's a sign that even the governments of the allies see freedom of navigation, not words, as the real test of whether this truce means anything.

More Oil and Gas:

And right now, the logistics are not looking very bright.

Only a handful of ships have been transiting the Strait, significantly below normal levels. Iran has been directing ships through its territorial waters near Larak Island. Shipowners are dealing with military warnings, mine concerns, and the possibility of extra fees or restrictions. That is more than enough uncertainty to keep oil prices high around the world.
AR honours 104-year old WW-II veteran

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MOREH, Apr 12: Assam Rifles, upholding its storied legacy of maintaining an enduring bond with its ex-servicemen, recently paid a heartfelt tribute to one of its oldest living veterans at Moreh in Tengnoupal District. Senior officials visited 104-year-old Rifleman Shatri Dhan Thapa (Retd), a distinguished veteran of 4 Assam Rifles and a resident of Moreh, to acknowledge his exemplary service and enquire about his well-being. Assam Riflies in a release said that as a veteran of the Second World War, Rifleman Thapas life remains a significant testament to the courage and dedication that define the finest traditions of the force.
Getting walloped from different sides Lessons in the last 3 years

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Getting walloped from different sides and Manipur has been facing this situation since May 3, 2023. To be sure the people and the place will emerge out of the current crisis but the critical question is whether Manipur and her people have learnt any lesson in the last three years or not. And to pick up any lesson that would help the place and her people in the days to come, it is right that certain facts be admitted. In the last three years, it should have been obvious to everyone that Manipur has no friends. It was only the right wing publications which came out in full support of Manipur negating the many yarns that were peddled and which were spread by some of the so called liberal media in other parts of the country. In fact situation had come to such a pass that Imphal based media were even dubbed the Meitei media by certain personalities, representing responsible media organisations. One wonders what some of the self appointed, moral guardians who had donned the garb of media vigilantes, feeding the public with their interpretation of the minority being pulverised by the majority, would have to say on the bombing of two young children at Tronglaobi in the dead of the night of April 7. For that matter nothing much was heard of from such elements when six persons, including three women and three children, were abducted at Jiribam in 2024 and later their lifeless bodies were found floating in the Barak river. So nothing is expected to be heard from these pen pushers. This is where Manipur should question itself on why it finds itself so alone, so cut off that no one has come forward to speak on its behalf. This is a fact and this is something which CSOs which have been at the forefront in crying out on behalf of Manipur and her people should acknowledge and see what steps may be taken up to cultivate friends in the right places. The stories that were prepared, the figures that were worked out, the list worked out to specify the places of worship that were destroyed came out in no time from the side of the Kuki people, and it was only after a lot of probing and questions that Manipur managed to work out the list of the places of worship of the Meiteis which were vandalised and brought down to the ground. A case of the Kukis having worked out their strategy much before May 3, 2023 or a case of Manipur being caught on the wrong foot and failing to work out the needed media strategy ? How the story is told and what is told is a strategy which the Kukis seem to have mastered and the tragedy is, far from learning anything from this, a number of loudmouths from those who claim to represent Manipur, seem to have come under the assumption that it is only them who have been batting for the idea of Manipur.

So many invaluable lessons ought to have been learnt from the past three years, but judging by what one sees, it seems nothing has been learnt and this is what is tragic. A lesson that can also be learnt from what is happening at Litan and its adjoining villages. The strategy at work is also clear. Make it a clash not between the Kukis and the Nagas but one between the Kukis and the Tangkhuls. And an approach which seems to be working at the moment, as Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel have not come out as strongly as expected. This reality should dawn on apex organisations such as the United Naga Council, but remember people of Ukhrul have had to take an 8 hour road route since the stretch from Litan to Mahadev on the Imphal-Ukhrul route passes through at least three Kuki dominated villages ! If at all Manipur is to demonstrate that it is willing to learn lessons from the last three years, then it should look back at the distant and not so distant past and go back to the days when Kuki, as a community, was central in all the clashes witnessed in the North Eastern region of the country. Lessons should be drawn from the Kuki-Hrangkhawl clash in Tripura, Kuki-Chakma clash in Tripura, Kuki-Karbi, Kuki-Dimasa clashes in Assam, the Kuki-Paite clash in Manipur, Kuki-Bru clash in Bangladesh, the Naga-Kuki clash of the 1990s and draw a parallel with the unchecked immigration down the decades.
Yumnam Khemchand : Steering the State towards peace

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Loukrakpam Herojit Mangang

Yumnam Khemchand Singh took oath as the 13th Chief Minister of Manipur on 4th February 2026. Assuming office while the unrest that began on 3rd May 2023 remains unresolved is akin to appointing a General in the midst of war. His elevation during such turbulent times suggests that he is no ordinary leader; it reflects the peoples as well as Central leaders belief in his ability to navigate the crisis and restore stability.

Mr. Khemchands strength is witnessed just as a childs nature can be sensed from the cradle. For the first time since the turmoil of 3rd May, two Kuki-Zo MLAs LMKhaute and Ngursanglur Sanate arrived in Imphal and attended the swearing-in ceremony at Lok Bhavan. In addition, Nemcha Kipgen, another Kuki-Zo MLA took oath as Deputy Chief Minister virtually. Losii Dikho, a Naga MLA, 2 Meetei MLAs Govindas Konthou-jam, and Khuraijam Loken Singh, were also sworn in as Deputy Chief Minister and Ministers, respectively. This marks the beginning of legislative reconciliation and togetherness between the Meetei, Kuki-Zo and Naga communities after nearly three years of violence in the State.

Mr Khemchand said after taking the oath that the presence of elected representatives from two communities at the swearing-in ceremony has reinforced the belief that peace and normalcy can be restored in Manipur. He further stated that Manipur is a State inhabited and protected by 36 different communities. His words are not merely a statement; it reflects reality. The first and most important task of his Government is the restoration of peace and normalcy, as well as the protection of the State. This can be achieved with the support of representatives as well as community leaders who can engage in dialogue and convince the people. This may be one of the reasons behind the election of two Deputy Chief Ministers and Ministers from different communities.

From a democratic and procedural perspective, questions have arisen about whether Mr Khemchands appointment as Chief Minister and the formation of his Council of Ministers contradict established electoral norms. Although it may appear that the BJP National leadership influenced the election, the process was conducted in full compliance with constitutional and legal provi- sions. Moreover, it is natural for National leaders to advise the election of competent leaders as Chief Minister and Ministers in order to resolve the violence and restore peace and normalcy in the State. It is worth mentioning that such guidance is in the best interest of the people of Mani- pur.

Mr Khemchand visited the Kuki-inhabited village of Sareikhong in Litan before assuming office as Chief Minister. Notably, he was the first MLA from the Meetei community to visit the area after the violence that erupted in Manipur on 3rd May, 2023. During his visit, he met internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Kuki-Zo community in relief camps and listened to their grievances.

He stated that the purpose of his visit was to foster mutual understanding between the people of the valley and the hills, and to promote peaceful coexistence and equitable develop- ment across both regions. The IDPs, who had endured significant hardship, expressed their desire to return to their homes. His visit played a meaningful role in building trust between the communities and contributed to ongoing efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the State.

The 7th Session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly was convened promptly, just a day after the swearing-in ceremony. A notable development during this phase was the virtual participation of three Kuki-Zo MLAs, marking it the first time since the outbreak of violence on 3rd May that members of the Kuki-Zo community took part in Assembly proceedings. The session was resumed on 9th March, during which significant progress was observed. The Assembly witnessed in-depth discussions on a range of critical State issues, including the ongoing crisis, with the participation of MLAs from diverse communities. Notably, six out of the nine Kuki-Zo MLAs attended the session, marking an important positive step in the context of the ongoing crisis.

The presence and participation of representatives from the Meetei, Pangal, Kuki, Naga, and other communities underscored a collective commitment to dialogue and cooperation. This inclusive engagement reflects a meaningful step toward administrative stability, peace, and unity in the State. During the session, CM Khemchand urged members from both ruling and Opposition benches to cooperate in bridging the trust deficit among communities affected by the conflict. He also appreciated the Opposition for supporting the Governments efforts instead of resorting to blame. Former CM, O Ibobi Singh appealed to all communities to avoid actions that could threaten the States integrity. These developments suggest a significant improvement in the situation under Mr Khemchands leadership.

Chief Minister Khem-chand arranged the airlifting of Kuki-Zo MLA Vung-zagin Valte, to New Delhi for medical treatment. He arranged a medical team and transported him to Imphal airport, where Meetei MLAs Tongbram Robindro Singh and Sana-sam Premchandra Singh received and accompanied him to the airport. The Chief Minister personally received him at the airport and wished him a speedy recovery. Mr Valte expressed hope that he would return after regaining his health. This gesture reflected compassion and solidarity among leaders across communities. It also helped ease the pain and distress of Mr Valte, his family, and his community. Though he later passed away, his hope for unity in Manipur remains a lasting inspiration.

Chief Minister Khem-chand visited Jiribam and met representatives from both the Hmar and Meetei communities, conveying a message of peace and the restoration of normalcy in the State. He also interacted with IDPs from both communities in various relief camps.

During the visit, he instructed the district administration to address their grievances immediately and assured them that the Government would intensify efforts toward their resettlement and rehabilitation.

The Chief Minister underscored the need to rebuild the spirit and identity of being Manipuri. He urged the people to move beyond the painful past, stating, Let us consider the last two years as a nightmare. Let us forget it and have the courage to move forward towards peace and development. He added that he had come to Jiribam with a message of peaceful co-existence. His visit brought some consolation to the distressed and angry people of both communities and is expected to contribute to restoring peace and normalcy in the State through mutual understanding and peaceful co- existence.

Some MLAs from the Kuki-Zo community who were earlier silent have begun expressing more positive views, while others who once opposed the then Government and supported the demand for Separate Administration have remained quiet after the formation of the Khem-chand-led Government. Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen stated that unity is absolutely essential. She emphasized that she does not believe in dividing people along narrow lines and that integration is the only way forward for effective governance and lasting peace. MLA Ngursanglur Sanate also emphasized that solutions must be pursued through dialogue at the table, not guns.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho, a Naga representative, also urged people to unite and not waste time in conflict. He emphasized that peace is the only path to progress and development in the State. It is evident that most MLAs, from both the ruling and Opposition benches and across different communities, are joining hands to restore peace and normalcy. This marks a significant step forward on the path to peace.

Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho announced that a Cabinet meeting will be held at Senapati and CM Khemchand will attend the meeting going by road through Kangpokpi on National Highaway-2. Sources said that Central Government, Manipur Govern- ment, SoO groups and non SoO groups have been working to ensure free movement of all communities on NH-2 (Imphal- Dimapur Road).

The second Cabinet meeting of the Khemchand Government decided to distribute Central financial support to IDPs and accelerate resettlement and rehabilitation. It also resolved to form MLA teams to assess and assist IDPs in both hills and valley. The meeting further reviewed the States prevailing law and order situation in detail.

The Chief Minister interacted with IDPs from both the Meetei and Kuki-Zo communities, listening to their grievances during a programme for the distribution of benefits through Direct Benefit Transfer amounting to around Rs 33 crore. IDPs from Nghamun Relief Camp, represented by Deputy Chief Minister NemchaKipgen; Torbung Prefa-bricated Camp, represented by MLA Letzamang Haokip; Sadhbhav Mandap, Khominthang, represented by MLA L. M. Khaute; and Sadhbhav Mandap, Tui-bong, represented by MLA Paolienlal Haokip, joined the programme virtually.

This marked the first occasion since the outbreak of the crisis that representatives and IDPs from both communities participated in a common programme.

The Chief Minister appealed to civil society organisations from both sides to help bridge the trust deficit. He made every possible effort to restore peace and normalcy in the state, leaving no stone unturned in seeking a solution that would not harm any community. As a result, both communities have begun to cooperate to some extent, marking an encouraging beginning to the success of his efforts.

The Chief Minister also met representatives of the Kuki-Zo Council in Guwahati, describing the meeting as the first concrete step toward rebuilding trust among ethnic communities after nearly three years of unrest. The KZC noted that the Chief Minister listened attentively to issues raised, including the need to prevent escalating tensions between the Kuki and Tangkhul communities, ensure justice for victims of the conflict, and expedite the Suspension of Operations (SoO) talks. Although no formal resolution was passed and no agreement was signed, the meeting marked a positive and meaningful beginning to the peace process.

The Government has been actively working to control the violence in the Litan area and contain the conflict between the Kuki and Tangkhul communities through a combination of administrative, security, and political measures. In critical situations, authorities often in coordination with Central agencieshave intervened swiftly to control the situation and prevent retaliatory violence; notably, 21 abducted Naga civilians were freed following such efforts.

However, the killing of two Kuki individuals remains a tragic setback, and the Government has assured that the case will be handed over to the NIA and that steps will be taken to prevent such incidents in the future.

Simultaneously, dialogue has been initiated with civil society organisations and community leaders, with multiple rounds of discussions held to promote understanding and de-escalation. Chief Minister Khemchand has consistently emphasized dialogue as essential to bridging trust deficits, reflecting a determined effort to restore peace and stability in the region.

Khemchand and his Council of Ministers met President Droupadi Murmu and key Central leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several Union Ministers.

They discussed the prevailing situation in the state, explored solutions to the ongoing crisis, and sought support for development across sectors. These interactions are expected to strengthen cooperation between the Central and State Governments, enabling better governance, faster deve- lopment, and more effective management of the crisis.

The Chief Minister accompanied by seven MLAs, once again visited Jiribamthis time by road, an unprecedented move in nearly 2 decades by a sitting Chief Minister of Manipur. At Alipur, he attended a community interaction programme involving Meetei, Kuki, Hmar, Paite, and Rongmei groups.

Significantly, this marked the first time in almost three years of ethnic unrest that Meetei and Kuki-Zo communities came together to openly discuss their concerns. This interaction reflects a renewed spirit of dialogue, mutual understanding, and coexistence among previously divided communities. It signals a gradual return to peace and normalcy in the state. The event highlights the effectiveness of Mr. Khemchands inclusive outreach and the governments focus on reconciliation and grassroots engagement. The leadership demonstrated by the Government deserves appreciation for prioritizing unity and dialogue. These continued efforts to rebuild trust and address grievances are laying a strong foundation for lasting peace and a more stable, prosperous Manipur.

Chief Minister Khemchand has demonstrated strong outreach during his first two months in office and has begun taking concrete actions accordingly. Efforts toward the rehabilitation and resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been initiated. Incidents of hate speech among ethnic communities such as the Kuki, Naga, and Meetei have decreased considerably. Dialogue for reconci- liation has started after nearly three years of unrest in the State.

At the same time, joint legislative and administrative efforts toward reconciliation have begun to take shape. These developments offer hope that peace, normalcy, and unity will soon be restored in the state of Manipur.

The writer is an Advocate
Investing.com -- Saudi Arabia has successfully restored the full 7-million-barrel-per-day pumping capacity of its critical East-West pipeline, rehabilitating a vital energy artery as the kingdom continues to bypass the volatile Strait of Hormuz.

The energy ministry confirmed Sunday that repairs to a pumping station damaged in a strike last week, occurring just hours after the initial ceasefire, have been completed, bringing 700,000 barrels per day of throughput back online.

Aramco demonstrates "operational resilience" amid infrastructure repairs

The restoration of the 746-mile (1,200-kilometer) conduit allows Riyadh to maintain its strategic shift toward Red Sea terminals, where crude shipments have quadrupled since late February to compensate for the near-total shutdown of Persian Gulf shipping lanes.

In addition to the pipeline recovery, Saudi Aramco has restored output at the offshore Manifa facility, which had previously lost 300,000 barrels per day of capacity due to regional hostilities.

This quick recovery reflects the high operational resilience and crisis management efficiency of Saudi Aramco and the kingdoms energy ecosystem as a whole, the energy ministry stated via the Saudi Press Agency.

The Khurais onshore complex, a primary source of the light crude typically sent through the East-West line, is still undergoing repairs for its own 300,000-barrel-per-day outage.

Still, the overall stabilization of the network enhances the reliability of supplies to a global market still reeling from the Islamabad diplomatic breakdown.

Iran signals domestic refining recovery

As Saudi Arabia shores up its export infrastructure, Iran is also signaling a path toward technical recovery. Irans Deputy Minister of Oil stated Sunday that damaged domestic refinery and distribution facilities are expected to regain 70% to 80% of their previous capacity within one to two months.

Irans timeline suggests that while the safe reopening of maritime lanes remains stalled, the regional energy powers are focusing on internal stabilization and "work-around" logistics.

Global oil markets will benefit from the full restoration of the East-West pipeline, which provides a necessary safety valve, though the persistent repair work at Khurais and the broader security risks to Red Sea transit keep the "war premium" firmly embedded in Brent and WTI futures.

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Celebrating the Hindu festival of Ram Navami, teenage girls in disturbingly deep maroon lipstick shake their unbound hair and still-developing bodies frenetically to disco beats and provocative lyrics, Bharat mein jo desh drohi hain, unki ma ka *********.

They triumphantly justify this lyrics by saying it is abusive only for traitorsand if Muslims are offended by it, then QED, they are traitors! It is bhakt math at its finest, and seems to completely miss the rather major point that chanting such abusesespecially on the day marking Lord Rams birth, before his idol, while waving a sacred saffron flagis not just crude, but deeply disrespectful, even blasphemous.

Having said that, they are in powerful company. Donald Trump, recently, deployed expletives on a religious note of his ownOpen the f***ing strait, you crazy b****rds. Praise be to Allah. I guess he was hoping to sound frightening, masterful and tough, but I am not very sure that landed.

Image: Shutterstock

When asked about the use of expletives in stand-up comedy and public speaking, lyricist Javed Akhtar observed: in places where there is poverty, people add chilli because the food is bland. Abusive language, he said, is the chilli of speech. If you speak good language and are witty enough, you dont need this chilli. If the conversation is bland, you will put some abusive language in it just to give it some energy.

These teenagers, it seems, find their religion bland without the chillipreferably directed at the community they have dubbed desh drohis, that is Muslims, or even better, Pakistanis. Hateparticularly of Islamhas become the hottest and most addictive spice. Nothing appears to galvanise a certain strain of hindutva fervour more than googling assiduously to see which-which Hindu festivals coincide date wise with which-which Muslim ones, and turning up in Muslim neighbourhoods or places of worship to loudly celebrate with pointed slogans, hip-thrusting moves, beer parties.

This is a huge disservice to Hinduisma tradition that is anything but pallid; it is layered, nuanced, complex and rich in philosophical depth, perhaps more so than any major religion. The same green chilli of anti-Pakistan sentiment flavours much of our cinema now. Remove it from films like Uri, Padmaavat, The Kerala Story or Chhaava, and many would struggle to stand. Pakistanis, increasingly, mock this fixation: the endless return to their faith, their slums, even fantasies about their women, contrasted with outrage when Hindu women marry Muslim men.

Speaking of hollow, Trump clearly used f***ing to make his threat sound more um, threatening, but it didnt quite work out that way. So much so that the Iranian embassy reacted to it with a cheeky we have lost the keys.

Theres a limit to the energising power of obscenity or hating, clearly. Like all chillies, they need to be used in tiny, judicious doses. Iran isnt using either to spike its propaganda, and, yet, it seems to be winning hearts the world over.

Meanwhile, Trump and the hindutva factory are such heavy grade users of it they may give themselves the s***s.

editor@theweek.in
Across continents, a profound shift is unfolding in how societies approach weight loss and health. Medicines, such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, have moved obesity from the margins of personal struggle into the centre of medical and public discourse. In many ways, this marks progress. Obesity is increasingly being recognised as a chronic disease shaped by biology, hormones, environment, stress and modern living, rather than a simple failure of willpower.

In the US, prescriptions for these drugs have surged at an unprecedented pace. It began as treatment for diabetes and then rapidly expanded into weight loss, fuelled by clinical results, celebrity narratives and social media amplification. Demand soon outstripped supply, leading to shortages for patients with medical need and a parallel rise in unregulated online sales. Regulators have since warned repeatedly about counterfeit versions circulating through digital platforms, some containing incorrect doses or unsafe substitutes.

Canadas experience has been more cautious and they restricted exports of weight-loss drugs, after cross-border demand from the US threatened domestic availability. In parts of Europe, regulators have tightened prescribing norms and advertising rules, while reinforcing that weight-loss drugs are not intended for cosmetic use or rapid transformation.

In India, the recent entry of Ozempic has been accompanied by an explicit caution from its makers that it is a prescription diabetes medicine and not a miracle weight-loss solution, underscoring the need for doctor-led use and firm resistance to self-medication or social media-driven demand.

Further, in March 2026, the expiry of Novo Nordisks Semaglutide patent triggered a wave of generic launches. Leading pharmaceutical companies entered the market, signalling greater affordability and access. This expansion, however, makes it even more important to ensure responsible prescribing, strong clinical oversight and safeguards against misuse. Truly, the greatest danger emerging worldwide lies in self-medication, particularly when weight-loss drugs are accessed without medical supervision. In such situations, risks tend to accumulate quietly, rather than dramatically. Underlying health conditions may remain undiagnosed, doses may be escalated too rapidly, and side effects such as dehydration, severe gastrointestinal distress, muscle loss, or nutritional deficiencies can go unnoticed. Weight may reduce, but health may slowly erode, and without regular follow-up, early warning signs are easily missed, leaving the body to bear the cost in silence.

Alongside these physical risks lies a deeper and less visible challenge. When medicines are framed as solutions rather than supports, expectations can become fragile. Social media narratives often celebrate dramatic transformations while overlooking setbacks, and the reality that obesity is a chronic condition requiring sustained care.

Across the world, countries that are navigating this transition most effectively share a common philosophy. They position weight-loss medicines within structured systems of care rather than consumer markets. Medical assessment forms the starting point, followed by nutritional guidance, support for physical activity, mental health screening and long-term monitoring. Advertising is carefully regulated, counterfeit markets are actively pursued, and the public message remains consistent. These therapies are prescription medicines intended for medical use, not lifestyle accessories.

At the same time, responsible nations recognise that treatment alone cannot undo what environments create. Prevention, therefore, remains indispensable. Healthier food systems, supportive workplaces, walkable cities, and early health education are not optional additions, but the foundation on which meaningful and lasting medical innovation must stand. Above all, for individuals, responsibility begins with self-respect rather than self-blame. Seeking medical help for weight management is not vanity, but an acknowledgement that health matters. It also calls for discernment and patience.

Finally, when approached with care and perspective, the growing use of weight-loss medicines has the potential to mark a meaningful turning point. It need not become a rush toward thinner bodies, but can instead support a collective move toward healthier lives shaped by responsibility, equity, and compassion. Science has opened a door, and what we choose to build beyond it will determine the future we step into.

Dr Preetha Reddy is Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited.
Gyanesh Kumar and co seem to be fans of Agatha Christie. Their Election Commission might be in an SIR soup, but her grey-celled sleuth would have marvelled at the neat alphabetic order in which they have arranged the current round of polls. Polling in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry are being completed first, Tamil Nadu will be next, and West Bengal last. Cest bien, as Hercule Poirot would have exclaimed.

The alphabetic arrangement makes political sense too. Electoral politics in the latter two states is different from the other three. The contests in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry are between local rulers and their local opposition. Himanta Sarma of the BJP is fighting Gaurav Gogois Congress in Assam; Pinarayi Vijayan of the communist-led front is fending off V.D. Satheesan and others of the Congress-led front in Kerala; and N. Rangaswamys AINR Congresss pact with the BJP is pitted against the V. Vaithilingam-led Congresss partnership with the DMK in Puducherry. The protagonists and the antagonists are all very local; the issues they deal with and duel over are also verily local.

Not so in Tamil Nadu or West Bengal. M.K. Stalin and Mamata Banerjee have hardly any local rivals of equal stature. Rather, they are dismissing their local challengers as nincompoops with little political worth or electoral mass. Mamata hardly utters the name of Samik Bhattacharya, Suvendu Adhikari or Dilip Ghosh. Stalin mentions Edappadi Palaniswamy, but only to call him a stooge of Narendra Modi.

M.K. Stalin and Mamata Banerjee | Harilal S.S.

To both Mamata and Stalin, Modi is the challenger. The issues they are raising are of a larger federal nature, the narrative they are raising is of a grander scale, and the enemy they are taking on is the electoral Goliath of the 21st century India.

Listen to their electoral rhetoric. Stalin launched his campaign on March 31 from Tiruvavur, with a grand-sounding federal call to protect the rights of the state from the NDA-AIADMK alliance. Udhayanidhi, chip off the old Dravidian block, followed suit urging voters to choose between Modi and Stalin. Virtually every issue the father-son duo raises is about Modi or the CentreTamil Nadu should be ruled from Fort St George, not from Delhi, they say.

So they dub Modis double engine as dabba engine, charge him with dividing people over faith, funding friends, and playing favourites with states. Instead of fighting off Palaniswamy or Nainar Nagendran, they are pitting Tamil pride against Hindi raj, Dravidianism against Hindu raj, secularism against sanatanism. If the BJP claims India is growing because of Modi, Stalin is talking of how Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Kerala and Karnataka are growing despite Modi.

As in the Cauvery delta, so across the Howrah bridge. Making the best of every slip that Modi makescalling Bankim babu as Bankim da, or Sri Ramakrishna as Swami RamakrishnaMamata is claiming to defend Bengali cosmopolitanism against Modis exclusivism. Thus, Gyanesh Kumars voter list revision, to her, is a Modi regime idea for disenfranchising minorities, an act as perniciously divisive as Lord Curzons 1905 partition of Bengal that set the Hooghly on fire.

If language pride is the basis of Stalins cultural identity war, it is cuisine pride for Mamata. She is pitting the Bengalis fondness for fish against the BJPs overtly manifested Vaishnav-sanctified vegetarianism. The gist of her messaging is simpleModi and his BJP are everything that Bengal and Bengali are not.

The BJPs question is: wouldnt the waters that breed shoals of fish also let the lotus bloom?
The first edition of the Indian Navys biannual Commanders Conference is scheduled to take place at New Delhis Nausena Bhawan from 14 to 16 April. The apex-level conference is designed to offer a stage for a comprehensive review of the naval forces operational posture to protect national maritime interests, capability development, and strategic alignment with national security objectives, an official release said.

Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan are among the dignitaries to address the conference, which will be taken forward by discussions with the senior naval leadership. The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, along with operational commanders and senior naval leadership, will review and assess plans to address multi-dimensional challenges in the current geo-strategic environment.

Commanders Conference 2026 holds significant importance in light of swift naval deployments to safeguard Indias energy security amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the convergence of Multi-National Forces (MNFs) in the Indian Ocean Region. The conference also bears prominent significance in reaffirming the Navys operational doctrine, inter-services coordination, and technology-driven response mechanisms post-Operation Sindoor, an official release stated.

The sessions of the conference are held with the objective of enhancing interoperability and jointness, and deriving a broader perspective on national stability, the security architecture, and a collaborative approach to addressing future maritime challenges.

According to the statement: The forum serves as a platform for close interaction with national leadership, setting a strategic direction for naval plans. Alongside security imperatives, the deliberations will focus on achieving decisive operational success, enhancing blue-water capabilities, training, human resource management, sustainable maintenance practices, effective employment of uncrewed systems, operational logistics, and other key enablers for the combat readiness of platforms. Discussions are also planned to review the implementation of the Artificial Intelligence roadmap for pan-Navy solutions and data-driven technologies for seamless operations.
Security forces have reportedly destroyed 21 bunkers in Manipur's Ukhrul district and seized 13 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the Tengnoupal district.

On Saturday, 14 bunkers were destroyed in Sikibung village and seven in Mongkot Chepu, both under the jurisdiction of the Litan police station, a release said. According to the departmental statement, all these bunkers were illegally built by armed miscreants. In another operation, security forces seized a cache of arms and ammunition in the Moreh area of the Tengnoupal district on Saturday.

A BSF constable hailing from West Bengal was recently shot dead after he was struck by a bullet fired from an unknown direction while performing his duty in the vicinity of Mongkot Chepu village, PTI reported.

Two 9mm pistols with magazines, two combat uniforms, and 13 IEDs were seized during the operation. The IEDs were destroyed on-site, the statement added.

In a separate incident, a five-year-old boy and his six-month-old sister were killed when suspected militants hurled a bomb at their house in Tronglaobi, Bishnupur district, on 7 April. Soon after the incident, a mob of around 500 protesters stormed a CRPF camp near Gelmol, a few hundred metres from Tronglaobi, and engaged in vandalism and the burning of security vehicles. In the ensuing firing by security forces, three protesters died while 30 were injured.

The police arrested three suspected cadres of the United Kuki National Army during operations following the Tronglaobi incident. However, the police have yet to confirm whether those arrested were directly linked to the blast.

After a meeting with representatives of the All Manipur United Clubs Organisation (AMUCO) and other groups at the state secretariat, Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh said last week that the government is in constant touch with Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure an effective response and restore normalcy.
CLAIM:

Emotions are stored permanently in the body and directly affect specific organs, eventually leading to physical illnesses. Suppressed feelings over time can even alter cells and DNA, causing serious diseases like cancer. Simple emotional states like anger, fear, or financial stress are linked to damage in particular body parts.

FACT:

Emotions can influence physical health and lead to symptoms like pain, fatigue, or muscle tension through the mindbody connection. However, there is no scientific evidence that emotions are stored in specific organs or directly cause diseases like cancer. Their effects are complex, indirect, and shaped by overall mental and physical healthnot a fixed one-emotion-one-organ link.

In a viral Instagram reel posted by Anurag Rishi, who has over 4.39 lakh followers on Instagram, a series of striking claims about emotions and physical health have caught widespread attention. According to his LinkedIn profile, he is a Holistic Wellness Enthusiast.

In the reel, he argues that emotions are not temporary feelings but are permanently stored in the body and can eventually lead to illness. Referring to the book The Body Keeps The Score, he says, Every single emotion of yours is stored in your body, carefully. Every single emotion is attacking a particular organ. He claims that anger targets the liver, while fear affects the kidneys, adding that extreme fear can lead to loss of bladder control because the control from the kidneys is getting over.

He further suggests that insecurity attacks your knees, making it difficult for a person to move forward. He links physical pain in different body parts to emotional and life burdens, stating that when someone carries family responsibilities, this place will start aching, referring to the shoulders and upper body, and adds, You will start feeling heavy. You will start having cervical.

For your daily dose of medical news and updates, visit: HEALTH

Extending this idea, he claims that financial stress and lack of money manifest in the lower body, explaining that the lower part of the spine is the basis of our life. He also cites teachings from Louise Hay, saying this is where he first learned that emotions correspond to specific body parts.

Making a more serious claim, he states, The soul of a person who has cried has developed cancer, and suggests that long-suppressed emotions can alter the body at a cellular level, including DNA. According to him, the body stores 20, 30, 40, 50 years of emotions, which may not show immediate effects but could manifest as disease years later. He compares this to smoking, arguing that if the harmful effects were immediate, people would stop, but since they appear later, the damage continues silently. The emotions that are kept inside, they will tell you in the future, he concludes.

The reel has gained massive traction, amassing over 8 million views, 2.73 lakh likes, and 3.3 lakh shares, sparking widespread curiosity and debate around whether emotions can directly cause physical illnesses in such specific ways.

Can emotions cause physical symptoms? What do studies say?

Evidence suggests that emotions can influence physical health and even contribute to symptoms; however, they do not act in a fixed, one-emotion-one-organ manner, nor do they directly cause diseases like cancer as claimed in the reel.

Emotions can manifest physically in the form of muscle tension, fatigue, or pain. When such symptoms persist, it may feel as though emotions are trapped in the body. However, this idea is more metaphorical than scientific. There is no clear evidence that emotions are literally stored in specific organs. That said, some individuals report a sense of release or catharsis when expressing long-held feelings or engaging in mind-body therapies.

One of the most widely cited pieces of evidence comes from a 2003 meta-analysis that reviewed 244 studies on conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. The researchers found that these conditions were strongly associated with anxiety and depression. As the study notes, Effect sizes for the association of the four functional somatic syndromes with depression and anxiety were of moderate magnitude but were highly significant statistically. However, the link was not absolute. The authors clarified that these conditions are related to (but not fully dependent on) depression and anxiety, highlighting that emotional factors are only one part of a more complex picture.

More recent research also points to a dynamic, real-time interaction between emotions and physical states. A 2017 observational study tracking participants over 30 days found that emotional states and physical symptoms often change together. The researchers observed that the strongest cross-correlation between emotional and physical conditions was at lag 0, indicating that emotional and physical changes can occur simultaneously. They also found that negative emotional states were linked with higher fatigue, while fatigue and pain reinforced each other.

At the same time, scientists caution against oversimplifying these relationships. Another 2017 review highlights that both positive and negative emotions are associated with health outcomes, but it remains unclear whether specific emotions directly cause specific diseases. The biological pathways behind these links are still being studied and are not fully understood.

Adding to this, a 2020 paper in psychosomatic medicine emphasises that emotions are an important pathway connecting stress to disease, but the relationship is complex and bidirectional. As the author explains, emotions can activate biological systems in ways that increase (or decrease) vulnerability to disease, while also noting the need for more precise, long-term research to understand these mechanisms.

What experts say?

Explaining the claims, Damini Sharma, a counselling psychologist based in Delhi, said that while emotions and physical health are closely connected, the relationship is oversimplified in the viral content.

Psychological and physical health are not different entities; they are interconnected. If one is affected, the other will be impacted too, she said. However, she emphasised that this does not happen in a fixed or organ-specific manner.

Sharma explained that what often appears as a physical impact of emotions is actually mediated through lifestyle and behavioural patterns. For instance, someone dealing with financial stress or family responsibilities may neglect exercise, rely on unhealthy grab-and-go meals, and experience chronic stress. Over time, these factors can affect overall health. Its not because emotions are changing your DNA directly, but because your lifestyle gets affected, and eventually, that catches up with you, she noted.

She also addressed the idea that emotions remain trapped in the body for years and later manifest as disease. According to her, this is not a straightforward process. Instead, emotions shape personality, coping mechanisms, and behaviour over time. Its not that emotions are stored somewhere in the body and then suddenly come out as disease. They are reflected in our mannerisms, how we handle stress, anger, and relationships, she said, adding that early life experiences often influence how individuals respond to stress later in life.

Adding to this, Dr Nimesh Desai, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and former Director of the Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), said that suppressing emotions can indeed affect both mental and physical healthbut largely through indirect pathways.

Suppressing emotions, especially negative feelings, has a clear impact on mental health and well-being. One pathway to physical health is indirectly through mental health, he explained. He added that stress can also influence the immune system, noting that the immune system gets compromised, which may increase vulnerability to illness over time.

Dr Desai also pointed to emerging research in areas like psychoneuroimmunology - the interaction between the mind, nervous system, and immune system, suggesting that emotional stress can have biological effects.

Addressing the claim linking suppressed emotions to cancer, Nimesh Desai explained this through the lens of epigenetics. He explained that this relates to epigenetics, where the genes we inherit do not manifest directly, and environmental and psychological factors can influence how these genes are expressed. However, this reflects a complex interaction rather than a simple, direct cause-and-effect relationship.

This story is done in collaboration with First Check, which is the health journalism vertical of DataLEADS
Saudi Arabia's energy ministry confirmed on April 12 that it had restored full pumping capacity on its East-West pipeline, returning throughput to approximately 7 million barrels per day after attacks earlier this month cut output.

The recovery comes as US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad collapsed without an agreement, leaving energy markets facing renewed uncertainty ahead of Monday's open.

What Happened to Saudi Oil Infrastructure

Recent attacks during the US-Iran war disrupted an estimated 600,000 barrels per day of Saudi production. The Manifa field lost approximately 300,000 bpd, and the Khurais field saw a similar reduction. Moreover, it also cut East-West pipeline throughput by 700,000 bpd.

An official source at the Ministry of Energy stated that important energy facilities in the Kingdom have recently been subjected to multiple attacks, including oil and gas production, transportation, and refining facilities, as well as petrochemical facilities and the electricity sector in Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and Yanbu Industrial City, the officials wrote.

Follow us on X to get the latest news as it happens

The energy ministry stopped short of naming the attacker directly, though Riyadh has been intercepting waves of Iranian drones and missiles throughout the war. JPMorgan analysts estimated the combined damage at roughly 10% of Saudi Arabia's pre-conflict crude exports, noting it represented a measurable supply shock.

In a recent update, the energy ministry said the EastWest pipeline and Manifa output have been restored. However, work on the Khurais field is still underway and will be announced upon completion.

Ministry of Energy announced the success of operational and technical efforts in restoring the full pumping capacity through the EastWest pipeline, amounting to approximately seven million barrels per day, and recovering the affected volumes from the Manifa field production of around 300,000 barrels per day, all within a short period of time, the press release read. With regard to the Khurais field, work is still ongoing to restore full production capacity, and this will be announced upon completion.

The ministry added that Aramco's rapid restoration demonstrated its "high operational resilience and crisis management efficiency."

US Iran Failed Talks Add Pressure to Monday's Open

The pipeline fix landed hours after Vice President JD Vance confirmed that 21 hours of negotiations with Iran in Islamabad produced no deal. The two sides are still divided on key issues, including the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program.
Within days of announcing the SIR of electoral rolls in 12 states and Union Territories across the country in October 2025, the Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer, S. Chockalingam, told the Election Commission that the timeline for the revisions was too tight and sought more time to complete the exercise.

Maharashtra was not one of the states in which the SIR was to be conducted. The CEOs letter was part of the feedback during deliberations between the poll panel and the states, The Indian Express reported.

The state is among the top three in the country with the most voter bases, with over 9 crore electors in the 2024 polls, making it second highest after Uttar Pradesh.

The Maharashtras CEOs letter foreshadowed how the Sir was conducted in several states

In West Bengal, for example, the deadline was extended over five months to complete the exercise.

The SIR also ran into trouble when it was found that about 89 lakh names were deleted from the states electoral rolls, which has now prompted a Supreme Court intervention.

About 27.1 lakh voters in West Bengal whose names were deleted post-adjudication before judicial officers also do not have sufficient time to appeal the decision. They now risk losing their opportunity to vote.

The forewarning by the Maharashtra CEO was conveyed to a Congress delegation about a week ago.

Maharashtra Congress chief told the The Indian Express, One of the demands raised by us was to take the 2001-02 SIR process of Maharashtra, which lasted for 13 months, under consideration while undertaking the process now. We were told by the officials that a letter requesting not to rush with the process has already been made with the ECI.

The letter had requested that a sufficient time period may be given for said program, wherever there is no urgency or an election is not imminent.

The letter had also used the SIR in 2002, which was carried out in the United States. The exercise ran from November 2001 to December 2002, a total of 13 months. In 2002, the process could not be completed according to the original schedule due to insufficient time allotted to hearing and sorting objections. It also took 83 days of preliminary works, including training of enumerators and supervisors, printing of forms and house numbering, before the house-to-house enumeration phase began on November 5, 2001.

The idea is not to go on deleting names of voters but to revise the list. For this purpose, necessary time should be given, an officer said.

The letter also pointed to an additional task present in the latest SIR: mapping electors from 2002 to the current SIR data. The CEO called is a time-consuming exercise that was not accounted for in the ECIs guidelines.

ECI officials have said that now most states, including Maharashtra, where the SIR has not been announced, have already begun mapping existing lectors with the latest revisions.

As of now, on average, 30-35% work has been completed in many of the districts. The process will gain pace in the coming days, and once the mapping is done, we will begin the next process, an official told The Express.

One official notes that since the census is also scheduled to begin in the coming months, the revision prices may be delayed further, as it involves the same government employees and teachers for the work.
Police have now arrested Rajendra Sonkar, the main accused in the murder of Mirzapur senior advocate Rajeev Singh.

In a brazen act, the lawyer was shot by two bike-borne assailants in broad daylight. CCTV footage had shown that the accused were unable to escape the crime scene for some time as their bike stopped functioning.

Police have now discovered that the victim, Rajiv Singh, had once secured bail for the accused Rajendra, after he was charged under the Arms Act in 2020.

Singh had served as a village head twice. After his arrest, Rajendra Sonkar told police that he killed Singh as he created obstacles for him to contest and win the election. Rajendra had reportedly pressured Rajeev not to contest, "Because of him, I would not have been able to win the election. Therefore, to remove him from the way, I shot him dead," he said.

Superintendent of Police Aparna Rajat Kaushik stated that, prima facie, the case appears to be an election rivalry.

About eight months ago, the accused had also come to Rajeevs residence with a pistol in an attempt to murder him. Police had registered a case, but no action was taken. On April 9, the accused had once again gone to the the lawyers house and threatened his wife.

On April 10, Rajeev submitted a letter to the SP informing of the incident an demanded action.

Family members of the victim say that the murder could have been avoided if not for police negligence.

Police arrested Sonkar early on Sunday at around 1:30 am in the Katra Kotwali area. He was shot in the legs during the altercation.

Police have also registered complaints against a sub-inspector and two other police personnel in the case og the murder of the former head as they failed to take action for a case that was previously registered against the accused.

A dozen cases have been registered against the accused. Rajendra Sonkar had also shot Ramsnehi Dubgey, the former head of Deori village, who survived the attack. He had also murdered his grandmother about 30 years ago for land. After being released, he lived at his maternal grandmother's home in Danghar.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday rejected what it called China's attempts to rename Indian places with "fictitious" ones, marking the latest development in Beijing's administrative actions along shared borders.

"Such attempts by China at introducing false claims and manufacturing baseless narratives cannot alter the undeniable reality that these places and territories, including Arunachal Pradesh, were, are, and will always remain an integral and inalienable part of India," an MEA statement read.

It added that such disputes over nomenclature strained "ongoing efforts to stabilise and normalise India-China bilateral ties".

Our response to media queries regarding China giving fictitious names to places 



 https://t.co/j6WPzitrh2 pic.twitter.com/NDK1ZACyUZ  Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 12, 2026

This comes hours after China set up a new county, named Cenling, in its volatile Xinjiang province near Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Afghanistan border.

Located near the Karakoram mountain range, the March 26 announcement about Cenlingfollowed by the April 12 establishment of the countyreportedly aims to beef up security along the narrow Wakhan Corridor, in order to stop Uyghur separatist militants from infiltrating China, as per a PTI report.

Cenling will be administered by the Kashgar prefecture, which is the starting point of the disputed $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), and has been opposed by India.

China's administrative move is seen as an emphasis on increasing its strategic influence and boosting its border security in the sensitive region.

Cenling is the third such county to be established by China in the volatile province of Xinjiangprimarily comprising Muslim Uyghursin just over a year.

This comes after China established the Hean and Hekang counties in the Hotan prefecture of the Xinjiang province, which India had protested last year.

Parts of Hean and Hekang overlap with parts of the Aksai Chin plateau, which have been under Chinese administration since the war in 1962, but remain a historically disputed area that India has always claimed belongs to Ladakh.

While proper administrative limits and borders for Cenling remain unknown, the alleged administrative encroachment remains a thorn in the side of thawing India-China relations, which had recently faced strain over the case of UK-based Indian Prema Wangjom Thongdok.

India told China that it had strongly taken up the detention of an Indian citizen at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The detainee, Prema Wangjom Thongdok, held a valid Indian passport that Chinese officials allegedly declared invalid". She claimed she was kept for nearly pic.twitter.com/mJ0h49kXFV  THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) November 26, 2025

The woman had alleged mistreatment by Chinese officials during a November 21 transit flight at the Shanghai Pudong Airport.

Officials had reportedly declared her Indian passport invalid as it had mentioned Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplacea place that it calls 'Zangnan', that it asserts is a part of China. She was later released after diplomatic intervention.
There is something striking about the confrontation unfolding between Washington and the Vatican. Two men, both shaped by post-war America, both old enough to remember Vietnam and the Civil Rights Movement, are engaged in what has become one of the most unusual ideological clashes between the Catholic Church and an American president in recent memory. One built his career in business, attaching his name to towers and deals. The other spent decades in the Peruvian highlands, working among communities affected by the very global inequalities linked to American policy. That contrast in experience, more than theology or politics, goes a long way in explaining why Pope Leo XIV and Donald Trump have found themselves at odds.

It was not expected to unfold this way. When Robert Prevost, a reserved Augustinian friar from Chicago, appeared on the balcony of St Peters as Leo XIV last May, he was seen as a measured figure, someone inclined towards careful language rather than public confrontation. Trumps war against Iran has altered the tone significantly. Leo was clearly unhappy about how the Trump administration tried to frame the war in religious terms. In fact, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth called it a holy war carried out in the name of Jesus Christ. After the US rescued a downed pilot during the Easter weekend, Hegseth compared it to the Resurrection and spoke of the need for overwhelming violence against enemies who deserved no mercy. Trump added to it, saying God was aligned with the United States.

For Leo, it raised a deeper concern about the use of religious language to justify violence. His response was more direct than many had anticipated. Writing on social media, he stated plainly that God does not bless any conflict. A follower of Christ, he argued, cannot side with those who wage war. On Palm Sunday, he drew on the prophet Isaiah to say that God does not hear the prayers of those whose hands are stained with blood. He warned against invoking the sacred in ways that legitimise violence, insisting that God cannot be enlisted by darkness. This was not the language of careful diplomacy. It reflected a position shaped by lived experience, particularly his years in South America, where he had seen the long-term effects of poverty and conflict. At certain moments, he appeared to believe, the Church must speak without qualification.

As the war and the war of words continued, reports surfaced about a confrontation between the Vatican and the Pentagon that took place in January. After the US operation to capture Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, Leo made a forceful plea for a more peaceful world order. A diplomacy that promotes dialogue and seeks consensus among all parties is being replaced by a diplomacy based on force, he said. Washington responded in a way that drew on history as well as politics. Elbridge Colby, a senior Pentagon official, summoned Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Vaticans ambassador to the United States, to tell him what the Trump administration felt about the Pontiffs comments. Accounts of the meeting suggest it was tense, with the Vatican side receiving what was seen as a firm rebuke over a papal speech that questioned whether the prohibition on using force against sovereign states still held meaning.

During that exchange, the term Avignon was reportedly invoked. The reference is to the fourteenth century, when the papacy relocated to Avignon under pressure from the French crown, remaining there for decades in circumstances widely viewed as compromising its independence. Within the Vatican, the remark was understood as a pointed reminder of the realities of power. The United States, it implied, possessed the means to exert pressure in ways the Church could not ignore.

The Pentagon later described the meeting as respectful and reasonable. The Vatican responded that this account does not correspond to the truth in any way. The formal language masked a clear disagreement.

As the Iran war continued, the exchanges became sharper. On Easter Sunday, while Trump spoke of destruction, Leo addressed crowds in St Peters Square and called for restraint, urging those with weapons to lay them down. When Trump issued a warning that a whole civilisation will die tonight on April 7 unless Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz, Leo condemned the statement as truly unacceptable. Later, during a peace vigil in the basilica, he spoke against what he described as the idolatry of self and money and the display of power, in remarks that were widely interpreted as directed at political leaders.

Perhaps most notable was the Pope's decision to appeal directly to American Catholics. He called on them to contact their congressional representatives and press for an end to the war. It was an unusual step, effectively bypassing the White House and engaging directly with the domestic political process of another country. In Rome, the implications would have been clear. Leo proceeded regardless.

The political reaction within the United States has been mixed. Some evangelical leaders have criticised the Pope, arguing that he misunderstands both history and doctrine. Franklin Graham (evangelical leader and the late Billy Grahams son) said God does take sides, while Tom Homan, the administrations border czar, suggested that Leo should confine himself to religious matters, particularly after the Pope had criticised Trumps immigration policies as inhuman. At the same time, an unexpected group of voices on the American right has expressed support for Leos anti-war stance. Commentators such as Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens and Nick Fuentes, who are not typically aligned with the Vatican, have used his remarks to criticise the administrations foreign policy. It is an unusual alignment, but not without precedent in moments of political flux.

For J.D. Vance, the Catholic vice president, who just left Islamabad after inconclusive peace talks with Iran, the situation is particularly delicate. He is a convert to Catholicism, and he is finding it difficult to navigate his personal faith and political responsibilities, especially with a mercurial boss like Trump.

Expanding the fight with the Pope in the middle of an unpopular war might be a bad idea for Trump. Although a majority of American Catholics voted for Trump in the 2024 elections, recent data suggests that this support is softening. A February survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted before the Middle East conflict, shows declining approval across religious groups. Among white Catholics, approval of the presidents performance fell from 59 per cent to 52 per cent, while among Hispanic Catholics it dropped from 31 per cent to 23 per cent. Support for his broader agenda and perceptions of his ethical conduct have also declined.

At the same time, the standing of Pope Leo appears to be strengthening. A recent NBC News poll found that the Pope now enjoys a significantly higher net favourability than Trump among registered voters. He is also viewed more positively than Catholic figures within the administration, including Vance and Marco Rubio. Among Catholics, his appeal is particularly strong, with surveys indicating that roughly eight in ten hold a favourable opinion.
Following the collapse of highly anticipated peace talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad, uncertainty looms over the six-week-long conflict in the Middle East, which has already disrupted global oil markets.

President Donald Trump on Sunday shared a newspaper article on Truth Social suggesting that the United States could explore the option of a naval blockade against Iran. The article, published by Just the News, cited experts who argued that such a blockade could counter Irans control over the Strait of Hormuz, drawing parallels with US military operations in Venezuela earlier this year, where a naval blockade impacted the countrys economy.

The piece highlighted that the USS Gerald Ford, which led the Venezuelan operation, is now stationed in the Persian Gulf alongside the USS Abraham Lincoln and other major naval assets.

Rebecca Grant, a national security expert at the Lexington Institute, was quoted the article: "It would be very easy for the US Navy to exert complete control over what does and does not go up and down the Strait now."

"I've heard about 10 ships have moved in the last 24 hours. One of them was a reflagged Russian tanker, and we know that cargos have gone out to China, to India, and we've seen some inbound traffic. If Iran gets intransigent, then absolutely, the US Navy can set up with great overwater surveillance ... and watch everything that goes in and out of that Strait and you'll have to ask the US Navy if you want to move past Kharg Island or past that narrow part by Oman," she said.

The article noted that the idea of a naval blockade was first proposed last week by retired General Jack Keane, a senior military strategist.

In a New York Post column, Keane wrote that if the conflict escalates, the US military could consider occupying or destroying the Kharg Island. Alternatively, the US Navy could set up a blockade, shutting down Tehrans export lifeline, he added.

Earlier in the day, US Vice President J.D. Vance, who led the US delegation to Islamabad, returned to Washington after the nearly 21-hour negotiations with Iranian officials yielded no results.

"The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think that's bad news for Iran much more than it's bad news for the United States," Vance said.

The United States continues to seek a clear, binding commitment from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons or acquire the means to quickly develop them. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz also remained a key sticking point throughout the negotiations.
Saudi Arabia has restored its key East-West oil pipeline and other facilities after attacks by Iran on targets across the Gulf.

The pipeline, which can transport up to 7 million barrels a day, has been restored to its full capacity.

"Energy facilities and the east-west pipeline damaged by attacks have recovered and regained their operational capacity, enhancing the reliability of supplies," the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, citing an energy ministry statement.

Hours after a ceasefire was declared in Iran, a strike last week damaged one of 11 pumping stations along the 746-mile (1,200-kilometer) conduit, reducing throughput by 700,000 barrels a day.

The energy ministry explained the prior attacks had led to the "loss of approximately 700,000 barrels per day of pumping capacity through the East-West pipeline."

The attacks also affected Saudis Manifa field, which has not been restored. The Khurais oil field has also been restored to run at full production capacity.

Riyadh had confirmed on Friday that the week-long attacks by Iran had impacted oil production capacity and killed one person.

The pipeline allows Saudi Arabia to export oil without passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The petro pipeline is an economic lifeline during the war with the 750-mile network of pipes connecting the Red Sea in the west and the Gulf in the east as Iran continues its closure of the strait and the checking

Meanwhile on Sunday, a meeting between the US and Iran in Islamabad failed to produce an agreement even after 21 hours of talks.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, sparking questions on the state of the war after the failure of the 21-hour ceasefire talks between Washington and Tehran at Islamabad that began on Saturday.

Notably, the two-week ceasefire was supposed to last until April 22, and the talks were meant to develop it into lasting peace.

Trump claimed that while the two sides had "agreed to" most points, the nuclear issue ultimately caused it to fail. Iran, on the other hand, has claimed that the other side had made excessive demands, and had raised issues over sanctions and the Lebanon bombings.

According to the terms of the new blockade on the strait, "effective immediately", the US Navy has been tasked with blocking all vessels from trying to exit or enter the Strait of Hormuz, Trump explained, adding that vessels that had paid Iran's alleged toll for safe passage would face legal action.

Trump claimed that certain other countries were also going to be involved in the blockade, but did not name them.

"At some point, we will reach an 'ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT' basis," he wrote in a Truth Social post.

He also noted that the US Navy would "begin" de-mining the strait, and warned the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) from attacking vessels engaged in this operation.

This is the latest development in the course of the war in the Gulf, which has crossed 40 days, and has majorly impacted global trade and energy flows.

Although he had earlier promised fresh strikes on Iran if the peace talks were to fail, his recent statements do not clearly state if the US would continue military strikes on Iran.

"Additionally and, at an appropriate moment, we are fully 'LOCKED AND LOADED', and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran!" Trump wrote in one of his latest posts, piling on the same explosive rhetoric about Iran allegedly being depleted of its leaders and resources.

Israel's response

Israel, on the other hand, has already begun preparations for resuming attacks on Israel, even as it furiously attacks Lebanon.

Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has instructed the military to move to a heightened state of readiness for war with Iran, as per a Ynet report.

It added that the IDF was already preparing "structured combat procedures" similar to the ones used in previous operations, such as Am Kalavi and Operation Lion's Roar, citing military sources.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday imposed a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, sparking sharp reactions from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against violating the ceasefire.

This comes after the 21-hour peace talks between Iran and the US at Islamabad failed. This has already put about 20,000 lives in potential danger, which risks turning the strait into a floating prison.

Notably, the two-week ceasefire was supposed to last until April 22, and was slowly paving the way for the evacuation of about 20,000 sailors aboard the roughly 2,000 ships that remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, as of April 8, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN's specialised maritime agency.

This is because the closure of the straitsince the beginning of the warhas severely reduced the flow of traffic.

Notably, the two-week ceasefire in the war was supposed to last until April 22, and the now-failed talks were meant to develop it into lasting peace.



(us iran war israel, hormuz blockade eyal zamir idf, islamabad talks vance)

Readhttps://t.co/yaNvyody3p pic.twitter.com/VASkd8ge6k  THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) April 12, 2026

From about 150 vessels per day to single-digit transits, the reduced energy flows left seafarers stranded on their ships, and also caused major damage to global trade, which, in turn, spiked oil prices and cost of living in various countries.

"(The sailors) have spent more than one month in a tense and volatile situation, unable to leave their ships," said Damien Chevallier, Director, Maritime Safety Division, at the IMO.

"The longer this goes, the more detrimental it is for them, Arsenio Dominguez, the secretary-general of the IMO, told Al Jazeera on Sunday, reiterating the 20,000-sailor figure.

Notably, two empty Pakistan-linked tankers headed for the Strait of Hormuz turned around after news of the peace talks failure spread, according to maritime tracker Vortexa.

According to Pamela Munger, head of Europe market analysis at Vortexa, such vessel movements showed that Iran was "still very much" in control of the strait, as per a CNN report.

In that regard, the exchange of attacks over the blockade is likely to become a major escalation in the war, endangering the lives of the roughly 20,000 sailors stranded at sea, who would have to be evacuated by other meansin addition to naval personnel from both sides.

What Trump said about the naval blockade

According to the terms of the new blockade on the strait, "effective immediately", the US Navy has been tasked with blocking all vessels from trying to exit or enter the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump claimed that vessels that had paid Iran's alleged toll for safe passage would be sought and would have to face legal action.

He added that certain other countries were also going to be involved in the blockade, but did not name them.

"At some point, we will reach an 'ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT' basis," he wrote in a Truth Social post.

Iran's response

Notably, the first steps in the blockade would involve sending US Navy warships into the straitnot only for securing it by force, but also for de-mining purposes.

Indeed, Iran has earlier claimed that it was unable to effectively de-mine the strait due to constraints like forgetting mine placements, and also changes in mine positions.

However, Iran has not explicitly asked for US assistance in clearing mines in the straiteven before the talks failedand has, instead, called the US clearing operations a potential violation of the fragile ceasefire.

Iran also released footage of a warning it allegedly issued to a US Navy warship on Saturday, declaring that it would be attacked in "30 minutes", and forcing it to turn back. Many Iranian embassies posted the video, which the US has not yet confirmed, to their accounts on X.

Building on this alleged threat, the IRGC has now warned the US that it still had full control over the Strait of Hormuz, and that any "wrong move"the deployment of warshipswould trap them in a "deadly vortex".
Ugandas Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who is also the son of Ugandas President Yoweri Museveni, issued a bizarre ultimatum to Turkey on Sunday.

Taking to X, he said, On top of the $1 billion from Turkey, I want the most beautiful woman in that country for a wife..

Let them pay us and surrender the wives! They'll be peace.  Muhoozi Kainerugaba (@mkainerugaba) April 11, 2026

He had also said that he would sever diplomatic ties with Turkey if his terms are not met with in 30 days.

The real problem is Turkey! We have waited for them to rehabilitate themselves, but wapi! We are going to end ALL diplomatic relations with Turkey in the next 30 days, he wrote.

We shall block their Airlines too! he added in a separate post.

The post has since been deleted after intense backlash.

In a series of posts he made recently, the general had accused Turkey of profiting from infrastructure and port deals in Somalia, while Ugandan troops have spent nearly two decades fighting, while Uganda spent decades providing the security muscle to fight Al-Shabab militants.

The Country troops had enabled Turkish economic gains in Somalia, including control of the Mogadishu port and airport projects, which have reaped them hundreds of millions of dollars.

The general commands the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces Special Operations Command. He is known for his provocative and controversial social media remarks and his outspoken support for Israel in the war.

After the war in Iran began in March, he stated that Uganda would intervene on Israels side.

I'm ready to deploy 100,000 Ugandan soldiers in Israel. Under my command. To protect the Holy Land. The land of Jesus Christ our God!, he said in a post on X.

He said that the cash request was a security dividend for Ugandas military contribution to African union missions.

Kainergaba is known for using bizarre and sexist threats on X occasionally

In 2022, he offered 100 Ankole cows to marry PM Giorgia Meloni and threatened to capture Rome" if rejected.

The same year, he said that his army could capture Nairobi in less than two weeks.

His father Museveni was forced to issues a formal apology to Kenya and temporarily suspend his son after the threats.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said negotiations ended early Sunday between the United States and Iran without a peace deal after the Iranians refused to accept American terms to not develop a nuclear weapon.

The high-stakes talks ended after 21 hours, Vance said, with the vice president in constant communication with U.S. President Donald Trump and others in the administration.

But the simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon, Vance told reporters. That is the core goal of the president of the United States. And thats what weve tried to achieve through these negotiations.

The vice president said he spoke with Trump a half dozen times, a dozen times, over the past 21 hours and also spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Adm. Brad Cooper, head of the United States Central Command.

We were constantly in communication with the team because we were negotiating in good faith, Vance said, speaking at a podium in front of a pair of American flags with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to his side. And we leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. Well see if the Iranians accept it.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

Trump had said he would suspend attacks against Iran for two weeks. Vances comments did not indicate what will happen after that time period expires or if the ceasefire will remain in place.

The historic talks ended days after a fragile, two-week ceasefire was announced, as the war that has killed thousands of people and shaken global markets entered its seventh week. Two Pakistani officials said discussions between the heads of the delegations will resume after a break.

Some technical personnel from both teams are still meeting, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the press.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military said two destroyers transited the Iran-gripped Strait of Hormuz ahead of mine-clearing work, a first since the war began. Irans state media, however, said the joint military command denied that.

Were sweeping the strait. Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me, Trump told journalists as talks continued and the time approached 2 a.m. in Islamabad. He called negotiations very deep. Iranian state TV noted what it called serious differences.

The U.S. delegation led by Vance and the Iranian one led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf discussed with Pakistan how to advance the ceasefire already threatened by deep disagreements and Israels continued attacks against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, whose health ministry said the death toll has surpassed 2,000.

Since the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, the most direct U.S. contact had been in 2013 when President Barack Obama called newly elected President Hassan Rouhani to discuss Irans nuclear program. Obamas secretary of state, John Kerry, and counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif later met during negotiations toward the 2015 Iran nuclear deal  a process that lasted well over a year.

Now the far broader talks feature Vance, a reluctant defender of the war who has little diplomatic experience and warned Iran not to try and play us, and Qalibaf, a former commander with Irans powerful Revolutionary Guard who has issued some of Irans most fiery statements since fighting began.

Irans state-run news agency said the three-party talks began after Iranian preconditions, including a reduction in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, were met.

Irans delegation told state television it had presented red lines in meetings with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, including compensation for damage caused by U.S.-Israeli strikes that launched the war on Feb. 28 and releasing Irans frozen assets.

The war has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,020 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and caused lasting damage to infrastructure in half a dozen Middle Eastern countries. Irans grip on the Strait of Hormuz has largely cut off the Persian Gulf and its oil and gas exports from the global economy, sending energy prices soaring.

Reflecting the high stakes, officials from the region said Chinese, Egyptian, Saudi and Qatari officials were in Islamabad to indirectly facilitate talks. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter.

In Tehran, residents told The Associated Press they were skeptical yet hopeful after weeks of airstrikes left destruction across their country of some 93 million people.

Peace alone is not enough for our country because weve been hit very hard, there have been huge costs, 62-year-old Amir Razzai Far said.

In his strongest words yet, Pope Leo XIV denounced the delusion of omnipotence fueling the war.

Irans closure of the Strait of Hormuz has proved its biggest strategic advantage in the war. Around a fifth of the worlds traded oil had typically passed through on over 100 ships a day. Only 12 have been recorded transiting since the ceasefire.

On Saturday, Trump said on social media that the U.S. had begun clearing out the strait.

Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon, U.S. Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper later said. The U.S. statement about the destroyers added: Additional U.S. forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearance effort in the coming days.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had said Tehran was entering negotiations with deep distrust after strikes on Iran during previous talks. Araghchi, part of Irans delegation in Pakistan, said Saturday that his country was prepared to retaliate if attacked again.

Irans 10-point proposal ahead of the talks called for a guaranteed end to the war and sought control over the Strait of Hormuz. It included ending fighting against Irans regional allies, explicitly calling for a halt to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah.

The United States 15-point proposal includes restricting Irans nuclear program and reopening the strait.

(AP)
Perovskite efficiency Solar cell efficiency continues to rise and more improvement is on the way, so when we received notice of a symposium offered by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Westlake University we signed up. (You never heard of Westlake? Maybe thats because it is located in China.) After all, the blurb said that efficiency levels for perovskite solar cell devices had already reached 27% for single junction devices and 35% for tandem (layered) devices. (The theoretical maximum efficiency for silicon is 33%.) One participant said that multi-layered perovskite devices could eventually reach 47% efficiency. However, researchers must find ways to increase the reliability, flexibility and durability of perovskites in order for them to reach full potential, with most of the symposium discussion on that topic. One scientist worried, though, that producers in a hurry to market could put out defective products and thereby ruin the products reputation. If this worldwide effort to improve perovskites succeeds, not only do big solar panels become dramatically more efficient, but we could wrap buildings in solar cells and even use them to keep our coats warm in the winter. This looks like a real game changer.

AI costsYou may not know it, but AI work is measured in tokens. According to the Financial Times, as of recently, Chinese AI groups have overtaken American ones in sales of tokens. Why? For one, the Chinese models appear to be more efficient, and they get good electricity rates, according to the authoritative peach colored paper. As a result, Chinese models charge $2-3 per million output tokens vs a $15 price charged by US firms. Does this mean that the American industry will have a harder time selling its product where the Chinese are allowed to compete with it, or that American firms will adopt the Chinese model, compete with the big AI firms, and take the wind out of their sails? Will AI sales go up when it becomes cheaper, or will greater efficiency reduce electricity intake? One thing for sure: people wont voluntarily pay $15 for what they can get for $2.

Nuclear reactor priceAs part of the tariff dispute last year, Japan was strong-armed into announcing billions of dollars of new investments in the USA. As part of the deal, GE Hitachi will partner with the Tennessee Valley Authority, a federal government-owned utility, to build a small modular reactor (SMR) of 300 MW capacity that will cost, according to the press reports, $5.4 billion, or $18 million per MW. The giant Vogtle nuclear station, the last completed in the USA, cost $16.5 million per MW, making it the most expensive power station in the world, although the French and British are working together to beat that record at Hinckley Point. The press release reported by USA Today talked about stabilizing electricity prices for the American people through this effort. Raising prices inordinately for the American people might have been a more accurate characterization, but the fact checker might have been off for the day. Now, we know that this plant is only the first of a kind (FOAK), and later models should cost less, but costs will have to decline by 30-40%, we suspect, to become competitive with other forms of generation. Assuming, of course, that there will be additional plants built when the administration changes.

If you are looking for respite from news of bombings, threats to ancient civilizations, becalmed oil tankers, rising prices, disputes about who can go to which toilets, and sex scandals among the rich and famous, consider these stories that matter for energy folk who would have otherwise noticed but might have been distracted by all the other stuff.

Story Continues

Now, we are simple investors, not politicians or geostrategists or technobros, so maybe we are missing something but

We dont understand the rationale for the government directing money into a project that will produce the most expensive electricity (nuclear) when so many secure alternatives exist. Can the developers really engineer a worldwide market to sell expensive electricity and thereby reap economies of scale for the modular construction process?

Will the American AI companies build up worldwide markets by selling an expensive product on the basis of the fact that it isnt Chinese? Wouldnt want the Chinese to learn our secrets, right? Or will AI prices fall, with unknown implications for power consumption and profits.

What are the implications for the structure of the electricity industry if those perovskite researchers (predominantly Chinese) reach their goals. They could drive a gaping hole through the electricity business model as they make the cheapest electricity even cheaper, and create more opportunities to disconnect from the grid disruption that might even benefit consumers.

Okay, now back to mainstream media. How many ships traversed the Strait of Hormuz today?

By Leonard Hyman and William Tilles for Oilprice.com

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Hungarians were casting ballots Sunday in what is widely seen as Europes most consequential election this year, a vote that could unseat populist Prime Minister Viktor Orban, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, after 16 years in power.

Its a key moment for Orban, the European Unions longest-serving leader and one of its biggest antagonists, who has traveled a long road from his early days as a liberal, anti-Soviet firebrand to the Russia-friendly nationalist admired today by the global far-right.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. and were scheduled to close at 7 p.m. Orban and his top challenger, Peter Magyar, arrived at separate polling stations in Budapest at nearly the same time to cast their votes.

Speaking to reporters outside, Orban, 62, said the campaign had been a great national moment on our side and thanked activists and supporters for their work. Im here to win, he said.

The election was being closely watched in countries around Europe and beyond, which is a testament to the outsize role Orban occupies in far-right populist politics worldwide.

Members of Trumps Make America Great Again movement are among those who see Orbans government and his Fidesz political party as shining examples of conservative, anti-globalist politics in action, while he is reviled by advocates of liberal democracy and the rule of law.

After casting his vote, Magyar told reporters that the election was a choice between East or West, propaganda or honest public discourse, corruption or clean public life.

I urge all Hungarian citizens to exercise their right to vote, he said.

Casting her ballot in Budapest early Sunday, retiree Eszter Szatmari, 62, said she felt the election was basically our last chance to see anything vaguely resembling  democracy in Hungary.

We all have to make real effort to show to the world that we are not who people thought we were in the past five to 10 years, she said.

Turnout after the first five hours of voting was 37.98%, according to the National Election Office. That is a record in Hungarys post-communist history, with around 876,000 more voters having cast their ballot by 11 a.m. than during 2022 elections.

Orban has been at the helm since 2010

During his 16 years as prime minister, Orban has launched harsh crackdowns on minority rights and media freedoms, subverted many of Hungarys institutions and been accused of siphoning large sums of money into the coffers of his allied business elite, an allegation he denies.

He also has heavily strained Hungarys relationship with the EU, seeming to revel in using his veto power to stymie the 27-member blocs important decisions. Most recently, he blocked a 90-billion euro ($104 billion) EU loan to Ukraine, prompting his partners to accuse him of hijacking the critical aid.

Yet after winning four consecutive elections with a two-thirds majority for his party in Parliament, signs have emerged that Orbans absolute control over Hungarys politics may be reaching its end.

A serious challenger on the rise

Magyar has rapidly risen to become Orbans most serious challenger. The 45-year-old leader of the center-right Tisza party, which is leading in independent polls, campaigned on issues affecting ordinary voters including Hungarys faltering public health care and transportation sectors and what he describes as rampant government corruption.

A former insider within Orbans Fidesz, Magyar broke with the party in 2024 and quickly formed Tisza. Since then, he has toured Hungary relentlessly, holding rallies in settlements big and small in a campaign blitz that recently had him visiting up to six towns daily.

In an interview with The Associated Press earlier this month, Magyar said the election will be a referendum on whether Hungary continues on its drift toward Russia under Orban, or can retake its place among the democratic societies of Europe.

Tisza won 30% of the vote in European Parliament elections in 2024, and Magyar took a seat as an EU lawmaker. Tisza is a member of the European Peoples Party, the mainstream, center-right political family with leaders governing 12 of the EUs 27 nations.

Facing an uphill election battle

Magyar and Tisza face a tough fight. Orbans control of Hungarys public media, which he has transformed into a mouthpiece for his party, and vast swaths of the private media market give him an advantage in spreading his message.

The unilateral transformation of Hungarys electoral system and gerrymandering of its 106 voting districts by Fidesz also will require Tisza to gain an estimated 5% more votes than Orbans party to achieve a simple majority.

Additionally, hundreds of thousands of ethnic Hungarians in neighboring countries have the right to vote in Hungarian elections and traditionally have voted overwhelmingly for Orbans party.

There also have been comments ahead of the election that external meddling and internal fraud could taint the result. Fidesz and Tisza both have launched platforms for reporting irregularities, accusing their opponents of planning to commit election abuses.

Russian secret services have plotted to interfere and tip the election in Orbans favor, according to numerous media reports including by The Washington Post. The prime minister, however, has accused neighboring Ukraine, as well as Hungarys allies in the EU, of seeking to interfere in the vote to install a pro-Ukraine government.

Such accusations are part of why many in the EU who see Orban as a danger to the blocs future hope he loses and a new Hungarian government under Magyar will prove a better partner.

But across the Atlantic, Trump and his MAGA movement are all-in for another Orban term. Trump has repeatedly endorsed the Hungarian leader and U.S. Vice President JD Vance made a two-day visit to Hungary last week meant to help push Orban over the finish line.

(AP)
In 2011, President Barack Obama declared it was time for America to leave behind the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and pivot to Asia to counter the rise of China. Fifteen years later, the U.S. finds itself still at war in the Middle East and has pulled military assets from the Asia-Pacific as it aims to eliminate the threat posed by Irans nuclear and missile programs.

The demands of the Iran war also caused President Donald Trump to delay by several weeks his highly anticipated trip to China, deepening worries that the U.S. is once again getting distracted at the cost of its strategic interests in Asia, where Beijing seeks to unseat the U.S. as the regional leader.

Those skeptical of the U.S. involvement in the Middle East say the war is preventing Trump from adequately preparing for his summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping next month, when economic interests are on the line, and they warn that a failure to focus on Asia and maintain strong deterrence could lead to greater instability, if China should believe the time is ripe to seize the self-governed island of Taiwan.

This is precisely the wrong time for the United States to turn away and be sucked into another intractable Middle East conflict, said Danny Russel, a distinguished fellow at the Asia Society Policy Institute. Rebalancing to Asia is highly relevant to Americas national interests, but it has been undercut by many bad decisions.

Others defend the presidents approach, arguing that the forceful steps he is taking elsewhere, including in Venezuela and Iran, serve to counter China globally.

Beijing is the chief sponsor for the adversaries that President Trump is dealing with sequentially, and its wise to do this sequentially, Matt Pottinger, who served as a deputy national security adviser in the first Trump administration, said in a recent podcast.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also said conflicts may not be confined to a single theater, suggesting that China could call upon its junior partners elsewhere to divert U.S. attention if it should move against Taiwan.

Most likely it will not be limited, something in the Indo-Pacific to the Indo-Pacific, Rutte said, speaking Thursday at the Ronald Reagan Institute in Washington. It will be a multi-theater issue.

Repercussions in Asia of the Iran war

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, recently led a bipartisan group of senators to Taiwan, Japan and South Korea, where they heard concerns about the impact of the war on energy costs and about the departure of U.S. military assets, including missile defense systems from South Korea and a rapid-response Marine unit from Japan.

She sought to reassure them of the U.S. commitment to deterring conflicts in Asia and shoring up regional stability.

Failure is not an option, Shaheen told The Associated Press after returning from Asia. We know China has already said they intend to take Taiwan by force if they need to, and theyre on an expedited time schedule. And we also know that what happened in Europe, in the war in Ukraine, in the Middle East is affecting those calculations.

Kurt Campbell, who served as deputy secretary of state in the Biden administration, said hes worried that the military capabilities that the U.S. had patiently accumulated in the Indo-Pacific region might not return in full even after the Iran war ends.

The longer the conflict goes on, the more it will pull resources and focus away from Asia, said Zack Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who studies the U.S. strategy in Asia. He added that future arms sales to the region also will be negatively affected.

The United States has expended substantial numbers of munitions in the Middle East and will have to keep an increased force presence there, some of which has been redirected from Asia, Cooper said. Meanwhile, Xi Jinpings wisdom in preparing a war time economy by stockpiling and adding alternate energy sources has shown itself to be beneficial.

Shaheen said the U.S. defense industry will struggle to meet the demand to replenish the weapons stockpile. Were working on a number of strategies to improve that, but at this point, timelines for weapons delivery are slipping, she said.

The senator from New Hampshire said shes encouraged that Taiwan, Japan and South Korea are stepping up their own defense.

After 15 years and 3 presidents, pivot to Asia remains elusive

Obamas strategic rebalance to Asia reflected his understanding that the U.S. must be a player in the Pacific to harness the regions growth and ensure continued U.S. leadership in the face of Chinas rising influence.

After a decade in which we fought two wars that cost us dearly, in blood and treasure, the United States is turning our attention to the vast potential of the Asia-Pacific region, Obama said in a speech to the Australian Parliament. So make no mistake, the tide of war is receding, and America is looking ahead to the future that we must build.

But the strategy was set back when a proposed trade agreement known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership with key U.S. regional partners failed to get through the U.S. Senate. After Trump first took office in 2017, he withdrew the U.S. from the partnership and launched a tariff war with China.

His Democratic successor, Joe Biden, kept Trumps tariffs on China and tightened export controls on advanced technology, while strengthening regional alliances to counter China.

Middle East again grabs US attention

By the time Trump rolled out his national security strategy in late 2025, the U.S. strategy in Asia had been narrowed to military deterrence in the Taiwan Strait and the First Island Chain, a string of U.S.-aligned islands off Chinas coast that restrict its access to the Western Pacific.

The national security document says its in the economic interest of the U.S. to secure access to advanced chips, which are sourced primarily from Taiwan and are needed to power everything from computers to missiles, and to protect shipping lanes in the South China Sea.

Hence deterring a conflict over Taiwan, ideally by preserving military overmatch, is a priority, the document says. We will build a military capable of denying aggression anywhere in the First Island Chain.

The Middle East, it says, should be getting less attention: As this administration rescinds or eases restrictive energy policies and American energy production ramps up, Americas historic reason for focusing on the Middle East will recede.

Then came the Iran war.

(AP)
Five people have been charged with murder in a deadly Northern California explosion at an illegal fireworks warehouse that killed seven people and shook a tiny farming community, authorities said Friday.

The charges stem from a grand jury indictment related to the July 1 explosion that injured two others, Yolo County Deputy District Attorney Clara Nabity said. One of the people charged with murder is Samuel Machado, who was a Yolo County Sheriffs Department lieutenant at the time of the explosion. He illegally stored more than 1 million pounds (453,000 kilograms) of fireworks at his property and used his position at the sheriffs office to evade scrutiny as the operation grew, she said.

The explosion near the community of Esparto, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northwest of Sacramento, sparked a massive fire and led to nearby Fourth of July celebrations being called off.

Samuel Machados participation included using his role as a trusted lieutenant to help shield the conspiracy as it expanded, and the expansion was significant, Nabity said, adding that the warehouse went from having 13 fireworks storage containers in 2015 to 50 last year.

It was not immediately clear if Machado has an attorney who can speak on his behalf. A telephone number listed for him went answered Friday.

Machados sprawling 5,000-square-foot (465-square-meters) warehouse property was used to store and sell fireworks by other men indicted in the case.

Nabity said a total of eight people face 30 charges in the case, including murder, conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of illegal assault weapons, illegal explosives possession, insurance fraud, child endangerment and animal cruelty.

All those charged are scheduled to be arraigned in Yolo County on Monday.

Machados wife, Tammy Machado, was also arrested Thursday but was released after posting bail. She was a non-sworn administrative employee at the Yolo County Sheriffs Office at the time of the explosion. Both Samuel and Tammy Machado were put on leave after the incident. She faces charges of mortgage fraud, filing a willfully wrong tax return and endangering a child by storing illegal explosives next to a family pool, according to the indictment.

Others indicted include Kenneth Chee, owner of Devastating Pyrotechnics, whose illegal fireworks were being stored at Machados warehouse, has also been charged with murder and was arrested in Florida. He appeared in a Florida courtroom Friday and was told he will be extradited to California within the week, KCRA-TV reported.

Authorities also arrested Jack Lee, the operations manager for Devastating Pyrotechnic, and Gary Chan Jr., whose name is on the companys federal license. Both also face murder charges. The fifth person charged with murder is Douglas Tollefsen, who was arrested in Northern California but has yet to be taken to a Yolo County jail, Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig said. Tollefsen stored and sold fireworks at Machados warehouse, according to the indictment.

This is not a case just about fireworks, Nabity said. They are devices that have so much more explosive fireworks than the law allows that they cant be considered fireworks.

Machado, Chee, Lee, Chan and Tollefsen were arrested Thursday along with Craig Cutright, the owner of Blackstar Fireworks, which operated at the Esparto property. Cutright, was a volunteer firefighter for the Esparto Fire District and was also listed as an employee of Devastating Pyrotechnics.

One of Cutrights employees, Ronald Botelho III, has been in custody since December. More than a dozen new charges were filed against him Thursday, jail records show.

The grand jury concluded that the initial blast caused the death of seven people, Nabity said. Those killed included four workers: 18-year-old Jesus Ramos and his 22-year-old Jhony Ramos, of San Pablo, California; 28-year-old Joel Melendez, of Sacramento, and 43-year-old Carlos Javier Rodriguez-Mora, of San Andreas, California. Christopher Goltiao Bocog and Neil Li of San Francisco and Angel Mathew Voller, of Stockton, California, were also killed.

People living nearby described the blast being so strong that it blew open the doors of homes.

Nisa Gutierrez told the Sacramento CBS affiliate KOVR-TV that she and her daughter were in their yard and were nearly knocked over as their pony and goats scattered.

We hear like a big boom, and feel the wave, Gutierrez said. I thought it was a bomb.

After the explosion, officials in nearby Sutter and Yuba counties announced they would find alternatives for Fourth of July celebrations after their fireworks were destroyed in the blast.

(AP)
A majority of New York City voters say the city is headed in the wrong direction during Mayor Zohran Mamdanis first 100 days in office, with discontent running especially high among minority voters, according to a new Emerson College/Pix11 poll.

The survey found 59% of New Yorkers believe the city is on the wrong track, against 41% who say it is headed in the right direction. The pessimism was highest among Hispanic voters, 68% of whom said the city was on the wrong track, followed by Asian voters at 64% and Black voters at 58%. White voters were nearly evenly split, with 51% saying the city was headed in the right direction.

Economic dissatisfaction ran even deeper among minority respondents: 82% of Hispanic voters and 79% of Black voters rated the citys economy as only fair or poor.

Despite the directional pessimism, Mamdanis personal approval numbers told a more complicated story. Forty-three percent of respondents approved of his job performance against 27% who disapproved, but roughly 30% remained neutral or undecided  a finding that mirrored a separate Marist College survey released a day earlier. When asked directly whether the city made a mistake electing Mamdani, 37% said they liked what they saw, 32% said the jury was still out, and 23% said the city had made a mistake.

Mamdanis strongest marks came on child care, where he drew 54% approval, followed by housing affordability at 49% and public safety at 45%. Voters were most divided over his handling of the citys $5.4 billion budget gap, with 40% approving and 37% disapproving.

On how to close that gap, 55% said the state should raise taxes on the wealthy, while 41% favored better spending management. Two-thirds of respondents supported a millionaires tax, and only 4% backed a property tax increase  a measure Mamdani has floated as a last resort.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Artemis IIs astronauts closed out humanitys first lunar voyage in more than half a century with a Pacific splashdown on Friday, blazing new records near the moon with grace and joy.

It was a dramatic grand finale to a mission that revealed not only swaths of the lunar far side never seen before by human eyes, but a total solar eclipse and a parade of planets, most notably our own shimmering Earth against the endless black void of space.

With their flight now complete, the four astronauts have set NASA up for a moon landing by another crew in just two years and a full-blown moon base within the decade.

The triumphant moon-farers  commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadas Jeremy Hansen  emerged from their bobbing capsule into the sunlight off the coast of San Diego.

In a scene reminiscent of NASAs Apollo moonshots of yesteryear, military helicopters hoisted the astronauts one by one from an inflatable raft docked to the capsule, hauling them aboard for the short trip to the Navys awaiting recovery ship, the USS John P. Murtha.

These were the ambassadors from humanity to the stars that we sent out there right now, and I cant imagine a better crew, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said from the recovery ship.

NASAs Mission Control erupted in celebration, with hundreds pouring in from the back support rooms. We did it, NASAs Lori Glaze rejoiced at a news conference. Welcome to our moonshot.

Their Orion capsule, dubbed Integrity, made the entire plunge on automatic pilot. The lunar cruiser hit the atmosphere traveling Mach 33  or 33 times the speed of sound  a blistering blur not seen since the 1960s and 1970s Apollo.

The tension in Mission Control mounted as the capsule became engulfed in red-hot plasma during peak heating and entered a planned communication blackout. All eyes were on the capsules life-protecting heat shield that had to withstand thousands of degrees during reentry.

Watching the drama unfold nearly 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) away, the astronauts families huddled in Mission Controls viewing room, cheering when the capsule emerged from its six-minute blackout and again at splashdown.

The last time NASA and the Defense Department teamed up for a lunar crews reentry was Apollo 17 in 1972. Artemis II came screaming back at 36,174 feet (11,026 meters) per second  or 24,664 mph (39,693 kph)  just shy of the record before slowing to a 19 mph (30 kph) splashdown.

Until Artemis II, NASAs fresh-from-the-moon homecomings starred only white male pilots. Intent on reflecting changes in society, NASA chose a diverse, multinational crew for its lunar comeback.

Koch became the first woman to fly to the moon, Glover the first Black astronaut and Hansen the first non-U.S. citizen, bursting Canada with pride. They laughed, cried and hugged all the way there and back, striving to take the entire world along with them.

Artemis IIs record flyby and views of the moon

Launched from Florida on April 1, the astronauts racked up one win after another as they deftly navigated NASAs long-awaited lunar comeback, the first major step in establishing a sustainable moon base.

Artemis II didnt land on the moon or even orbit it. But it broke Apollo 13s distance record and marked the farthest that humans have ever journeyed from Earth when the crew reached 252,756 miles (406,771 kilometers). Then in the missions most heart-tugging scene, the teary astronauts asked permission to name a pair of craters after their moonship and Wisemans late wife, Carroll.

During Mondays record-breaking flyby, they documented scenes of the moons far side never seen before by the human eye along with a total solar eclipse. The eclipse, in particular, just blew all of us away, Glover said.

Their sense of wonder and love awed everyone, as did their breathtaking pictures of the moon and Earth. The Artemis II crew channeled Apollo 8s first lunar explorers with Earthset, showing our Blue Marble setting behind the gray moon. It was reminiscent of Apollo 8s famous Earthrise shot from 1968.

Born a decade after Apollo, Isaacman greeted the astronauts with hugs as they headed from the helicopters to the ships medical bay for routine checks. They walked by themselves, refusing the wheelchairs offered them.

We are back in the business of sending astronauts to the moon, bringing them back safely and to set up for a series more, Isaacman said. This is just the beginning.

Artemis II was a test flight for future moon missions

Despite its rich scientific yield, the nearly 10-day flight was not without technical issues. Both the capsules drinking water and propellant systems were hit with valve problems. In perhaps the most high-profile predicament, the toilet kept malfunctioning, but the astronauts shrugged it all off.

As for the heat shield, military aircraft crews photographed it from afar during reentry, and divers checked it from underneath as the capsule floated in the Pacific. More detailed examinations are planned.

We cant explore deeper unless we are doing a few things that are inconvenient, Koch said, unless were making a few sacrifices, unless were taking a few risks, and those things are all worth it.

Added Hansen: You do a lot of testing on the ground, but your final test is when you get this hardware to space and its a doozy.

Under the revamped Artemis program, next years Artemis III will see astronauts practice docking their capsule with a lunar lander or two in orbit around Earth. Artemis IV will attempt to land a crew of two near the moons south pole in 2028.

The Artemis II astronauts allegiance was to those future crews, Wiseman said.

But we really hoped in our soul is that we could for just for a moment have the world pause and remember that this is a beautiful planet and a very special place in our universe, and we should all cherish what we have been gifted, he said.

(AP)
The search for missing Yeshiva Bochur Avraham Yeshaya ben Shoshana continued into Motzei Shabbos along the coast of Netanya, with rescue teams intensifying efforts using drones, divers, and advanced equipment.

As YWN reported, the Bochur and his brother went missing after being swept into the sea together on Friday. His brother was located in critical condition. As night fell, an operational drone was deployed in an effort to locate the missing boy, while preparations are underway for renewed diving operations at first light.

At the same time, large Tefilah gatherings are being held across Israel. One large gathering took place at the Koselall with Talmidim of Yeshivas Tifrach, while another was held at the Kever of the Chazon Ish in Bnei Brak.

Additional Tefilos were held at the yeshiva of the Bochurs father in Yerushalayim, as well as in several Batei Midrashim in Ramat Shlomo, where the family lives.

Following a joint assessment with emergency services and police, volunteers from ZAKA, including its diving unit, are preparing for extensive coordinated searches along the shoreline overnight, alongside maritime police and fire rescue teams.

Meanwhile, Tefilos continue for his brother Yisochor Dov who remains in critical condition.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Mojtaba Khamenei was reportedly severely injured and disfigured during joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran in February, according to Reuters.

The report says Khamenei suffered leg and facial injuries in the February 28 strikes that killed his father, Ali Khamenei, and has not been seen publicly since.

Despite the injuries, sources cited by Reuters claim he remains mentally sharp and is continuing to communicate with Iranian negotiators involved in talks with the United States.

U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth previously said Khamenei was likely disfigured, reiterating the claim in a recent press briefing while outlining what he described as major blows to Irans leadership structure.

Their top leadership was systematically eliminated Hegseth said, listing multiple senior Iranian military and government officials killed in recent operations.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A disturbing incident occurred on Friday to a young husband amid a searing personal tragedy.

Chaya Michal Shriki, ah, of Beitar Illit was nifteres on the last day of Pesach at the age of 24 after battling a serious illness. After Yom Tov, her husband, Reb Yosef Chaim Shriki, traveled with his wifes body back to Israel from the US, where they had traveled for medical treatment.

Upon his arrival in Israel on Friday, only two and a half hours before Shabbos, his grief and distress were compounded when he was detained by military authorities for draft dodging.

He was released only after the intervention of Attorney Shlomo Hadad, but is required to report to the draft office immediately after the conclusion of shiva.

The levaya took place on Motzei Shabbos at 11:30 p.m. at the beis hesped at Har HaMenuchos in the Givat Shaul neighborhood of Jerusalem.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday morning submitted his response to the Supreme Court ahead of Wednesdays hearing regarding petitions from left-wing organizations demanding that he dismiss National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

In a detailed response, Netanyahu argued that the petitions should be dismissed outright, primarily due to the complete lack of any legal basis for such an extraordinary and extreme intervention in a foundational constitutional actthe formation of the government. The Court has no constitutional authority to remove a minister based on how he performs his duties, his conduct within his ministry, or his administrative decisions. The Attorney Generals position is entirely unacceptable to the prime minister and is, in our view, incompatible with Israels constitutional system.

The petitions constitute an unconstitutional attempt to remove a minister in Israel. Minister Ben-Gvir was unanimously approved by the government and by 65 Knesset members, and therefore, the Court has no authority. The reasonableness doctrine does not apply in this caseeven Justice Amit acknowledged that ministerial appointments are outside its scope. A ministers statements are not grounds for dismissalin a democracy, the will of hundreds of thousands of voters must be respected.

The response noted that the petitioners are effectively asking the court to become a government assembler and to evaluate a ministers performance using nonlegal criteria. There is no place for this honorable court to replace the prime ministers judgment with its own regarding whether a particular minister is fit to continue serving, the response states.

Accepting the petition would demonstrate that the court is, in practice, adopting an active and significant role in the political arena without any legal authority.

Minister Ben-Gvir has not acted differently from previous ministers. A minister has the right to set police policy and to support soldiers and police officers. The Attorney General is deliberately flooding the Court with partial and irrelevant information. If there are claims regarding specific appointments made by the minister (he has made hundreds, with objections raised about three), each claim should be examined individuallybut this certainly does not justify removing a minister.

The response warns that accepting the petition would create a slippery slope in which any minister disliked by one group or another could face legal petitions demanding their removalparalyzing the governments ability to govern and implement the policies for which it was elected.

The Court is asked to respect the governments sovereignty, reject the petitionsand avoid serious harm to the separation of powers, the response emphasized.

Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also submitted a sharp and forceful response to the petitions, slamming Attorney General Gali Baharav Miaras position and warning of a constitutional crisis.

Ben-Gvir stated that the Court has no authority to remove a sitting minister who has not been convicted, and that even holding a hearing on the petitions risks undermining the social order. He said it is unacceptable for ministerial tenure to become a legal question based on the dissatisfaction of petitioners or the Attorney General.

He called on the Court to respect the election results and the political rights of Israeli citizens, and to refrain from intervening in the composition of the government. He added that the Court should keep its hands off the structure of the government and remain within the boundaries of public law.

Ben-Gvir further stated that the Attorney General is in a conflict of interest, citing, among other things, his past positions against her and his involvement in calls for her dismissal. He noted that there is no conviction, indictment, or active criminal investigation against him, and therefore, no grounds for his removal.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
A stormy Supreme Court hearing was held on Sunday on contempt of court petitions submitted by left-wing entities over the governments failure to draft bnei yeshivos.

The hostile petitioners made unprecedented demands, including the physical closure of yeshivos, arrest warrants and fines against ministers who are failing to draft bnei yeshivos, and personal sanctions against police officials who are failing to conduct enforcement raids in Bnei Brak.

The petitioners demanded that the court order the IDF and the police to carry out enforcement operations in the heart of Chareidi population centers and impose personal sanctions on government members. Attorney Gilad Barnea, one of the petitioners, even called on the judges to close the yeshivos. We ask that the court issue an order closing the gates of yeshivos to draft dodgers, Barnea said, adding a demand for reeducation inside the yeshivas: Let IDF personnel enter the yeshivas and explain to them what the army is.

Meanwhile, the representative of the Attorney General added fuel to the fire of economic decrees by stating that the Interior Minister must deny propertytax discounts to avreichim and bochurim who are drafteligible, even without formal legislation.

During the remarks of the Attorney Generals representative, another left-wing petitioner, Attorney Eliad Shraga, interrupted, shouting at the judges: Theyre lying, adding: And youre buying it.

When the judges announced a recess and left the courtroom, Shraga was recorded muttering curses at the state and IDF representatives, including: Liars, cheats, and other words that are unfit for print.

Justice Noam Solberg called him to order, saying, Sir, you will respect the place and your colleagues.

The judges pressed police and Attorney General representatives to increase criminal enforcement. Sohlberg asked directly: Can you commit to us that the police will resume functioning in Chareidi areas as well? In response, the Attorney Generals representative promised that a coordination meeting between the army and the police would take place today to create a more effective enforcement interface. Justice BarakErez even criticized the police for not holding draft dodgers who are arrested incidentally, stating: It does not appear that the problem is manpower, but policy.

Meanwhile, as the hearing was taking place, hundreds of protesters from Peleg Yerushalmi surrounded the Tel HaShomer draft office and attempted to block streets. Chareidim also protest outside the Supreme Court during the hearing.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
Donald Trump is facing renewed scrutiny over his conduct in the Iran conflict after threatening in recent days to hit bridges, power plants and other civilian sites, with international law scholars warning that both the rhetoric and any such attack could breach the laws of war. The concern centres on statements made by the U.S. president as the fight between the United States and Iran has intensified, and on whether those threats stray beyond military pressure into conduct prohibited under international humanitarian law.

The latest alarm was sharpened last week when more than 100 international law experts published a joint letter through Just Security expressing what they called 'profound concern' about serious violations of international law in the Iran war. The signatories pointed to four broad areas that they believe deserve urgent scrutiny, including the decision to enter the conflict, possible breaches of humanitarian law, inflammatory rhetoric from senior officials and the erosion of internal safeguards that are supposed to restrain unlawful force.

Donald Trump Threats Put Civilian Targets at the Centre

The sharpest criticism has focused on Donald Trump's own language. Time reported that Trump threatened to bomb civilian infrastructure if Iran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and later wrote on Truth Social that 'a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again.'

He had also spoken of bringing Iran 'back to the stone ages,' language that legal experts interviewed by the magazine said was not simply provocative, but potentially relevant to the legal analysis itself.

This matters because the law of armed conflict does not only govern what is done on the battlefield. It can also speak to threats directed at civilians, particularly when those threats are framed around destruction untethered from a specific military objective.

One legal expert quoted by Time said the threat to destroy civilian infrastructure and even 'a whole civilization' plainly cut against the principle that parties to a conflict must distinguish between military objectives and civilian objects.

The argument here is not that every power facility is automatically immune. Some infrastructure can become a lawful target if it has a genuine military use, but legal experts told Time that any such claim would still require a careful proportionality assessment, weighing anticipated civilian harm against concrete military advantage.

Their objection to Trump's public posture was more basic than that. They said the targets described by the president appeared to be framed as pressure points against society at large, not clearly defined military objectives.

The US delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, have arrived Islamabad, Pakistan for talks with Iran. Follow live updates https://t.co/3RcPvaL8JS pic.twitter.com/cH8j6ACoXM  CNN (@CNN) April 11, 2026

Donald Trump Faces Growing Legal Alarm Beyond the Battlefield

That concern is echoed in the open letter published by Just Security, which says the conduct of senior U.S. officials has raised grave questions not only about specific strikes but about the administration's apparent attitude towards the rules themselves. The material supplied for this article also cites reported remarks from senior officials dismissing rules of engagement as 'stupid' while praising 'lethality' over legality, a posture scholars argue could increase civilian harm and corrode norms the United States has long claimed to uphold.

 TRUMPS INFRASTRUCTURE WAR AND THE LAW HES DARING TO BREAK



So here we are, watching a literal countdown to 8pm, with Trump threatening to wipe out Irans bridges and energy system if it doesnt fall into line on schedule.



Trump even went as far as to threaten: A whole https://t.co/DMM2SXc14T pic.twitter.com/rUShG4QGaL  Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 7, 2026

Rebecca Crootof, a University of Richmond law professor and one of the signatories cited in the source material, went further in remarks reported by 13News Now, saying Trump's statement that Iran's 'whole civilization will die tonight' sounded like a threat of genocide. This specific interview was referenced in the supplied material but was not independently retrieved in the reviewed sources, so readers should treat that quotation with appropriate caution.

Trump, for his part, has shown little sign of retreat on the legal question. Asked on Monday whether bombing Iran's civilian infrastructure would amount to a war crime, he said he was 'not at all' worried about it, according to Time.

Later, on Tuesday evening, he said he would suspend the threatened bombing for two weeks, but tied that pause to Iran agreeing to the 'COMPLETE, IMMEDIATE, and SAFE OPENING of the Strait of Hormuz.'

Trump threatens Iran could be 'taken out,' Iran issues 10-point demand - CGTN



"The United Nations on Monday said it is alarmed by the US rhetoric. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres recalls that civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, may not be attacked,  Rachland Nashidik (@rachlannashidik) April 7, 2026

The United Nations has taken a far more guarded line. Stephane Dujarric, speaking for the Secretary General, said civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, may not be attacked, and warned that even where a civilian site might qualify as a military objective, international humanitarian law still bars strikes expected to cause excessive incidental civilian harm.

This is the point legal scholars keep returning to. Not every ugly threat becomes a proven war crime, and intent still has to be established case by case, but the language coming out of Washington has plainly moved this beyond ordinary wartime bluster and into territory that lawyers are now treating as evidence.

Originally published on IBTimes UK
A jury in Ada County slapped a Boise payroll-services firm and its CEO with more than $6.4 million in damages after finding it defrauded a Meridian-based medical group.

The jury found that Ataraxis, a company that provides payroll, human resources and related tax services to other employers, and CEO Stephen Cilley breached their contract with Spine Institute of Idaho and defrauded it in a dispute tied to a pandemic-related tax credit.

Spine Institute of Idaho said it hired Ataraxis in 2012 to handle payroll tax reporting and filings with federal and state agencies. When the government created the COVID-19-era tax credit that could give employers money back for keeping workers on staff, the clinic said it was told Ataraxis would file the required paperwork with the IRS to claim the refund.

The medical group said in the lawsuit that Ataraxis strung it along, promising the claim had been filed though it never had been, and that the refund was on the way when it wasnt, leaving the practice short hundreds of thousands of dollars. For two years, the medical group said, it was led to believe the claim was pending before the IRS.

In a verdict filed Feb. 20 in 4th District Court, jurors awarded Spine Institute of Idaho over $454,000 in economic damages for losses suffered because the medical group relied on the false statements. The jury also imposed an additional $6 million in punitive damages, including $4 against Ataraxis and $2 million against Cilley.

Ataraxis filed a motion March 13 for a new trial, and on Friday it appealed the verdict to the Idaho Supreme Court.

Ataraxis respectfully disagrees with the outcome, the company said in a statement. Because this matter is ongoing, we are limited in what we can share. However, we remain confident that a review of the record on appeal will provide appropriate context, and we look forward to the appellate process. We take our partnerships and responsibilities seriously and remain committed to operating with integrity and transparency.

The case centers around the federal Employee Retention Tax Credit, a program created by Congress in 2020 to reward employers for not laying people off during the pandemic. The credit was claimed through employment tax filings. Eligible employers could claim up to $5,000 per employee in 2020 and up to $7,000 per employee per quarter in 2021.

But employers who use a professional employer organization, or PEO, such as Ataraxis, must file payroll taxes under the PEOs tax identification number. The employer cant claim the credit directly; the PEO has to submit an amended employment tax return on the clients behalf, according to a second amended complaint, filed in December. Spine Institute of Idaho said its expected refund was $406,336.
The Likud party on Sunday released a strongly worded statement against Naftali Bennett shortly after he announced the addition of the first two members of his Bennett 2026 party: Liran Avisar Ben Horin and Keren Terner Eyal.

Terner Eyal was active in the anti-government Brothers In Arms movement and served on its committee.

Bennetts true face was once again exposed today with the addition of Keren Terner from Brothers in Arms, an organization that encouraged refusal in the IDF and thereby weakened Israel and harmed our security, the statement said.

Dont say you werent warned, the statement added. As he did last time, Bennett will once again form a government with the left and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Deputy Minister Almog Cohen (Otzma Yehudit) issued an even harsher statement, calling Bennett the con man.

I welcome the addition of one of the founders of the disgraceful Brothers in Arms organization to Bennetts party, Cohen sardonically stated. Keren Terner Eyal was among those who fueled the disastrous phenomenon of refusal, endangering the security of Israeli citizens and residents of the Negev.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch also criticized Bennett, calling his party the party of deceit and refusal, and stating that Bennett is willing to do anything for a position, including aligning with figures associated with the most extreme protests against the government.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
Turkey indicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and 35 other Israeli officials Friday over the naval interception of the Gaza-bound Sumud flotilla in October 2025, with prosecutors seeking sentences totaling up to 4,596 years in prison, Turkish media reported.

Istanbuls chief prosecutor charged those named with conducting a military operation against civilians in international waters, seeking a minimum sentence of 1,102 years. Among those indicted are Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Turkey had previously issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2025.

Turkish Justice Minister Akn Gurlek framed the indictment as an expression of Turkeys commitment to international law.

The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail in late August 2025, comprising dozens of vessels and hundreds of activists from multiple countries. Israel intercepted the fleet and detained over 400 participants  including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg  before deporting them.

Netanyahu, Katz, and Ben-Gvir each responded on X, with Ben-Gvir addressing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in an expletive-laden post. Netanyahu accused Erdogan of having massacred his own Kurdish citizens, adding that Israel under my leadership will continue to fight Irans terror regime and its proxies. Katz called Erdogan a paper tiger for failing to respond to Iranian missiles fired onto Turkish soil and dismissed the indictment as a grand absurdity.

Turkeys Foreign Ministry escalated further Saturday, calling Netanyahu the Hitler of our time in an X post and vowing to continue pursuing accountability for what it described as crimes against civilians.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Security arrangements for the tiny Jewish kehilla in Syria have been revised following the thwarting of an assassination attempt against Rabbi Michael Khoury in Damascus, Kan News reported.

The report noted that the Syrian government is seeking to leverage the thwarting of the cell to demonstrate that it is protecting the countrys Jewish community, which numbers only a handful of individuals. This is likely also intended as a signal to Israel and the United States.

Behind the scenes, discussions within Syrias security establishment suggest that Iran and its proxies are increasing efforts to destabilize Syria, including by exploiting the Palestinian issue.

Despite the incident, the small Jewish community in Damascus appears to be maintaining a sense of normalcy. Bakhour Simantov, who serves as an unofficial spokesperson for the community, told Kan Radio: Baruch Hashem, Im fine. I go about as usualtheres no problem. That said, following what happened, we will install surveillance cameras around the house as a precaution. I know Hashem is with me. People are davening for me, and Hashem protects me, so Im not afraid.

Hezbollah has strongly denied any connection to the uncovered cell. At the same time, opponents of the Syrian regime have cast doubt on the official version, questioning whether it was truly a terror cellespecially since one of the detainees, a member of the Alawite community, was reportedly arrested in Tartus in western Syria.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
Israel issued a formal reprimand to Spains senior diplomatic representative in Tel Aviv over the blowing up of a giant effigy of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu in a Spanish town over the weekend.

The seven-meter-tall figure was detonated using 14 kilograms of gunpowder in El Burgo, a small town near the city of Malaga in southern Spain. Spectators responded to the explosion with applause and cheers.

The appalling antisemitic hatred on display here is a direct result of the systematic incitement by the government of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Israels Foreign Ministry stated in a post on X. And even now, the Spanish government remains silent. The Spanish charge daffaires was summoned for a reprimand.

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The mayor of El Burgo, Maria Dolores Narvaez, defended the event, saying it is part of a tradition dating back to the 1940s. According to her, the event is meant to symbolize condemnation of evil in society. It carries a message of no to war and no to genocide. Each year, a different figure is chosen to represent what we perceive as evil. In the past, this has included issues such as violence against women, corruption, terrorism, and even international leaders.

(YWN Israel DeskJerusalem)
U.S. intelligence believes that China is preparing to deliver shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran within the coming weeks, according to three CNN sources. Such a move would mark a significant escalation in Beijings support for Tehran and complicate an already fragile ceasefire.

The systems in question are MANPADs, man-portable air defense missiles that posed a persistent threat to low-flying U.S. aircraft throughout the five-week war. Two of the sources said Beijing is working to route the shipments through third countries to obscure their origin.

Trump warned of consequences Saturday when asked about the intelligence. If China does that, China will have big problems, OK? he said as he departed the White House for Florida. He did not say whether he had raised the issue directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping, whom he is set to meet in Beijing early next month.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington denied the report. China has never provided weapons to any party to the conflict; the information in question is untrue, a spokesperson said, adding that Beijing consistently fulfills its international obligations and calling on the U.S. to refrain from making baseless allegations.

The intelligence comes days after China claimed credit for helping broker the ceasefire that paused the conflict earlier this week, and raises questions about whether Iran is using the pause to rearm with the help of foreign partners.

The potential transfer would represent a new threshold in Chinese involvement. While Chinese companies have continued selling Iran sanctioned dual-use technology, direct government-to-government weapons transfers would go considerably further. Sources said Beijing views air defense systems as defensively oriented, distinguishing its support from that of Russia, which has been sharing intelligence with Iran to help it target U.S. troops and assets throughout the war.

One source said China sees no strategic value in overtly entering the conflict, but is working to preserve its relationship with Tehran  a critical supplier of sanctioned oil  while maintaining enough deniability to emerge from the war with its neutrality intact.

The F-15 recently shot down over Iran may already be connected to the issue. Trump said Monday the jet was downed by a handheld shoulder missile, a heat-seeking missile, and Iran claimed it used a new air defense system  though whether that system was Chinese-made remains unclear.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
A yeshiva bochur has been reported missing at the Ein Akev spring in the Negev, with growing concern that he may have drowned during a Bein Hazmanim outing.

According to initial reports, emergency teams were alerted after the bochur went missing at the popular desert spring. Based on available indications, there is significant concern that he may have drowned in the water.

A specialized rescue team from Unit Lehava, including trained divers skilled in search and recovery operations, is currently en route to the scene. The unit is being transported by a police helicopter from Israels aerial unit to expedite the response.

Additional police forces are also participating in the search efforts as authorities work urgently to locate the missing bochur.

This is a developing situation.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Search and rescue efforts entered their third day Sunday for an 18-year-old Yeshiva Bochur who has been missing since Friday at the Sanz Beach in Netanya, with growing concern for his safety. As YWN reported on Friday, the Bochur and his brother went missing after being swept into the sea together on Friday. His brother was located in critical condition.

ZAKA divers, along with the organizations special operations unit, Israel Police, and Lehava rescue teams, continue extensive searches both above and below the water in an effort to locate the missing teen.

Yisrael Chassid, spokesperson for ZAKA, added that the organizations leadership has directed all units to focus maximum resources on the operation. Drone units, divers, jeep teams, missing persons specialists, and special operations forces are all concentrated along the Netanya coastline in a coordinated effort to locate the missing individual as quickly as possible. We hope to share good news soon, he said.

Please say Tehillim for Yeshaya ben Shoshana.

Tefillos also continue for his brother, Yisochor Dov ben Shoshana, who remains in critical condition.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
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Although high dividend yields are attractive to income seekers, they can sometimes signal that the dividend is unsustainable and a payout cut is on the way. Is that where we are headed with Pfizer (NYSE: PFE)? The healthcare giant's poor stock market performance over the past few years has pushed its forward yield to a juicy 6.4%. But is the company's dividend safe?

Pfizer's rebound may have already started

Pfizer's revenue, earnings, and stock price dropped off a cliff due to its inability to sustain the incredible sales generated by its coronavirus business. However, over the trailing 12 months, the stock has climbed by a respectable 25%. Can the company maintain this momentum? There is a good chance it can. Here are two reasons why.

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.

First, equities have been highly volatile in recent weeks, partly due to geopolitical tensions. In this environment, blue chip dividend payers like Pfizer -- which also happens to belong to a defensive sector -- tend to attract even more investors than usual. Second, and perhaps more importantly, Pfizer currently has a deep phase 3 pipeline that could make significant progress over the next few years. The company launched 11 pivotal studies in 2025 and plans to launch 20 more this year.

True, Pfizer's pipeline and regulatory progress in recent years have not quite allowed it to turn things around. The difference is that some of the drugmaker's candidates that are now in late-stage studies look highly promising. Consider PF'4404, an investigational cancer medicine that belongs to a newer class of drugs. Pfizer sees this medicine as a potential pipeline-in-a-drug capable of earning indications across a range of many different cancers. If approved, PF'4404 could be a major growth driver for years to come.

Then there is Pfizer's weight management pipeline, spearheaded by MET097i. This therapy aced phase 2 studies and could differentiate itself from the current market leaders given its potential for once-monthly dosing and lower rates of adverse reactions.

Pfizer has other candidates beyond these two, but they appear to be the most promising. And if it can post strong phase 3 results for them, the company's shares will likely jump. Pfizer will face more headwinds in the medium term, including the loss of exclusivity for some products, such as its anticoagulant Eliquis.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 12. Talks between Iran and the United States in Pakistan will continue on April 12, Trend reports.

According to the information, during the previous round the parties failed to reach mutual understanding on a number of issues.

The start of the new stage of negotiations is scheduled for the morning hours.

The talks between the U.S. and Iran have started today in Islamabad with the mediation of Pakistan. The Iranian delegation in the talks is headed by the Speaker of the Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and the U.S. delegation - by Vice President JD Vance.

The war between the U.S., Israel and Iran lasted for 41 days. In connection with the war, a two-week ceasefire was declared between the parties with the mediation of Pakistan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 12. Iran and the United States have reached an agreement on a number of issues, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei said, Trend reports.

He also said there were disagreements on two or three important issues.

"Mutual understanding was reached on a number of issues, but disagreements arose on 2-3 important issues, and as a result, no agreement was reached during the negotiations," he noted.

The ministry spokesman added that some new topics, such as the Strait of Hormuz, had been added to the discussions, and each had its own complexities.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 12. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Tehran could reach a fair agreement with the United States provided that Washington adheres to international law and takes Irans red lines into account, Trend reports.

According to him, the Islamic Republic is ready to conclude a balanced and just agreement that would ensure peace and long-term stability in the region. He noted that reaching an understanding is possible if the United States acts within the framework of international norms.

Due to the lack of concrete results between the U.S. and Iran regarding the nuclear program, the U.S. and Israel launched military airstrikes against Iran on February 28, while Iran on the same day began striking Israel and U.S. facilities in the region with missiles and UAVs. A two-week ceasefire agreement between the sides was reached on April 7 through Pakistans mediation. Talks held between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad on April 11 ended without an agreement.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 12. During the talks between Iran and the U.S. in Islamabad, Pakistan proposed regulating shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a source in the Pakistani government says, Trend reports.

"Pakistan has put forward a proposal to regulate the passage of ships in the Strait of Hormuz. This proposal involves joint patrols in the strait," the reports says.

The talks between the U.S. and Iran have started today in Islamabad with the mediation of Pakistan. The Iranian delegation in the talks is headed by the Speaker of the Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and the U.S. delegation - by Vice President JD Vance.

The war between the U.S., Israel and Iran lasted for 41 days. In connection with the war, a two-week ceasefire was declared between the parties with the mediation of Pakistan.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 12. UK will not participate in the US military mission in the Strait of Hormuz, local media says, Trend reports.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced that US and other naval forces would block the Strait of Hormuz.

Due to the lack of concrete results between the U.S. and Iran regarding the nuclear program, the U.S. and Israel launched military airstrikes against Iran on February 28, while Iran on the same day began striking Israel and U.S. facilities in the region with missiles and UAVs. A two-week ceasefire agreement between the sides was reached on April 7 through Pakistans mediation. Talks held between the U.S. and Iran in Islamabad on April 11 ended without an agreement.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 12. The Iranian side did not agree to the conditions proposed by the United States for resolving the conflict during negotiations in Pakistan, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance says, Trend reports.

"We go back to the United States having not come to an agreement," he said.

According to Vance, the American side clearly outlined its "red lines" during the negotiations, as well as issues on which it was prepared to compromise and on which concessions were excluded.

"They have chosen not to accept our terms," the U.S. Vice President noted.
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Trump announces complete blockade of Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump Sunday April 12, 2026 announced complete blockade of Strait of Hormuz, hours after Pakistan mediated talks between Iran and the United States collapsed

[U.S. delegation led by its Vice President JD Vance in Pakistan.]

Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump Sunday April 12, 2026 announced complete blockade of Strait of Hormuz, hours after Pakistan mediated talks between Iran and the United States collapsed.

In a message posted on his personal social media platform, Truth Social, Donald Trump also said the meeting between the U.S. and Iranian delegations went well but a deal could not be reached because of NUCLEAR.

Trump also called extortion Irans decision to impose toll on the ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Following is the full text of the message Trump has posted on Truth Social.

So, there you have it, the meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not. Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz. At some point, we will reach an ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT basis, but Iran has not allowed that to happen by merely saying, There may be a mine out there somewhere, that nobody knows about but them. THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION, and Leaders of Countries, especially the United States of America, will never be extorted. I have also instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas. We will also begin destroying the mines the Iranians laid in the Straits. Any Iranian, who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL! Iran knows, better than anyone, how to END this situation which has already devastated their Country. Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft and Radar are useless, Khomeini, and most of their Leaders, are dead, all because of their Nuclear ambition. The Blockade will begin shortly. Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade. Iran will not be allowed to profit off this Illegal Act of EXTORTION. They want money and, more importantly, they want Nuclear. Additionally and, at an appropriate moment, we are fully LOCKED AND LOADED, and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran!

Iran blames US

Meanwhile, Iran has blamed the United States for the collapse of the peace talks held for over 21 hours in Pakistani capital Islamabad.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, who had led the country's delegation to Pakistan said, "Washington failed to win Tehrans trust during the negotiations in Pakistan seeking a conclusive end to the US-Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic."

Qalibaf said that before the talks, he had emphasized that Iran has the necessary good-faith and will, but the country has no trust in the opposite side due to the experience of the two US-Israeli-imposed wars.

My colleagues raised forward-looking initiatives, but the opposite side ultimately failed to win the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations, he wrote in a social media post.

"The US has realized our logic and principles, and now it has time to decide whether it can earn our trust or not? he asked.

On his part, US Vice President JD Vance who led the American delegation, said the United States "has left the talks offering the final best possible proposal".

"Washington is leaving Islamabad with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that amounted to our final and best offer", he said.

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

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I won't say as they need to be, but as they could be around all the different types of offerings that are out there. Because I truly believe with the number of carriers that are in this space today, depending on your age, depending on your health, depending on your income, there's most likely a solution out there for almost everyone in the marketplace. Unless you're in this position of either already needing care, and there's actually an opportunity out there for someone who's already needing care, or if your health is already challenged, it limits it.

It's a great question. You know, we've been doing this since 1989. I think consumers overall are aware that there are solutions in the marketplace, but I don't think they're as educated as they could be.

So are consumers aware of what these products are and what they potentially cover?

Yeah, it seems like, yeah, I think we have four or five generations working right now for the first time, I think in at least modern history, American history, that's amazing. Are consumers educated enough about the marketplace? Because clearly firms like yours have been creating products, newer products.

54% of those over the age of 40 currently have a parent that is older than 65 and a child that is younger than 18. And so we're at this point where if you thought the marketplace, the need for long-term care was either stagnant or on the downside, it's just the opposite. We are in for some turbulent times, as they say.

This year, the baby boomers start turning age 80. Last year, the Gen X that I'm a part of started turning age 60. And there's another statistic out there that I wrote down.

It is. You know, there's this conversation right now, Jeff, about this next decade, this next 10 years is probably gonna be an inflection point. I'm gonna give you a couple of numbers to support that.

I would assume based on trending demographics, the marketplace is really growing and demand is growing for these types of products.

Anyway, we'll get to that later, audience. I wanna start with a baseline question. Let's talk about the long-term care marketplace.

Yeah, very exciting. And it almost feels like deja vu, Jeff. The audience is probably like, what does that mean?

Well, joining me now, Jeff Levin is with One America Financial. Jeff, so great to see you. Thanks for joining us this morning.

Story Continues

But I think there's solutions out there today. And to your point, I think more education would be a great thing.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

In terms of buying these types of products, do people typically buy them, they go to like a website, like One America Financial's website and buy them themselves? Or do they buy them through an intermediary, like a broker, an advisor, a financial planner?

Jeff Levin, OneAmerica Financial

Yeah, so One America Financial, we do not have a direct consumer model. There may be one or two carriers out there, but I'm really not sure, just at least off the top of my head, for the most part, as you said, they go to a professional, whether it's a financial advisor or an insurance professional, an intermediary, somebody that can help them understand the nuances of these products and make sure that what they're purchasing is suitable for what their needs are. And the way I kind of look at this is, long-term care is a little bit more of a complex product.

For a simple term, life insurance product, I think if you're savvy enough, you can do that on a direct to consumer site. But I think when you're looking at long-term care and the myriad of solutions out there, and certainly depending on the complexity that you get into, I think working with professionals is best.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

And we ask a lot of our intermediaries, I mean, they have to, they're not only doing financial, or holistic financial planning, you know, they're selling, in some cases, investments, mutual funds, collective investment trusts, life insurance products. How do they stay educated? I mean, I'm just, as a reformed advisor, I know it was very difficult to know all the different carriers in the retirement space.

That's a lot of information that people have to go through. How do they stay abreast in order to advise their client appropriately?

Jeff Levin, OneAmerica Financial

Yeah, I mean, long-term care planning is just one aspect of either being an insurance professional or financial advisor, like you said, certainly an important of a holistic plan, but life insurance, and trusts, and investments, and there is a lot. And what I would say is to any insurance professional or any financial professional, you don't need to be an expert in this field. Really, what you need to be most comfortable with is discussing the concept of long-term care and bringing that conversation up, you know, with your client.

Have you looked at long-term care planning or the real simple question is, what is your plan for long-term care? And most people will say, I either have one or I don't, but this is where the professional can really rely on the insurance carrier. Almost every insurance carrier has some type of a support team, whether it's an external wholesaling team, maybe an external and an internal, but there are subject matter experts out there at the carrier that can help the professional be the person that helps bring the solutions to the table.

They don't need to know everything about it.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Well, yeah, I mean, you just can't, it's not possible to be an expert on every aspect of the products that you cover. You have to know where to go to get the information. Let me, you know, I'm an old school benchmarker, RFP guy.

How do you, all these products are different. I mean, they're unique in that they use insurance, but there's different ways that they have different provisions. How do you, if you're a carrier, an intermediary, how do you benchmark these products?

I mean, it's not like you just put it on a spreadsheet and say, pick A, B, C, or D. I mean, there's a lot that goes into this.

Jeff Levin, OneAmerica Financial

There is, and I think it's really up to the individual client. The client and their finances, their needs, maybe even their history, health history is gonna help dictate some of that. There are programs today, we call it standalone long-term care insurance.

It's, if you consider like a term product, you buy a certain amount and you continue to pay premiums on that until you need it. There are hybrid policies that combine life insurance and long-term care or annuities and long-term care. That's what we do.

That's a type of coverage where even if you never need long-term care, there's still a benefit in the form of a life insurance death benefit that would go to the estate or the annuity benefit. It's really a matter of what the person is trying to protect, how long they need coverage for, and really where are the assets coming from to help the funds? Is it non-qualified dollars?

Is it qualified dollars? And so to our earlier point, there are solutions out there for everybody. I think with the help of a carrier, they can give you the right questions to ask.

And look, I truly believe, and maybe it's too altruistic, I truly believe that if you're in this space, you're looking to make sure people have the right solution. And I know that the team that I lead, look, if we know there's a carrier that has a better solution than what we can offer, whether it's price or coverage, we will point them in that right direction. It's about having a conversation and getting protection in place.

It's almost like the solution is secondary.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

And I agree with you. I mean, I think if you, I come from a world where if you treat your client right, your client will treat you right, right? And that's, it benefits and you pay it forward.

You know, I was gonna ask you about the regulatory and the policy front. I know that's not necessarily what you do on a day-to-day basis, but there's a lot going on at the state and federal level, I think, to address these demographic shifts that are happening. And by the way, they're not, Jeff, they're not unique to the United States.

I mean, it's happening in China, Europe, everywhere around the world, people are, we have primarily an aging population. So are members of Congress, are the federal regulators, the state regulators, are they looking at how to maybe build a better mousetrap for lack of a better term?

Jeff Levin, OneAmerica Financial

Yeah, it's probably happening at all levels of government. You know, the state of Washington a few years ago with the Washington CARES Act was really the first to implement a holistic plan for their constituents. There's other states, there's probably 12 to 15 states at any one time that are looking at some type of a solution or considering or modeling California, New York, others.

And then you have at the federal government level, you do have individuals that are really driving the message. Congressman Suozzi is very big in long-term care protection and has a number of, I will say, conversations going forward. You look at some of the states today, above the line tax deductions, if you have insurance protections.

And so I think there is this realization that the federal government and state governments at the, certainly at the Medicaid level, this isn't something that people can handle or states can handle or the government can handle long-term. And so there's always discussion going on. I don't know that we have found that point of an answer yet.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah, well, I think it's a work in progress. Clearly the demographics are shifted, have shifted. Last question for you, Jeff, for all of the Gen Alphas out there, that's the kind of the newer generation, I'm a little, I'm a Gen X-er like you.

So I think they're now called Gen Alphas, but aren't we all, I mean, if they're like poo-pooing this and saying, oh, this doesn't really fly to me, aren't we all gonna be recipients of some type of long-term care or caregiving? Or aren't we all at some point in our lives gonna be caregivers?

Jeff Levin, OneAmerica Financial

Yeah, I wish I could remember the exact wording because it's very powerful, but Rosalind Carter had this quote that said, at some point in our lives, we're either gonna be care recipients, caregivers, or care providers. Something, I'm getting the exact words not right, but to your point, look, we're either gonna provide care, we're gonna receive care, or at some point we may need care. And so, yes, this is a problem that's gonna be faced by everybody.

And one of the things that I would encourage people to do is just, again, simply have the conversation. We spend so much time talking about accruing assets under management for retirement and what that may look like. But if we don't take this additional step, this protection step to protect those assets, then we've saved all this money and we haven't planned for the unforeseen or the unknown event of long-term care.

And that can quickly wipe out all the assets that people have saved.

Jeffrey Snyder, Broadcast Retirement Network

Yeah, and look, the people that are being born today are probably gonna live into their, in triple digits, I read it. So at some point you're gonna need this. Hopefully we'll have even better products than we do today.

Jeff, we're gonna have to leave it there. Great to see you. Thanks for joining us.

And we look forward to having you back on the program again very soon, sir.

Jeff Levin, OneAmerica Financial

Really appreciate it. Thanks, Jeff, very much. Thanks for the time.

This story was originally published by TheStreet on Apr 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the Retirement section. Add TheStreet as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
CoreWeave (CRWV) stock closed out the trading day 10% higher on Friday after the company announced it is entering a multiyear agreement with Anthropic (ANTH.PVT) that will see the AI cloud company provide Anthropic with computing capabilities to build and power its AI models.

CoreWeave said Anthropic will use its cloud services to run workloads at production scale, and that it will initially focus on a phased rollout with the option to expand the agreement in the future. The companies didnt provide the terms of the deal, including pricing or how many gigawatts of chips it will cover.

The announcement comes after Reuters reported that Anthropic is also considering designing its own semiconductors to contend with the AI chip crunch.

CEO and co-founder of Anthropic Dario Amodei speaks during the 56th annual World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 20, 2026. (Reuters/Denis Balibouse)  REUTERS / Reuters

Earlier this week, Anthropic also said its working with Broadcom (AVGO) and Google to use 3.5 gigawatts of Googles Broadcom-made Tensor Processing Units.

AI companies across the board are working to secure as many semiconductors as possible as they build out their AI services.

Anthropic rival OpenAI (OPAI.PVT) is also developing its own chips. In October, the company entered into a partnership with Broadcom to develop upwards of 10 gigawatts of custom semiconductors for its various AI services.

Thats in addition to deals it has with both Nvidia (NVDA) and AMD (AMD).

And last month, Meta (META) revealed four new custom AI processors, including its MTIA 400, which the company said delivers raw performance rivaling some of the top chips on the market.

The social media giant, like Anthropic, also entered into a deal with CoreWeave that will see CoreWeave power Metas AI services through December 2032.

CoreWeave said the capacity will be spread out among a number of its data center locations and include some of the first deployments of Nvidias upcoming Vera Rubin system.

In January, Microsoft (MSFT) also revealed a new custom AI chip that will serve as an alternative to Nvidia and AMDs offerings. Amazon (AMZN) and Google (GOOG, GOOGL) have been using their own chips for years.

Unlike Microsoft, however, those companies are looking to sell or rent their chips to third-party customers.

In February, The Information reported that Meta inked a deal with Google to rent that companys TPUs and is exploring purchasing them for its own data centers.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy also pitched the idea of selling the companys chips in large servers to third-party customers in his latest annual shareholder newsletter on Thursday.

Sign up for Yahoo Finance's Week in Tech newsletter.  Yahoo Finance

Email Daniel Howley at dhowley@yahoofinance.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DanielHowley.
Original french publication : March 31, 2026

A REVISIONIST ZIONIST WAR

Benjamin Netanyahu is the son of historian Benzion Netanyahu, private secretary to Vladimir Zeev Jabotinsky, the founder of Revisionist Zionism. The Netanyahu dynasty has always supported "Revisionist Zionism" against the "Zionists." The latter, led by Theodor Herzl, sought to build a Jewish state, while Jabotinsky aimed to create a "Jewish Empire."

In 1921, in Ukraine, Jabotinsky allied himself with the "integral nationalist" leader Symon Petliura against the Bolsheviks. Petliura continued to organize pogroms against the Jews, whom Jabotinsky claimed to defend. This contradiction led Jabotinsky to resign from the World Zionist Organization (WZO), where he served as an administrator.

During Europes descent into World War II, Jabotinsky embraced the label of "fascist." He created a militia, Betar, in Rome, under the patronage of Mussolini. At the beginning of the war, he took refuge in a neutral state, the United States (which only entered the war after the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor). Jabotinsky died in the first months of the war, but his men continued his fight alongside the fascists and Nazis. Whether it is shocking or not, Revisionist Zionists organized several negotiations with the Third Reich. Rezso Kasztner (also known as "Rudolf Ysrael Kastner"), a Hungarian nationalist Revisionist leader, held discussions until the final weeks of the war with Adolf Eichmann, who was responsible for the logistics of the "Final Solution" to Slavs, Jews, and Roma [1].

Throughout his political career, Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed to be a descendant of Jabotinsky. However, he has acted opportunistically, failing to put his ideals into practice [2]. This period ended on December 29, 2022, with the formation, with the help and support of Elliott Abrams, of a Jewish supremacist coalition [3].

Little by little, Benjamin Netanyahu grew bolder, threatening the Anglo-Saxons in February 2024 with the reconstitution of the "Stern Gang" [4], which assassinated the UN Special Representative in Mandatory Palestine (1948); declaring in Hebrew on August 23, 2025, his commitment to the creation of a "Greater Israel"; and calling, on September 15, 2025, for the transformation of Israeli democracy into a "super-Sparta" [5].

It is therefore an avowed fascist, and no longer a scheming politician, who has indicated his intention to wage war on "seven fronts" and put an end to Iranian competition.

Exactly one year ago, I anticipated the current Israeli-American war against Iran [6]. Its pointless to quibble over the causes of this conflict: all its official justifications have proven false (there has been no Iranian military nuclear program since 1988; Iran has no intercontinental ballistic missiles; Iran did not threaten the United States; and finally, Iran has had no proxies since 2019). It suffices to observe that it is simply implementing the "revisionist Zionist" agenda. The millions of Israelis who marched against it are not fooled.

Let us now consider its initial consequences.

THE EXPLOSION OF THE MAGA MOVEMENT

The first consequence of this war is the explosion it has triggered within the Maga (Make America Great Again!) movement. President Trumps main popular supporters have suddenly withdrawn their trust in him. They do not accept that the United States is involved in a war solely at Israels behest.

Whether Donald Trump was manipulated or whether he acted to maintain the support of the diasporas major bankers for his country is debatable. Regardless, the fact remains that Donald Trump has lost his popular support. His former supporters will not simply switch to the Democratic Party, but intend to continue his fight, without him.

The 3,300 demonstrations on Saturday were not aimed at denouncing the war in Iran, but rather the power of the President of the United States. They brought together not only Democrats, but also Republicans and Jacksonians who owe Donald Trump their awakening, but no longer trust him.

NO ONE PERCEIVES INTERNATIONAL LAW AS BEFORE

The second consequence of this war is the realization that far from defending a country, hosting a US military base actually exposes it to becoming a target of war. As early as February 28, 2026, all the Gulf states targeted by Iran protested vehemently. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Qatar filed complaints with the Security Council. Each denounced "a flagrant violation of national sovereignty and a direct attack on security and territorial integrity." They were so sure of their righteousness that they ignored Irans response. It took two consecutive replies from Tehran for them to face the facts. The UN Charter and international law support Iran: any state attacked by another can legitimately retaliate against that state and against any third party whose territory is used for the aggression.

Until now, no state had resisted US aggression in this way. None had been able to turn against its interests abroad, let alone its military bases.

For the Gulf leaders, this is a rude awakening. Everything they had built up over decades is collapsing. They are left speechless, having no alternative. On the contrary, for states aspiring to a multipolar world, this is an opportunity: whatever the price to pay for refusing to host US military bases, it is better to do so than to be drawn into a devastating war.

China immediately revised its plans. In the event of a US attack regarding Taiwans status, it will not target the island itself, but rather the 24 US military bases in the Asia-Pacific region. The National Liberation Army has already repositioned its missile launchers. All states in the region are therefore considering becoming battlegrounds if they do not thank the Pentagon and politely request its withdrawal from their territory.

US ARMED FORCES ARE PROVEN TO BE NOTHING BUT "PAPER TIGERS"

As Mao Zedong said, US armed forces are nothing but "paper tigers." Certainly, they possess an extraordinary arsenal, but they cannot crush those who have prepared to confront them.

Certainly, Iran cannot attack Israeli and American bombers and missiles, but it retaliates against all US ground bases throughout the region. It has struck the Gulf, Jordan, and Cyprus. It could even attack US bases in Germany. Moreover, Iran has long prepared for this confrontation. It has stockpiled a large number of inexpensive weapons in secure locations, in tunnels and deep bunkers. For the moment, it is managing to force the Pentagon to defend itself with prohibitively expensive technological marvels. For every $25,000 Shahed missile launch, the United States must respond with two or three Patriot missiles at $1.3 million each. Its now a race against time: which will be ruined first, the Revolutionary Guards or the Pentagon? And as if the economic pressure werent enough, US stockpiles are running low, and the military-industrial complex cannot replenish them in the short term.

TRUMPS METHOD HAS REACHED ITS LIMIT

The author of *The Art of the Deal* had always managed, until now, to get his partners to back down, both in trade and political negotiations. But "truthful hyperbole" doesnt work with Iran. He may claim to have "defeated" Iran, but it is Tehran that sets the conditions.

All hyperbole, far from being frightening, appears as mere bravado. Washington can no longer threaten escalation; it is Tehran that threatens it. Thus, on March 22, Donald Trump wanted to end the war before his armies were disarmed. He threatened to bomb Iranian power plants if the Revolutionary Guard did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz [7]. But Tehran immediately responded by sharing its escalation plan: to bomb the Israeli power gridthe plans for which it publishedand to target companies in the region with US shareholders [8]. Without delay, Donald Trump declared that he was negotiating with Tehran and that, there, all the leaders knew they were on borrowed time if they did not negotiate. He therefore gave a five-day deadline to conclude these talks [9].

Tehran denied negociating and reiterated its threats [10]. Donald Trump has given in and announced a postponement of the deadline he had set.

Iran remains undeterred. It has attacked the two aluminum smelters of Bahrain Aluminum (ALBA) and Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA). Without waiting for the United States to bomb its power plants, Tehran attacked companies whose main shareholders are American.

After the United States or Israel bombed the University of Science and Technology located in the northeast of the capital and another higher education institution, Tehran warned that it would retaliate against American universities with campuses in the Gulf. These include Texas A&M University in Qatar and New York University in the United Arab Emirates.

After the United States or Israel bombed a port on the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran warned that it would attack the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln as soon as it came within firing range.

With each new attack, the Revolutionary Guards retaliate against new US targets. They are threatening, one by one, every US interest in the Middle East. No one has ever fought like this. It is a lesson from a great civilization: Iranwhich does not hesitate to assassinate its citizens when they threaten it from abroadhas never practiced terrorism against civilians, whatever Israeli propaganda may claim. But Tehran has embraced globalization and is now striking US interests wherever they may be.

President Trump has no escape. His jokes may entertain his audiences, but the Iranian fire is still pursuing him. The only possible outcome is the annihilation of an entire civilization; a prospect no elected leader can contemplate.

ISRAEL IS TRAPPING ITSELF

Israel is in the same situation as the United States. Tel Aviv cannot respond to the Iranian escalation. Especially since its armies are exhausted. They waged a brutal war against the Gazans, not hesitating to commit genocide; they continued their attacks against the Lebanese, the Syrians, the Iraqis, and the Yemenis.

For Israel, the primary challenge is human, more so than material. Tel Aviv needs troops, but cannot raise them without permanently weakening its economy. It can do everything, but not everything at once.

Therefore, many commentators are beginning to discuss how to end the resistance of the Iranian people: following the model that President Truman applied against Japan. Using one or two nuclear bombs. That would be the ultimate crime. For the moment, the discussion is focused on how the world would react. Could Israel, once again, shirk its responsibilities?

Conversely, if Israel were to admit defeat, its very existence would be called into question. This is why it will be all the more difficult for the Israeli opposition to overthrow Benjamin Netanyahu, as it will then be participating in the destruction of its own country. It is therefore crucial for all those who wish to prevent this catastrophe to assure the Israeli opposition that it can liberate its country from its current fascist government and submit to international law, which it has never respected.
Trumps speech backfired on him after barely five days [1], as he had bet on escalation, when he uttered an ominous phrase [2] that will resonate for centuries, rivaling the eschatological nihilism of the Talmudic Mileikowsky, alias Netanyahu, and his "Greater Israel" that never existed: "Were going to hit them extremely hard over the next two or three weeks... Were going to bring them back to the Stone Age, where they belong" [3].

US mortgage rates rose for a fifth consecutive week with the 30-year fixed-rate average, reaching 6.46% [4] as Trump released a budget proposal for the 2027 fiscal year, seeking additional $500 billion (sic) for the Pentagons $1 trillion budget [5].

Beyond the battlefield, where Iran has endured atrocious U.S.-Israeli bombardments of its university facilities and infrastructure, the closure of the Strait of Hormuzwhere ancient Persia is drafting a sovereignty protocol with Oman [6] has triggered a butterfly effect that, according to chaos theory, was enough to spark the giant hurricane of a global energy crisis [7].

Trump is poorly informed about the battlefield developments. But, much worse, his servile historians had not even informed him of the legendary grandeur of the Achaemenid Persian Empire (c. 530-330 BCE) founded by King Cyrus the Great.

Cyrus the Great [8], revered as the  father of the Persians  is depicted by the Greek historian Xenophon in his work Cyropaedia [9] as a  tolerant and ideal monarch  (Machiavelli refers to Xenophons model in The Prince). He is hailed in the Bible as the  deliverer of the Jews  from Babylon captivity. Its about the Semitic Jews not the Khazarsa non-Semitic people mostly of Ashkenazi origin (roughly 90% of the worlds Jewish population) from whom modern Israeli leadership and population are mostly descendants, according to Israeli historian Shlomo Sand [10]. The Cyrus Cylinder is an ancient text advocating  justice and tolerance , often hailed as an  early declaration of human rights  and a key symbol of inclusive governance in a multi-ethnic empire. It is housed in the British Museum in London and records the conquest of Babylonthe birthplace of the Code of Hammurabi ( so that the strong might not oppress the weak ), by Cyrus.

Looking back over the past 55 years, one could say that the  oil crisis  began with the decoupling of the US dollar from the gold in 1971 (four years before the US withdrawal from Vietnam), a phenomenon which I analyzed in detail 30 years ago (Geo-economic and Financial Wars: Oil from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Mexico [11]. This led me, 20 years ago, to propose the Five Oil Prices concept [12], more relevant than ever, as the basis of a true  power game  [13] in which we will distinguish:

(1) the economic price;

(2) the financial price;

(3) the speculative price;

(4) the price according to misinformation;

and 5) the geopolitical cost

Today, there is a clear difference between three types of crude oil:

1) the WTI at $ 111.50;

2) Brent, at $109,

and 3) the Murban (from the United Arab Emirates and Oman) at $115 [14].

The Financial Times revealed that the  paper barrel  stock market price (speculative price) had decoupled from the  price of crude oil price for immediate delivery in real barrels (sic). This occurred when it reached its highest level since 2008- $ 141.36, immediately following Trumps rhetorical spiral [15].

It is a multi-dimensional battle taking place in the Strait of Hormuz [16], stemming from the rise in oil prices during the 1970s when, following the 1979, Islamic Revolution, prices skyrocked, increasing twentyfold from 2 to 39 dollars a barrel.

Today, Iran controls the petro-yuan toll at the expense of the petrodollar.

The outcome of the Israeli-US war against Iran will define the new world order [17].
One of the greatest ever Irish rock guitarists and trad musicians will be making a welcome return to the south east on Saturday, April 25.

The Pat McManus Band will be appearing live at The Seanti that night and it promises to be one of the great music events of the year.

When musicians talk about Irish rock guitarists there are certain names that always spring to mind.

Alongside the legendary Gary Moore and Rory Gallagher the other name that will invariably be mentioned - and justifiably so - within the realm of the 'guitatists' guitar icons' will be Pat McManus.

Alongside his two brothers he formed one of the best hard rock bands to ever emerge from Ireland in the form of Mama's Boys and throughout his career he has also spearheaded a number of other acts including the fantastic, Celtus and of course his own Pat McManus Band.

The Pat McManus Band will be appearing live at the Seanti

With a string of solo band albums to his name alongside the fantastic Mama's Boys back catalogue gig-goers can expect a night of hard rock Heaven performed by an immensely talented band.

This is sure to be a sell-out gig and people who are familiar with the band will know what to expect and for the unitiated - if you're a fan upbeat, guitar driven hard rock this will be the gig for you.

Read More The dark side of the moon

To call Pat McManus a guitar legend is an immense understatement - he is without doubt one of the greatest Irish guitarists of all time and that's not to mention his talent as a fiddle player.

Pat along with drummer Paul Faloon and bassist Plunkett McComb are the best power trio currently touring Ireland.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with the show kicking off at 8.30pm sharp.

Those attending should note seating will be on a first come first serve basis. Tickets are priced 20 plus fees, and are available online at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/pat-mcmanus-band-tickets-1976655669317?aff=oddtdtcreator
Music lovers are in for a real treat this month when the celebrated Omega Three Orchestra arrive in Waterford to perform in the Theatre Royal.

The 'orchestra' is an eight-piece band who came together three years ago for a gig in the same venue.

For that gig the four-piece Omega Three were joined by other ace musicians and friends who had been guesting with them over the past few years.

The original four-piece of Francie White (vocals), Gerry Madden (mandolin), Gerry Power (guitar) and Mickey Dower (bass) are joined in the Orchestra by musicians, Alan Coonagh (sax and clarinet), Dylan Bible (guitars), Suzanne Rowe (accordion) and Mick Kinsella (harmonicas and percussion).

At the Omega Three Orchestra concert two years ago, they enthralled the huge audience with their eclectic sound as they made impressive harmonies with their music.

One reviewer at the time noted that the respect, admiration and combined love of making music shared by the band members contributed to what was a wonderful night.

The forthcoming gig will be the culmination of numerous requests for a repeat experience as the Orchestra makes a welcome return to the Theatre Royal stage on April 17th.

Expect to hear tunes and song from America, north and south, Europe, east and west, songs and tunes homegrown in Ireland and the unexpected.

Tickets for the concert are priced 23.50 and can be obtained online at theatreroyal.ie

The show gets under way at 8pm.
Waterford Council of Trade Unions (WCTU) joined with hundreds of locals in Kilmeaden over the weekend to protest against proposals made for the local, former cheese factory site, which protesters say would alter the entire composition of the village if such plans be implemented.

The planning application specifies; three ICT/data centre buildings (24,033 m each, 19.8m high, with flues up to 25m); an energy centre with 16 gas turbines, seven generators, and stacks almost 30m high.

There is also provision for two large warehouses and multiple ancillary plant buildings; a solar farm with 43,056 panels and a 6,682 m battery energy storage compound along with a new access road and bridge. The site would also accommodate 441 car parking spaces and HGV traffic flows.

The protest took place on Saturday and a spokesperson for WCTU said: "The protest today showed the deep concern that people in Kilmeaden have against the current proposals to build a massive multi-billion euro data centre in Kilmeaden."

The spokesperson also said the protesters were concerned over the impact the development would have on the entire community of Waterford and the surrounding counties.

"What we are already seeing in other parts of the country around data centres is vital electricity and water capacity meant for homes being seized by data centres," said the spokesperson.

"Households are paying the price through sky-high energy bills and extreme pressure on precious water resources, particularly in rural Waterford," she added.

The spokesperson went on to comment: Electricity demand from data centres to our national grid stood at 5% in 2015  it had grown to 22% in 2024 and it continues to rise." Citing Eirgrid, she said that by 2034, it is expected that this, along with any other new technology-related energy drains, will rise to 34% of electricity demand.

"Data centres already consume more electricity than all rural households combined, and incredibly hard-pressed workers and families are paying double per unit what data centres are paying for their electricity," she said.

"They not only guzzle electricity, but also water," she added, before commenting: "One large data centre can consume as much water each day, equivalent to a town of up to 50,000."

"Kilmeaden and Co Waterford should not be sacrificed just to feed data centres," she said.

"We need to use the power and water we have to build and service homes, to give workers and families the opportunity to build a future in their own communities, not surrendering it all to profit-driven data centres that create very few local jobs and are disastrous for the environment," she added.
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Key points Theatre: Sistren is the must-see debut from Iolanthe.

Theatre: English is a seemingly unassuming play that resets your understanding of the migrant experience.

Theatre: Drive Your Plow Over The Bones of the Dead has taken its time getting to the stage but is well worth the wait.

Music: Donald Runnicles gives an awe-inspiring reading of Tchaikovskys Sixth Symphony.

Theatre: Anastasia is frothy, fun and hard to resist.

THEATRE

SISTREN

Belvoir downstairs, April 11, until May 3

Reviewed by KATE PRENDERGAST

 Theres a moment in Sistren when, after laying down some home truths, Isla glances to her bestie Violet, anticipating a salty comeback. Instead, Violet looks down at her open-palmed hands. Youve licked the plate clean, she admits. Isla inspects the imaginary dish, too. No crumbs! she agrees, and Violet tosses the plate behind her to a slapstick crash. The timing is perfect. The audience howls, rocks in their seats. Serving absolute excellence, Sistren is the must-see debut from Iolanthe (a certified up-and-killing-it icon), with director Ian Michael making space for the girls to give their all. This blazingly fierce, fresh and of-the-moment work from Green Door is in its own class of excellence in new Australian theatre. Iolanthe and Janet Anderson in Sistren. Teniola Komolafe Through the tangled sisterhood of its two 17-year-old South London divas, one black, the other trans, and with two incandescently fabulous leads, we get schooled through an intersectional lens in the pain and the immeasurable value of being seen  if never truly known  by the people we love.

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How it starts: rebellious ride-or-dies since forever, Isla and Violet (Iolanthe and Janet Anderson) have been ordered to separate indefinitely by their villainous school principal under threat of suspension. They ignore him, of course, and Isla finds Violet in their secret spot after hours. Its a cosy girl-power sanctuary (from Emma White)  everything pink and fluffy, from the desktops to the back wall. For about the first 40 minutes we get familiar with the plays two baddies and the joy-fuelled phenomenon of who they are together  chaotic, irreverent, uncontainable. Its not a closed universe, either  Sistren has its characters seeing us lot. With the fourth wall casually demolished, the audience is transformed into a collective of active witnesses  addressed intermittently, with some individual audience members teased directly (much to their delight). The show makes divine playfulness a priority, in physical comedy, speech, sound and lighting. In surreal cuts, the two will suddenly catapult to an alternate reality to play out a conceit from the conversation theyre having: Isla on trial for being on the wrong side of history for assuming everyones a paedophile, for example. Hugely entertaining as all this is, Sistren fully comes into itself when the friendship gets tested. Isla and Violet may be soulmates but there are unbreachable distances between them  in their backgrounds, beliefs and bodies, in their relationship to community and identity. Old wounds are opened, fresh ones made. There are unforgettable scenes of combative truth-telling  foremost when Isla confronts Violet about a remark she made almost a decade ago, and it leads into a debate about authenticity, gender affirmation and black appropriation via BBLs (with a blackboard chart to demonstrate).

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THEATRE

ENGLISH

Reginald Theatre, April 11, until May 2

Reviewed by JOHN SHAND

 When you speak another language  you go years without making anyone laugh, Marjan says towards the end of this play, in which she helps four Iranian students in Karaj prepare for their Test of English as a Foreign Language exam. Her statement is mildly ironic, given her teaching capacity, and dramatically ironic because the play often does make us laugh. Its also a profoundly sad observation. Iranian-US playwright Sanaz Toossi won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for English, which, on its surface, is an unassuming little piece comprising short classroom scenes set across a six-week course. Seething beneath these are the emerging private lives of the five characters, and the four students differing motivations for studying English. Then, lying as substrata beneath all that, are the endless ramifications of the way a foreign language affects thought, humour and, ultimately, identity. Nicole Chamoun, Setareh Naghoni, Minerva Khodabande. Richard Farland

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Genuine polyglots readily think and joke in multiple languages but for three of the plays four students  as for most people trying to acquire a second language later than childhood  the task seems a labyrinth of ever-compounding complexity. The quirk Toossi uses, and to which we much adjust, is that when the characters putatively speak Farsi, they use unaccented English, and when they speak English, they have varying degrees of an Iranian accent. Director Craig Baldwin (for the consistent Outhouse Theatre Co) found five actors who can tick these boxes, but mostly with screen backgrounds. Its a credit to them and Baldwin that their stage performances are quite complete. Nicole Chamoun plays Marjan, the teacher, who spent nine years in Manchester, and whose Farsi, we gather, is as accented as her English. Despite the amusing games and exercises she devises (including endless alliteration on the letter w, which comes more naturally as a v for the students), shes beset with impostor syndrome. Chamoun generally accomplishes the potentially elusive balancing act between Marjans confidence, overconfidence and terror that shes failing her class. Despite being married, she also develops a reciprocated crush on the lone male student, Omid. Pedram Biazar succeeds at giving a character whos something of a charlatan a nice-guy veneer, although Omids being the most competent English speaker makes it tricky for us to discern when hes supposed to be speaking Farsi, given Toossis device. Minerva Khodabande bounces between emotional extremes as the livewire Goli, the youngest student, and Setareh Naghoni excels as the insubordinate Elham, who manages to antagonise everyone.

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Neveen Hanna mostly does a fine job with Roya, the oldest student, whos learning English so she can talk to her Canadian-born granddaughter, but who may not be as welcome in her sons new life as she thinks. Time lapses are signalled with bustling Persian music composed by Hamed Sadeghi (and brilliantly recorded) and you emerge after 80 minutes to find the seemingly unassuming play has just reset your understanding of the migrant experience. THEATRE

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead

Belvoir Street Theatre, April 8, until May 10

Reviewed by HARRIET CUNNINGHAM

 Eamon Flacks adaptation of Nobel Prize-winning author Olga Tokarczuks 2009 novel Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead takes its time. Press night has been delayed, twice, as the production takes shape, and the run time is down from four hours but still over three. The start time comes and goes in a packed foyer, doors to the theatre finally opening 10 minutes late. But it is worth the wait.

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Pamela Rabe, Daniel R. Nixon and Emma Diaz. Brett Boardman Janina Duszejko is a woman in her 60s living in rural Poland, on the border of the Czech Republic. She loves animals. She loves astrology and William Blake and crossing boundaries. A string of deaths alarms her tight-knit community but the police cannot crack the case. Janina has her own theory, which she shares with anyone who will listen and many who wont. From this rangy, feminist-anti-ageist-revolutionary eco-saga, Flack has created a three-act murder-mystery that sustains high drama, wry laughs, dangerous ideas and genuine surprises across its entirety. This is a play in the most fundamental sense of the word. The set (Romanie Harper) is dominated by a large revolve, around which Janina paces, walking her world. Costumes (Ella Butler) appear as if from a hand-crafted dress-up box, and the landscape is revealed through tantalising clues and atmospheric lights (Morgan Moroney). The actors create their surroundings from what comes to hand, wheeling in a window to look through, making a snowstorm with well-aimed fistfuls of paper, fighting over who gets to drive across the vividly imagined landscape. And ad-libbing is not out of the question, given the number of moving parts that may or may not mesh across the evening. Such is live theatre.

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The playfulness is a source of delight, as we watch two cats curled up in a basket, or share Janinas glee in crossing boundaries as she jumps from the Czech Republic to Poland and back. Moreover, it is a delight that can, at any given moment, transform into wonder. Such as when Janina watches a flock of fieldfares whirling around her (beautifully choreographed by Charmene Yap) or contemplates the vast, interconnectedness of it all. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead is a one-woman show for a cast of 11. Pamela Rabe, as Janina, barely leaves the stage, by turns narrating the action and being the action. Her performance is a tour de force, never less than compelling, often hilarious and tragic all at once. The ensemble is an intrinsic part of her narrative, whether it is an outspoken committee or a silent phalanx of foxes, whether singing, flying, moving furniture, fighting or dancing together in the riotous costume ball of the third act. Among this uniformly brilliant ensemble, standouts include Bruce Spence as Janinas neighbour Oddball, Daniel R. Nixon as Dizzy, and the explosively foul-mouthed president, played by Marco Chiappi, bouncing off an ever-ready Rabe as we rattle towards the grand twist at the end. No spoilers. Just go.

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MUSIC

Donald Runnicles conducts Mahlers Sixth Symphony

Sydney Opera House, April 9

Reviewed by PETER McCALLUM

 In welcoming the audience before the concert, violinist Sophie Cole pointed to the aptness of Mahlers Symphony No. 6 in our own times for the way it gives the experience of being swept up by forces beyond our own control. That impression came most powerfully in this performance by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra under Donald Runnicles, augmented by musicians of the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM), during the works 30-minute, wrestling finale. Donald Runnicles preserves the tension to the end. Jay Patel This movement strives three times for an optimistic outcome before reaching the enlightened but tragic realisation that, on this occasion, this will not be possible, that the individual will go down.

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Mahler brutally underlined the point by ending the first two attempts at surging optimism with literal blows of a hammer, which he indicates should make a short, powerful but dull, echoing blow of non-metallic character (like an axe blow). There were originally three hammer blows, but, acting with the parsimony of genius, Mahler cut the last one. This allowed Runnicles to preserve the tension to the end, unleashing the final A minor chord, which, as a motif, has wavered from major to minor over the entire 90-minute span with wrenching force. Theres no danger of falling asleep during the final movement. Jay Patel In the first movement, Runnicles maintained momentum with unyielding insistence, holding, but sublimating, the pulse as it transitions from the opening march to the lyrical second idea, and waiting until the close of that idea before allowing the driving force to ease. It eased further, dreamily, in the quiet pastoral section of the development, but the unrelenting quality of the music elsewhere left an ambiguous feeling, crucial to the sense of alienation Mahler creates, as to whether the energy is internally generated or externally imposed. This movement had unstoppable forward drive even at the expense of some roughness of detail.

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The second movement, with shrill mocking woodwind and sagging parodies from the horns, was a sardonic take on that drive. Runnicles made the third movement the works emotional centre. Over a bed of muted lower strings, the violins played the opening melody with delicate spareness, leaving horn player Samuel Jacobs to adorn it, on its subsequent appearance, with velvety smoothness. The woodwind players balanced the moment of idyllic quiet before the final swelling climax like sunlight through mist, and the orchestra unfolded one lush harmonic modulation after another as the music eventually subsided into deep serenity. After the searching opening melody of the finale, its introductory section groped through darkness like an awakening serpent. Runnicles led the quick sections with gripping intensity, the strings, under concertmaster Andrew Haveron, maintaining bristling unanimity. As far as uncontrolled forces go, these had many flashes of terror, but, in their fateful closing bars, proved awe-inspiring.

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THEATRE

Anastasia

Lyric Theatre, April 10, until July 17

Reviewed by HARRIET CUNNINGHAM

 Rags to riches, revolution, lost identity and escape from peril ... The story of the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia has it all. The youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, Anastasia was rumoured to be the only member of the Romanov royal family to have survived execution by Bolshevik forces in July 1918. The rumours grew into a grand mystery, with at least 10 women coming forward claiming to be the last of the Romanovs. Georgina Hopson makes an ideal Anya with vocal ability to burn. Wolter Peeters Anastasia picks up the legend and gives it the Broadway treatment with a great book by author Terrence McNally, a reliable string of showstoppers by the composer of Ragtime, Stephen Flaherty, plus a starry cast, truckloads of costumes, dazzling set pieces and vocal fireworks. Resistance is useless. The Australian incarnation of this international phenomenon is hard to fault. Georgina Hopson is an ideal Anya, with a voice of immense dynamic and expressive range and a winning stage presence. Robert Tripolino (the lovable rogue Dimitry) and Joshua Robson (dutiful soldier Gleb) compete, dramatically and vocally, for the audiences heart, with Robson nearly winning it in the set piece Still.

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Rhonda Burchmore hams it up to the max as Lily. Wolter Peeters Rodney Dobson as Vlad, aka Count Popov, works magic as a character who could clearly upstage the main action at any given moment. This is especially true when paired with his Countess Lily, Rhonda Burchmore, who gleefully hams it up to the max. Finally, there is Nancye Hayes as the Dowager Empress, the gracious lynchpin around whom the story unfolds. The creative team brings the historical sweep of Anya and Anastasias tale to the stage with great ingenuity, shifting us across three decades and hundreds of miles using everything in the showbiz toolbox. Most notable are the projections (video design by Aaron Rhyne, with set design by Alexander Dodge), which appear behind the static, architectural wall of windows, doors and archways. In conjunction with lighting (Donald Holder) and costumes (Linda Cho) they create instant changes of location, from the streets of St Petersburg to Bolshevik command to Paris  without upstaging the action. Thats except for the getaway scene, where a skeleton train carriage on a revolve is set in motion by rolling landscapes in the background. Its one of the most successful uses of projections for storytelling that I have seen. Eleanor Flynn and Nancye Hayes.

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The other element that stands out is the choreography (Peggy Hickey) which, especially in the second act, captures the free-spirited sense of release in post-war Paris. A high-energy ensemble show themselves adept in classical ballet, ballroom dancing and jazz. Anastasia is a musical of two, distinct parts, and that is part of its appeal: we move from the Disney-esque nostalgia of Old Russia to fiery revolution through to Paris in the 20s, shot through with jazz and flapper dancing. Its Frozen, Les Mis and Ragtime, all in one. Little wonder its hard to resist. MUSIC

TISM

Sydney Opera House, April 10

Reviewed by MICHAEL RUFFLES

 The trolls arent under the bridge, theyre running around the Opera House.

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Melbourne electro-pop-rock anarcho-satirists TISM (This is Serious, Mum) continue a comeback either four or 40 years in the making (should you choose to believe they broke up in 1983) with a show thats somehow both unlikely and inevitable. Performing all of their breakthrough album, Machiavelli and the Four Seasons, at the Concert Hall three decades after it hit the top 10, manages to mine the same nostalgia vein as other artists pulling the same trick (see Lee, Ben; League, Human; and Day, Green) while also taking the piss. As classical music is piped in and roadies tidy up the stage at 7.59pm, the thought occurs that it could all be an elaborate joke. This is only reinforced when a choir walks on to sing Philip Glasss Arse, the albums pomposity-skewering hidden track. TISM: Who let the trolls out? Hats off for the prank, then its giant crescent-shaped moon hats on as the seven anonymous members appear and launch into their highest-charting and possibly most controversial single, the drug-infused celebrity takedown (Hell Never Be An) Ol Man River. They also start launching into the crowd, ripping up costumes and (eventually) breaking a seat.

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Co-frontman Ron Hitler-Barassi asks: What the f--- are we doing here? Giant puppet versions of the band members appear. A cracking good time? Certainly. Absurd? Absolutely. Actually good tunes? Well, mostly. Machiavelli has moments of genius, but also its skips. It helps that they mix the order, skating past the more forgettable and dated (Jung Talent Time is amusing now for different reasons). They are at their best when bombastic: How Do I Love Thee? and Greg! The Stop Sign stand out. Other highlights come from elsewhere: the ironically engaging Im Interested in Apathy, the yob or wanker Rorschach test Whatareya? and a disturbing yet danceable ditty about Hitler having a bad day are among them. TISM, along with the likes of The KLF and Chumbawamba, made trolling an art form before the internet became what it is. Theyre still going at it: the unrepeatable event is back at the Concert Hall on Sunday, hopefully with the seat fixed. Tisk, tisk, tisk: this is satire, kids.

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TISM play the Opera House again on Sunday from 7pm. In need of some good news? Sign up for our Greater Good newsletter for stories to brighten your outlook, delivered every Wednesday.
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April 12, 2026  3:30am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

I say I do not believe in God, yet as I age, I take great joy in Pascha (Passover, or Pecha), Eastern Orthodox Easter. Jesus rises twice in our house  last week as a Catholic, this Saturday at midnight as Orthodox. After 40 days of fasting, food  especially tsoureki (sweet bread) and red dyed eggs  are a big part of Greek Orthodox Easter. iStock Its not just you guys that have Easter, my wife said on Friday, digging at our Greek superiority complex. But we know that really, were the first. (Saul, or Paul, had to write to the Corinthians, Thessalonians and Ephesians  if the Greeks didnt take up the new creed, a kind of Judaism-lite for gentiles, the Romans never would have.) In Spain, they eat potaje  chickpea and bacalao (codfish) soup  followed by torrijas  Spanish-style French toast. My late communist father had no time for the church: tools of the state. They always side with power, hed say. Yet, Pascha mattered even for him. His name, Anastasios, means resurrection, and Easter Sunday is his name day. Jesus was a radical rabbi socialist and fought against Rome  dont listen to your grandmother, the Romans killed him, not the Jews, my father would say. My mother took the late 1960s love is all view. Jesus was like John Lennon. As a kid, I associated Lennon and Lenin with Jesus.

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My parents, as children, lived through the Nazis carnival of horror in Greece, and then as teens, the bloody fratricide of the Greek Civil War. Where was God when the Nazis burned churches filled with civilians, or when the royalists hung partisans  the dead were Jesus, my father would say loud enough for my grandmother to hear. She called him Atheos. My grandma sought to protect my sister and me from his bad ideas. Related Article Pope Leo At Easter vigil, Pope Leo urges world not to grow numb to war Later, as a young adult, Id remind my father how Archbishop Damaskinos saved thousands of Greek Jews by Christianising them. The SS-Oberfuhrer Jurgen Stroop threatened him with a firing squad. Damaskinos replied, It is traditional to hang clerics in the Greek church. The Nazis left in a rage. Oh well, one good priest  my father would say. As a kid, the 40 days of fasting  no meat, milk, butter, some fish, and by Holy Week, no animal products  killed me. What  no Coco Pops! Id freak. Mum secretly fed me milk and Coco Pops in the morning. I could have wasted away as a chubby kid in early 1970s Adelaide if not for her. I try to fast for Greek Holy Week. On Megali Pempti or Big Thursday, I dye eggs red. On Saturday, my son and I attend Anastasi, resurrection. We arrive at 11.45pm, armed with candles  lambathes wrapped in foil  to receive the holy light. We join in a Byzantine chant, Christos Anesti (Christ has risen). My son, Anastasios, in my mind my fathers resurrection, never met him; my father died at 62.

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Residents complain about the noise, traffic, and all the weird wog shit, as someone once shouted. I do all this so my son knows our faith is about identity. We Greek Orthodox are tethered to something ancient, intangible and unique. After church, we head to someones house, family and friends, to break the fast. We eat avgolemono soup  egg and lemon soup  compete at breaking red-dyed eggs, and enjoy wine, halva, koulouria, and tsoureki  sweet bread with mahlab, like Jewish challah. On Easter Sunday, smoke from charcoal spits climbs from backyards across Melbourne as Greeks feast on Pascha. Thankfully, the slaughter of lambs, also a Passover tradition, happens in distant abattoirs. I was 13 when my uncle, Harry, brought home a lamb for Easter. The cousins and I called him Lamby. One day in Holy Week, Lamby disappeared. He had to go back to the farm, my uncle said. We then realised Lamby was turning over charcoal on a spit for Easter. Editor's pick Updated

Middle East at war Trump issues new threat to Iran as fragile ceasefire tested by Israeli strikes Why does an atheist do this? Ethnicity? History? Tradition? Family? In part. But more to tear at the fabric of contemporary life. Orthodox Easter, be it Greek, Lebanese, Ethiopian, or Serbian, is an otherworldly experience. Cantors sing Byzantine melismatic chants that meld with Eastern incense. We are all in a church unchanged for 2000 years. Whether in Jerusalem, Athens, Addis Ababa, Istanbul, or Melbourne, our church remains a liminal space, time-out-of-time, linking us all.

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Fotis Kapetopoulos is a journalist for the English edition of Neos Kosmos, a leading Greek-Australian masthead. Get fascinating insights and explanations on the worlds most perplexing topics. Sign up for our weekly Explainer newsletter.

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Opinion Fotis Kapetopoulos is a journalist for the English edition of Neos Kosmos, a leading Greek-Australian masthead.
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Exclusive NationalUniversity Too focused on money: University ombudsmans verdict after a year in the job Sally Rawsthorne April 12, 2026  3:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Cumbersome bureaucracies are getting in the way of wellbeing, safety and satisfaction, the National Student Ombudsman has said, urging universities to listen to students and take the focus off money. Established 12 months ago, its office has been inundated with 5000 complaints  an average of 13 per day  which Commonwealth Ombudsman Iain Anderson, whose role encompasses being the National Student Ombudsman, labelled a learning experience for the universities. Iain Anderson says the National Student Ombudsmans office has been flooded with complaints that could be dealt with by the universities but students dont feel safe. Alex Ellinghausen In its first year, 33 per cent of complaints were about course administration, 19 per cent were about teaching and learning, another 19 per cent were about unmet academic requirements, while 13 per cent centred on financial issues. We certainly think these are things universities are capable of resolving [themselves]. People come to us because they cant manage to with a higher education provider or they dont feel safe, Anderson said.

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Initially created as one of the measures to address gender-based violence  alongside the establishment of a mandatory national code  the ombudsman predominantly deals with issues around admissions and transfer, unmet academic requirements, misconduct and refunds. In its first report, released last month, the Ombudsman lashed several universities for their use of gag clauses when managing student complaints. Sydneys University of Technology also found itself in its crosshairs in March for its processes around gender-based violence, with the Ombudsman finding it had effectively silenced a complainant through a confidentiality agreement. Having a campus where people feel safe, respected and supported is paramount. It is fundamental to who we are as a university and our values, UTS deputy vice chancellor Kylie Readman said in response to the ombudsmans findings and recommendations, which the university has accepted in full. Anderson said the issues were sector-wide. While universities take student complaints seriously, Anderson believes they are too slow in responding.

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Related Article University David v Goliath: How universities deal with sexual violence is changing They might be one more student with a complaint, and the uni has seen lots of complaints. Its not that they dont care, but perhaps their processes get in the way, he said. Students dont feel theyre being listened to or that their university doesnt care. Universities must start acting quickly on known issues, Anderson said, criticising some providers as being too focused on money. Having taken years out of their lives for higher education, students were keen to receive the education and student experience they believe they have signed up for, Anderson said.

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It can have a big impact on a students life, particularly for things like this course isnt what I was promised or the uni wont certify my qualifications. Asked about the ombudsmans findings, University of Canberra vice chancellor and former federal Labor leader Bill Shorten said the more universities focus on student experience, the better that will be for the social licence of all universities across Australia. A year into his role, Shorten said he was leaving the theatre of the prestige to others and focusing on the fundamental issue of the student experience. University of Sydney vice chancellor Mark Scott acknowledged institutions must adapt to  deliver on our promise of a transformative education. We believe our role is to equip students to succeed in the modern world of work and to make positive contributions to society, he said.

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Federal Education Minister Jason Clare, who established the ombudsman, said the issues raised by Anderson were why the role was created. Anyone who doesnt think there are problems at some of our universities has been living under a rock, he said, noting his plans to introduce legislation this year that would make university boards more accountable to students. The university regulator, TEQSA, also needs more power to act where universities dont or wont. That legislation is coming too, he added. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
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.
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NationalWARottnest Island A grim discovery brings Rottnests dark past to the surface Cameron Myles April 12, 2026  2:42pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

A grim discovery on a typically brisk, sunny autumn day underscored the dark history behind Western Australias favourite holiday island this week. As tourists milled about the busy town centre, works on the main bus stand next to Rottnest Islands Holy Trinity Catholic Church came to an abrupt halt on Wednesday when human remains were uncovered. Police on Rottnest Island collecting the bones on Wednesday. Maddi Cross Police opened a probe, accompanied by the state anthropologist, and the remains were quickly confirmed to be human the following day. However, there would have been little surprise when, on Friday, specialist advice indicated the remains were of an Indigenous person.

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Because while Rottnest is renowned internationally for the turquoise waters that lap at its many pristine beaches  not to mention the Insta-famous resident marsupial which inspired its Dutch name  for WAs Noongar people, Wadjemup is also a painful reminder of the states colonial past. Related Article Rottnest Island Rottnest Island bones sent to Perth as forensics confirm they are human remains A couple of hundred metres from the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, where the remains were found on Wednesday, sits the Quod, a large, octagonal building which was among the earliest structures built on the island in the early 1800s. About 3700 Aboriginal men and boys were sent to Rottnest between 1838 and 1931  prisoners as young as eight and as old as 70, who were removed from communities as far north as Wyndham, in the states Kimberley. And it was those sent to the island in the brutal, early years who built the Quod, which served as the second, main prison.

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They were sent across the nearly 20-kilometre stretch of water for offences ranging from petty theft to murder. Hundreds never made it back to the mainland. Overcrowding, a lack of sanitation and nutrition, extreme weather, and physical and psychological abuse contributed to the prisoners deaths. A historic image of men held prisoner on Rottnest Island. Wadjemup Museum Collection At its peak, the Quod held almost 170 Aboriginal men, despite only being designed to hold a maximum of 106 prisoners. Many were buried in unmarked graves. In 1894, the WA government moved to open Rottnest to the public as a summer resort, and campers in the tentland close to the main settlement would soon pitch their tents over the very land Indigenous prisoners were buried on.

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That continued until as recently as 2007, when the camping area was moved from the area known to contain unmarked graves, which would later be recognised as the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground. The Quod itself was also converted to accommodation in the 1900s  even serving for a time as an internment camp for German and Austrian officers during World War I  and formed part of the Rottnest Island Lodge. Rottnest Island is one of WAs most popular tourism destinations. But the Lodge has now been renovated  it is now the upmarket The Lodge Wadjemup  and work is under way to memorialise what is Australias biggest single death-in-custody site. The Wadjemup Project aims to renovate the Quod, map out the Wadjemup Aboriginal Burial Ground  including through the use of ground-penetrating radar  and honour the at least 373 Aboriginal men and boys buried there.

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The project is currently in its second phase, with the first involving truth-telling about the previously obscured history of the island, and why it remains such a painful place for WAs Aboriginal people. Related Article Exclusive

Indigenous Laying the island spirits to rest at WAs holiday hotspot Despite the substantial corpus of resources and the many opportunities to learn and understand, this history is largely invisible in the landscape, and many Western Australians and visitors to Wadjemup are unaware of these past injustices, a Wadjemup Project progress report, published in 2022, said. This is due mainly to a legacy of concealment. In addition, many Aboriginal people do not feel safe or comfortable returning to the Island. The reasons for this are multifaceted, but primarily it is fair to say that Wadjemup has outstanding and unfinished business.

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A major milestone came in 2024, when the Wadjedemup Wirin Bidi (Spirit Trail) Commemoration Day invited the public to recognise a new chapter, which acknowledged the islands Indigenous past. The increased focus on Rottnest Islands colonial history has come as the island experiences a surge in visitors, with many overseas tourists drawn out on day trips or stays by WA Tourism marketing and celebrity selfies with the ever-grinning resident quokkas. In the 2024-25 financial year, 878,287 visitors arrived via ferry  the main way to access Rottnest, save for private vessels or the ever-popular channel swims  with 30 per cent of those from interstate or overseas. The WA government announced $27.5 million for the Wadjemup Project in 2023, which included the memorialisation of the grave sites and the work carried out at the Quod. Heritage builder Colgan Industries was awarded the contract for the memorialisation, which was predicted to be completed by the end of the year.

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However, as Wednesdays discovery showed, the islands dark and, for many, painful history is never far from the surface. with AAP 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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NationalWATragedy About 50 West Australian children die from SUDC every year. So what is it? Caris Harper April 12, 2026  3:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

When Micah was one-and-a-half years old, his parents breathed a sigh of relief. He was out of the woods for every new parents worst fear - Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, better known as SIDS. Drew La Reservees son Micah. I remember saying to my partner when Micah turned one, well, now were good, mum Drew La Reservee said. Now were out of that danger zone of SIDS, were fine and hes healthy.

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But just seven-months later, La Reservee realised they had been tragically mistaken. Micah died in his sleep about two years ago, and his death was considered Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood (SUDC). Different from SIDS, it is a category of death for a child 12 months or older where the cause remains unexplained after investigation. La Reservee said she was grieving and searching for answers when she connected with other families in Perth who had experienced a similar loss. She befriended Cassandra Otway through social media, after Otways daughter Sadie passed away in her sleep at two-years old, after having multiple febrile seizures throughout her life. Her cause of death was also marked down as SUDC.

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Otway said before she met La Reservee, it had been agonising thinking she was alone. Cassandras daughter Sadie passed away when she was just two years old. It was torturous trying to find people to connect with in those early days, she said. The pair went to Red Nose Australia for support, a charity focusing on preventing the sudden and unexpected deaths of babies and children, and helping parents through their grief. La Reservee said it had felt isolating in the early days of her loss, because SUDC is not as recognised as SIDS.

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People say they specialise in grief and loss, but its not child loss, she said. Sometimes we have to explain ourselves to doctors or medical professionals, and thats really frustrating because at that level, everybody should know about it. It would be really nice to just say to someone I lost my daughter to SUDC, and not have to explain it. Both mothers said there needed to be more work done to educate people about the condition. Melanies daughter Mylee.

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When you do go into a labour ward or a hospital in general, theres posts everywhere about SIDS and Red Nose, and nothing touches the surface on SUDC, La Reservee said. Yes, theres no preventable measure at this point, but that doesnt mean we cant still put awareness out there on posts in hospitals where it matters most. Melanie Andrew-Manning is completing her PhD on SUDC research - funded by Red Nose - and said the lack of education in the sector was frustrating. She lost her daughter Mylee in her sleep at just 15-and-a-half months old. Whilst theres a limited amount of research on SUDC, what I know from working in this space is that we get about 50 unascertained cases of childhood death a year here in WA, Andrew-Manning said.

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Melanie Andrew-Manning graduated with honours from the University of Western Australia following Mylees passing. Red Nose Australia chief executive Amy Cooper said educating people on SUDC was extremely difficult due to its inherent unknowns. It makes it very hard for Red Nose to be able to educate on how to prevent Sudden Unexplained Death in Children because there are no known risk factors and there arent any specific prevention strategies as a flow-on for that. Andrew-Manning said while parents impacted by SUDC would continue to advocate for their children, it was important to get medical professionals, coronial services and the general public on the same page. She said advocating for your childs health, investing in sleep monitoring devices and having conversations with other families were ways parents could take as much control as possible.

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Related Article Queensland votes LNP wants health checks for preschool kids to turn their life around To anyone thats going through what we did, Im incredibly sorry that you have to face that because I know that it is the most devastating thing that youll ever go through in life, Andrew-Manning said. Whilst your life will never be the same you can learn to live a new kind of normal and life can still be beautiful beyond loss. If you or someone you know has experienced SUDC, or the loss of a child or infant, you can reach out to Red Nose Australias free 24/7 support line at 1300 308 307, or access SUDC specific support and guidance worldwide through the SUDC Foundation.

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Perth
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NationalWAFossil fuels Ministers warning to fuel companies as WA mulls its own diesel stockpile Cameron Myles April 12, 2026  12:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has warned the state will not hesitate to utilise harsh penalties of as much as $100,000 a day for fuel companies that failed to hand over supply chain information, as she confirmed WA was mulling a strategic stockpile of diesel amid the fuel crisis gripping the nation. Sanderson and WA Premier Roger Cook went to Governor Chris Dawson at the start of the month to enact state of emergency powers that would allow them to compel fuel suppliers to cough up sensitive information on stocks and supply chains. Energy Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson and WA Premier Roger Cook. Hamish Hastie On Sunday, the energy minister said six suppliers  comprising some of the states biggest chains  had provided the government with significant amounts of information ahead of the deadline of Wednesday last week. And were currently analysing that information to assess whether it meets the requirements of the emergency powers, Sanderson said.

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I also want to make clear that if any suppliers wilfully withhold information thats required under emergency powers, we will not hesitate to use the penalties. Related Article Middle East at war Australia in no position to ease Asian gas crunch, data shows Last weekend, as the government revealed all regional retailers would be compelled to join price monitoring service FuelWatch, Cook said suppliers withholding critical supply chain information could face $100,000 daily penalties. Sanderson said the strategic stockpile being considered by the government would involve the purchase of additional diesel on top of federal stockpile requirements, and held in storage for times when its tough and when were seeing challenges in those supply chains. This would be solely for West Australians and be directed at the discretion of the state government to areas that need it most, for example; agricultural areas at the end of those supply chains, or remote communities who still rely significantly on diesel, she said.

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WAs independent spot market was the first point of failure in the states supply chain when prices jumped and availability tightened following the US and Israels attack on Iran in March, Sanderson said. It hit agricultural operators and small miners particularly hard due to their reliance on that market. [A state fuel stockpile] would allow us essentially to release fuel onto that spot market as required, should we see another spike in demand and that spot market evaporates, Sanderson said. And it will also provide extra resilience in regional and remote areas, in particular our remote communities. Sanderson would not detail exactly how much fuel would be stockpiled, only that it would be in the millions of litres.

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Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas welcomed the news, which he said addressed a glaring void in the states future planning and resilience, but pointed to a motion in parliament back in 2023 where Liberal Steve Martin warned WAs fuel reserves were a glaring weakness in its ability to cope with natural disasters. Related Article Petrol prices Strait reopening gives WA breathing room, but fuel supply still not guaranteed Now, that was in 2023, and I note that nothing really has changed, and successive energy ministers have dropped the ball on future planning in this space, Zempilas said. As soon as this crisis first developed in the Middle East, some six weeks ago, we called for proactive approaches from government, not just reactive approaches, and the need for our state to think very seriously about critical fuel reserves. While he was pleased the government was turning its attention to a fuel stockpile, Zempilas lamented the lack of detail in Sundays announcement.

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How it would look, how much it would cost, whether it would be government-owned or come about through a much closer working relationship between the state government and the suppliers, remains to be seen, he said. Related Video Video icon 3:57 Federal government cops criticism over $20m fuel campaign Fuel stations fined, but outages drop from Easter peak Consumer Protection has handed out 33 infringement notices after inspecting 645 fuel outlets across WA since early March, with many relating to service stations breaching the rule which ensures prices listed on FuelWatch remain unchanged for 24 hours. On Sunday, Sanderson confirmed there were three investigations currently under way into three outlets ahead of new penalties coming into effect at the start of May.

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She said as many as 61 outlets reported running out of fuel on Good Friday, while on Sunday there were eight reporting outages of at least one type of fuel. Sanderson said the current warning level warranted people looking for ways to save fuel and save money, but in no way is it a suggestion that were in a rationing or demand management process or circumstance. Were actually going about our business, and thats what we want people to continue to do, she 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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InspirationPeru Seven spectacular highlights of the worlds largest river Sue Williams April 10, 2026  10:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The almighty Amazon River flows from the heights of the snow-capped Andean Mountains and rushes through Peru, Brazil and Colombia before pouring into the Atlantic Ocean, 6400 kilometres away. The Peruvian section of the Amazon is easier to get to, with a huge diversity of wildlife and all sorts of boats to explore, from local ferries and cargo boats all the way up to the ultra-luxurious small ship, Aqua Nera. 1 Be amazed by the Amazon itself The stunning Amazon. iStock The worlds largest river by volume of water with about 20 per cent of the globes total freshwater  and not a single bridge. Its a stunning sight. Unlike Brazil and Ecuador, Peru is the source of the river, and it changes dramatically with the different seasons. In the dry, its between one and five kilometres wide, much narrower than in the other countries, but in the wet it can end up as broad as 50 kilometres in stretches. Cruising on the river, with those glorious sunrises and sunsets, gives the sensation of it being a living, powerful force, pulsating with wildlife and with Indigenous communities along its banks. 2 Wish on a pink dolphin

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Its a thrill to spot a pink dolphin. Getty Images Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Pink dolphins seem as mythical as unicorns, but they do exist, and nowhere else in the world in as great a number  estimated at several thousand  as in the Peruvian Amazon. Its such a thrill to suddenly spot one of the endangered mammals  which have, astonishingly, even bigger brains than humans  alone or in a small pod, and see the flash of a pink back or belly as they roll (they dont leap like marine dolphins). Lots of legends have grown up around them  that they can shape-shift into handsome men at night and impregnate young women wandering too close. But maybe the myths help protect them  3 Glide through a flooded forest Into the forest. iStock The Peruvian Amazon can rise 30 metres in the rainy season, and is also fed by melting Andean snow-caps. Its various water levels make it fascinating all year round. In the dry, visitors can go on long walks through the rainforest, marvelling at the cornucopia of creatures  furry, slimy or just plain scary  and in the wet, its almost ethereal, floating past thickets of treetops in an aquatic forest, until reaching not-so-dry land. Parts of Perus protected ecological wonderland, the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, are dubbed the jungle of mirrors; surrounded as they are by water reflecting both greenery and sky, it can be difficult to judge where the earth begins.

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4 Join the big chill with a sloth Sloth in the Amazon, just hanging around. Alamy Amid all the wildlife on the river  including the fabulous macaws, hummingbirds, butterflies, caimans, piranhas, howler and spider monkeys, boas, anacondas and tarantulas  sloths are a favourite wonder. Just quietly hanging upside down from tree branches, theyre slow, gentle, ancient, and perfectly adapted to their environment, moving at minimal speed, a bit like koalas, to preserve energy. They can sleep 10 to 15 hours a day and only descend to the ground once a week. To scientists, they remain a marvellous mystery. 5 Visit an Indigenous village The riverside village of Belen. iStock

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There are more than 50 different Indigenous groups in the Peruvian Amazon, living in splendid isolation along the riverbanks, in homes often built largely from the mud, eating fish, using medicines made from rainforest plants, and with a culture centred on the water. The ship, Aqua Nera, stopped off in the tiny settlement of Lisboa with passengers greeted by local children, delighted with gifts of books, pens and paper  and mystified by toy koalas. It can be a rare privilege to experience such a richly traditional community. 6 Be intrigued by Iquitos No roads in  Iquitos, Peru. iStock Iquitos is the jumping-off point into the Amazon, and what a place! Its the largest city in the world to be inaccessible by road (only by boat or plane), and it has a fascinating history, with Jesuit missions in the 1700s, then rubber barons from the 1880s building some splendid landmarks. On the river are the stilted houses of Belen, where locals drop in on each other by canoe during the wet season. There is also a teeming market. 7 Be baffled by two rivers running side-by-side

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Its a natural phenomenon that beggars belief. Near Iquitos, at the confluence of the River Nanay and the Amazon, theres a clear line between them, with the former black and the other light brown. The separation comes from the amount of sediment in each, the pace of the flow and their different temperatures. Its similar to the division between the Rio Negro and the Amazon at Brazils Manaus, but more compact. Aqua Expeditions small luxury ship, Aqua Nera, has 20 cabins and 40 crew on four- and eight-day itineraries from $US5130 ($7435) a person, based on double occupancy. Early booking discounts available. LATAM flies from Sydney to Santiago, with connections to Lima and then Iquitos.

See aquaexpeditions.com; latamairlines.com; peru.travel The writer travelled as a guest of Aqua Expeditions. See aquaexpeditions.com
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WorldAsiaInside China The hidden life in Beijings hutongs Lisa Visentin April 12, 2026  7:45am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

What in the World, a free weekly newsletter from our foreign correspondents, is sent every Thursday. Below is an excerpt. Beijing: Behind a red wooden door in one of Beijings old hutong neighbourhoods, Ma Peizeng and his wife, Wu Xiuhua, have built a humble life within the cramped confines of their 23-square metre home. Such doors, often affixed with brass lion-head knockers, are a distinctive feature of Beijings ancient hutong alleyways  grand gateways to the otherwise very modest, single-storey homes of the families who share the courtyard residences behind them. Ma Peizeng (right), 73, and his wife, Wu Xiuhua, 73, at the door that opens into their shared courtyard residence in Dafangjia Hutong in east Beijings Dongcheng district. We never thought about moving to another place. As long as it doesnt get demolished, we would stay here. Its down to earth, says Ma, 73, as he stops to chat on his doorstep, before welcoming us inside his home.

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The couple have lived in Dafangjia Hutong in east Beijings Dongcheng district for 40 years. Though retired now, they once made ends meet by working in a pharmaceutical warehouse. Editor's pick Analysis

Middle East at war China wants a seat at the Middle East peace table, but without the work In this cosy space, less than two metres wide in some parts, they raised their now-adult daughter and then her child, their 14-year-old grandson, who lived with them until he grew too big for the loft room they had built for him. These days its just the two of them and their dog Kafei Dou, or Coffee Bean. Their neighbourhood is one of the more low-key hutong districts dotted inside Beijings second ring road, the innermost highway that encircles the citys ancient heart and its famous landmarks of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

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Today the hutongs  the name given to the network of laneways that link the courtyard residences  are a tourist drawcard, where visitors come to glimpse the soul of old Beijing, preserved among the sprawling high-rises that have risen around them. On a visit to Mas neighbourhood on a Monday morning, local retirees are chatting and playing mah-jong on a footpath in the shadow of the nearby luxury Galaxy Soho shopping complex. Others are chopping and preparing vegetables for the days meals. Residents play mah-jong in Dafangjia Hutong. Where tourism meets tradition in Beijings hutongs. Some of the hutong districts trace their origins to the 13th-century Yuan dynasty and were once home to imperial Chinas aristocratic and political elite, as well as artists and scholars. But by the mid-20th century many of the courtyards had been subdivided, and the dwellings were heaving with multiple families packed into small, unsanitary living quarters.

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As Beijing modernised, the government embarked on a bulldozing spree, demolishing 80 per cent of the hutongs to make way for roads and amenities, forcibly relocating many families into high-rise complexes on the citys fringes. Showing us inside his home, Ma explains that seven families used to live in the small dwellings that flank the courtyard area but three had moved to apartments in search of better living conditions. Editor's pick Extremism Disappointed: Plans for Sari Club lot, where Australians were murdered, charge forward in secret There are rumours, he says, that their courtyard was once the grand home of a Kuomintang military official from the Chinese nationalist forces who fled to Taiwan when the communists declared victory in the civil war in 1949. Much like the hutongs themselves, old Beijingers such as Ma provide a window into Chinas history, having experienced the Mao Zedong era and the countrys transformation in the decades after.

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I didnt have much good luck all through my life, he says. I grew up during the great famine and experienced the Up to the Mountains and Down to the Countryside [movement], he says, referring to Maos policy that forced millions of urban youth to poor rural villages to be re-educated in harsh conditions. But he offers the statement without a trace of bitterness or resentment. In fact, Ma and Wu are effusively warm and friendly. The couple in the small living room of their hutong home. They repeatedly offer to make food or tea as we chat in their compact living room, surrounded by bottles of cooking oil, bags of rice and other food supplies tucked into corners or squeezed onto shelves alongside medicines  everything tightly packed to maximise space. When it comes to their grandson, they are effervescent. They show off photos of him displayed on a small piano, a family investment they have miraculously squeezed into this small space so he can take lessons.

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Over the years they have saved enough to buy a small apartment on the outskirts of Beijing, but they choose to remain in the hutongs so they can pick up their grandson from the nearby public school, one of the best in the area. This is the ritual investment at the core of the Chinese family structure, one that throws every resource possible at the next generations future. We have almost completed our mission, Wu says. A public bathroom block in the hutongs. Their home, like many in the hutongs, still does not have plumbed sewerage. Instead, they use the public bathrooms that are scattered throughout the area. They also keep a portable toilet inside their home, which they empty into the shared bathroom facilities each day, saving them a dash into the cold streets at night. They dont own the home  it remains the property of the Chinese government  but the rent is extraordinarily cheap: just 440 yuan (about $90) a year.

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Its a challenging life, and a stark juxtaposition with the waves of gentrification that have transformed some of the more famous hutong districts. Over the past decade or more, boutique coffee shops, bars, fancy restaurants, art galleries and vintage clothing stores have sprung up among the ageing homes as part of efforts by local authorities to preserve the remaining alleyways. Expats have moved into renovated courtyards, seeking a more authentic experience than high-rise living. Walking through the hutongs is a glorious way to spend an afternoon in Beijing. Still, its jarring to drink a $10 coffee on a refurbished hutong terrace, overlooking homes that dont yet have flushing toilets. This life is enough for ordinary people, Wu tells me. Contentment is happiness, she adds, thrusting a bag of organic tomatoes into my hands, insisting I leave with something. 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.
Minutes after posting his rant about Pope Leo being weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy, Donald Trump posted an AI image of himself as Jesus Christ healing the sick  overlooked by an American flag, fighter jets and a bald eagle.

It was typical of the AI slop that is regularly amplified by the presidents social media account. But it was a good reminder, if one was needed, that this is a president and an administration that is happy to take the lords name  and image  in vain, while portraying themselves as men of God.

The AI-generated image posted by Donald Trump showing himself as a messianic figure. Truth Social / @realdonaldtrump

Not only did Trump malign Leo as a wannabe politician who should get his act together and focus on his job, but he claimed Leo was selected as pope not because of any personal attributes, divine insights or leadership qualities, but because the Vatican thought he might get on better with Trump.

He wasnt on any list to be Pope, and was only put there by the Church because he was an American, and they thought that would be the best way to deal with President Donald J. Trump, the president asserted on Truth Social. If I wasnt in the White House, Leo wouldnt be in the Vatican.
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WorldNorth AmericaEpstein fallout Opinion A bitter ex, a deleted tweet, and Melanias strange decision to dump kerosene on the Epstein fire Maureen Dowd New York Times columnist April 12, 2026  1:30pm

April 12, 2026  1:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

US President Donald Trump is desperately trying to move on from his ruinous war in Iran. But there was no way he expected to be moving on  or moving back  to the Epstein files. Thanks, Melania. Melania Trump called a special press conference at the White House to make her remarks about Jeffrey Epstein. AP The world gasped when the first lady emerged from the mists on Thursday to give a statement that ended up yanking Americas eyeballs back to Jeffrey Epstein. Be Best, this was not.

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After firing the prevaricating Pam Bondi and threatening on Easter that the Iranians might soon be living in Hell, the president surely thought he was finally wriggling away from the sordid, sticky paedophile scandal. For mysterious reasons, the Slovenian Sphinx stunned the West Wing, walking into the grand entrance hall of the White House to dump kerosene on the flickering Epstein fire. Artwork: Marija Ercegovac In effect, Melanias dramatic message was: Hey, guys, were not done here yet. Everybody come look at what my husband so terribly doesnt want you to look at! No one, not even Trumps inner circle, seemed to know that this bizarre monologue was coming or what was driving it.

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Gobsmacked aides scrambled to answer reporters questions about what the president knew and when he knew it. When Jacqueline Alemany of MS NOW called Trump, he told her he knew nothing in advance about the first ladys statement. The next day, he clarified to Shawn McCreesh of The New York Times that, while he did not know that his wife was making the statement, he had known that she was upset by rumours that she was closer to Epstein than she had said, and she wanted to clear the air. It doesnt bother me, he said, contradicting those who sniggered that she threw him under the bus. She had a right to talk about it, he said. But he mused: Would I have done it that way? Perhaps not, perhaps, I dont know.

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For the first time, the first lady  who glided so serenely on skyscraper stilettos in her infomercial, Melania  looked shaken. Related Article Epstein fallout The biggest mystery in Washington  just why did Melania make that speech? The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today, she told reporters. The false smears about me from mean-spirited and politically motivated individuals and entities looking to cause damage to my good name to gain financially and climb politically must stop. The irony of Melania bitterly complaining about the sort of slimy tactics that fuelled her husbands rise was not lost on listeners. To be clear, she said, I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice, Maxwell. She and Trump had overlapping social circles in Palm Beach and Manhattan, which explained the photo of her partying with Donald, Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

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Melania turned up in the Epstein files with a 2002 email to Maxwell, complimenting her on a picture that had run with a magazine piece about Epstein, asking how Palm Beach was, and telling Maxwell to call her when she was back in New York. She called Maxwell G and signed off, Love, Melania. Ghislaine wrote back, calling Melania Sweet pea. My polite reply to her email doesnt amount to anything more than a trivial note, Melania said. Paolo Zampolli, a friend of President Donald Trump and Trumps envoy for global partnerships, walks the red carpet with Vice President JD Vance at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport last week. AP The first lady called on Congress to provide the women who have been victimised by Epstein with a public hearing specifically centred around the survivors so they could tell their stories. Shouldnt the men doing the alleged crimes be the ones called to answer?

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It was also astonishing that she felt compelled to clear up the little matter of how she and Donald met. I am not Epsteins victim, she said. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband, by chance, at a New York City party in 1998. Donald and Melania Trump in 2002 with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Getty In her memoir, the first lady recounted that a friend had taken her to the Kit Kat Club in Manhattan, where she met the celebrity developer. She described how Trump flirted with her and asked for her number even though he was with a beautiful blonde date. She refused but said she would take his instead.

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I tucked the card into my clutch before his date returned to the table, she wrote. That should have been an early warning for her about Donald the Duplicitous. Related Article Opinion

Donald Trump Trump is turning the peoples house into a dictator-chic Saudi palace Maureen Dowd New York Times columnist The party was hosted by Paolo Zampolli, a former Italian modelling agent who recruited the young Slovenian model to come to America and who takes credit for introducing Donald and Melania. Zampolli has now been elevated by the president to be a special envoy for global partnerships, whatever that means. The flashy Trump acolyte got a DC townhouse where he throws parties and shows off pictures of the Trumps. Zampolli posted photos on X this week showing himself with Vice President JD Vance and Viktor Orban at a table in Hungary. He has offered to testify before Congress that he played Cupid for Melania and Trump.

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As The New York Times recently reported, Zampolli asked US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to interfere in a nasty custody battle he was having with Amanda Ungaro, his Brazilian ex-girlfriend and the mother of his child. Ungaro, in jail in Miami on a fraud charge, was deported after Zampollis call. He says he was merely inquiring about her case, not trying to get her deported. The Epstein obsession among Trumps base was planted by his henchmen and most devoted followers, and then it came back to bite him  including this new chunk taken out of him by Melania. Conspiracy theories about Melania feed off a web of intersections. Through the modelling world, Zampolli had met Epstein and they had talked about buying a modelling agency together. His name pops up several times in the Epstein files, where Epstein refers to Zampolli as trouble. Early Thursday just after midnight, Ungaro, clearly upset that Melania hadnt helped her in the ICE deportation, posted threatening messages directed at her on X. One now-deleted post read: I have nothing left to lose in my life. I will tear down the entire system  be careful with me bitch. In another, she said: Maybe you should be afraid of what I know ... of who you are, and who your husband is. Melanias statement came later that day, but who knows if theres any connection?

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As always with the sphinx on the Potomac, its a riddle. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Get a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up for our Opinion newsletter.
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Updated WorldNorth AmericaMiddle East at war Blown to hell: Trump says US will blockade Strait of Hormuz after failed Iran talks Michael Koziol Updated April 13, 2026  6:37am ,first published 9:14pm 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 says the US Navy will blockade the Strait of Hormuz following failed peace talks with Iran, warning that any Iranians who try to stop it will be blown to hell. He said the peace talks in Islamabad over the weekend had gone well but failed to reach an agreement on the key matter of Irans nuclear program. President Donald Trump said the US Navy and others would blockade the Strait of Hormuz. AP Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz, Trump announced on Truth Social. At some point, we will reach an ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT basis, but Iran has not allowed that to happen by merely saying, There may be a mine out there somewhere, that nobody knows about but them.

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THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION, and Leaders of Countries, especially the United States of America, will never be extorted. The US president said he had instructed the Navy to interdict every vessel in international waters that had paid a toll to Iran, and to destroy any mines laid by Iran in the strait. Commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz in March. Getty Images Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL! he said. While Trump did not indicate that the US was planning to resume strikes against Iran, he warned that the military was LOCKED AND LOADED and stood ready to finish up the little that is left of Iran.

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US Central Command (CENTCOM) said US forces would begin the blockade at 10am Monday Washington time (midnight AEST), and it would be enforced against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas. Related Article Middle East at war Bad news: US negotiations with Iran end in stalemate But ships travelling between non-Iranian ports would still be allowed to transit the strait, CENTCOM said. That was more nuanced blockade than the full blockade that Trump announced on social media, retired US Navy admiral James Stavridis said on CNN. He noted it was a risky operation as Iran, despite its depleted military, could still menace ships in the strait using mines or small boats loaded with explosives. They still have cards to play, Stavridis said.

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A naval blockade is generally considered an act of war. Trump said in his Truth Social post that other countries would participate in the blockade alongside the US. However, the United Kingdom  which had been putting together a global coalition to contribute to efforts to reopen the strait  quickly indicated it would not be participating in the blockade by sending warships. It is, however, expected to contribute to mine-sweeping. Loading Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia had not been requested to assist with the blockade and he did not expect to be asked. In response to Trumps announcement of the blockade, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that military vessels approaching the strait would be considered a ceasefire breach and dealt with harshly and decisively.

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The blockade announcement halted the limited ship traffic that resumed in the strait since the ceasefire, according to Lloyds List intelligence. Marine trackers say over 40 commercial ships have crossed since the start of the ceasefire, down from roughly 100 to 135 per day before the war. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said his regime had engaged in good faith talks to end the war but encountered maximalist demands, shifting goalposts and now a blockade. Zero lessons earned, he posted on X. Good will begets good will. Enmity begets enmity. The Iranian delegation was led by parliamentary Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf (centre right) and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (centre left). AP Irans powerful parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who attended the negotiations in Pakistan with Araghchi, posted a screenshot of petrol prices in Washington.

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Enjoy the current pump figures, he said in a post directed at Americans. With the so-called blockade, soon youll be nostalgic for $4$5 gas. Earlier, negotiating teams ended 21 hours of talks in the Pakistani capital without a deal to bring a permanent end to the war between the US, Israel and Iran, which began on February 28. A fragile ceasefire began last week, except in Lebanon, where Israel continues to strike targets associated with Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy. Vice President JD Vance led the US negotiating team in Pakistan. AP US Vice President JD Vance, who led the US delegation in Islamabad, said the failure to reach an agreement was bad news, especially for Iran.

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The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon, he said. On Sunday, Trump predicted Iran would return to the negotiating table. Nobody can be so stupid as to say, We want nuclear weapons, and they have no cards, he told Fox News Sunday Morning Futures. Trump attended a UFC fight in Miami on Saturday night. AP I predict they come back and they give us everything we want. I want everything  They have no cards. Trump also repeated his threat to resume strikes on Iran, claiming he could take out Iran in one day and would target Irans energy infrastructure.

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In one hour, I could have their entire energy, everything, every one of their plants, their electric generating plants, which is a big deal. And I hate to do it, because if I do it, it takes you 10 years to rebuild, theyll never be able to rebuild it. And the other thing you take out are the bridges, he said. While the talks in Pakistan were taking place, CENTCOM said two US Navy destroyers were transiting the strait to ensure it was free of mines previously laid by the IRGC. Traffic through the crucial sea passage came to a halt during the war amid the possible presence of mines and Iranian drone attacks. A fifth of the worlds oil ordinarily moves through the strait, and its de facto closure has contributed to skyrocketing oil prices internationally. With Reuters, AP Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
EnWave expands food tech reach with Rhizome partnership - ICYMI Proactive uses images sourced from Shutterstock

EnWave Corp (TSX-V:ENW, OTC:NWVCF, FRA:E4U) earlier this week announced a new commercial agreement with Rhizome, a food and farming venture founded by Michelin-star chef Dan Barber, signalling further expansion of its partner-driven growth model.

CEO Brent Charleton said the relationship builds on more than a year of collaboration, during which Rhizome used EnWaves REV dehydration technology to develop products derived from nutrient-dense crops. He noted that Rhizome is now moving toward commercialization following the acquisition of REV equipment.

Charleton highlighted that Barbers involvement brings both visibility and industry credibility, particularly given his influence in regenerative agriculture. He suggested that, with continued investment, Rhizome could evolve into a large-scale operation, a meaningful growth avenue for EnWave.

The development underscores what Charleton described as a transformational shift in EnWaves business model over the past two to three years. The company has increasingly focused on building a network of licensed partners capable of manufacturing and commercializing products, rather than relying solely on customers operating equipment independently.

He explained that this approach allows EnWave to collaborate with major global brands that may be unwilling to commit capital to equipment purchases, instead leveraging partners such as MicroDried, BranchOut Foods and facilities in Mexico. Rhizome now adds a New York-based platform to that network, potentially broadening market reach.

Looking ahead, Charleton struck a candid tone on near-term performance. He acknowledged that the first half of 2026 had been a bit of a disappointment due to the absence of large-scale transactions, despite a robust pipeline. He reiterated that the companys revenue profile can be uneven, with significant variability between quarters.

However, Charleton maintained that the outlook remains positive, pointing to internal confidence and the potential for multiple deals to materialise in a short period. He indicated that securing larger transactions in the near term would be a key catalyst for the business.
The ad industry spent years debating whether AI would hollow out Googles business. Instead, Google handed advertisers an AI toolkit and turned it into an opportunity. The companys latest numbers tell the story plainly: ad revenue of $82.28 billion in Q4 2025, up 13.5% year over year, with total annual revenue crossing $400 billion for the first time.

AI Ads Boost Retail Revenue

At the heart of this push is a suite of AI-powered ad tools like AI Max and Performance Max that Google claims are delivering extraordinary results for brands. Canadian fashion retailer Aritzia is an example. In an interview published on Tuesday, Courtney Rose, Googles VP of Retail Ads, told ModernRetail, When they enabled AI Max, they saw a 80% increase in revenue.

Don't Miss:

Rose shared an example of a natural-language search, asking Google for outfit suggestions for a spring trip to Atlanta, including a sweater, purse, and jeans, instead of using simple keywords like blue cashmere sweater. That richness allows Googles Gemini models to decode not just what shoppers want, but why, creating far more precise ad matches.

Rose highlighted that 15% of daily Google searches are entirely new, making AI-driven ad matching crucial for retailers who can't predict every keyword.



"Search is not some zero-sum game. Everything we have seen in the last few years is that search is in this expansionary moment, Rose said.

Google Expands AI Ads And Retail Tools

Rose said Google has no current plans to add ads to Gemini, but notes ads in AI mode are performing well and offering valuable insights for retailers. The search engine is doubling down with new formats like direct offers. Its a feature that lets brands like E.l.f. Beauty, Chewy and LOreal present personalized promotions to shoppers who show purchase intent within AI Mode.

See Also: Avoid the #1 Investing Mistake: How Your Safe' Holdings Could Be Costing You Big Time

Theres also a new business agent feature letting retailers like Poshmark and Reebok shape how they appear in AI search results, in their own brand voice, said Rose.

Amazon, Meta Explore AI Ads

Amazon.com and OpenAI are experimenting with their own AI ad formats, though results have been mixed. Perplexity began phasing out its ads a year and a half after introducing them, while Amazons sponsored prompts inside Rufus are reportedly generating limited traffic.
A Mayo author has been signed for a three-book deal with a United States publisher ahead of his debut crime mystery launching next month.

Tom McAndrew, who was born and raised in Knocknalower, Belmullet, will release the first book in the Detective Doocey Mystery Series, titled Doocey Half-Sees Whodunnit, on May 12 through Camel Press.

The story, which Tom describes as a "light-hearted take on the usual gritty crime drama", follows a quirky Irish detective named Doocey whose eyesight suddenly takes a turn for the worse just after he is assigned his first case to solve - the disappearance of an uptight crime writers wife.

The story sounds like it could be gloomy but it isnt really, it is written in a funny way, Tom told the Western People.

Tom, who is now living in Dublin, was inspired to write this story by his love of Agatha Christies detective stories and timeless TV detective Columbo.

I always liked Agatha Christies books and for a challenge, I decided to try and write a mystery myself and I came up with a character, who like myself, has struggles with his eyesight, he said.

Doocey is a bit like Columbo. He is a scruffy little character, an underdog. It is an uplifting story, I hate stories that have too much doom and gloom.

It is written in a very clean way, one of my mantras for writing is to write clean as a bone and not use extra words you dont need. Agatha Christie often said her success was down to not using any fancy language, she wanted people to keep turning the pages and that is something I have aspired to with this book, he added.

Tom has a second novel almost complete with a third planned as part of his three-book deal with Camel Press.

I was a bit shocked to get a three-book deal. I had a few rejections but that is par for the course. People who like the story and the character have really liked it, so I think the series really has legs, he said.

I wanted the story to be a mystery but also for this to be a mystery about Doocey and what will happen to him at the end of the story. Id like the story to be a succession and for him to develop and grow throughout.

The novel will be available to purchase on Amazon.com when released on May 12. More information on tommcandrewwriter.com.
Leadership in View

The global economy is entering a period in which many of the most consequential decisions are being made inside companies rather than governments. From supply chains and energy systems to the future of mobility, global CEOs are navigating forces reshaping the world economy in real time.

I recently sat down with one of the leaders helping shape that future. Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group and a member of the Global Advisory Board of Semafor World Economy, leads one of the worlds largest and most technologically ambitious industrial companies, spanning automotive, robotics, hydrogen energy, and advanced manufacturing.

Our conversation explores Chungs vision for Hyundai and how the company is navigating geopolitical fragmentation, expanding investment in the United States, and preparing for the next era of robotics, hydrogen, and mobility.

The Interview

Q: Hyundai Motor Group has pledged to invest $26 billion in the US through 2028. Why are you betting on the US right now?

A: The US is a core strategic market for Hyundai Motor Group. Our long-term confidence is reflected in our US investment strategy and the $26 billion commitment in America through 2028 that we announced last year. Changing domestic and global dynamics are something we all have to navigate, and we are well placed to do so thanks to our resilience and flexibility. This is in Hyundai Motor Groups DNA.

We have invested around $20.5 billion in the US since Hyundai entered the market four decades ago. We are reinforcing that commitment with further investments that highlight our stategic focus, such as our software-defined manufacturing excellence at Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA).

Shifting geopolitical situations today reinforce the importance of our agility. By integrating our US operations deeply into our global strategy  including advanced manufacturing and job creation  we can respond flexibly to changing conditions while delivering the highest-quality products and services for our customers. This is part of our promise.

Were investing for American communities, too. The Groups US presence supports more than 570,000 jobs today, and through our Hyundai Hope on Wheels charity weve donated more than $300 million to help children and families affected by cancer across America. For us, our US operations are a foundational part of Hyundai Motor Groups long-term resilience and sustainable growth.

Q: Hyundai Motor Group has taken robotics from the lab to the factory floor. How important is robotics to the future of mobility?

A: Robotics and physical AI are central to Hyundai Motor Groups evolution beyond mobility. This is our vision and were aiming to achieve this by partnering humans with co-working robots, all powered by advanced AI.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

There might be an early shower; otherwise, mostly cloudy. .

Tonight

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Reading, PA (19601)

Today

There might be an early shower; otherwise, mostly cloudy. .

Tonight

There might be an early shower; otherwise, mostly cloudy.
Britain is missing out on several core elements of modern manufacturing that are now standard in leading industrial economies, says Faye Skelton, the head of policy at Make UK.

The speed of adoption overseas is really high. The UK really needs to adopt automation at a higher pace and at a greater scale.

Automating is increasingly essential if UK manufacturers want to compete with overseas companies, says Catherine Barratt, the chief executive of BAMUK, which owns Contracts Engineering.

The opportunity cost is huge. Make UK estimates that if British manufacturers caught up with the technological advancements of their global competitors, it would add 5pc to the UK economy by 2035  equivalent to an extra 150bn.

The UKs share of global manufacturing has slumped from 3.1pc in 2000 to 1.9pc in 2022 while its share of exports has plummeted from 3.7pc to 1.5pc.

This disadvantage is hitting the UKs global standing. Between 2005 and 2023, the UK plunged from 10th place in the United Nations Industrial Development Organization competitive industrial performance index, which measures a nations ability to produce and export manufactured goods, to 19th.

British manufacturing workers have 47pc less machinery, tools and technology than those in similar economies, according to analysis by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR).

That is roughly half the EU average of 208 and about a quarter of Germanys figure of 415.

In South Korea, there are 1,012 industrial robots for every 10,000 manufacturing workers. In the UK, the figure is roughly a tenth of this at 111, according to industry body Make UK.

Performance is plummeting relative to other countries and factories are under threat if they cannot catch up.

When it comes to automation in manufacturing , a toxic cocktail of dismal business investment, a significant skills gap, sky-high energy costs and a fear of taking risks mean the UK is flailing far behind the rest of the world.

Today, though, Contracts Engineering is in the minority. Its approach is precisely what most factories in the UK are not doing.

The robotic welders have meant that the company has been able to beat international competitors. It has expanded its business so much that it has hired two additional human welders to work alongside the machines.

But her owner Contracts Engineering, which has since installed a second one, has made that back multiple times over. The firms profits before tax have quadrupled.

Zelda the welder, as she has become known at her sheet metal factory in Kent, was an expensive robot. All in, when she was installed five years ago, the bill was 250,000.

Story Continues

In many countries overseas, integrated smart factory systems such as manufacturing execution systems, real time production monitoring and digitally-connected tools that link machines with inventory data and schedules are the norm.

They allow businesses to make their factories far more efficient and respond rapidly to any kind of disruption. In the UK, these systems are largely lacking.

Collaborative robots (cobots) that work alongside people, automated guided vehicles and AI-enabled quality inspections and predictive maintenance systems are widespread in countries such as Germany and Japan. UK uptake is patchy.

Where businesses do invest, it is often incremental, buying a single robot rather than a whole factory transformation.

When it comes to automation in manufacturing, the UK is lagging far behind the rest of the world - Andrew Fox

We havent really progressed in terms of digitising our factories, says Skelton.

Only one in 10 manufacturers can be described as fully digitised. When you look at our competitors, such as Germany, we are significantly behind.

The UK has lost out on particular sectors because it has not acted quickly enough or developed the digital technology needed to manufacture a product competitively, says Skelton. Wind turbines are a key example.

Even though our universities were at the forefront of working out how to develop wind energy, we didnt have the suitable manufacturers with the same level of tech and robotics in the UK to make it, says Skelton. Today, turbines are manufactured primarily in China and Denmark.

As the gap between the UK and its competitors gets wider, the problem could become existential.

Pranesh Narayanan, a senior research fellow at IPPR, warns: At some point, companies will start saying they might just have to shut down their factories because there are all these more advanced competitors in other countries.

One key issue is the fact that UK business investment is the second lowest in the G7, only marginally ahead of Canada.

UK firms make investments worth just 11.1pc of GDP, according to IPPR. In Japan, by contrast, business investment is equivalent to 18.2pc of GDP.

Significant political instability over the last decade in the UK, which saw Britain leave the EU and multiple changes in governments and industrial policies, has deterred foreign investors.

But another issue is that local banks are reluctant to lend the money for companies to invest in new technologies where there arent years of evidence of reliable returns.

The appetite is low for investment from banks. We hear it a lot from SMEs and it does sound like more of a UK problem, says Skelton.

PP Control and Automation, a factory near Birmingham that builds robotics such as mechanical milking machines as well as the electrical panels used by other manufacturers to make other types of automation equipment, is booming.

Pinaki Banerjee, the chief executive, expects the companys revenues will surge by 50pc this year as demand rises for automation equipment in the UK.

Yet even this is not enough to persuade him to continue focusing on Britain.

PP Control and Automation has no plans to invest in the UK in the years ahead. Instead, it is going to spend 30m buying up factories in Italy, India and the US over the next three years.

The crux of the issue is the lack of investment in the UK, says Banerjee. If more factories were planning to ramp up automation, PP would be looking at buying more assets in the UK.

Pinaki Banerjee says PP Control and Automation has no plans to invest in Britain in the near future

Were backed by private equity, I have to also keep an eye on how I can maximise my valuation to my shareholders, Banerjee says. If I just expand in the UK, I dont think Ill get a bump on my valuation.

Another big problem is high energy prices. The UK faces some of the steepest electricity costs in Europe, meaning higher costs for automation.

Firms say a national skills shortage is also crucial. Nearly half of manufacturers (46pc) pointed to a lack of skills as their biggest hurdle to automating in a Make UK survey.

The Governments migration advisory committee suggested in a 2022 report that there could be a link between high levels of immigration during the UKs EU membership and low investment in automation because it incentivised recruitment over labour-saving capital investments.

In the years since, immigration soared to unprecedented levels. But industry experts say that the UKs minimum wage system stopped this post-pandemic flow from making labour cheaper and it did not fill the major skills shortage in the manufacturing sector, which currently has around 50,000 unfilled long-term vacancies.

Whatever the hold ups, the outlook is only getting worse.

Today, businesses are grappling with high taxes following Rachel Reevess increase in employers National Insurance payments and Aprils business rates rise. They are facing higher employment costs following Labours Employment Rights Act 2025 and soaring energy costs as the war in Iran drives up oil prices.

All of this means the need for companies to make efficiency gains is becoming even more crucial. But Skelton says it is also making it harder for many to find the money to do it: What our members are telling us is that they dont have the cash to invest.

Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.
Volkswagen is pulling the plug on its only American-made electric vehicle. The decision is blunt, and the numbers behind it are hard to deny.

The company confirmed it will end production of the ID.4 electric crossover at its Chattanooga, Tennessee, plant in mid-April 2026. The plant will pivot to making the gas-powered Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, with the 2027 model year Atlas set to begin production this summer and reach dealerships in fall 2026.

Numbers back up Volkswagen's move to end ID.4 EV production in U.S.

The sales gap between the two vehicles tells the story. Volkswagen sold more than 71,000 Atlas units in 2025. It sold just 22,373 ID.4s over the same period.

The Q4 2025 figure is even more stark. Only 248 ID.4s sold in the final three months of the year, a decline of more than 60% from the same period a year earlier, the The New York Times reported.

More Automotive:

The expiration of the federal EV tax credit, which had been worth $7,500 on new purchases, accelerated the drop-off.

The Atlas, in contrast, has been VW's second-best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for the past three years. Moving the plant behind it was not a difficult call.

What Volkswagen said about the Atlas and ID.4

"The EV market continues to challenge the industry, requiring measured decisions throughout the last few years to navigate this unpredictability," Volkswagen said in a statement. "As part of the focus toward higher-volume products that meet market demand, Volkswagen will no longer assemble the ID.4 in Chattanooga starting mid-April 2026."

Kjell Gruner, president and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, framed the move as long-term positioning. "This strategic shift underscores the company's commitment to Chattanooga and its workforce as we position the plant for long-term success and future product opportunities," he said.

Volkswagen will no longer assemble the ID.4 in Chattanooga starting mid-April 2026.Nouvelage/Getty Images

What happens to the Volkswagen ID.4 and Tennessee plant workforce

The ID.4 is not disappearing entirely. Volkswagen says existing 2026 model year inventory is expected to support customer demand into 2027.

The company also confirmed that a future version of the ID.4 is planned for the North American market, though it declined to share the timing or whether it will be built in the U.S., according to Inside EVs.

For workers, VW said hourly employees currently on ID.4 production will be transferred to other positions at the plant based on seniority. A special early retirement program will also be offered to eligible employees. The company consulted with employees and the UAW union, which unionized the Chattanooga plant in 2024.
The Index on Censorship magazine in March featured an interview with a former UK librarian, hounded out of a job she loved due to fallout from a book censorship drive by school management.

Over 50 percent of school librarians have reported similar incidents in schools across the UK, including in Birmingham, the Isle of Wight, Kent, Essex and Scotland.

At the time of the interview, the location of the secondary school was knownGreater Manchesterbut not its namethe Lowry Academy in Salford. The librarian, referred to as Emily, wished to remain anonymous.

Screenshot of homepage of the Lowry Academy in Salford [Photo: lowryacademy.org.uk]

Problems at the school began in November when the headteacher demanded Emily remove Men Who Hate Women from the library. Author and feminist Laura Bates wrote the book as an antidote to the misogynistic culture promoted on the internet associated with the incel or involuntarily celibate movement, and manosphere, more widely associated with Andrew Tatecurrently facing sex trafficking charges. The book was available for year 11 pupils about to leave school (15-16-year-olds).

Emily chose the book after attending a safeguarding course. After removing the book, the following morning she noticed gaps on the shelves where other books were missing. Management asked her to provide a book audit and pull books from the shelves deemed inappropriate, without providing a definition of inappropriate.

It took me all day to take 15-20 books off the shelves, and it was killing me, she told Index.

From then on things escalated. Emily, represented by the National Education Union (NEU), was told she had been reported to the Local Authority as a safeguarding risk and there would be an investigation and possible misconduct charge.

Caroline Roche, chair of the School Libraries Group (SLG), part of the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), ridiculed the safeguarding claims. She said the school should have discussed the titles with Emily and have a library policy in place.

The school furnished Emily with a final list of banned books, up to 200 including titles with challenging themes that school children have a right to access such as romance, racism and sexual identity. Emily shared the list with the SLG who wrote to the school declaring that none of the books were inappropriate, rebutting all the reasons for the censorship.

The texts are widely available in bookshops and libraries across the UK. Referencing the gothic comic book series The Crow by James OBarr, for example, the SLG wrote, One of the best-selling black-and-white graphic novels of all time.

Michelle Obamas autobiography, Becoming, was pulled with the note, for racism and political content, as was Reni Edo-Lodges Why Im No Longer Talking to White People About Race. Terry Pratchetts Soul Music with adult themes including sexual content, was deemed inappropriate.

A graphic version of the classic 1984 by George Orwell was considered too distressing for teenagers. Another title classed as unsuitable was Twilight by Stephenie Meyer because of its romantic and sexual themes. Queerly Autistic: The Ultimate Guide For LGBTQIA+ Teens On The Spectrum by Erin Ekins was on the list. The book has a recommended reading age of 12-18.

Ekins released a statement that said: Education on sex and sexuality is not a bad thing. Its knowledge, and knowledge is power.

Many autistic young people, autistic adults, parents and carers, and professionals, have reached out to me over the years about how vital a resource it has been.

CILIP CEO Louis Coiffait-Gunn had sight of one document provided by Emily that revealed the school used AI to produce its hit list. He said that rather than relying on a trained professional whose entire career is about working out what are the right books for different children and making sure that theyre provided, the school used AIwhich would reflect the prejudices of the school leaders.

He emphasised the right of children under the UN Charter of Human Rights to obtain age-appropriate information, if it is legal, and that Emilys case set a worrying precedent.

The stress of the investigation was too much for Emily, who is autistic and she decided to resign. An investigation was still held about the safeguarding complaint under Salford City Council LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) including LADO chair, LADO administration officer and school representatives. It concluded that, while not causing direct harm, Emily had not followed safeguarding procedures. Salford council is controlled by the Labour Party.

For Emily, this means the end of her career. The fact its gone through safeguarding means Emily will never be able to work in a school again, said SLGs Roche.

CILIP summed up its response to the book banning as a threat to childrens freedom to read, learn and question. It warned of the danger that under the threat of disciplinary action, librarians will self-censor what their training tells them is appropriate reading material for children.

An investigation by online newspaper The Manchester Mill revealed that the school in question was the Lowry Academy in Salford, part of the United Learning Trust (ULT). The ethos has Christian roots (ULTs website) with the Archbishop of Canterbury a patron. ULT is the largest Academy chain in the UK employing 9,000 and runs 96 primaries and secondaries schools in the public and private sector. It plans to absorb southwest chain Authentic Education, seeing the ULT grow to 109 schools.

School academies, introduced by Labour under Tony Blair in 2000, are state funded but privately run, part of the creeping privatisation of UK education.

In 2016, the ULT received a donation of 5 million from major Tory donor and co-founder of one of worlds largest hedge funds, Alan Howard.

A Mill reporter spoke to parents at the school gate, none of whom were aware of the book banning. One said that children shouldnt be sheltered from these issues. These are real problems in society and children should be equipped with how to understand them.

Teachers at the NEU annual conference held over Easter voted unanimously to oppose the censorship of books in school libraries.

In a press release, NEU General Secretary Daniel Kebede remarked, The USA and Hungary are examples of countries which have implemented book bans in schools, primarily targeting books by women, Black and LGBT+ authors, and the NEU is clear that this is not a path we are prepared to follow in the UK.

Fighting words, but the NEU leadership, along with all the education unions have capitulated to decades of attacks on educationfunding cuts, staff pay erosion, punitive Ofsted inspections, impossible workload, decimation of special needs provision and the academisation of schools.

The future facing children when they leave school is bleak. There are 957,000 so called NEETS (12.8 percent of 16-24-year-olds Not in Education, Employment, or Training), according to the Office for National Statistics. This is before the economic consequences of the war in the Middle East kick in.

The Starmer-led Labour governments policies of austerity and increased war spending bring them into direct conflict with young people, who were in the forefront of the global climate protests beginning in 2018with thousands walking out of schooland the demonstrations demanding an end to the Gaza genocide.

Young people have led Gen Z mass protests demanding a future free from unemployment, poverty and repression across Asia, Latin America in the 2020s.

The aim of governments is to curb this radicalization and create a conformist, compliant youth, who question nothing and willingly accept conscription when the call comes.

In March, Labour announced the launch of an antisemitism review into schools and colleges, due to report in autumn, advocated by the second largest teachers union, the NASUWT.

The antisemitism witch-hunt under Corbyns leadership, conflating anti-Zionism with the scourge of antisemitism, led to thousands of members who opposed the genocide of the Palestinians being driven out of the party.

Labour MP, Yasmin Qureshi, MP for Bolton South and Walkdenanother constituency in Greater Manchester, where the school is locatedsaid she has written to the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP demanding an investigation to the banning of books at the school. She represents the same government which has attempted to intimidate and silence opposition to its support for US and Israeli war crimes in the Middle East. Thousands have been arrested for peacefully protesting the Gaza genocide, and the right to demonstrate is being curtailed.

The management at the Lowry refused to be interviewed by both the Index and Mill, stating they disagreed with Emilys version of events. Because of the backlash, they have since back peddled, saying they merely wanted to do an audit and have returned most of the books to the library on age-appropriate shelveswithout saying how many books have been permanently removed.

The victimised librarian should receive compensation for the hurt she has endured. All safeguarding accusations should be purged from her record, so she can pursue the career she was trained for without a blemish.

If your school has been affected by these issues, contact the Educators Rank and File Committee and share your experiences.
Another 523 arrests were made in Britain on Saturday of people carrying placards with the words: I oppose genocide; I support Palestine Action.

The protesters were participating in Saturdays Everyone demonstration in Trafalgar Square, London, organised by civil liberties organisation Defend Our Juries, challenging the ban on direct action group Palestine Action. Their ages ranging from 18 to 87 years old, demonstrators were all arrested under counter-terror laws on suspicion of indicating support for a proscribed organisation.

Protestors forced to queue at makeshift centres, so the police can process hundreds of arrests of protestors, Trafalgar Square, London, April 11, 2026

Over 3,300 people have now been arrested on these charges during various protests since Palestine Action was outlawed by the Labour government in June-July last year.

The latest mass roundup takes place after the UKs High Court has ruled the proscription of Palestine Action unlawful. The governments appeal is due to be heard this month, on April 28 and 29 and the arrests are clearly meant to back an overturn of the original verdict.

A Defend Our Juries spokesperson commented, The Met are choosing to make arrests despite the governments ban on the group being ruled unlawful by the High Court, and leading lawyers warning that any arrests would be unlawful.

This criticism was echoed by Tom Southerden, Amnesty International UKs Law and Human Rights Director, who said, Todays mass arrests of peaceful protesters in Trafalgar Square under UK terrorism law are yet another blow to civil liberties in this countryand made all the more outrageous by the Metropolitan Polices own U-turn.

The High Court ruled in February that the proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful. The Met rightly said it would stop making arrests.

The about turn took place on March 25, with the Met issuing a statement claiming it had only paused arrests while it became clear whether the government would be granted the right to appeal.

In fact, the right to appeal was granted on February 25. The reversal a full month later was a political decision, prompted by the Labour government, aimed at inflaming the situation to support its case in the Court of Appeal.

In line with this objective, the Met claimed ahead of Saturdays protest, At previous events linked to this group we have seen coordinated attempts to disrupt police activity, including obstructing officers and, at times, verbal or physical abuse.

Defend Our Juries responded: More Met lies. There has not been a single instance of prosecution among our supporter base relating to obstructing officers or verbal or physical abuse. Our actions are peaceful, dignified (from our side, at least) and completely nonviolent.

Labour will also have been eager to reinvigorate its crackdown under conditions in which the United States and Israel are waging illegal wars against Iran and Lebanon overwhelmingly opposed in the population.

Among those in Trafalgar Square on Saturday to show their support were recently released Palestine Action hunger strikers: Quesser Zurah, Heba Muraisi and Kamran Ahmed.

They are members of the Filton 24, all recently found not guilty of aggravated burglary charges in connection with an action against Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems, though still facing trial on other charges. Twelve of themincluding Zurah, Muraisi and Ahmedwere released on bail.

All three took part in a hunger strike against their extraordinary and punitive detention. They are considering taking action against the prison authorities for their ill treatment.

Two weeks ago, Zurah was arrested again, this time by masked police officers in a dawn raid on her home, apparently over an Instagram post and allegations that she called for direct action.

Police said she was arrested under Section 44 of the Serious Crimes Act, encouraging others to commit crimes, and Section 1 of the Terrorism Act, encouraging others to commit acts of terrorism. Zurah appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court and was released on bail.

She told reporters on Saturday, As former prisoners and hunger strikers, one of the main reasons of today is to defeat the exact purpose of the state for locking us up for 15 months, adding, We believe that the ones that create the weapons and use them to bomb children, mothers, women and men that only dream of freedom, they are the terrorists. The ones raging a regional genocide are the terrorists.

Fellow hunger striker Heba Muraisi said of the arrests, Its crazy actually witnessing it. Its both insane and disgusting. Look how many police are here, just for elderly people holding placards.

Amont those arrested was Robert Del Naja, frontman for the internationally renowned trip hop collective Massive Attack. The band has been prominent in its defence of the Palestinians and opposition to the censorship of protest against the Gaza genocide.

Del Naja told reporters, Being a musician, obviously, there was a lot of trepidation around how we might not be able to travel and get visas. But I thought this is ridiculous and then the police making that U-turn to arrest people again, I thought that is even more ridiculous.

So Im going to hold a sign today. If I get arrested, I feel very confident that if I stand up in court with the right guidance and say this was an unlawful arrest and, therefore, I dont accept it.

The hundreds of arrests made at the weekend confirm that the Labour government is determined to proceed with its criminalisation of pro-Palestinian protest, despite the setbacks resulting from popular opposition. It is concerned with the law only insofar as it can weaponise it against democratic rights in pursuit of its political censorship.

Amnestys Tom Southernden commented bluntly: This is not policing. This is the state criminalising dissent.

Peaceful protest is a fundamental right. People are understandably outraged by the ongoing genocide in Gaza and entitled under international human rights law to express their horror. These protesters were not inciting violence. They were holding signs. Arresting them as terrorists is not just disproportionateit is absurd.
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is recovering from severe facial and leg injuries sustained during that U.S.-Israeli airstrikes that began de war on February 28, according to a new report.

Citing three people close to his inner circle, Reuters detailed that Khamenei's face was disfigured and has a significant injury in one or both of his legs. However, he is recovering and is mentally sound, taking part in meetings and engaged in major decisions, including the war, they said.

Khamenei has not been seen or heard since the attacks, fueling speculation about his physical and mental state ever since. Some reports had claimed he was in a coma or unconscious and getting treated in the city of Qom.

However, others noted he was engaged in discussions regarding the war over the past days. Axios detailed that Khamenei played a key role in moving Iran toward a ceasefire agreement, instructing negotiators to advance towards a deal as U.S. forces prepared for a large bombing campaign that could have target infrastructure used with civilian purposes, including power plants and bridges.

The U.S. approved the updated proposal on Monday night. Khamenei took longer to make the decision, negotiating through runners passing notes due to being under an assassination threat by Israel. His blessing of the deal was considered a "breakthrough," a source told the outlet.

Back to Saturday, discussions between the U.S. and Iran have begun in Pakistan. U.S. Vice President JD Vance is leading the U.S. delegation, also comprised by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

Vance met with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shortly after landing, as Pakistani officials positioned themselves as key mediators between Washington and Tehran. Iranian negotiators have also held separate talks with Sharif ahead of expected negotiations with the U.S. delegation, The Guardian reported.

CBS News cited Iranian state TV claiming that Tehran's diplomats have "red lines" including a ceasefire and war reparations, but a U.S. official has said there are no agreements so far.

Washington also rejected unfreezing some Iranian assets, contradicting a claim from a Tehran official who had claimed that was the case.

Originally published on IBTimes
Conspiracy theory-loving talking head Candance Owenss self-titled podcast was supposed to be on hiatus this week. But after President Trump named her in a diatribe posted to Truth Social on Thursday April 9, she just couldnt resist responding.

In an episode released on YouTube on Friday April 10, the 36-year-old addressed each part of the presidents nearly 500-word rant, in which he attacked Owens as well as Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Alex Jones and wrote that all four of them have one thing in common, Low IQs.

Both the Truth Social post and Owenss response cover a lot of ground, but the president specifically criticized Owens for her claim that Brigitte Macron, the First Lady of France, was once a man. Calling her Crazy Candace Owens, Trump wrote that he hopes that Macron, 72, will win lots of money in her ongoing lawsuit against Owens.

Actually, to me, the First Lady of France is a far more beautiful woman than Candace, in fact, its not even close! wrote Trump.

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To which Owens shot back: Why are you so obsessed with Brigitte? You think you command people, straight men, to suddenly think Brigitte is hot Are you gay? Why are you so obsessed? Why are you calling me about Brigitte from the White House?

Owens continued, Did you sleep with him when he was a man? and then accused the president of protecting people who harm children. It was a reference to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, but also a dig at Macron, who is 24 years older than her husband and met him when he was a student at a school where she was a teacher.

Read More From Globe

This story Candace Owens Asks President Trump Are You Gay? In Response to His Scathing Truth Social Post first appeared on Globe. Add Globe as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Comedian and podcaster Tim Dillon said on his latest episode on Saturday that President Donald Trump should just come out and admit that he faked the assassination attempt against him in Butler, PA.

Trump was speaking to a rally in Oct. 2024 when police said Matthew Thomas Crooks fired at Trump  then the GOPs presidential nominee  whose ear was grazed by the bullet before he was escorted off the stage by Secret Service. A man sitting behind Trump, Corey Comperatore, was killed in the attack, and Crooks was killed by police. Several rally attendees were also injured.

Let me come out and defend Trump right now. Can I defend him? Dillon began. I dont care if he staged the assassination attempt in Butler. I dont care! I dont care, and I think he should admit it.

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I would change the subject, stop talking about Iran. Just admit you staged it in Butler, Dillon continued.

It was the heat of the campaign. People do crazy things in campaigns. I think  Im speaking just for myself  I will not think less of you if you admit to staging and faking the assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. I will be impressed by the level of coordination. Explain to us how you did it! Kind of like those David Copperfield behind the  and I know that David Copperfield had some Epstein links. Folks, thats neither here nor there. Im trying to explain the way a magician will show you how they do their trick. I think Donald Trump should do a one-hour special on Bari Weisss CBS News. This is a great idea! With Bari, members of the Mossad, and Trump to discuss how they fabricated and staged the assassination attempt.

Now, of course, a real person died and thats terrible. RIP, Dillon added. And they should say, that in high-stakes things like this, stuff like that happens.

Some people are gonna say, Well it was wrong that he did that,' Dillon said. And some people like myself are gonna be more interested in the how. How did you do it? Its fascinating!

I think it would be fascinating for the country. And it would move us in the right direction, Dillon said.

Watch the clip above via The Tim Dillon Show on YouTube.

The post Tim Dillon Says Trump Needs To Come Out And Admit He Faked The Assassination Attempt in Butler, PA first appeared on Mediaite.
A new web series that confronts marital rape in India has put the spotlight on the grim topic in a country that has stubbornly refused to criminalise it.

Chiraiya - the Hindi word for small birds - aired on JioHotstar in March. It has already drawn an audience of millions, making it one of the network's most popular Hindi shows in months.

Praised by media critics for confronting a subject that is largely seen as taboo, it has sparked conversations on social media about consent and misogyny. At the same time, some commentators have described it as "anti-men" and "an attempt to undermine the sanctity of marriage".

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Divy Nidhi Sharma, the show's scriptwriter, says the series follows two women, Kamlesh and Pooja.

Kamlesh, played by Divya Dutta, is a middle-aged homemaker who firmly believes "women should be interested in cooking and housework". Pooja, played by Prasanna Bish, is educated, socially conscious and talks about gender equality and dignity.

Their worlds collide when Pooja marries Arun  Kamlesh's brother-in-law that she reared as her own son. He is seen as the perfect match for Pooja, but her dreams of a happily ever after are shattered when he rapes her on their wedding night.

When she confronts him, Arun tells her he has "just taken what's mine".

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"Why do you keep repeating that I raped you?" he says, adding that marital rape is not a crime in India and there is no law to deal with it.

Kamlesh, played by award-winning actor Divya Dutta [JioHotstar]

Dutta says the show is about consent, "specifically in a marriage, which is considered a very, very special bond".

"Marital rape is very difficult to talk about. Every woman who goes through it thinks it's just her story. She thinks if she speaks about it, there will be social stigma, the harmony of the house will be disrupted," she tells the BBC.

In the show, when a battered and bruised Pooja speaks up about how Arun is treating her, she is advised by everyone, including her mother, to adjust, as talking about it would only bring them shame.

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Kamlesh starts off believing consent for sex is implicit in the marriage, Dutta says.

But as the series progresses, her thought process begins to change when she is forced to decide between her "comfort zone" or "to hold the hand of a woman she's not really fond of".

"She comes to choose the right path," Dutta says, becoming a dependable ally of Pooja.

Some 6.1% of Indian women who have ever been married women have experienced sexual violence, according to government data. But despite years of campaigning by activists, India remains among three dozen countries - along with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia - where marital rape is not outlawed.

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Activists have filed a number of petitions in recent years in the Supreme Court calling for marital rape to be criminalised. But the government, religious groups and men's rights activists oppose any plans to amend the Colonial-era law, which exempts a man for having forced sex with his wife if she is not a minor.

There was outrage last year when a man convicted of raping his wife, who died within hours of the alleged assault, was freed on appeal because, as the judge said, India did not recognise marital rape.

Sharma, Chiraiya's scriptwriter, tells the BBC: "This injustice is happening within our homes, in our neighbourhoods.

"What I find most troubling is that there's no legal or social recourse. So, as a writer I felt I should do my bit about it."

Director Shashant Shah says they took care to ensure men in Chiraiya are not villainous caricatures [JioHotstar]

Adapted from a Bengali show called Sampoorna, Chiraiya has been reimagined for northern India, which is a much more patriarchal region.

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"The protagonist of Sampoorna is a feminist," says Shamra. "Our protagonist Kamlesh is a woman who doesn't even know the spelling of misogyny, she's so steeped in patriarchal conditioning that her moral compass has gone haywire.

"But in the end, she rises to fight what's wrong."

Director Shashant Shah says with Kamlesh, "we wanted to present a woman that millions of women in India can relate to".

"She is a person who has faith in the family system. But slowly you see the transformation, as her world slowly crumbles, she realises it's all a facade, a farce where people are suffering within the family."

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The intention behind making Chiraiya, he says, "was not to question the government or laws, we wanted to raise this question to the society - how do you look at it? We wanted to make people aware".

Pooja's story, he says, "is fictional, but it's the reality for millions of women" and with Kamlesh's character, "we wanted to tell a story of sisterhood".

Though the web series centres around women, Shah says they took care to ensure men in Chiraiya are not frothing-at-the-mouth villainous caricatures.

"They are not monsters - they are just regular people we encounter in our daily lives. Patriarchy is so deeply entrenched that most people are not even aware they are being misogynistic," he says.

Divya Dutta says she believes that impactful stories like Chiraiya have the power to change the world [JioHotstar]

The response to the show, Dutta says, has been "absolutely overwhelming".

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"I've been getting midnight messages and calls and personal notes on Instagram and Twitter. Everyone's watching it. Veteran actors are calling me to say thank you for doing this. Someone sent me a sari with a heartfelt note, somebody's sent a poem they've written. I think it really stirred something within everyone."

There have also been some negative responses. Sharma says some people are "getting triggered" by it and there's been "a backlash from a section of men saying shows like these portray men in a bad light".

"But our aim was to just start a conversation. We are artists, we can't make laws, we can't curb crimes, we can't change society rapidly, but we can use art to make a taboo topic mainstream," he says.

Dutta says she is concentrating on the positives and ignoring the rest. "I would rather not read that 1% [negative feedback] and thrive on the 99% who are giving it their love, who are saying thank you. Let's concentrate on the thank yous."

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Dutta says she believes that impactful stories like Chiraiya have the power to change the world.

"I think this will make a difference in more ways than one because it is telling us where we are going wrong. And rather than just putting the onus on the outside, for someone else to do something for us, this show just emphasises that let's start from home first.

"And that is a first step, but it is a very strong step."
The first time you hear a superb lyrebird, it doesnt quite sound like a bird at all. It sounds like a forest remembering itself: a whipbirds crack, a kookaburras laugh, the chatter of unseen species stitched together uncannily yet familiarly. And sometimes, unsettlingly, it even mimics us.

For decades, the superb lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae) has been described as the most accomplished mimic in the animal kingdom. Thats a bold claim. But when you look closely at the research, it starts to feel more like a careful understatement.

What Makes Lyrebirds The Most Accomplished Mimics

What sets lyrebirds apart isnt just that they mimic. There are various species, common and uncommon, that can achieve this, from parrots to mockingbirds. Instead, what distinguishes lyrebirds is how well they mimic and how strategically they deploy that ability.

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In a 2012 study published in Animal Behaviour, researchers put their mimicry to a rigorous test. The authors focused on the lyrebirds imitation of the grey shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica), a common Australian songbird that has a distinctive and complex call. The researchers approached the question from two angles: perception and acoustics.

They started by conducting playback experiments. If lyrebirds are merely approximate imitators, they expected that the shrike-thrushes would be able to differentiate between their own species song and a lyrebirds imitation. But they didnt. In fact, the birds responded just as strongly to the mimicked song as they did to genuine shrike-thrush calls. In other words, from the listeners perspective, the lyrebirds imitation passed as the real thing.

Then, the researchers went deeper by analyzing the acoustic structure of the sounds themselves. These analyses confirmed just how remarkably similar the lyrebirds imitations were to the original songs, both in structure and complexity. They preserved the essential architecture of the sound with striking fidelity.

However, there was one tell the researchers identified that distinguished them from the shrike-thrushes: lyrebirds tended to produce fewer repetitions of certain elements compared to the original. The researchers interpreted this as a trade-off. Instead of perfectly reproducing every detail of one species call, lyrebirds evolved to balance the accuracy of their mimicry with variety; they compress certain elements to make room others, giving them a broader repertoire overall.

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This is precisely what elevates lyrebirds as mimics. Many animals can imitate others, but few can do so with such precision and breadth. Lyrebirds go above and beyond by integrating dozens of species calls into a single, fluid performance.

Beyond the lab, theres also a wealth of observational evidence suggesting that their repertoire isnt solely limited to the natural world. Lyrebirds have been recorded incorporating human-made sounds into their displays: chainsaws, camera shutters, car alarms, engine noises, even crying babies and fragments of human speech. And in many cases, theyre eerily precise in terms of the rhythms, tones and mechanical cadence.

However, these examples typically come from individuals that live in close proximity to humans, often in captivity or heavily visited habitats. Human-made sounds in these environments are repeatedly available to learn. But thats exactly the point.

Lyrebirds dont seem to privilege natural over artificial inputs. Instead, they operate as opportunistic acoustic learners by absorbing and reproducing whatever dominates their soundscape. In that sense, their mimicry serves to map their environment in sound, whether that environment is a dense forest or one increasingly shaped by human presence.

How And Why Lyrebirds Mimic So Well

Like other songbirds, lyrebirds are vocal learners. They dont rely solely on innate calls; instead, they acquire sounds through imitation, memory and practice. This places them in a relatively exclusive club that includes parrots and only a handful of other highly flexible vocal learners.

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Their vocal organ (the syrinx) is what enables their fine-grained control over the pitch, timing and tonal quality of their calls. Their cognitive capacity also matters to this end, as it determines their ability to store detailed acoustic templates and reproduce them with precision.

Still, the more interesting question is not how they mimic, but why they go to such lengths to perfect it. A 2022 study in Evolutionary Ecology offers a compelling answer: mimicry in lyrebirds is deeply tied to sexual selection. Male lyrebirds perform elaborate courtship displays that combine movement and sound. During these performances, they dont just cycle through a random assortment of calls. The researchers observed that they deploy specific sounds at specific moments.

One component of this display is what the researchers refer to as D-song. During D-song, males mimic the alarm calls of multiple other bird species, which creates the acoustic illusion of a mixed-species mobbing event: a chaotic chorus of different species calls that erupts when birds collectively respond to a predator.

The study found that nearly 80% of lyrebirds D-song included alarm-calls from three other species. What was notable, however, is that these calls didnt come from the most common birds in the environment, as most would expect; they didnt come from the rarest birds, either. Instead, they consistently mimicked species that typically forage alongside lyrebirds, which would be most likely to participate in real mobbing flocks.

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In other words, male lyrebirds arent just mimicking arbitrarily. They actively reconstruct believable ecological scenes with their songs. The question is: why?

The researchers argue that this may function to exploit the antipredator instincts of female lyrebords. By simulating a predator-related event  specifically, the chaotic chorus of alarm calls that typically signals danger  males are essentially able to direct a females attention into a heightened, vigilant state. In the wild, these mobbing calls are rarely ignored; theyre urgent, information-rich cues that demand a response.

Therefore, by recreating this acoustic scenario within a courtship display, the male can manipulate the behavioral context in which the interaction unfolds. He essentially inserts his display into a moment that, for the female, feels consequential or attention-worthy.

One possibility is that this heightened arousal makes females more attentive to the males performance that follows. Another is that it could also tap into their pre-existing sensory biases; by leveraging signals that already carry meaning, they dont have to build new ones from scratch. Either way, it reframes mimicry as something more strategic than decorative.

Why Lyrebirds Evolved Such Extreme Mimicry

To the uninitiated, the lyrebirds repertoire might seem almost excessive. Why would evolution favor such complexity, when countless birds rely on simpler signals that suffice? The answer likely lies in the dynamics of sexual selection, where, beyond communication, signals matter in terms of competition and persuasion.

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In many species, males evolve beautiful and elaborate traits to attract mates : bright plumage, intricate dances, complex songs. In the bird world, these traits serve as an honest signal of the males quality as a suitor. These traits are costly to produce and difficult to fake, which therefore makes them informative.

Lyrebird mimicry fits neatly into this framework, only with a touch more sophistication. To build and maintain the large and accurate repertoires that male lyrebirds are known for, they have to:

Be exposed to a wide range of sounds

Accurately perceive and memorize them

Reproduce them with fine motor control

Integrate them into coherent sequences

Each of these steps places its own demands on the individual. But together, they create what could almost be considered a cognitive and physiological gauntlet, in which only high-quality individuals can likely excel.

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But theres also a cultural dimension. Because lyrebirds learn their sounds from the environment, their repertoires are a reflection of their unique local acoustic communities. This means that, beyond being biologically driven, their displays are also culturally shaped. They will naturally evolve over time, as sounds enter and leave the environment.

This opens the door to a feedback loop: as females prefer more complex or novel displays, males are under pressure to expand and refine their repertoires. This, in turn, raises the bar for future generations.

The element of illusion also benefits lyrebirds. By mimicking entire ecological events (like mobbing flocks), they tap into pre-existing sensory biases, saving them the energy required for inventing entirely new signals. Its a clever strategy. Why evolve a signal from scratch when you can co-opt one that already commands attention?

The more you learn about the superb lyrebird, the harder it becomes to categorize. It is, all at once, a mimic, a performer and a manipulator of soundscapes. Some might say that its merely copying its environment. But, in reality, its simultaneously interpreting it, reshaping it and using it to tell a story that  if the research is right  has been honed over generations to captivate exactly the audience that matters most.

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The lyrebird is a powerful reminder that to mimic nature, you first have to notice it. Take the Connectedness to Nature Scale to explore your own connection to it.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com
Inside a hangar in Hazel Green, a dream is taking shape one rivet at a time. Brandon Vilt, a retired Army master sergeant and decorated veteran of two decades in military aviation, is hand-building his own airplane  a Zenith 750 Super Duty  from a kit. For most builders, it would be a labor of love. For Vilt, who lost his left leg in Iraq in 2007, it is something far greater: proof that no obstacle, no matter how devastating, has the power to permanently ground you.

Vilt served with the 25th Infantry Division, spending much of his Army career working on helicopters before transitioning to unmanned aerial systems. During his first deployment to Iraq, he lost a leg in a devastating accident.

A vehicle ran my checkpoint, Vilt said. They didn't stop when they were supposed to. It hit a jersey barrier  like a big cement barrier  and it fell on top of my leg and pretty much amputated it instantly.

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What followed was years of recovery  relearning how to walk, adapting to a prosthetic, and redefining what a full life could look like. Vilt did not step away from service. He returned to duty, completed a full military career, and retired honorably as a master sergeant. But his love of aviation never faded.

When he began exploring options for recreational flying, he encountered a technical obstacle: traditional aircraft require full use of both legs. With limited flexibility in his left foot, standard controls were not an option. Rather than accept that barrier, Vilt decided to engineer around it.

One of the reasons I decided to build my own airplane is that I cant do toe-heel brakes because I cant flex my left foot, he said. Im going to put a handbrake on it.

So, he got to work. Vilt broke ground on the project last July inside his Hazel Green hangar, purchasing kits incrementally as his budget allows  completing the elevator and rudder assemblies before moving on to the fuselage. Funding the build has required creativity. There are no corporate sponsors. He has been selling branded merchandise, including T-shirts and stickers, to keep the project moving.

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Vilt has set a deliberate and deeply personal deadline for his first flight: April 22, 2027, exactly 20 years to the day since the accident in Iraq. The symmetry is intentional. He wants the anniversary that once marked loss to become a permanent marker of perseverance and renewal.

For Vilt, the project is about far more than building an aircraft. He speaks with quiet urgency about reaching people who feel their limitations define them  veterans, people with disabilities, or anyone who has told themselves it is too late to pursue something meaningful.

Im just hoping to inspire others by showing them that a disability  whatever it may be  doesnt have to stop you, Vilt said. It doesnt even have to be losing your leg. It can be anything. You just can never give up. Keep pushing forward.

Vilt describes flying in terms that border on the spiritual  a freedom unlike anything experienced on the ground, where the noise and weight of everyday life simply fall away.

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Its just unbelievable, he said. You dont have to think about anything else up there. One of my favorite quotes is: a mile of road will take you a mile, but a mile of runway will take you anywhere.

He is documenting every stage of the build on Facebook and YouTube under the handle One Legged Aviation, offering followers a transparent look at the process. Vilt said his goal extends beyond his own cockpit  he wants to pull others into aviation who never thought it was possible for them.

This is my new mission  to inspire others and get people involved in aviation, Vilt said. Kids, adults, even people who think, Well, Im old now, its too late. Its never too late.

For a man who spent 20 years keeping military aircraft in the sky, the next mission has just begun  and this time, it is entirely his own.
Did anyone win Saturday night's Powerball drawing for the jackpot of $36 million?

The cash option for the April 11 jackpot was $16.4 million.

Here's what we know about the drawing on Saturday, April 11:

Powerball winning numbers for April 11 lottery drawing jackpot

The winning numbers for the April 11 drawing were 6, 47, 49, 53 and 60. The red Powerball was 6, and the Power Play was 2x.

Did anyone win Powerball?

No one won the jackpot in the April 11 drawing. There was one $1 million Match 5 winner in California. There was no Match 5 plus Power Play $2 million prize winner.

When is next Powerball drawing?

The next drawing is on Monday, April 13.

What is the Powerball jackpot up to?

The jackpot for the next drawing is an estimated $45 million with a cash value of $20.5 million.

What time is the Powerball drawing?

Powerball drawings take place at 11 p.m. ET every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

What are the odds of winning Powerball?

The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.

Where to buy Powerball tickets

Powerball is played in 45 states, including Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, and in Washington, DC and the Virgin Islands. You do not have to be a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident to play Powerball.

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You can purchase tickets at gas stations, convenience stores and supermarkets in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Sales cut-off times vary by one to two hours before the drawing, depending on the selling jurisdiction.

Can you buy Powerball tickets online?

In Kentucky, you can purchase tickets online through the Kentucky Lottery website, kylottery.com.

In Ohio and Indiana, people can order Powerball tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Lottery tickets are sold to residents online through their lottery's official site in the following jurisdictions:

Kentucky

Connecticut

Georgia

Illinois

Kansas

Michigan

New Hampshire

North Carolina

North Dakota

Pennsylvania

Virginia

West Virginia

Washington, DC

How much is a Powerball lottery ticket today?

A single Powerball ticket costs $2. Pay an additional $1 to add the Power Play for a chance to multiply all Powerball winnings except for the jackpot. In Kentucky, Indiana and some other states, players can also add the Double Play for an additional $1 to have a second chance at winning $10 million.

How to play Powerball

To play, select five numbers from 1 to 69 for the white balls, then select one number from 1 to 26 for the red Powerball.

Powerball Double Play winning numbers for April 11

The Double Play winning numbers for the April 11 drawing were 1, 4, 22, 36 and 48. The red Powerball was 17.

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You can choose your lucky numbers on a play slip or let the lottery terminal randomly pick your numbers.

How to win Powerball

Match all 5 white balls + Powerball: Jackpot (odds 1 in 292.2 million) Match all 5 white balls: $1 million (odds 1 in 11.7 million) Match 4 white balls + Powerball: $50,000 (odds 1 in ~913,000) Match 4 white balls: $100 (odds 1 in ~36,000) Match 3 white balls + Powerball: $100 (odds 1 in ~14,500) Match 3 white balls: $7 (odds 1 in ~580) Match 2 white balls + Powerball: $7 (odds 1 in ~700) Match 1 white ball + Powerball: $4 (odds 1 in ~92) Match Powerball only: $4 (odds 1 in ~38)

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Did anyone win Powerball last night? April 11 drawing numbers, results
Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question youd like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com.

Why are there seven days in a week?  Henry E., age 8, Somerville, Massachusetts

Waiting for the weekend can often seem unbearable, a whole six days between Saturdays. Having seven days in a week has been the case for a very long time, and so people dont often stop to ask why.

Most of our time reckoning is due to the movements of the planets, Moon and stars. Our day is equal to one full rotation of the Earth around its axis. Our year is a revolution of the Earth around the Sun, which takes 365 and  days, which is why we add an extra day in February every four years, for a leap year.

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But the week and the month are a bit trickier. The phases of the Moon do not exactly coincide with the solar calendar. The Moon cycle is 27 days and seven hours long, and there are 13 phases of the Moon in each solar year.

Some of the earliest civilizations observed the cosmos and recorded the movements of planets, the Sun and Moon. The Babylonians, who lived in modern-day Iraq, were astute observers and interpreters of the heavens, and it is largely thanks to them that our weeks are seven days long.

The reason they adopted the number seven was that they observed seven celestial bodies  the Sun, the Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. So, that number held particular significance to them.

Other civilizations chose other numbers  like the Egyptians, whose week was 10 days long; or the Romans, whose week lasted eight.

Some of the earliest civilizations recorded the movements of planets, the Sun and Moon. Andrey Prokhorov/Shutterstock.com

The Babylonians divided their lunar months into seven-day weeks, with the final day of the week holding particular religious significance. The 28-day month, or a complete cycle of the Moon, is a bit too large a period of time to manage effectively, and so the Babylonians divided their months into four equal parts of seven.

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The number seven is not especially well-suited to coincide with the solar year, or even the months, so it did create a few inconsistencies.

However, the Babylonians were such a dominant culture in the Near East, especially in the sixth and seventh centuries B.C., that this, and many of their other notions of time  such as a 60-minute hour  persisted.

The seven-day week spread throughout the Near East. It was adopted by the Jews, who had been captives of the Babylonians at the height of that civilizations power. Other cultures in the surrounding areas got on board with the seven-day week, including the Persian empire and the Greeks.

Centuries later, when Alexander the Great began to spread Greek culture throughout the Near East as far as India, the concept of the seven-day week spread as well. Scholars think that perhaps India later introduced the seven-day week to China.

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Finally, once the Romans began to conquer the territory influenced by Alexander the Great, they too eventually shifted to the seven-day week. It was Emperor Constantine who decreed that the seven-day week was the official Roman week and made Sunday a public holiday in A.D. 321.

The weekend was not adopted until modern times in the 20th century. Although there have been some recent attempts to change the seven-day week, it has been around for so long that it seems like it is here to stay.

Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question youd like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.

And since curiosity has no age limit  adults, let us know what youre wondering, too. We wont be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.

This article has been updated to correct the details on Earths revolution around the Sun.

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This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Kristin Heineman, Colorado State University

Read more:



Kristin Heineman does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
The post South China Find Shows The First Three Foot Giant appeared first on A-Z Animals.

Quick Take

A 436-million-year-old bony fish fossil has successfully helped researchers better understand vertebrate evolution.

Before this discovery, the scarcity of Silurian fossil records created a massive data gap.

Another fossil discovery from 423 million years ago solved an ongoing mystery around ancient teeth.

I first read Lulu Millers Why Fish Dont Exist in 2024. Interspersed with her personal exploration of finding purpose, Miller describes the story of David Starr Jordan, who named and described over 2,000 fish species (an estimated 20% of known species at the time). What captivated me most was how complex the biological category of fish truly is. Miller explained the fascinating biology of fish, including, for example, that lungfish are more closely related to humans than to salmon! In an effort to learn more about fish evolution, I studied everything fish-related I could find: how bony fish are the evolutionary ancestors of nearly all vertebrates, how ray-finned fish are ancestors to 99% of fish today, and how lobe-finned fish are precursors to tetrapods like amphibians, reptiles, birds, and humans.

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Despite everything I learned, I still had questions: What did fish look like before the ray-finned and lobe-finned split? Were ancient fish distinct from one another? Did they share some of the same characteristics we still see in fish today? In 2026, a team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) published research on two bony fish fossils they discovered in South China. One fossil, named Eosteus chongqingensis, is the oldest near-complete, articulated bony fish fossil ever discovered. This rare find is revealing a host of new information regarding evolutionary change.

The History of Fish

The Silurian period was defined by warmer waters that allowed marine life to thrive. iStock.com/CoreyFord

Although some scientists argue that bony fishes diverged into ray-finned and lobe-finned fish during the late Silurian period, the general consensus is that the divergence occurred during the early Devonian period between approximately 419 and 339 million years ago. In fact, the Devonian period is sometimes called the Age of Fish.

Ray-finned fish, part of the superclass Actinopterygii, have thin, webbed fins stretched across bony spines. They make up a vast majority of fish in todays world, accounting for 30,000+ species. If youve heard of catfish, sturgeon, or tuna, then you know of at least one ray-finned fish. Lobe-finned fish like coelacanths, in the Sarcopterygii superclass, have fleshier fins. There are also significantly fewer lobe-finned fish in existence than ray-finned fish.

Before this split occurred, bony fish were known as osteichthyans. Although scientists still use this term today, osteichthyans now also comprises tetrapods in addition to bony fish.

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A better understanding of ancient osteichthyans could reveal how this common ancestor laid the foundation for animal life to evolve. The problem is that the fossil record has been relatively incomplete. As the IVPP authors point out in their first published study, Osteichthyansdominate modern vertebrate biodiversity, yet their pre-Devonian fossil record remains scarce and fragmentary.

In other words, nearly all the fossils weve found came from the Devonian period. This is probably because animals in the Silurian period had softer bodies. Since soft tissues arent preserved as well as shells or bones, softer-bodied creatures are less frequently found in the fossil record. Thats not to say that soft-bodied animals cant fossilize, just that fossilization is less likely.

What is Eosteus chongqingensis?

Although only uncovered in 2019, the Chongqing Lagerstatte, a fossil site in China, has become well-known for its well-preserved fish fossils. In the past, fossils discovered in the area include a shark-like cartilaginous fish called Shenacanthus vermiformis that had large, armored chest plates and Xiushanosteus mirabilis, an armored jawed fish.

E. chongqingensis was found in the same area. Because this tiny fish measured just 3 cm (around 1.2 inches) in length, it was definitely not one of the apex predators of its time. The fossil dates back to 436 million years ago, predating other fossils and microfossils of its kind.

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Researchers noticed that E. chongqingensis had a mix of different traits, including:

A generalized bony fish body, but with no bony fin rays

Caudal fulcra, ossified (rigid/stiff) spines or scales on the tail fin

A single dorsal fin on the back

An anal fin spine normally found in placoderms (ancient armored fish like the Dunkleosteus) and cartilaginous fish

Essentially, E. chongqingensis has multiple evolutionary traits that we now see have been sorted into separate lineages. More importantly, scientists noted that traits associated with bony fish, like the dorsal fin and body shape, emerged earlier than they once thought.

The authors note, Bayesian inference and the 50% majority rule consensus of the maximum-parsimony analysis place the new fish on the osteichthyan stem, whereas the strict consensus leaves its position unresolved. In less scientific language, theyre saying that some analyses place E. chongqingensis as a relative right before bony fishes emerged. However, this isnt fully proven.

Another Discovery

IVPP researchers also identified the head and trunk bones of another Silurian-period fish known as Megamastax amblyodus, which lived about 423 million years ago. They found M. amblyodus fossils in Qujing, a city located in Chinas Yunnan province. Unlike E. chongqingensis, M. amblyodus was sizable. At one meter long, or around 3.3 feet, it was the largest Silurian vertebrate from that geological time period. This likely means M. amblyodus was an apex predator.

The new head and trunk fossils from Megamastax amblyodus Megamastax amblyodus add context to previously discovered fossil fragments. CC BY 4.0  Original / License

In the past, researchers found fragmentary M. amblyodus fossils. While this provided a general overview of the fishs existence and rough size, there were still many questions about this creature. Researchers initially believed M. amblyodus might be a lobe-finned fish.

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After nearly ten years, the authors, who published their findings in Nature, found the right advanced imaging and 3D reconstruction techniques to use M. amblyodus articulated head and trunk material to learn more about its anatomy.

Megamastax amblyodus had a unique anatomy. First, the researchers found that its main blood vessels were likely arranged more similarly to those of cartilaginous fish. M. amblyodus also had more ancient anatomical features like a large front upper jawbone. But, perhaps most interestingly, Megamastax amblyodus actually showed more features of early bony fish, including:

Extrascapular bones, or small bones in the neck area/behind the head

Evidence of tooth reabsorption and replacement

Two rows of cushion-like teeth sitting on blunt, individual bases

The Importance of the Teeth

M. amblyodus teeth are important because they show what early bony fish dentition looked like. According to the research team, Phylogenetic analysis places Megamastax within the osteichthyan stem, near the osteichthyan crown-group node. In other words, M. amblyodus was a near-direct precursor to the earliest stages of bony fish evolution.

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But the teeth also solved a scientific mystery. For decades, scientists in Europes Baltic region have been finding well-preserved tooth plates in Silurian rocks. Its now clear that those were not isolated fossils, but part of M. amblyodus jaw. Additionally, these fossils show how widespread osteichthyans were during the Silurian period.

The post South China Find Shows The First Three Foot Giant appeared first on A-Z Animals.
Five people, including two Chicago police officers, were hurt in a crash early Sunday, CPD said.

The crash happened at about12:01 a.m. in the 3800-block of West Washington Avenue, police said.

CPD officers were driving to a scene with their lights and sirens on, according to police.

A 42-year-old man was driving a gray SUV, failed to slow down, and crashed into the CPD squad car, police said.

The driver and two other men in the SUV were taken to an area hospital. They are expected to be OK.

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Two Chicago police officers were taken to an area hospital and are also expected to be OK.

The driver was taken into custody. Police said charges and citations were pending.

Three parked cars were also struck in the crash.

INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood
EMERY COUNTY, Utah (ABC4)  Goblin Valley State Park rangers have assisted on multiple search and rescue incidents this week, warning visitors to take the proper precautions before heading to the park.

Hey everyone, just another safety reminder from park staff, a social media post from Goblin Valley State Park reads. Goblin rangers have assisted with search and rescue incidents almost everyday this week.

According to park officials, in the last week, authorities have seen flash flooding at Little Wildhorse Canyon, conducted a rescue at Little Wildhorse, and had a technical rescue at Goblins Lair.

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Flooding at Goblin Valley State Park on April 14, 2026. (Courtesy: Goblin Valley State Park)

Authorities offered the following guidelines on Saturday to adhere to if visiting the state park:

Check weather conditions before you start your adventure, particularly for canyons. We have a good chance of rain today, so we DO NOT recommend any slot canyon hiking or canyoneering in the area.

Little Wildhorse Canyon, just outside of the park, is rated as family-friendly and pretty easy. However, it is the source of many rescues every year. Please take the canyon seriously and be prepared with map, water, extra clothes, first aid kit and other safety essentials. It is absolutely key to understand the route before attempting the loop with Bell Canyon.

Be prepared to turn around or reassess when things dont seem to be going right.

See photos of the flash flooding, as well as both rescues, below:

Flash flooding in Little Wildhorse Canyon. (Courtesy Goblin Valley State Park) Park staff on a rescue in Little Wildhorse. (Courtesy: Goblin Valley State Park) Park staff, Emery County Sheriffs Office and Emery County Search and Rescue on a technical rescue in Goblins Lair. (Courtesy: Goblin Valley State Park)

Thanks for being safe out there! park officials said.

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No further information is available at this time.

Latest headlines:

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 ABC4 Utah.
Two hundred and twenty-five years after it sank off the coast of Denmark during a heated military campaign, archaeologists with the Danish Viking Museum have discovered the wreck of the Dannebroge warship.

The Dannebroge sank in 1801 during the Battle of Copenhagen and has long remained a figment of history, depicted in myriad artworks and textbooks, but until now never seen by modern human eyes. Archaeologists discovered the wreck about 50 feet below the waters surface, where visibility levels are extremely low, while they were scouting the site in Copenhagen Harbor for the construction of an artificial island.

We have found Dannebroge and the remains of those who never made it ashore after the battle, Otto Uldum, a maritime archaeologist at the Danish Viking Ship Museum, said in the news release. The area is littered with cannonballs and bar shot. And yes, we have found two cannons, Uldum added of the evidence so far accumulated. He also revealed that the ships measurements correspond exactly to historical drawings. Although the battle is a central event in Danish history, no one, to my knowledge, has examined it archaeologically until now. That is actually quite remarkable, Uldum said.

The Second Battle of Copenhagen (or the Bombardment of Copenhagen) (16 August a 5 September 1807) was a British bombardment of Copenhagen in order to seize the Dano-Norwegian fleet, during the Napoleonic Wars.

Artifacts and Human Remains Also Found at Wreck Site

Uldums team has so far found a wealth of artifacts linked to the Dannebroges long-missing crew, including glass bottles, shoes, pieces of clothing, clay pipes, and uniform patches. Theyve also found gruesome remains of one crew member. We have found a lower jaw that is without doubt human, as well as several other bones, including ribs, which could very well be human, Uldum explained. We are far from finished sorting and analysing the material, but we are bringing everything up.

The Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum

The Dannebroge was the central figure in Denmarks line of defense, and as such was the most sought-after target for the British. The Battle of Copenhagen ultimately injured 40 upon the Dannebroge and claimed the lives of 56 of the ships crew. During the battle, which lasted only a few hours, 255 British soldiers lost their lives, and more than 700 were injured. Losses for Denmark, however, were much more severe: 300 died in battle, and nearly 700 were treated for injuries. One hundred soldiers later succumbed to their wounds. You can visit the Viking Ship Museum for more information.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The four Artemis II astronauts, freshly back from a historic trip around the moon, flew back to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston Saturday to cheers and applause from family members and hundreds of space center workers who gathered to welcome them home.

Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen splashed down in the Pacific Ocean southwest of San Diego Friday evening to close out a nine-day mission, the first piloted flight to the moon and back since the end of the Apollo program a half century ago.

The Artemis II astronauts greeting well wishers gathered in a hangar near the Johnson Space Center in Houston to welcome the crew home. Left to right: Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and commander Reid Wiseman. / Credit: Miles Doran/CBS News

After medical checks and phone calls home to family and friends, all four boarded a NASA jet and flew back to Ellington Field a few miles from the space center. A raucous crowd awaited them in a nearby hangar, including the crew's families.

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"After a brief 53-year intermission, the show goes on, and NASA is back in the business of sending astronauts to the moon and bringing them home safely," NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman told the cheering crowd.

Turning to the astronauts, he said, "Thank you for showing us the moon again. Thank you for showing us planet Earth again, and thank you for contributing to the greatest adventure in human history. Welcome home, Artemis II."

Wiseman stood up and after joking with his crewmates, said "I have absolutely no idea what to say. Twenty-four hours ago, the Earth was...out the window and we were doing mach 39 (times the speed of sound), and here we are back at Ellington at home."

Speaking with clear emotion, he said "before you launch, it feels like it's the greatest dream on Earth. And when you're out there, you just want to get back to your families and your friends. It's a special thing to be a human, and it's a special thing to be on planet Earth."

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Glover, a deeply spiritual man who carried a Bible with him to the moon, said that when the mission started he wanted thank God in public.

"And I want to thank God again," he said Saturday. "Because even bigger than my challenge trying to describe what we went through, the gratitude of seeing what we saw, doing what we did and being with who I was with, it's too big to just be in one body."

Koch was equally moved by the experience of seeing Earth, suspended in the deep black of space, from the vantage point of the moon a quarter of a million miles away.

"When we saw tiny Earth, people asked our crew what impressions we had," she told the crowd. "And honestly, what struck me wasn't necessarily just Earth, it was all the blackness around it. Earth was just this lifeboat hanging undisturbingly in the universe.

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"I know I haven't learned everything that this journey has yet to teach me. But there's one new thing I know, and that is planet Earth, you are a crew."

The Artemis II astronauts pose in front of their Orion crew capsule after it was recovered from a Pacific Ocean splashdown Friday and hauled into a Navy amphibious dock ship for the trip back to shore. Left to right: commander Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen and pilot Victor Glover. / Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

Strapped into an Orion crew capsule they named "Integrity," the astronauts blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center on April 1 atop a Space Launch System rocket. They were the first to ride into space aboard the world's most powerful operational rocket, and the first to fly in an Orion capsule.

After spending a full day in Earth orbit checking out the Orion spacecraft's life support and other systems, they fired the capsule's service module engine to break away from Earth for a four-day flight to the moon.

It was NASA's first piloted moonshot since the final Apollo moon landing mission in 1972, and the first of what NASA envisions as a steady stream of flights while building a base near the lunar south pole.

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The Artemis II mission had more modest goals, simply swinging around the moon on a free-return trajectory back to Earth, giving Wiseman and his crewmates an unprecedented opportunity to observe nearly a quarter of the moon's far side while it was illuminated by the sun.

They also were able to enjoy a spectacular solar eclipse when the moon moved in front of the sun from the crew's perspective, creating a ghostly glow around the darkened moon, an ethereal sight that left the crew awestruck.

"This continues to be unreal," Glover told Houston. "The sun has gone behind the moon, and the corona is still visible, and it's bright, and it creates a halo almost around the entire moon...The Earth is so bright out there and the moon is just hanging in front of us, this black orb out in front of us. We can see stars and the planets behind it."

The Orion capsule entered the moon's gravitational sphere of influence early last Monday and flew around the dark side of the moon about 14 hours later, passing within about 4,000 miles of the lunar surface at close approach.

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Moments later, they set a new record for the maximum distance anyone has ever flown from planet Earth -- 252,756 miles -- about 4,100 miles farther than a record set in 1970 by the crew of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission during their emergency return to Earth.

The astronauts snapped thousands of photos during their historic pass around the moon, shot video and recorded their personal observations to give researchers insights based on the color sensitivity of the human eye.

"Your mission paves the way for America's return to the lunar surface very soon," President Trump radioed the astronauts. "We're going all out. 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. That'll be very exciting."

The Artemis II Orion capsule carrying commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen descends toward an on-target splashdown 13 minutes after entering the atmosphere at more than 24,000 mph. / Credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls

Before launch, the science team helped identify a few relatively fresh craters that had not been previously named. The crew proposed the name of their spacecraft for one.

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"And the second one, especially meaningful for this crew, is a number of years ago, we...lost a loved one," Hansen said. "And there's a feature in a really neat place on the moon. And it is on the near-side/far-side boundary...And some times of the moon's transit around Earth we will be able to see this. So we lost a loved one, her name was Carroll, the spouse of Reid, the mother of Katey and Ellie...It's a bright spot on the moon. And we would like to call it Carroll."

"Integrity and Carroll Crater," Canadian astronaut Jenni Gibbons replied from mission control. "Loud and clear. Thank you."

At the welcome home ceremony Saturday, Hansen spoke last, saying the mission showed him a successful crew had three essential ingredients. The first is gratitude for the opportunity and the support of thousands who made the flight possible. The second was sharing the joy of the experience.

Then he called Wiseman, Glover and Koch to him for a group hug, adding, "The last one is love."

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"What you saw was a group of people who loved contributing and extracting joy out of that," Hansen said. "And what we've been hearing is that was something special for you to witness. And the reason I had them form up here with me is because I would suggest to you that when you look up here, you're not looking at us. We are a mirror reflecting you. And if you like what you see, then just look a little deeper. This is you."

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It was a heros welcome for the four-person Artemis II crew following a textbook splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on Friday evening.

The astronauts arrived Saturday at Ellington Field at Johnson Space Center in Houston to cheers, a standing ovation and hugs from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. The crewmates reunited with their families at the site for the first time since their historic 10-day journey around the moon concluded.

Isaacman referred to the mission as the greatest adventure in human history.

(From left) Artemis II astronauts Jeremy Hansen, Christina Koch, Victor Glover and Reid Wiseman are seen onstage Saturday at Ellington Field at Johnson Space Center in Houston. - Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty Images

The crew  NASAs Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen  completed a record-breaking lunar flyby. The astronauts traveled deeper into space than any human had ventured before. The Artemis II mission was a test flight, serving as an experiment to lay the groundwork for future missions. But the moment of reuniting with their loved ones has been among the most anticipated steps of the crews journey.

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Victor, Christina and Jeremy, we are, we are bonded forever, and no one down here is ever going to know what the four of us just went through, Wiseman said. And it was the most special thing that will ever happen in my life.

No place like planet Earth

Wiseman acknowledged that no one will truly know what the crews families went through.

This was not easy being 200,000-plus miles away from home, Wiseman said. Like, before you launch it feels like its the greatest dream on Earth, and when youre out there, you just want to get back to your families and your friends. Its a special thing to be a human and its a special thing to be on planet Earth. Wiseman was visibly choked up, and the four crewmembers stood to hug on stage.

(From left) NASA's Reid Wiseman and CSA's Jeremy Hansen talk with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman on the flight deck of USS John P. Murtha after splashdown on Friday in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. - Bill Ingalls/NASA

Glover admitted he has not fully processed the entire mission and what we just did yet, but was full of gratitude.

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When this started, I wanted to thank God in public, and I want to thank God again, because even bigger than my challenge trying to describe what we went through, the gratitude of seeing what we saw, doing what we did, and being with who I was with, its too big to just be in one body, Glover said.

And I wanted to thank our families for everything, he added. I love you, but not just those five beautiful cocoa-skinned ladies right there, Glover said, gesturing to his family. All of you.

NASA's Victor Glover (second from left) and Christina Koch sit on a Navy MH-60 Seahawk on the flight deck of USS John P. Murtha after splashdown on Friday. - Bill Ingalls/NASA

You are a crew

Koch shared that her nurse on the Navy recovery ship asked her for a hug last night, one of many great human moments that began and ended the mission, she said. Artemis II truly taught her the meaning of what it is to be part of a crew, Koch said.

A crew is a group that is in it all the time, no matter what, that is stroking together every minute with the same purpose, that is willing to sacrifice silently for each other, that gives grace, that holds accountable, Koch said. A crew has the same cares and the same needs, and a crew is inescapably beautifully, dutifully linked.

(Clockwise from left) Artemis II's Christina Koch, Jeremy Hansen, Reid Wiseman and Victor Glover share a group hug inside the Orion capsule on April 7. - NASA

She said one of her strongest revelations came while observing Earth appear tiny through the window of Orion, and all of the blackness around it.

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I know I havent learned everything that this journey has yet to teach me, Koch said. But theres one new thing I know, and that is planet Earth: You are a crew.

Shared humanity and family ties

Hansen also noted that the human experience has been an extraordinary one for him and his crewmates  and seemed thrilled to learn it was the same way for everyone on Earth who followed the mission.

We have a term in our crew that we coined a long time ago, the joy train, Hansen said. And it sounds like you saw a lot of joy up there. There was a lot of joy. Were not always on the joy train, this crew, there are many times were not on the joy train, but we are committed to getting back on the joy train as soon as we can. And that is a useful life skill for any team trying to get something done.

Hansen asked his crewmates to stand with him as he talked about love.

(From left) Members of the International Space Station and Artemis II crews are seen on the screens inside the ISS flight control room in the Mission Control Center at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The two crews connected in a 15-minute ship-to-ship call on April 7. - NASA

What you saw was a group of people who loved contributing, having meaningful contribution and extracting joy out of that, Hansen said. And what weve been hearing is that was something special for you to witness. I would suggest to you that when you look up here, youre not looking at us. We are a mirror reflecting you, and if you like what you see, then just look a little deeper. This is you.

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During the trip, the astronauts were able to speak with their spouses and children via brief, remote calls. Wiseman, the mission commander, said the experience of listening to his crewmates conversations while crammed together aboard the 16.5-foot-wide (5-meter-wide) Orion spacecraft was a remarkable bonding experience.

Hearing your crewmates giggling and crying and just gasping and listening and loving their families from afar, Wiseman said, has been the neatest bonding experience.

Family is so important to all four of us, and that has been amazing, Wiseman said during an April 8 dispatch from Orion.

Wiseman said he was moved to tears and could hardly speak when he first connected with his daughters from space. He is a widower, and during the mission, the crew proposed naming a lunar crater for his late wife, Carroll.

Looking to the future

Wisemans final words Saturday were for the NASA astronauts that had gathered in the auditorium.

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It is time to go and be ready, Wiseman said, speaking of future space exploration. Because it takes courage. It takes determination. And you all are freaking going, and we are going to be standing there supporting you every single step of the way in every possible way possible.

Isaacman said that the Artemis II mission will always be remembered because its the moment when the crew, and people around the world, saw the moon again and where childhood dreams became missions. And it paves the way for future missions like Artemis III, expected to launch in 2027. The administrator noted that assembly of the Artemis III vehicle, and the announcement of that missions crew, will occur soon.

The next crew will begin preparing to play their part as we return to the lunar surface, we build the base and we never give up the moon again, Isaacman said.

Vanessa Wyche, director of NASAs Johnson Space Center, said the moon joy spread by the crew will empower and inspire a new generation to believe that their dreams are possible.

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It will lead countless students to become the next scientists, engineers, inventors, mathematicians and astronauts who will dare to forge new frontiers in space, and push the boundaries of whats possible for the benefit of all, Wyche said. We often say that we stand on the shoulders of giants, and after seeing them return from this mission, I have to say their shoulders now seem even broader for the next generation to stand on.

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SYDNEY, April 12 (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will visit Brunei and Malaysia this week, continuing diplomatic efforts to secure fuel supplies from Asian allies after disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.

Albanese will travel to Bandar Seri Begawan and Kuala Lumpur from April 14 to 17, his office said in a statement on Sunday.

He is scheduled to meet Brunei's ruler Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

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Foreign Minister Penny Wong would also meet her counterparts in Brunei and Malaysia, the statement said.

"Engaging with critical regional partners such as Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia will help ensure Australia's energy supply remains secure during times of uncertainty," Albanese said.

"We are taking every step to reinforce relationships and engage with key partners to keep our fuel supply flowing."

The trip comes as Australia leans on its Asian allies to maintain fuel supplies amid disruptions caused by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil and gas transited before the conflict.

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Australia, which imports about 80% of its fuel, has experienced localised shortages and soaring prices since the strait's closure.

Malaysia is Australia's third-largest source of refined fuel and supplies 10% of its fertiliser-grade urea imports, while Australia supplies 95% of Malaysia's imported natural gas.

Brunei supplies 9% of Australia's diesel imports and 11% of its fertiliser-grade urea imports.

The government has held talks on fuel with Brunei, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea, among others.

Albanese also travelled to Singapore last week and met Prime Minister Lawrence Wong nL1N40T04W on Friday, with the two leaders agreeing to closer cooperation to ensure energy security.

(Reporting by Christine Chen in Sydney; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Alexander Smith)
COTONOU, April 12 (Reuters) - Benin's finance minister Romuald Wadagni was expected to coast to victory in a presidential election on Sunday, buoyed by strong economic growth and the absence of a credible challenger amid mounting fears over jihadist violence.

President Patrice Talon, who has ruled the West African nation since 2016 but is unable to seek a third term under the constitution, selected Wadagni to succeed him. That means he has the backing of the dominant ruling coalition in the race, which is taking place four months after Talons government narrowly survived a coup attempt nL6N3XE0R9.

Vote counting in Cotonou, the largest city, began late Sunday afternoon after polling stations closed, with provisional results expected on Tuesday.

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A polling station in Cotonou's 12th arrondissement, one of the first to report turnout figures, said 400 out of 584 registered voters cast ballots there - above the 50% national rate for the last presidential election in 2021.

Turnout elsewhere in the city appeared subdued. "I think the competition isn't very strong. Because of that, people have chosen not to come and vote," said Gerard Zossougan Mahouclo, 27, a data operator.

WADAGNI VOWS TO GOVERN MUCH LIKE HIS PREDECESSOR

At Talon's polling station in the Zongo-Nima neighbourhood, women bearing cardboard signs reading "Merci Talon" and "Merci Papa" waited for the outgoing president.

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Addressing supporters, Talon said the election was a "milestone" and expressed confidence Benin had a prosperous future. "We have done some small things. We have taken small steps everywhere. Now we will take great strides," he said.

Wadagni, who has served as finance minister for a decade, has vowed to govern in much the same manner as Talon, promising to deliver on bread-and-butter issues like expanding access to clean water and guaranteeing emergency healthcare regardless of ability to pay.

He will also face pressure to address the country's security problems. Benin has been the hardest hit nL8N3ZU1IX among coastal West African states by jihadist groups who have made major incursions in the central Sahel.

The 49-year-old former executive of accountants Deloitte nL8N40M0M5 voted in his hometown of Lokossa, in southern Benin, wearing all white and accompanied by his wife. He did not make a statement.

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More than 7.9 million people were registered to vote, including 62,000 in the diaspora of Benin nationals living abroad.

OPPONENT SAYS GROWTH GAINS ARE LIMITED

The main opposition party, The Democrats, failed to get enough lawmakers to sponsor a candidate of its own and did not back the only other candidate on the ballot - Paul Hounkpe of the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin, which was once the ruling party but now commands only a smaller following.

Hounkpe says growth under Talon and Wadagni has not improved the lives of most people. "If we make progress but none of us can afford three meals a day, we haven't made any progress. Yes or no?" he said at a rally earlier this month.

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He has also decried what he described as a climate of fear as political space for the opposition shrinks, with the ruling coalition holding every seat in the National Assembly.

On the campaign trail, many prospective voters spoke of the presidential election as a formality and urged Wadagni to deliver on his platform.

Once President Romuald Wadagni is at the head of this country, I would like him to promote and help young people to find work because we have many young graduates on the streets driving 'zem'," said 34-year-old teacher Marcel Sovi, using a local slang word for motorcycle taxis.

Christelle Tessi, a 40-year-old trader, said Wadagni should focus on improving security in the north, where al Qaeda-linked Jama'at Nusrat alIslam walMuslimin killed 54 Benin soldiers nL8N3R12O6 in one attack a year ago and another 15 in an attack last month.

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"If a soldier goes there on a mission, it is his body that comes back," she said.

"We beg him to fight against these bandits so that peace may reign in our country."

(Reporting by Pulcherie Adjoha; Writing by Robbie Corey-Boulet; Editing by David Holmes and Christina Fincher)
For the last 10 days, four astronauts have been making history, travelling further into space than humans have been before as they voyaged to the Moon and back.

I've been following every moment of the Artemis II mission: from lift off, to their lunar close encounter and a nerve-shredding landing.

Before they blasted off into space, the crew told us that on launch day astronauts are the calmest people around.

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Me - not so much.

The force of the blast passes right through you

My excitement was impossible to contain and as the rocket fired its huge boosters and engines and headed skywards, my reaction went viral.

Standing by the countdown clock at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, alongside my BBC News science team Alison Francis and Kevin Church, was a truly visceral experience.

The burning white brightness you just can't take your eyes off, the deafening roar that takes seconds to hit you, and the force of the blast that passes right through you.

Most of all though, I just couldn't quite grasp that there were four human beings strapped into their seats at the top of a 98m-tall rocket on their way to the Moon.

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As Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen got their first look at home from far above, Glover told the world: "Planet Earth, you look beautiful."

Then with a burn of their spacecraft's main engine, they said goodbye and began their quarter of a million mile journey to the Moon.

With the crew getting used to microgravity, live video was streamed back to Earth from inside their capsule.

And it was immediately clear how crammed together they were. They were living, working, eating and sleeping in a space about the same size as a minibus.

There was no privacy from each other, or from the millions of people around the world following every twist and turn.

Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen were living, working, sleeping and eating in a space the size of a minibus [NASA]

Particular attention was paid to their Universal Waste Management System, otherwise known as the loo.

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Their troublesome toilet, which cost $23m to design, had problems with its plumbing.

And we got to find out, in intimate detail, about the impact this was having on the astronauts, when questions were asked at a media briefing about the status of their "number ones and number twos".

And if you want to know - and, confession, I really did - it was "go" for "number twos" but for "number ones" collapsible contingency urine devices were deployed. Basically bags with funnels.

Inside Nasa's Mission Control

At the Johnson Space Center in Houston, we got to spend time in mission control - the nerve centre of the entire operation.

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The team there, staring intently at their screens as data poured in, were monitoring all of the spacecraft's systems, from navigation to life support.

And this was vital. It's important not to forget that this was a test flight - the first time any humans had flown on both the rocket and the spacecraft.

And a test flight comes with real risks.

The nerve centre of the entire operation [BBC/Kevin Church]

Speaking to Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, for the 13 minutes presents: Artemis II podcast, while he was in quarantine before the launch really brought this home.

He told me he'd spoken to his wife and three children about the possibility that he might not come back.

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Reid Wiseman also said he'd had very honest conversations with his two daughters about the dangers involved with this endeavour. He'd brought them up as a single dad after his wife died six years ago.

That loss led to one of the most poignant moments of the mission.

Crater called Carroll

As the crew neared their destination, with the Moon growing ever larger in their spacecraft's window, new features became visible on the lunar surface.

They named a crater - a bright spot visible from Earth - after Reid's late wife Carroll.

The crew, all in tears, came together to hug their commander and friend. And back in Houston, there wasn't a dry eye at mission control - and that includes the BBC team.

The crew named a crater - a bright spot visible from Earth - after Reid's late wife Carroll [NASA]

Every single person we've spoken to at Nasa - from its head Jared Isaacman, to their fellow astronauts, and the scientists and engineers - cares deeply about this quartet, and have been rooting with every fibre of their body for them to succeed.

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And succeed they have.

After breaking Apollo 13's record for the furthest distance ever travelled into space, the Artemis astronauts just kept on going.

Taking thousands of images and recording audio descriptions of the bleakly beautiful the lunar surface as it passed beneath them, the crew eventually voyaged 252,756 miles from Earth.

Staring into space: Pilot Victor Glover enjoys the view [NASA]

The legacy of Apollo runs deeply through the veins of this mission.

Messages from Apollo astronauts Charlie Duke and Jim Lovell - recorded before he died last year - were played to the astronauts during their flight.

But some have asked whether this was just a nostalgia trip. Why spend all this time, effort and money - an estimated $93bn - going back to the Moon when the US has been there already?

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Nasa's administrator Isaacman told us he wants his space agency to build on Apollo, not just repeat it.

He has a raft of lunar exploration plans, from a landing planned for 2028 as well as a Moon base - and in the future he has his sights set on sending humans to Mars.

But there are also questions about whether astronauts really need to explore the Moon when orbiters, rovers and landers can do the job.

Isaac was adamant that humans must be in the mix, telling me that exploration was part of human DNA. But he also acknowledged that this came with risk.

And nowhere was this more apparent than the final challenge for the Artemis crew - their return to Earth.

Coming home

Homecoming - one of the riskiest parts of the mission [NASA]

It was the final challenge of their mission, and the biggest one too.

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Victor Glover said re-entry was like riding a fireball through the atmosphere. And as the capsule hurtled back to Earth, it experienced temperatures half as hot as the surface of the Sun.

Watching this white-knuckle ride from mission control was an anxiety inducing experience. Especially when the communications dropped out for six very long minutes as the capsule closed in on Earth.

The relief here was palpable when a small dot of bright white light was spotted high above the ocean, and Wiseman's voice rang out at mission control, "Houston, We have you loud and clear."

With the capsule descending beneath huge parachutes to gently splashdown in the Pacific Ocean, the astronauts were back on Earth.

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The focused and calm atmosphere in mission control was no more as the room erupted with celebrations. The Houston team - as well as the thousands of people who'd worked on the project - had safely brought their friends home.

The Artemis astronauts have had an extraordinary experience, which they've already acknowledged will take a long time to fully absorb.

And of course, they have an extraordinary connection with each other too.

Victor Glover and Christina Koch pose for a photo after splashdown [NASA]

I had the chance to speak to the crew in space as their voyage was nearing its end. I asked them what they'd miss most. Without hesitation, Christina Koch said she'd miss the camaraderie, that the crew were now like family.

They went up to space relatively unknown - now Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen have returned household names.

It does feel like we have been in the front row as history is being made. Kevin, Ali and I have been taken aback by how much this mission has gripped so many people - as we've reported around the clock to keep up with everyone's insatiable appetite for the latest news from space.

For a few brief days, the astronauts have transported millions around the world away from planet Earth - and let us ride along with them.

And if Nasa achieves its ambitious exploration plans - and other countries follow too - we'll all be back for more.
DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH)  Both sides of Interstate 71 were closed Saturday night due to a fatal multi-vehicle crash at US-36/SR-37.

The collision occurred at 6:27 p.m. and according to Ohio State Highway Patrol, nine vehicles, including one semi truck, were involved.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a 2006 Freightliner semi-truck and trailer driven by Modou F. Ngom, 50, of Columbus, was traveling north and failed to stop as he approached a traffic backup. Police said that Ngoms truck hit several vehicles from behind, resulting in the nine-car crash.

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Columbus Aviators head coach Ted Ginn Jr. arrested

Three people  a 37 -year-old man, a 36-year-old woman, and a one-year-old child, all from Ashley, Ohio, and traveling in a Chevrolet Silverado  were killed. Three other people were hospitalized with serious, non-life-threatening injuries.

Carissa Shaw, a driver who witnessed the crash, said that the scene was unbelievable.

I saw the semi on the other side going northbound. Running into vehicles and coming towards the median right to my left. And immediately flames were shooting into the air. It was one of those moments where its like slow motion, and youre thinking, Am I seeing what Im seeing? It was so wild, Shaw said. People ran over to a red vehicle that was right to my left, and tried to help, but the whole drivers side was mangled.

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Ngom is being held in Delaware County Jail on vehicular homicide charges.

German Village restaurant sustains significant damage from fire

The area of the crash is currently under construction for the Sunbury Parkway interchange project. The Ohio Department of Transportation said the crash investigation will provide insight into how the construction played a role in the crash.

In addition to the highway patrol, the Delaware County Sheriffs Office, the Sunbury Police Department, Genoa Township Police Department, Delaware County EMS, Delaware County Coroners Office, Delaware County Prosecutors Office, BST&G Fire Department, and the Ohio Department of Transportation all responded to the scene.

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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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
(The Center Square)  Candidates for various elected offices spoke Friday and Saturday about priorities regarding affordability, public safety and other statewide issues at the California Republican Convention in San Diego.

The annual convention is being held this weekend at the Sheraton San Diego Resort. Party leadership and delegates were to continue discussions about races for governor, lieutenant governor, treasurer and other positions on Saturday night.

Ahead of the meeting of delegates, some candidates spoke in scheduled sessions at the convention about their platforms or talked exclusively with The Center Square about their take on taxpayer issues.

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Steve Hilton

The leading Republican candidate for governor, Hilton earned the endorsement President Donald Trump on Monday, which he spoke about to an audience at the convention on Friday. The former Fox host also spoke about some of his priorities if he were elected governor to an audience of Central Valley Republicans on Saturday morning.

Heres whats going to happen starting a few months from now, Hilton said to the crowd. The water will be flowing to our farmers. The oil will be flowing to our refineries. The forests will be managed.

Hilton, in response to a question from The Center Square on Friday, said he doesnt see how a Democrat can win the governors race in November.

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I dont understand how a Democratic candidate has a chance of winning, Hilton told The Center Square. After 16 years of one-party rule thats ending in the highest poverty rate in the country, the highest unemployment rate in all 50 states, the highest cost of living. After all of this, the Democrats are asking for another four years of one-party rule? No way. They dont deserve another four minutes.

A recent University of California, Berkeley poll showed Hilton and fellow Republican gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco, who's the Riverside County sheriff, ahead of all other candidates, Republican or Democrat, with 17% and 16% of the vote respectively. Campaign signs and merchandise for both candidates were seen at the convention.

Gretha Solorzano

Former businesswoman Gretha Solorzano, a Republican candidate for governor, told The Center Square in an exclusive interview on Friday that shes focused on issues of affordability and solving Californias budget woes.

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The state faces a $35 billion a year budget deficit starting in fiscal year 2027-28, and the states total bond debt stands at $99 billion.

Republican lawmakers in Sacramento have said that California doesnt have a revenue problem, but a spending problem. But Solorzano believes that the state has problems on both fronts. She said she wants to see the billions of dollars the state spends importing oil into the state pay for development of the oil industry instead.

We are in a deficit because companies are leaving, 40% of our taxes are paid by the 1% of the population, so we are creating this environment in which wealth is leaving California, Solorzano told The Center Square. How about we invest instead of shutting down our refineries and shutting down our wealth, how about actually using some of that money and invest it right here in California?

Solorzano said she would invest money the state collects in oil revenue to help spur job creation in the oil industry and manufacturing, which she wants to see come back to the state.

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Solorzano also wants to use state money to pay for development of the states water infrastructure, similar to Democratic Sen. Anna Caballeros 2025 bill, Senate Bill 72, which aims to develop 9 billion new acre-feet of water by 2040.

Look what that would do to our economy, Solorzano said. Housing prices would come down and food prices would come down. It would continue to sustain jobs in California.

Caballero told The Center Square in recent weeks that she envisions that bonds would pay for the development of additional water infrastructure. But Solorzano emphatically doesnt believe the state needs to go into additional bond debt to pay for water infrastructure development.

No, no, absolutely not, Solorzano said when told Caballero wants to pay for SB 72 with bonds. We have plenty of money. We need to bring revenues back to California and use our money.

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Unlike her rivals in the governors race, Solorzano did not know what Proposition 36 was. Prop. 36 was passed by California voters in 2024 and elevated certain drug-related and theft crimes from misdemeanors to felonies. The ballot measure passed by 68.4% of the vote statewide in November 2024. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom opposed the measure and allocated no new funding to enforcing Prop. 36 in his 2026-27 budget.

When asked if she would allocate money to enforcing Prop. 36, Solorzano asked for more information about what Prop. 36 was.

I think I would need to read more about it before I answered that, Solorzano said.

Rep. Jay Obernolte

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U.S. Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Hesperia, spoke to a room full of Republicans from Californias Central Valley on Saturday morning, saying that a challenge Republicans in Congress face now is narrow margins by which to pass legislation. Obernolte noted the Republican-Democratic margin in Washington is still 218-214.

Three of the 435 seats are vacant. That means Republicans can pass legislation even if one Republican votes with Democrats - assuming the Democrats vote together.

All 435 seats will be voted on during the Nov. 3 midterm election.

David Serpa

Serpa, a candidate for state treasurer, told The Center Square on Saturday morning in an exclusive interview that he is concerned about fraudulent or wasteful spending in the states budget. Serpa adopted the California Republican partys oft-quoted phrase, California doesnt have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem.

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Theyre not doing anything well, yet they keep increasing their budget without any sort of accountability, Serpa said.

The California Air Resources Board and programs and regulations instituted under the California Environmental Quality Act would be two of the first things Serpa would cut if he were elected to State Treasurer, he said.

We already have federal oversight and federal regulations, Serpa said. Why do we need more state oversight and regulations, and why do we need county oversight and regulations on top of that?

He also wants to develop the states oil industry, and looks on the continual shutting down of the states remaining oil refineries as an economic harm to the state. Regulations that limit drilling dont just drive oil refineries out of the state, but also increase gas prices for the Golden States drivers.

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We have deep oil reserves, some of the deepest oil reserves in the world, yet were paying the most for gasoline, Serpa said. Weve been shutting down oil refineries, weve been shutting down nuclear power plants, and we cant be surprised when weve got $6 gas and no one can afford their energy bill.

If he wins the election, Serpa said he wants to lower gas prices by allowing private businesses the chance to solve the problem he says government created by instituting too many regulations.

Tony Strickland

State Sen. Tony Strickland, R-Huntington Beach, also told The Center Square on Saturday afternoon that while he sees California has a spending problem, not a revenue problem, there are certain programs he would like to cut to reduce government spending besides cutting waste and fraud.

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Theres going to be some programs I can definitely cut, Strickland told The Center Square. High-speed rail is at the top of the list. Health care to undocumented immigrants. BART, because that should be a local thing that is done. BART - the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District - received a $590 million loan in legislation signed by Newsom, a former San Francisco mayor.

Strickland also said he would like to see more concrete measures of success or failure in homelessness spending, which he would also cut.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice and news reports, millions of dollars were fraudulently spent on homelessness programs in California. One case involved a man who was accused of obtaining $23 million of taxpayer money that was meant to pay for homelessness services in Los Angeles and taking millions of dollars for himself.

Strickland also told The Center Square this weekend that a number of bills he introduced are aimed to reduce the cost of living in California and address issues of affordability. One bill, Senate Bill 1035, would suspend the states gas tax for one year. The bill failed in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee in a bill hearing on March 19.

California has consistently had the highest gas prices in the nation for several years, and it has risen over a $1 a gallon since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran started. On Saturday, the average was $5.90 a gallon, above the national average of $4.14.

Another bill Strickland introduced, SB 926, aims to allocate $400 million of general fund money to funding enforcement of Proposition 36.

I cant recall the last initiative that passed all 58 counties, Strickland said of the popular measure. Were gaining ground, actually. Not only did I introduce my bill, but I sent a letter to the budget lead, [Senator John] Laird, to fully fund that $400 million.

Another letter by Umberg, Blakespear and Richardson asked for the same amount of money to fund Prop. 36, Strickland said.

Were gaining momentum to get law enforcement the tools they need to keep us safe, Strickland said. Democrats, independents and Republicans voted overwhelmingly to get this done. It shouldnt be this hard to get this funded  it should be the first thing funded, not the last.

Laurie Davies

Assemblymember Laurie Davies, R-Oceanside, told The Center Square on Friday that she doesnt want to cut any state agencies or programs to reduce state spending.

We do not have a revenue problem, Davies said. Its where the revenue is going and how its being used. I think its really important we stop the fraud, and we need to know what our budget is, get the accountability and then we know who the good actors are and who are actually performing and actually getting good results and what we need and those that arent.

When asked who the bad actors are who waste taxpayer dollars, Davies couldnt answer the question.

When we put money into programs, the programs are supposed to be doing something, whether its health, education, whatever it may be, to better someones life, Davies told The Center Square. You have to look at them individually. I never want to put them under one label.

Davies also said that Prop. 36 funding could come from the general fund revenue or other funds allocated to public safety.

Just days after Trump endorsed Hilton for governor of California, Davies added that a Republican governor could still face the challenge of seeing any veto overridden by what will still likely be a Democratic supermajority in the legislature.

Im not afraid of it, Davies said when asked if she is concerned that a Republican governor would have any veto overridden. It would depend on whatever the legislation was.

Assemblymember Leticia Castillo, R-Corona, who is also running for re-election in November, declined to be interviewed on Saturday morning. Many of Californias Republican state senators and Assembly members did not attend the conference in San Diego this weekend.
Georgia Democrats say they are getting ready for a rebirth as this years midterm election season approaches.

At the annual Carter-Lewis dinner Saturday, headlined by Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, supporters, donors and elected officials from across the state gathered to mobilize for what many expect to be a tough fight for Democrats at the ballot box.

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff is facing a competitive reelection campaign, as the only Senate Democrat up for reelection in a state Trump won in 2024, and candidates for statewide offices like governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general are tasked with winning over voters who previously supported Republican candidates.

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But with strong Democratic turnout during last years Public Service Commission elections and overperformances during off-year special elections, Democrats see plenty of signs for hope.

During a nearly 30-minute keynote speech, Beshear outlined what he sees as the path back for the Democratic Party in states that have traditionally voted red.

For too long, the national Democratic Party wrote off the South, he said. The key to winning voters back over, he told the audience, starts with showing up and getting dirt on our boots and then governing well.

The event, which was named for the late Congressman John Lewis and President Jimmy Carter, also included speeches from Democrats who have made major gains in races previously dominated by Republicans, including Public Service Commissioner Peter Hubbard, Rep. Eric Gisler and 14th congressional district candidate Shawn Harris.

Sen. Jon Ossoff speaks at the Democratic Party of Georgias Carter-Lewis Dinner on April 11, 2026, in Atlanta. (Alander Rocha/Georgia Recorder)

It also featured an appearance from U.S. Sens. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, who offered their own messages of hope for the future. Ossoff, who will face one of three Republican challengers for his seat in November, highlighted the impact Trumps second term has had on working class Americans.

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Our task is not just to contain this wickedness, but to repair the brokenness beneath it and advance toward a new era of reform and progress and justice, Ossoff told a crowd of roughly 900 people.

Its all coming down to Georgia again, and you better believe were ready, Ossoff added.

Rep. Michelle Au, a Johns Creek Democrat who attended the dinner, said she found Beshears message encouraging as Georgia Democrats work to gain momentum across the state.

Its very motivating to hear someone like Andy Beshear speak, who was able to win in a red seat, she said. We continue to work here. I think that we are well on our way, and I think this is the perfect room for him to speak in prior to the primary.

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The speeches also resonated with attendees, who say they are excited for some fresh energy from the Democratic party.

Mitchell Redd, a 30-year-old data analyst, said he was impressed by the speeches, and excited for the party to embrace new candidates and ideas. With Trumps return to the presidency, he added, the need for change has become more urgent.

I hope it has rattled Democrats to just wake up and realize that same old, same old just doesnt cut it anymore.

Georgias primary election will be held on May 19. Early voting for the primary begins on April 27.

Reporter Alander Rocha contributed to this report.

This story is republished from the Georgia Recorder, a sister publication to the Kentucky Lantern and part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Contact Editor Jill Nolin for questions: info@georgiarecorder.com.
Caston School Corporation is highlighting the results of a statewide study from the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University, which provides a new perspective on how schools contribute to student success across Indiana.

The study introduces a value-added model that evaluates how much school corporations contribute to student learning after accounting for factors such as poverty, demographics, and resources. Unlike traditional rankings based solely on test scores, this approach focuses on the direct impact of schools, teachers, and instructional practices on student outcomes.

The study found that:

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 Student demographics and poverty levels explain a significant portion of test score differences across schools, accounting for roughly 41%53% of performance variation.

 However, 47%59% of student outcomes are influenced by school-specific factors, including teaching quality, curriculum, and leadership.

 Some Indiana school corporations exceeded expected performance by more than 30 percentage points, demonstrating the powerful impact schools can have beyond external factors.

 Caston School Corporation was identified as one of the districts showing notable growth in value-added performance over time, with significant gains compared to prior years.

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This study reinforces that schools matter in shaping student success. While external factors influence outcomes, the work happening inside classrooms, such as strong instruction, meaningful relationships, and high expectations, plays a critical role.

This study validates the work happening every day in our classrooms. At Caston, our staff is focused on ensuring that every student grows, regardless of their starting point, Caston superintendent Angela Miller said. Our staffs commitment to focused instruction and student learning continues to make a measurable impact.
In the villages that dot Kodiak Island off the coast of southwest Alaska, the post arrives by plane. Mailing a ballot to the archipelagos hub takes at least two days  if the regions frequent storms havent grounded air traffic.

Its a common problem across Alaska. And its a big reason why the state allows ballots postmarked by Election Day to be counted for up to 10 days afterward, a critical reprieve for voters in remote communities that are disconnected from the states highway system and sometimes even polling locations .

Thats why Alaskans across the political spectrum are sounding the alarm about a pending Supreme Court ruling. A majority of justices appear to be leaning toward barring states from counting late-arriving ballots, a ruling that would upend voting laws in Alaska and more than a dozen other states . That could potentially disenfranchise hundreds of voters in Kodiaks distant villages and thousands more across the remote reaches of The Last Frontier  and upend Alaskas election process in a state that could determine Senate control.

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This matters a lot in a place like Kodiak, because absentee voting, its not a convenience here, said Jared Griffin, the mayor of Kodiak Island Borough, who is an independent. Its going to really hurt those rural, remote voters.

A ban on late-arriving ballots could have an outsized impact on Alaska Natives, many of whom live in rural villages that already experience delays in receiving and returning ballots. Its a scenario thats sparking bipartisan fears of depressed turnout in the states hotly competitive Senate race between former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola and GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan. The contest could decide control of the chamber.

Democrats in particular are crying foul  accusing Republicans of pushing changes that could disenfranchise members of a significant Democratic-leaning voting bloc.

It would be catastrophic. Its mean-spirited, Eric Croft, the chair of the Alaska Democratic Party, said of the potential effect on rural and Native voters. It would hurt participation in rural Alaska. And Mary Peltolas very strong in her Native communities, and in the community she comes from. So I think it will hurt her."

Blunt-force trauma

President Donald Trump won Alaska by 13 points in 2024. But both sides see a competitive Senate race shaping up.

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Peltola holds a narrow edge over Sullivan in the handful of public polls testing the race so far, leading the Republican by 5 percentage points in an Alaska Survey Research poll from mid-March. National Democrats see Peltola as a major recruiting win, and have already put over $3 million into boosting her campaign, according to ad tracking firm AdImpact.

Republicans are shoveling money into the state as well, a sign they dont see Sullivan as a lock. Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC aligned with Majority Leader John Thune, pledged this week to pump $15 million into the race  a staggering sum for the state of 740,000 people.

Core to Peltolas hopes of flipping the state  and possibly the Senate  are running up the score in the Bush region, the term Alaskans use for the a vast expanse of isolated villages from the Aleutian Islands to the North Slope that are cut off from the states road system and include much of its indigenous communities.

Alaska Natives make up roughly 20 percent of the states electorate and are a powerful force in its politics. They helped propel Peltola, who is Yupik and has deep roots in the Bethel region, to her 2022 special-election upset to serve out the remainder of the late Rep. Don Youngs term in the House. In the November election that year, Peltola swept the vast majority of predominantly Native precincts, according to an analysis by Split Ticket . They've also backed GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski against right-wing challengers; Sullivan has ties with the communities as well.

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Many Alaska Natives rely on voting by mail, and activists see it as a critical tool in rural stretches where voter turnout is often lower than in more urban areas . That includes the region Peltola represented in the state House.

Ballots come in late from all over the state where more than four-fifths of communities are cut off from the main road system. But theyre tardy from rural and Native communities at a rate two-to-three-times higher than those coming from mainly urban and non-Native areas, according to a brief that a group of Native organizations filed to the Supreme Court. In state House District 38, which Peltola represented, nearly four-fifths of all absentee ballots came in after Election Day.

None of those late-arriving ballots would be counted if the Supreme Court strikes down a five-business-day grace period in Mississippi, in the case brought by the Republican National Committee and backed by the Trump administration.

They want a ballot in their hands the day of election [so] you know the winner that night. Thats difficult, said Democratic state Rep. Maxine Dibert, an Alaska Native who represents a district in and around Fairbanks, in the rural center of the state. Theres already barriers to voting.

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The ruling, which could come this summer, could upend election administration in Alaska just two months before the states primaries  a worst-case scenario that prompted the states Republican attorney general, Stephen Cox, to ask the court to issue clear parameters for Alaska in its eventual ruling. Though Cox did not take sides in the case, he stressed the unique challenges Alaskans face in voting in a state where volatile weather can knock out mail services and polling locations sometimes lack the staff to open.

Peltolas campaign said in a statement that she would work to ensure Alaskans are able to make their voices heard in November.

Mary believes everyone who is eligible to vote should have access to the ballot box and one-size-fits-all rules from DC rarely work for large rural states like Alaska, campaign spokesperson Harry Child said. Whether by road, plane, or boat, well be reaching Alaskans where theyre at and making sure they can participate in our safe and secure elections.

Alaskan leaders are also bracing for the far less likely passage of the SAVE America Act, a set of voting strictures being pushed by Trump and his allies that state officials and local activists warn could further disenfranchise rural and Native populations. The bill is stalled in the Senate in part over the objections of Alaskas senior senator, Republican Lisa Murkowski, though Sullivan supports it.

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We're going through a lot of blunt-force trauma with this multi-pronged effort to not meet the voters where were at, said Michelle Sparck, who runs Get Out the Native Vote, a nonpartisan group dedicated to improving Native turnout.

Senate stakes

Murkowski, who has drawn strong Native support across her campaigns and is backing Sullivan in his reelection bid over her former ally Peltola, has slammed her partys twin efforts to curtail mail voting and tighten identification requirements as a level of voter intimidation. And she has warned a Supreme Court ruling eliminating the grace period for mail ballots would hit her state harder than any other.

Ive got a state that is very reliant on mail-in voting, she told POLITICO, and we want to continue that.

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Sullivan has his own ties to Native communities. Hes won the backing of several federation leaders in their personal capacities. His wife, Julie Fate Sullivan, is Koyukon Athabascan and hails from an influential family.

A spokesperson for Sullivan said the senator believes mail ballots cast by or on Election Day  even if they are received afterward  should be counted.

Senator Sullivan has a record dating back to his time as Alaskas Attorney General of defending voting rights for Alaskans, particularly in rural and Alaska Native communities. He believes that every eligible vote cast before or on Election Day should be counted, Sullivan spokesperson Amanda Coyne said in a statement. He also applauds Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox for filing an amicus brief in this case, highlighting Alaskas unique challenges and geography.

Art Hackney, a veteran GOP operative who is running an outside group backing Sullivans reelection bid, said voters would adjust to potentially having to mail their ballots earlier. And he suggested the effect on the Senate race would be negligible.

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Its just a matter of figuring out how to deal with it, Hackney said. The percentage impact, I think you can toss a coin  a few this way, a few that way. Theyre both going to be fighting for [Native and rural] votes.

But Democrats, who see Alaska as a possible linchpin to their hopes of retaking the Senate, say the restrictions could hurt Peltola on her home turf  potentially imperiling their broader midterms strategy.

They argue that Alaska has already taken steps to tighten voting rules, pointing to the sweeping and bipartisan elections overhaul bill lawmakers sent to GOP Gov. Mike Dunleavy last month that would update voter rolls, create a ballot-tracking system and establish a ballot-curing process.

These efforts do one thing and one thing only: disenfranchise people who live in rural parts of Alaska, said Jim Lottsfeldt, a longtime Democratic strategist in the state who is not involved in the Senate race. You could make the argument that these sort of things hurt Peltola, because as the first Native woman to be elected to statewide office, she obviously has the support of Alaska Natives. Thats a core constituency.
Cubas worsening fuel crisis is now severely hampering the delivery of humanitarian aid distributed through the Roman Catholic Church, a senior American church official said in an interview.

Miami Archbishop Thomas Wenski, who has helped coordinate aid shipments to Cuba for three decades from South Florida, told USA TODAY that what his diocese is able to send to Cuba is "small potatoes" because it's proving increasingly difficult to find ways to distribute the supplies it sends to the island amid extreme fuel shortages.

Wenski said that in the past week his community was able to ship a container of chicken to Caritas Cuba, an aid group associated with the Catholic Church, but that when it reached the area "Caritas was using almost what I would describe as wheelbarrows to distribute it. They sent me the photos."

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He said that Cubans are telling him that the island is reaching its "zero hour": humanitarian collapse.

The Trump administration has tightened longstanding sanctions and curbed oil shipments to Cuba as part of a broader campaign to force sweeping political changes on the communist-run island. Already mired in a severe economic crisis, the near-total blockade is pushing the country toward collapse. The White House has also threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, including Venezuela and Mexico, and added the island to its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Trump's renewed attention on Cuba has at times bristled the Vatican, with Pope Leo XIV calling on all parties to have "sincere and effective dialogue."

More: Pope Leo for president someday? Don't even think about it

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The pope, who has emerged as the most prominent global critic of Trump's actions on the world stage, said in February that dialogue was the way to "avoid violence and any action that could increase the suffering of the beloved Cuban people, according to Vatican News.

The Free Press reported on April 6 that Cardinal Christophe Pierre, who acted as a Holy See ambassador to the United States until March, was "summoned" by the White House over a speech Pope Leo made in January. The report, citing unnamed Vatican officials, characterized parts of the meeting as "a bitter lecture warning that the United States has the military power to do whatever it wants  and that the Church had better take its side."

USA TODAY can confirm the meeting took place, but the Pentagon and the Vatican have both pushed back on the version of events described in the report.

Meanwhile, the United States and Cuba have acknowledged they are in the early stages of trying to find a way out of the crisis but it's not clear how much each side is willing to compromise.

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In an interview with NBC News, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said he would not resign under U.S. pressure. And he said Havana has asked the Trump administration to open formal talks without requiring political concessions.

Cubas DiazCanel: He says he wont step down under US pressure

A hotel remains lit by its own system during a blackout in Havana on March 16, 2026, after Cuba suffered a widespread power cut according to the national electricity company, against the backdrop of a severe crisis on the island caused by the US energy blockade. A young man jumps into the sea at sunset on the Malecon during a blackout in Havana on March 16, 2026. Cuba suffered a widespread power cut on March 16, 2026, according to the national electricity company, against the backdrop of a severe crisis on the island caused by the US energy blockade. Men play dominoes in a street of Havana during a blackout on March 16, 2026. Cuba suffered a widespread power cut on March 16, 2026, according to the national electricity company, against the backdrop of a severe crisis on the island caused by the US energy blockade. Cuba suffered a widespread power cut on March 16, 2026, according to the national electricity company, against the backdrop of a severe crisis on the island caused by the US energy blockade. A man rides a bicycle along the coastline of Havana during a blackout on March 16, 2026. Millions without power after Cubas electric grid fails 1 of 5 A hotel remains lit by its own system during a blackout in Havana on March 16, 2026, after Cuba suffered a widespread power cut according to the national electricity company, against the backdrop of a severe crisis on the island caused by the US energy blockade.

Even as the Trump administration's attention has shifted to the Iran war, tensions between Washington and Havana have escalated in recent weeks. Trump has suggested he expects soon to have the "honor" of "taking Cuba, in some form," adding, "Whether I free it, take it  I think I can do anything I want with it."

At the same time, U.S. and Cuban officials have quietly pursued high-level talks centered on a potential economic deal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading the U.S. side and met in February with the grandson of former Cuban leader Raul Castro. Diaz-Canel publicly confirmed on March 13 that discussions were underway.

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Few details about the talks have emerged.

In his NBC News interview, Diaz-Canel said his government remains bound to the will of the Cuban people. "The concept of revolutionaries giving up and stepping down  its not part of our vocabulary, he said.

Cubastroika: Inside Trump plan to save Cuba's economy and win control

Catholic Church: A U.S.-Cuba mediator

The Roman Catholic Church has long served as a mediator between the two countries and played a central role in the 2015 thaw that restored diplomatic relations after more than five decades of hostility. Pope Francis helped broker that opening  Trump later began reversing it during his first term  and laid the groundwork for the visit by President Barack Obama to Cuba in March 2016.

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On Feb. 20, senior U.S. diplomats met in Rome with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vaticans foreign minister, to discuss the Churchs role, according to The Washington Post. That same day, U.S. officials also met Latin American ambassadors to explore how the Church could support economic opportunity and greater freedom for Cubans.

In March, the Vatican also helped secure the release of 51 prisoners from Cuban jails, including 27 political detainees, according to the advocacy group Prisoners Defenders.

Buildings are illuminated after power was restored following a partial collapse of the electrical grid that left much of western Cuba in the dark in December 2025.

Cuba: It wants to open private sector to Cuban Americans as US talks grow

Weeks later, Cuban authorities announced the release of more than 2,000 additional prisoners, though none were classified as political, said Javier Larrondo, the groups president.

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Despite speculation, Larrondo said the releases were unrelated to U.S.-Cuba talks. He added that Trump administration officials had contacted nongovernmental organizations, including his, in early 2025 about political prisoners but made clear they were not involved in any negotiations to secure releases.

Exclusive: Trump eyes surprise economic deal with Cuba

They knew nothing about any negotiations with Cuba to free anyone or anything, he said.

Meanwhile, arrests of political prisoners have surged. After averaging about 15 per month last year, authorities detained 28 people in February and more than 45 in March, Larrondo said.

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As the fuel crisis deepens, he said, Cuban officials fear a repeat of the July 2021 protests, when widespread unrest driven by economic hardship triggered violent clashes and led to more than 8,000 arrests.

Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel raises his fist next to Progressive International's general coordinator, David Adler, during an event at the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) in Havana, on March 21, 2026.

Regime change: Trump says he may do 'friendly takeover' of Cuba, or not

For the past few months, people have been showing up at soup kitchens with containers  in order to bring home meals to their families, rather than eat at the distribution line, said Sissi Rodriguez, executive director of Friends of Caritas Cubana, a U.S.-based nonprofit that raises funds for the group.

The crisis on the island began deepening last year after Cuba struggled to recover from Hurricane Melissa.

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In October, the Category 3 storm battered Cuba's eastern regions with heavy rain, flooding and destructive winds. Caritas Cuba deployed volunteers to the area, distributing aid across the storm-wrecked areas via horse-drawn buggies and oxen-pulled carts, said Rodriguez.

Cubas situation is unsustainable, said Larrondo, of Prisoners Defenders.

Democrats descend on Cuba

Two Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives who visited the island last week echoed that assessment.

Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Jonathan Jackson said they traveled to Cuba to witness firsthand the impact of the fuel embargo, which they described as an illegal blockade of energy supplies.

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This is the most sanctioned place on Earth right now, just 90 miles from our shores, Jackson told reporters in Havana. Lets lower the rhetoric. People are suffering  and for no good reason.

Inside Marco Rubios Cuba gamble: Trump pushes a friendly takeover

The lawmakers said their five-day visit, which ended April 5, included meetings with Diaz-Canel, Cuban legislators, and senior foreign ministry officials.

There has been dialogue - the beginnings of dialogue, Jayapal said. It hasnt yet reached full negotiations, but there is clearly an interest in getting there and addressing what needs to change.

'Let us sit down and talk'

Wenski, in Miami, who is 75, said that he had planned to travel to Cuba last month to meet with Cuban bishops across the island but had to delay the trip because of a last-minute illness. His visa is still valid for several weeks.

"I'm trying to get a couple of days to go over," he said.

But before goes, he said he'd want to talk to the Cuban bishops to make sure that they will be able to retrieve him at the airport, feed him and get him back to the airport so he can get home.

In February, Cuban bishops decided to cancel their ad limina visit  a visit of bishops to Rome that usually happens every five years and allows them to interact with the pope and other Vatican members  because of the deteriorating situation on the island.

In an interview with Crux magazine, Bishop Arturo Gonzalez Amador, head of the Cuban Diocese of Santa Clara, said he and other bishops were readying to leave to the airport in mid-February to attend the Rome meeting when they were told the planes may not have enough fuel to leave the island.

They decided to remain closer to the Cuban people in their time of need, he said.

Gonzalez applauded efforts by the U.S. and the Catholic Church to send aid to victims following Hurricane Melissa and said it was time for the two countries  the United States and Cuba  to drop past grievances and strengthen ties.

We must do our part, and it is time for dialogue, he told Crux. Enough of being entrenched against one another; enough of uttering offensive words. Let us sit down and talk.

Follow Hjelmgaard and Jervis on X: @khjelmgaard, @MrRJervis.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Church warns humanitarian aid falters as Cubas fuel crisis deepens
NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH)  A study found New Albany is the fifth wealthiest suburb in the U.S. that tracks precise income data.

The study by BestWallClock Archive used U.S. Census data to locate Americas wealthiest suburbs. With a median income of $238,250, New Albany was the wealthiest suburb in Ohio and the fifth wealthiest in the U.S. that reports an entire income. Comparably, the Census lists Ohios median income at $71,389.

The Census reports suburbs with median incomes above $250,000 generically; the cutoff was $100,00 before 2009. Of suburbs with reported median incomes, New Albany ranks fifth. See previous coverage of New Albanys top homes in the video player above.

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Central Ohio organization offering bounty for removal of Callery pear trees

Described as a Shangri-La for the wealthy, New Albany straddles Franklin and Licking counties. It is known for lavish homes and its emerging role as a hub for tech companies. The study said New Albanys wealth is supported by planned community development and ties to major employers in Columbus, including finance and retail corporations.

According to the U.S. Census, New Albany had 11,604 residents in July 2024, the most recent data. The Census found nearly 90% of residents are home owners and 99.2% of residents 25 and older are high school graduates, most of whom also have a college degree.

New Albanys wealth is in large part due to Ohios richest man, Les Wexner, who transformed the once-rural area into a sprawling wealthy city starting in 1987. Wexner acquired his personal wealth after founding L Brands and running companies like Bath & Body Works and Victorias Secret.

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According to the New Albany Company, Wexner joined childhood friend, college classmate and business partner Jack Kessler to renovate the area from a 500-person town to a well-off community. Kessler told the New Albany Company that he and Wexner lived in Bexley in the 1980s, but Wexner wanted a country home.

Les said, Gahanna is great, but we cant do much to change it. Its already built. New Albany, we can change, Kessler told NBC4 partner The Columbus Dispatch.

Door Kick Challenge: Hilliard police warns parents of new viral craze

Kessler and Wexner also established the New Albany Business Park, which has now attracted major investments like Intel and the worlds largest capacity data center. The area boasts million dollar homes, one of which was occupied by convicted sex offended Jeffrey Epstein when he worked with Wexner before Wexner said he cut ties in 2007.

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No other Ohio suburbs made the top 48, the total number included in the survey. The top 10 trackable incomes are listed below:

Paradise Valley, Arizona ($247,159) Rye, New York ($246,944) Sammamish, Washington ($239,690) Lexington, Massachusetts ($238,444) New Albany, Ohio ($238,250) Des Peres, Missouri ($224,327) Colleyville, Texas ($218,328) Los Gatos, California ($217,554) Vienna, Virginia ($216,953) Ridgewood, New Jersey ($208,211)

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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
CHICAGO (AP)  A tangled political fight over whether Chicagos public schools will hold classes on May Day is coming down to the wire, confusing tens of thousands of students and parents.

The influential teachers union, an ally of Mayor Brandon Johnson, wants educators to participate in protests in the nations third-largest city on May 1, coinciding with workers rights rallies worldwide. But the newly named leader of Chicago Public Schools has rejected the pitch to cancel classes.

The standoff has created uncertainty for the families of more than 315,000 students.

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Here is what to know about Chicagos battle over having school on May Day.

Teachers union wants day off to boost May Day rallies

May Day demonstrations are typically robust in union-friendly Chicago. The roots of the day, also celebrated as International Workers Day, go back over a century to a turbulent and pivotal time in labor history.

This year U.S. labor groups are planning for a boycott of work, shopping and school to fight the Trump administration's agenda. In some places, including North Carolina, unions are encouraging teachers to call off work on May 1.

The Chicago Teachers Union wants the nations fourth-largest school district to scrap classes for all, arguing it lets teachers and students protest at a time when education is under threat. Unions are demanding more school funding, raising taxes on the wealthy and ending immigration crackdowns.

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More than 70% of the districts students are low-income; most are Black or Latino.

What our students need, and what history teaches us is the only thing that works, is educators, labor unions, and community groups standing together to defend each other and our democracy and demand that the government put our families over their fortunes, the CTU said in a statement.

This week, Macquline King, the newly-named district CEO, said she had no plans to cancel class.

As a career educator, I believe every minute in the classroom is vital for our students, she said in a statement, adding that the district's school board could override her with a vote. Their next regular meeting is April 23.

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The union says it will use May 1 as a professional development day for teachers, swapping for one scheduled on for June 5, the first day of students' summer break. The union has filed a grievance over the matter.

Canceled classes could also scrap test prep and proms

The uncertainty over the closure of more than 500 schools is creating headaches for parents concerned about finding child care or scrapping test prep.

A district survey showed 113 schools, approximately one-fifth of the district, had planned activities on May 1 including field trips, sporting events and makeup testing for Advanced Placement classes. Another 100 said they had other activities including prom and senior night that day, according to a memo from King to school board members obtained by The Associated Press.

Disruptions would directly affect academic testing and key student milestones, particularly for graduating seniors and 8th graders with limited ability to recover or reschedule these experiences, King wrote in the memo.

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Mariam Hafezi, parent of a middle school student on Chicagos northwest side, said she supports learning about civics and wouldnt be opposed to student-led walkouts. But she noted that these demonstrations were driven by adults.

It is a teachable moment without them being outside of school, she said. It would be wiser to spend time in class explaining about the strike in general.

Fight over schools puts mayor in tight spot

The fight over the a single day off school showcases a difficult dynamic for first-term Mayor Johnson and a potential 2027 reelection bid.

Johnson supports the May 1 demonstrations. But he has been less clear publicly about whether classes should be canceled. In a statement Friday, a mayor's spokesman said the city would work with all stakeholders to make sure May Day demonstrations are safe and meaningful for those who wish to participate.

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A former CTU organizer, Johnson was elected in 2023 with the unions support. That relationship has created tensions, particularly last year amid contract negotiations and the ouster of then-CEO Pedro Martinez.

After a rocky search for a replacement, the board named King, a district insider who served as interim CEO. Last week, the board approved her 3-year contract.

School board members grumble about logistics

The disagreement has also offered a preview of politics on the citys newest Democratic body. Chicago is phasing out a mayor-appointed school board for a fully-elected one in November.

Currently, the 21-member body is a mix of elected and appointed members who clash often.

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Calls to keep students out of school are reckless, elected board member Jennifer Custer wrote on Facebook. They hurt parents who work, disrupt classrooms, and set our kids back  all for politics.

But Emma Lozano, a longtime immigrant rights activist appointed by Johnson, disagreed.

She thinks it's important for students to take part in May 1 marches, which in Chicago have drawn hundreds of thousands of people in years past.

We dont just get educated in the classroom, she said. We get educated in the world and have to learn how to fight for our rights.
A child is in critical condition after being hit by a vehicle that fled the scene April 10 in Middletown, according to Middletown police.

Middletown dispatchers received a call about a crash at Breiel Boulevard and Lefferson Road at around 5:48 p.m. involving a juvenile on a bicycle.

Officers say they found the child suffering from potentially life-threatening injuries. The child was taken to Atrium Medical Center, then transferred to Cincinnati Childrens Hospital via CareFlight.

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The child is in critical but stable condition, police said.

The suspects vehicle was identified by a witness, and it was eventually located in the area of Kroger on Towne Boulevard, police said.

Police say they then stopped the vehicle and eventually took the driver, 35-year-old Thomas Harris of Dayton, to the Middletown City Jail.

He is facing charges of aggravated vehicular assault, OVI, his second within the last 10 years, and fleeing the scene, police said.

The Middletown Division of Police and the Butler County Severe Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team are investigating.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. Ryan Rogers or officer Scott Renner at the Middletown Police Department at 513-425-7700.

Enquirer media partner Fox19 provided this report.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Child on bike hit by car in Middletown, police arrest suspected driver
An investigation is underway after a child died in a shooting Saturday afternoon, according to police.

Channel 2s Eryn Rogers was live on WSB Tonight at 11 p.m.

Atlanta police confirmed to Channel 2 Action News that a 12-year-old boy was shot in the 1800 block of Lathrop St SE.

Police were dispatched to the scene at about 1:49 p.m.

The child was taken to the hospital in critical condition, officials said. Despite lifesaving efforts, he died of his injuries.

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Police say they detained some people.

Investigators are questioning a youth and adults that were inside of the location when the shooting happened.

An APD captain says two young people and their parents are cooperating with them, but theyre still trying to figure out exactly who was inside the room with the 12 or 13-year-old victim.

Our homicide team is trying to ascertain what exactly led to the shooting, said Capt. Germain Dearlove.

Rogers got security video from a neighbor timestamped 1:49 p.m. that shows people running from the home.

We will have to speak with the mom to identify and confirm we have everyone.

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Police say they detained two young people who are cooperating, but family members of the victim said off camera that the boy had just moved to the neighborhood.

He had friends over and they were playing with the gun inside a bedroom, and thats when the 12 or 13-year-old boy got shot in the chest.

Its just one of those things that happen, that it dont have to happen, said neighbor Michael Dennis.

Neighbors say its normally a pretty quiet neighborhood, but one neighbor who didnt want to be identified says this week has been different.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, around the same time, kids would come by my house, duck behind the church and just shoot, the neighbor said.

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That neighbor said they called police because they thought someone might get hurt: I was concerned for my safety.

Theres been an upsurge in youth violence in just the past week, where four young people have been shot and three have died.

Police say they have a message for parents and guardians.

Check your homes. Make sure these weapons are secure. If they have friends over, dont let them close that door. Check on them, do periodic updates, Dearlove said.

Police say right now, theyre not able to say if the shooting was accidental or intentional.

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The translation appears to align with a description of Nebuchadnezzar from the Book of Daniel, which depicts him walking on his palace roof in Babylon while boasting of his construction projects.

Two inscribed clay cylinders found in the ancient city of Kish in central Iraq bear the writings of Nebuchadnezzar II, the Babylonian king who besieged Jerusalem in 589587 BCE, according to a study published in December 2025 in the journal Iraq.

The two cylinders were first discovered by two locals in 2013 near the ruins of Kishs ziggurat (a stepped temple tower). The locals handed the artifacts over to Iraqs State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH), and have since been housed in the Iraq Museum in Baghdad

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According to the study, the text is written in contemporary Neo-Babylonian cuneiform and is a first-person account of Nebuchadnezzars restoration of two temples dedicated to the Babylonian gods Zababa and Ishtar.

As with many royal inscriptions, the study explained that the cylinders are undated and that the text does not help to establish an approximate date for its composition.

Per the translation, the account states that two previous kings had begun construction on the temples, and that Nebuchadnezzar had continued to keep the shrines of the great gods in good order.

Walls of Kish, Iraq,1977; file photo. (credit: Vivienne Sharp/Heritage Images/Getty Images)

However, the text does not include details of the reconstruction, the study noted, instead focusing on the solidity of the walls and the decoration of the Ziggurats external facade.

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I put its brickwork in good order, the study translated. I built its collapsed section(s) anew, (and) I completed (it) and raised its superstructure. I embellished its outward appearance and made (it shine) like the daylight for Zababa and Ishtar [sic].

The cylinders end with a prayer from the king to the gods, asking them for long life and help in conquering his enemies: May I attain very old age, may I conquer my enemies, (and) may I kill my opponents, with your fierce weapons, cut down (and) bind my enemies [sic].

Text seems to align with Book of Daniel

The translation appears to align with a description of Nebuchadnezzar in the Book of Daniel, which depicts him walking on the roof of his palace in Babylon while boasting of his vast construction projects.

Chapter four, verses 25-27 read: All this befell King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of twelve months, he was walking atop the royal palace of Babylon. The king exclaimed and said, Is this not the great Babylon, which I have built up into a royal house with my powerful strength for glorification of my splendor!

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In the Tanach, Nebuchadnezzar is portrayed as the destroyer of nations, having besieged Jerusalem, exiled the prophet Ezekiel, and ended the Kingdom of Judah's independence.

The cylinders, however, seem to present a different view of Nebuchadnezzar: A powerful king who saw restoring the crumbling temples of his gods as a religious duty.

Translation of the Book of Daniel was taken from ArtScrolls Stone Edition of the Tanach.
A leadership change is set at one of Arkansas largest military installations as Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges has selected Col. Stephen Brack to serve as the next garrison commander of Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center.

A change of command ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. April 12 at Fort Chaffee, where Brack will succeed Col. Kevin Cox.

Bridges praised both officers in announcing the transition, citing Bracks decades of service and leadership experience across multiple command levels.

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Col. Stephen Brack is an exemplary officer, and his experienced leadership has positioned him well to advance Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center into the future, Bridges said. Hes successfully served at every level of leadership and will serve in a second brigade command.

Cox, who has led Fort Chaffee since Nov. 3, 2024, will transition to command the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade rear detachment while the units headquarters is deployed overseas for the next nine months.

Brack enlisted in the Army in 1995 as an armored crewman at Fort Irwin, Calif., before joining the Arkansas National Guard. He completed Officer Candidate School in 2002 and commissioned as a second lieutenant, later beginning helicopter pilot training at Fort Rucker, Ala., in 2003.

Throughout his career, Brack has held a wide range of leadership roles, including company commander, battalion operations officer, brigade executive officer, battalion commander, commander of the 77th Theater Aviation Brigade, and state Army aviation officer for the Arkansas National Guard.

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He has logged more than 3,700 flight hours in the OH-58 Kiowa, UH-1 Huey and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.

Bracks military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and multiple state and federal honors.

Fort Chaffee Joint Maneuver Training Center spans roughly 65,000 acres in the Arkansas River Valley and serves as the states largest military installation. The site hosts a wide range of training exercises for military units across the country, including live-fire drills, urban combat simulations, river crossings, and command post operations.

The installation is one of nine designated Regional Collective Training Capability sites and was identified in fiscal year 2023 as both a Level 1 Garrison Training Center and a Contingency Mobilization Force Generation Installation.

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Fort Chaffee supports more than 200,000 training man-days annually and can accommodate more than 5,000 troops at one time, with facilities that include a conference center, theater, rail-head access, drop zones and restricted airspace for aviation and unmanned systems training.

In addition to Department of Defense use, the installation also supports training for agencies such as the Department of Energy and federal, state and local law enforcement.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Arkansas Guard names new Fort Chaffee commander
By Alvaro Murillo

SAN JOSE, April 11 (Reuters) - Costa Rica on Saturday received the first group of migrants from other countries deported from the United States under an agreement signed in March between the two countries, local authorities said.

Costa Rica's General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners said the 25 migrants included citizens of Albania, Cameroon, China, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Kenya and Morocco.

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"Upon entering the country, the migrants will receive primary care from the Professional Migration Police, with the cooperation of the International Organization for Migration (IOM)," the Costa Rican agency said in a statement.

Under the agreement, Costa Rica will receive up to 25 people per week, while the United States will provide financial support and the IOM will offer food and accommodation during the first seven days of migrants' stay in the country.

The agreement is part of U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to ramp up his mass deportation program, including removing immigrants to third countries that are not their country of origin. The administration has said that such third-country deportations are necessary to remove people whose home countries refuse to accept them.

But these deportations have faced criticism from Democrats and human rights advocates for stranding migrants in countries far from their homelands, where they often don't speak the language or have any family ties.

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In February, Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee released a report https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/democrats-say-trumps-foreign-deportation-deals-cost-taxpayers-millions-2026-02-13/ that said the deportation agreements with foreign governments cost American taxpayers millions of dollars - at times more than $1 million per person shipped out of the country - and produce little benefit.

(Reporting by Alvaro Murillo in San Jose, Costa Rica, writing by Laura Gottesdiener in Monterrey, Mexico)
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP)  The Supreme Court in the African kingdom of Eswatini has ruled that four men sent there by the United States last July under the Trump administration's third-country deportation program can finally meet with a lawyer after they were denied in-person legal counsel for nine months while held at a maximum-security prison.

A lower court had previously ruled that local lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi, who is working on behalf of the men's U.S.-based lawyers, could meet with them, but the Eswatini government immediately appealed that decision.

In a ruling delivered on Thursday, the Supreme Court dismissed arguments by Eswatini authorities that the deportees didn't want to meet with Nhlabatsi, and that they had no right to legal counsel anyway because they had not been arrested or charged with a crime in Eswatini.

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Eswatini is ruled by a king as Africas last absolute monarchy, and authorities have been accused of clamping down on pro-democracy movements, sometimes violently.

U.S.-based lawyer Alma David of Novo Legal Group, who represents two of the four deported men, said in a statement Friday that the fact that it took nine months of litigation to allow the men to meet with a lawyer speaks volumes about how hard the government of Eswatini is fighting to deny these men the most basic of rights.

The four men from Cuba, Yemen, Laos and Vietnam have been allowed to speak by phone with their U.S.-based lawyers.

Eswatini is one of at least eight African nations to have struck deals with the U.S. government to take deported migrants who are originally from other countries. The Trump administration has used the program in its immigration crackdown as a means of quickly removing migrants who are in the U.S. illegally and who can't easily be sent to their home countries.

Criticism that deportees are denied their rights

Critics have said the program allows the deportees' legal rights to be violated in countries that have questionable rights records and where the deportees have no ties.

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U.S. authorities have insisted they followed due process with the deportations but have largely handed over responsibility for the treatment of the deportees to the countries receiving them.

Eswatini government spokesperson Thabile Mdluli said in a cell phone message to The Associated Press that the judgment is still new, and the Government has not yet convened to consider any potential future actions, if necessary.

The four men sent to Eswatini were convicted of serious crimes in the U.S. and had deportation orders, the U.S. government has said. Their lawyers say they completed their prison sentences in the U.S. and their detention at Eswatini's maximum-security Matsapha Correctional Complex is illegal because they have not been charged with any crime in the African nation.

The US is paying African governments millions

The U.S. agreed to pay Eswatinis government $5.1 million to take deportees, according to documents released by the U.S. State Department. Eswatini has received at least 19 deportees from the U.S. in separate batches since July and said it could hold them in prison for up to a year. Two of them have been repatriated to their home countries.

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The seven other African nations known to have agreed on deals to take deported migrants are South Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Congo.

Details of only some of the deals have been published by the State Department, including that the U.S. would pay Rwanda $7.5 million. South Sudan's government asked the U.S. to drop sanctions against a senior official accused of corruption and help it prosecute an opposition leader in return for taking deportees, according to documents related to that deal. There is no indication the U.S. considered those requests.

Senate Democrats have questioned a $7.5 million payment made to Equatorial Guinea, where the president and his family are accused of systemic corruption, embezzlement and repression. Many elements of the deals have been cloaked in secrecy, including where some of the deportees sent to Africa are being held and how long they will be detained.

More deals are being negotiated

A report in February by Democratic staff of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said the Trump administration had spent at least $40 million to deport roughly 300 migrants to countries other than their own, including in Africa, Central America and elsewhere.

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At the time, internal documents reviewed by The AP showed 47 deportation deals between the U.S. and third countries had been agreed or were being negotiated.

___

AP writer Nokukhanya Musi in Manzini, Eswatini, contributed to this report.

___

AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
Firefighters battled heavy flames and smoke at a trash fire in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

It broke out around 1:30 a.m. Sunday on the 1000 block of East Market Street.

Officials say crews were focused on an empty lot where tires and trash were burning.

No one was hurt.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths chest-thumping claims about Irans losses dont appear to line up with intelligence assessments.

Iran still has thousands of ballistic missiles that could be pulled out of hiding or dug up from underground storage sites, officials familiar with U.S. intelligence assessments revealed to The Wall Street Journal.

The report undercuts the self-proclaimed secretary of wars claims that Irans missile program has been obliterated.

Pete Hegseth has repeatedly declared U.S. domination of Irancontrary to leaked intelligence assessments. / REUTERS

Their missile program is functionally destroyed, launchers, production facilities, and existing stockpiles depleted and decimated and almost completely ineffective, Hegseth, 45, told reporters on Wednesday as he asserted that Irans air force has been wiped out.

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U.S. intelligence reports paint a more worrying picture, sources told the Journal.

Though American officials have said that more than half of Irans missile launchers have been destroyed, damaged, or trapped underground in the conflict, many of them can still be repaired or pulled out of underground complexes, the outlet reported.

U.S. and Israeli officials also said that while Irans missile inventory has been roughly halved, it retains thousands of medium- and short-range ballistic missiles that could be taken out of hiding or dug up from underground sites. Iran still has more than 1,000 of the estimated 2,500 medium-range missiles that it had at the start of the war, Israeli officials told the Journal.

On Wednesday, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine reiterated that President Donald Trumps war with Iran was aimed at accomplishing three objectives: destroy Irans ballistic missile and drone capabilities, destroy the Iranian Navy, and destroy their defense industrial base to ensure that Iran cannot reconstitute the ability to project power outside their borders.

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White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told the Journal that those objectives have been met.

This profound military success has allowed Vice President Vance, Special Envoy Witkoff, and Jared Kushner to negotiate with maximum leverage in order to end these threats to American troops and our homeland for good, she said, referring to the peace talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Pakistan.

Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, similarly asserted that U.S. objectives in the Iran war have been met. / REUTERS

The Pentagon declined to comment.

Hegseth has repeatedly declared victory against Iran, insisting on Wednesday that the U.S. has completely destroyed Irans defense industrial base.

Their command and control is so decimated they cant really talk and coordinate, he said. So, they still may shoot here and there, but that would be very, very unwise.
A growing number of Democratic lawmakers have called for the expulsion of their colleague Eric Swalwell from the House of Representatives as he battles allegations of sexual misconduct that have upended his bid to be California's next governor.

Democrats said they would be on board with removing Swalwell if a Republican congressman, Tony Gonzales of Texas, who is also facing allegations of abuse involving a staff member, is removed from the chamber, too.

Virginia Democrat Eugene Vindman told CNN on Sunday: "We should not tolerate this behaviour. Representative Eric Swalwell needs to go."

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Before the allegations surfaced Swalwell was projected as a frontrunner in the race for California governor.

Last month, Gonzales dropped his re-election bid after admitting to having an affair with a staff member. A House ethics panel is investigating his conduct.

US media reported four women have accused Swalwell of misconduct ranging from harassment to sexual assault, including an alleged incident in New York that has prompted an investigation by Manhattan district attorney's office. The BBC has not independently verified the unnamed accuser's account or identity.

Swalwell - who was elected in 2012 to a district near San Francisco - vowed in a statement on Friday to defend himself.

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"For nearly 20 years, I have served the public - as a prosecutor and a congressman, and have always protected women," the married father-of-three added. "I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action."

Within hours of the accusations surfacing, Swalwell's California gubernatorial campaign had lost the backing of prominent supporters, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Now some of his colleagues are going further in calling for him to step down from Congress altogether.

Jared Huffman, a California Democrat, said if Swalwell and Gonzales did not resign from Congress, he would support their expulsion.

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Democrat Pramila Jayapal of Washington said she would also vote to expel.

She said it was "important for staffers across the Capitol to see that their bosses don't get to do this to them".

Without explicitly committing to back an expulsion motion, Ro Khanna, a California Democrat, condemned Swalwell's alleged conduct.

"There needs to be consequences to that," Khanna said. "And I have said not only does he need to step aside, there needs to a House ethics investigation and a law enforcement investigation." Khanna said Gonzales also needed to go.

The calls for Swalwell and Gonzales to stand down were bipartisan.

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Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York, said: "Congress must hold itself to the highest ethical standard, regardless of party."

Byron Donalds, a Florida Republican, told NBC News: "That vote comes to the floor, I will be voting yes on both measures... As far as I am concerned, both gentlemen need to go home."

Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican, said on Saturday that she would file a motion to expel Swalwell.

The BBC has contacted representatives for Swalwell and Gonzales for comment.

An expulsion measure from the US House is extremely rare and requires support from two-thirds of lawmakers present and voting at the time it is called. Only six lawmakers have been expelled from the US House in its 237 year history.

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The Swalwell allegations surface at a crucial moment in the wide-open Democratic primary race to lead the nation's most populous state - which has elected a Democrat to the role for the past 20 years - just weeks before voters receive postal ballots.
(This story has been updated with additional information.)

PAXTON  The finances of Anna Maria College are under scrutiny by the state, with the school under pressure to reverse declining enrollment.

On Friday, April 10, the state Department of Higher Education issued a formal notice to the college. Such notices follow a review under the department's financial assessment and risk monitoring process.

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The notice reads: "The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education cannot confirm that the Anna Maria College has sufficient resources to be able to sustain operations at current levels and substantially fulfill its obligations to enrolled and admitted students for both the current and the subsequent academic year."

Anna Maria, like many small independent schools, has faced a drop in students in recent years. The decline is due in part to a shrinking pool of college-age students, called a "demographic cliff" by school administrators. Becker College, a small private school in Worcester, closed in 2021.

In April 2025, the New England Commission of Higher Education, an accreditation source, shared its concern about the future of Anna Maria. At the time, enrollment was at 1,173, down almost 20% from 1,458 in 2019, according to school figures.

The college has made cuts in staff and programming in recent years. A new president, Sean Ryan, took over in July.

Sean J. Ryan

Anna Maria in 2022 announced it was discontinuing three of its music majors. At the time, the college said efforts to boost the number of students had fallen short.

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The college has acknowledged the concerns raised by the Department of Higher Education. It said the downward trend in enrollment could be reversed, based on enrollment deposits for the school year that starts in fall 2026.

A recent $5 million donation from an anonymous supporter will bolster turnaround efforts, according to a school spokesman. It is the largest single donation in school history.

The April 10 notice included a statement from Anna Maria. It reads in part: "The College's leadership acknowledges the serious financial pressures that reflect both longstanding structural challenges in the higher education sector and the particular impact of enrollment declines on a small, tuition-dependent institution."

The college said cuts in staffing and operation budgets are part of the larger plan to steady the finances.

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"Anna Maria College has pursued its distinctive Catholic mission since 1946, and its leadership remains committed to ensuring that every currently enrolled student has the opportunity to complete their education," the school's statement reads.

In recent weeks, some town officials in Paxton, where the Anna Maria campus is located, raised concerns that the school was behind more than $400,000 in money it owed the town for various police services. The overdue balance was eventually paid, according to a school spokesman.

Anna Maria was built on the 290-acre farm, Mooraces, of Worcester businessman Thomas B. Moor. The Sisters of Saint Anne, a Marlborough-based order, bought the land for $50,000 in 1951, after starting the school in Marlborough.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Dept. of Higher Ed. skeptical about future of Anna Maria College
The Trump administrations U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency has referred allegations of Rep. Eric Swalwell illegally employing a Brazilian nanny several years ago to law enforcement officials at the Department of Homeland Security for investigation, according to a DHS spokesperson.

The probe marks an escalation of hostilities with the Trump administration , following a referral to the Justice Department for investigation into potential mortgage fraud by Swalwell, which he condemned as meritless. It also comes as the Calfornia Democrat is in a political tailspin from unrelated allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. The Manhattan district attorney on Saturday opened an investigation into Swalwell, a gubernatorial candidate in California, because one of the sexual assault allegations was reported to have happened in New York.

The New York Post reported on Saturday that Swalwell had hired a nanny for his children, who continued to work for the family after her work authorization permit expired in 2022. She received authorization from the Department of Labor in 2024.

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USCIS has been collecting information on the allegations involving Congressman Eric Swalwell hiring of a Brazilian national as a nanny without lawful work authorization, DHS spokesperson Lauren Bis said in a statement to POLITICO. These allegations are serious. USCIS has referred this matter to DHS law enforcement for investigation.

Bis declined to comment on which component of DHS would be in charge of a formal investigation.

Federal law prohibits employers from knowingly hiring aliens who are not authorized to work in the United States, Bis said. No employer, including a member of Congress, is above the law.

Swalwell and his attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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A complaint filed to DHS in February said that the nanny appears in numerous social media photos with the Swalwell family throughout 2023 and 2024, indicating continued close association and ongoing childcare responsibilities despite the absence of known lawful work authorization.

Swalwell reportedly paid her with tens of thousands of dollars of campaign funds between 2021 and 2022, according to FEC records cited by the Post. The Department of Labor approved her for working permanently in 2024 and then the next year, she received almost $40,000 from Swalwells campaign account.
First lady Melania Trump made a surprise announcement on April 9, vehemently denying any friendship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

"The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today," she said at the White House. "The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility and respect."

She referenced her email reply to Epstein's ex-girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, which she called "casual correspondence." She also called on Congress to give Epstein survivors a chance to testify publicly, as "every woman should have her day to tell her story in public if she wishes."

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The first lady has not been accused of wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. But some people have said Epstein introduced President Donald Trump to Melania Trump. She denies this and has threatened lawsuits against people like Hunter Biden who have said it publicly.

So how did the couple meet? Here is what she says:

More: Melania wants Epstein hearing. When is the one planned for Palm Beach?

How did Melania and Donald Trump meet?

First lady Melania Trump referred to the account of her meeting her now husband as she tells it in her 2024 memoir, "Melania."

Here is what it says:

Chapter 5: Hi, Im Donald Trump.

On a Friday night in September 1998, as I settled into the comfort of my New York City apartment after a whirlwind trip to Paris, my phone rang. It was a friend of mine.

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My boyfriend is throwing a party at the Kit Kat Klub tomorrow night, she said. Please come. We havent seen each other in so long.

I just got back from Paris, I said.

Please, it will be fun. A lot of people will be there. Well pick you up.

While I was tired and jetlagged, I loved the idea that my weekend was about to be filled with the company of friends.

I have always been selective in how I choose to spend my time and where I put my energy. A late-night party at the club was not my top choice for a Saturday evening. I much preferred staying in, watching a film, or going to dinner with close friends. Though I didnt shy away from social gatherings, clubs were simply not my cup of tea.

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I accepted the invitation anyway; after all, it was Fashion Week  a time of glamour and sophistication. I was actually looking forward to mingling with industry insiders and trendsetters.

When I stepped into the sleek black limo my friend arrived in, I felt like a celebrity en route to a gala. As we arrived at the Kit Kat Klub, the energy of the crowd and the dazzling lights greeted us. Inside, the dark, crowded space buzzed with models, photographers, editors, and designers mingling in this Fashion Week Saturday night. I settled in upstairs at our table in the VIP section, where the atmosphere was one of sophistication and camaraderie. Some guests danced, while others engaged in lively conversation, and we were all enjoying ourselves.

I saw my friend wave at someone behind me. When I turned around, I noticed a man and an attractive blonde woman approaching us.

Hi, Im Donald Trump, the man said when he reached my table. Nice to meet you. I recognized the name, and I knew he was a businessman or celebrity, but not much else. He put his hand out to shake mine.

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Hello, I replied. Im Melania.

His eyes filled with curiosity and interest, and, seizing the opportunity, he took the seat next to mine and started a conversation. He asked me about my time in New York, my Slovenian home, and my world travels. It was a moment of connection, a brief encounter that left a lasting impression. It was nice to make a new acquaintance.

He was accompanied by a beautiful date, so I initially dismissed our conversation as mere pleasantries exchanged at an industry event. The music was loud, and the crowd boisterous, making it difficult to truly connect with someone.

From the moment our conversation began, I was captivated by his charm and easygoing nature. There was so much bustling activity around us, but his intent focus on our interaction made me feel like the center of his world. It was a refreshing departure from the usual superficial small talk, and I found myself drawn to his magnetic energy.

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At her address on April 9, she went on to say the first time she encountered Epstein was in 2000 at an event she attended with Trump.

Hunter Biden one target of legal threats over different intro story

In August, Melania Trump threatened to sue Hunter Biden for more than $1 billion if he didn't retract his claim that Epstein introduced Donald and Melania, which he had said in a YouTube interview on "Channel 5." Biden said in a follow-up video, F--- that. Thats not going to happen."

In the wake of the first lady's comments, Biden said he would join a cage fight with Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump if organized by Andrew Callaghan, a filmmaker and content creator behind "Channel 5."

Other outlets and creators that reported Epstein introduced the couple also received notices from Trump's lawyer and issued apologies and retractions as a result.

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Biden in his interview that prompted the legal threat cited Michael Wolff, the author of several Trump books. Wolff himself was threatened with a lawsuit when he discussed Epstein's relationship with the Trumps. But Wolff sued Melania Trump in October, saying her threatened lawsuit was intended to intimidate and silence him.

Court records show Melania Trump has moved to dismiss the case, with one filing calling the complaint "frivolous."

An attorney representing Wolff in the lawsuit did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the first lady's recent appearance.

Why did Melania speak on Epstein now?

The first lady's statement was surprising as she rarely gives public addresses. But also, the controversy over Epstein has plagued the Trump administration for months, but public discussion about it has died down since the Department of Justice announced it had completed the release of the files compelled by the Epstein Files Transparency Act earlier this year.

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Trump senior adviser Marc Beckman said the first lady "spoke out now because enough is enough."

"The lies must stop. It is time for the public and media to focus on her incredible achievements as first lady, Beckman added.

The president told MS NOW in an interview he did not know the statement was coming.

Contributing: Zac Anderson, Christopher Cann, Josh Meyer, James Powel, USA TODAY

Michael Wolff was a freelance USA TODAY contributor from 2012 to early 2017. USA TODAY had no knowledge of any relationship between him and Jeffrey Epstein, nor any actions beyond his submissions for publication. We are committed to integrity and transparency, as we uphold our editorial standards and maintain the trust of our readers.

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Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at KCrowley@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X (Twitter), Threads, Bluesky and Threads.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: How did Melania and Donald Trump meet? She says it wasn't by Epstein
A London-born woman has been left stranded in Spain and "petrified" for her career after being caught out by a recent overhaul of UK border rules.

Natasha Cochrane De La Rosa, a 26-year-old British-Spanish dual national, was born and raised in Islington and has lived in the UK her entire life. However, she was denied boarding on a return flight from Amsterdam on 2 April using her Spanish passport.

Under rules introduced on 25 February, dual nationals can no longer enter the UK using a foreign passport alone. They must now present either a British or Irish passport, or possess a digital certificate of entitlement.

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The Home Office said the move brings the UK in line with international standards.

Cochrane De La Rosa said it was an "utter surprise" and she had no idea the rules had changed for dual nationals, when she booked the trip to Amsterdam with friends.

She had previously travelled back and forth from the UK on her Spanish passport without issue before the rule change.

After being denied boarding on the Amsterdam to Luton Airport flight, she spent a night in the Dutch capital before travelling to Spain to stay with family.

"I have a career, family and friends in the UK. My whole life is in the UK," she said.

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She told BBC London her case was "nuanced" due to historical nationality laws because her parents were unmarried when she was born in 1999, which meant her British father could not automatically pass on his citizenship.

Despite paying taxes and voting in the UK, she said immigration lawyers had told her the situation put her in a legal "grey area".

Cochrane De La Rosanow faces the difficult choice of applying for a British passport, which could take about six weeks and risks rejection due to her birth circumstances, or paying 589 for a digital certificate of entitlement.

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"It's terrifying and I'm petrified," she said, pointing to the risks to her employment if she is forced to remain outside country for a long period.

"The country has a duty of care. I am 100% a dual national," she said.

"[The government] has all the relevant information, how has this been missed."

The new electronic travel authorisation (ETA) came into force in February [Getty Images]

Cochrane De La Rosa criticised the Home Office's communication of the new rules and how they would impact dual nationals.

She said the changes were "not amplified" and if she had known she would not have travelled and "sorted out my paperwork from the comfort of my home".

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"No one has slept. My family have been up all night. My sisters and parents are distraught," the Londoner added.

"This isn't just about my story but the effect these changes will have on others. Others who don't have the same resources, connections, maybe even literacy, [and] financial security to be able to cope with these changes."

The Home Office said the move brings the UK in line with countries like the US and Australia, which require citizens to travel on national documents.

A spokesperson said: "Since 25 February 2026, all dual British citizens need to present either a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement when travelling to the UK."

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They defended the government's communication of the changes, stating that a "substantive" campaign had been running since 2023, with specific guidance for dual nationals available since October 2024.

While overseas passport applications can be processed in as little as four weeks, those without one can apply for a digital certificate of entitlement, which the Home Office says now only needs to be applied for once, the spokesperson added.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk

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Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, joint leaders of the Alternative for Germany (AfD), plan to stand for re-election when the far-right party holds its annual conference in June.

Speaking to journalists in Cottbus south-east of Berlin on Sunday, Chrupalla pointed to the AfD's electoral successes in state elections in recent months and said the duo planned to continue at the head of the party and at the head of its parliamentary caucus.

Chrupalla had already made clear his intentions in an interview in January, when he said he and Weidel had professionalized and made it more successful.

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Weidel and Chrupalla were elected to head the party in 2022 and confirmed in office two years later. The AfD elects its executive every two years. Its constitution allows leadership by a single person, but there is little indication in the party for a switch.

The party, formed in 2013, doubled its support in the February 2025 federal parliamentary elections to 20.8%, coming second to Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative alliance.

Long strong in the formerly communist east of Germany, the AfD has made inroads in the west, taking 19.5% in Rhineland-Palatinate on the French border in elections in March, up from 8.3% in the 2021 vote.

Pre-election polling in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt shows the party close to taking an absolute majority in September. Germany's mainstream parties have thus far refused to enter into government with the AfD under the "firewall" strategy aimed at containing it.
Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., is calling for the removal of President Donald Trump over his actions in Iran  even after the United States and Iran came to a ceasefire on April 7.

Im glad there is a reported ceasefire deal with Iran. But we shouldnt be in this illegal war in the first place. And Donald Trump cant simply threaten war crimes with impunity, Markey posted on social media April 7. Congress needs to get back in session now to stop this war and remove Donald Trump.

Markey had originally called for Trumps removal, either by impeachment or through the 25th Amendment, after the president threatened to wipe out a whole civilization if Iran did not capitulate to U.S. demands.

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He has threatened war crimes on an apocalyptic scale and appears eager to commit them, including through the possible use of nuclear weapons, Markey said in a statement. The Congress must act now.

Trump threatens Iran

On April 7, Trump issued a strongly worded threat against Iran.

A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I dont want that to happen, but it probably will, he posted on Truth Social.

The post prompted backlash across the aisle, with Democrats like Markey and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker to even former Georgia GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene suggesting that Trump should be removed from office.

Sen. Ed Markey, D-MA, speaks as Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, appears in front of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee in Washington, D.C., on May 15, 2025.

What is the 25th amendment?

Markey, along with others like Greene and the NAACP, said that the cabinet and the Vice President must invoke the 25th Amendment to remove Trump.

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The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution lays out the rules of succession for the presidential office and those for presidential disability or removal.

Part of the amendment outlines the process for a removal of a president who is unable or unwilling to perform their duties. In the case the president is incapable of serving but does not voluntarily transfer power, they can be declared unable to hold the position by the vice president, along with a "majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide."

The terms "unable" and "inability" were left intentionally broad, according to the National Constitution Center. Legal scholars have cited impeachment, physical disability or "political emergencies" like kidnapping as potential scenarios for the use of Section 4.

Can the 25th Amendment be used to remove Trump?

Theoretically, the 25th Amendment can be invoked by or against any sitting president. However, the bar for clearing its use is much higher than for other actions like impeachment.

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Modern interpretations from scholars at institutions like Cornell Law and the Congressional Research Service say the majority, if not all, of the acting Cabinet heads would need to sign on with the vice president to put Section 4 into action.

Neither JD Vance and nor any of the relevant Cabinet members have expressed support for removing Trump or taking punitive action against him. And its also unclear whether Trump would qualify as being unable to serve as president.

Unfortunately, invoking the 25th is not realistic right now, given his oddball cabinet of sycophants and eccentrics, and Republican spines of foam, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., said on social media April 7. Were going to have to buckle down and win this the old-fashioned way.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listens to President Donald Trump address a Cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, DC, on March 26, 2026.

Can Trump be impeached?

Markey also said that Trump could be removed through the impeachment process.

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To impeach a president, the House must pass the articles of impeachment by a simple majority vote. Then, two-thirds of the Senate must vote to convict and remove him.

Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives during his first term, but the Senate did not convict and remove him from office.

Its likely that impeachment would be difficult now as both the House and the Senate are currently controlled by Republicans, few of whom have expressed interest in impeaching Trump.

What to know about the ceasefire

A two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran is now underway following an 11th hour deal struck just before a deadline imposed by Trump. Both countries declared victory.

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While negotiations take place and the fighting halts, Iran said the Strait of Hormuz will remain open. Trump and Hegseth both said on Wednesday that Iran will hand over its enriched uranium and give up future enrichment, though Tehran has repeatedly reaffirmed its right to enrich.

Markey doubled down on his call for Trumps removal even after the ceasefire with Iran was announced.

Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge, Zac Anderson

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: What is the 25th Amendment? Markey calls for Trump's removal over Iran
Turkey could take military action against Israel if necessary, Erdogan warns, drawing comparisons to past interventions in Karabakh and Libya.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday accused Israel of carrying out atrocities against Palestine and Lebanon and threatened potential military action against the Jewish state, similar to its past interventions in Karabakh and Libya.

"The blood-stained genocide network continues to kill innocent children, women, and civilians without any rule or principle, ignoring all kinds of human values," Erdogan alleged while addressing the International Asia-Political Parties Conference in Istanbul.

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"Despite the ceasefire, Israel has forced 1.2 million Lebanese to leave their homes due to attacks on civilian settlements," Erdogan said, despite both Israel and the United States rejecting claims of Lebanon being included in the current ceasefire with Iran. Erdogan went on to describe Israeli actions as "barbaric," while citing a controversial law recently passed by the Knesset to approve death penalties against terrorists, which the Turkish leader said was meant "only for Palestinian prisoners."

Responding to reporters later in the day, Erdogan escalated his rhetoric even further, suggesting that Ankara could choose to engage with Israel militarily.

"We must be strong to prevent Israel from doing this to Palestine," Erdogan said. "Just as we entered Karabakh, just as we entered Libya, we will do the same to them," he stated. "There is nothing to prevent us from doing it. We just need to be strong so that we can take these steps."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan addressing the International Asia-Political Parties Conference in Istanbul on April 12, 2026. (credit: SCREENSHOT ACCORDING TO 27A OF COPYRIGHT ACT)

Erdogans harsh rhetoric is part of his ongoing narrative attempting to position Turkey as a staunch defender of Palestinian rights.

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Responding to his comments, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu (Otzma Yehudit)sharply condemned Erdogan's remarks and moral high ground and accused the Turkish leader of hypocrisy, noting Turkeys history of territorial aggression in Cyprus and its treatment of minorities, particularly the Kurds.

"Turkey, which conquered Northern Cyprus and controls Kurdish territories in the east, dares to lecture us on morality. Turkey, which built its economy on the Armenian Genocide, dares to accuse us of genocide. Turkey, which enforces Islamization by force, dares to speak about human rights," Eliyahu said in a statement.

"The hypocritical Erdogan doesn't impress anyone with this current circus," he continued, describing the Turkish president as a "megalomaniacal dictator" with "imperialist ambitions" who sees himself as "an Ottoman Sultan while being no more than a pathetic tyrant of a country with a collapsing economy and a dead democracy."

Eliyahu's remarks went further than only criticizing Erdogan, implying that it was time for Israel and Turkey to "close this sad chapter of relations" and vowing to bring a proposal before the Israeli government to sever diplomatic ties with Turkey completely.

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In his post, Eliyahu shared what appears to be an AI-edited image depicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu planting an Israeli flag on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, while Erdogan is shown bending at Netanyahu's feet, possibly referencing Erdogans controversial past statements asserting that Jerusalem belongs to Turkey.

Escalation follows Turkish indictment against Israeli lawmakers

The heated exchange follows a Friday decision by a Turkish court to indict Netanyahu and 35 other Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, for their role in the naval interception of the October 2025 Sumud Gaza flotilla. Istanbuls chief prosecutor accused those indicted of having been involved in a military operation against civilians in international waters.

The flotillas participants, including prominent activists like Greta Thunberg, were detained by Israeli authorities, and the fallout led to Turkeys decision to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and others.

This indictment, which seeks lengthy prison sentences for those involved in the flotilla interception, has escalated tensions. Erdogan's government claims to be upholding international law by holding Israeli officials accountable, while Israeli officials, including Netanyahu and Katz, have responded by labeling Erdogan as a "paper tiger" and accusing him of hypocrisy and complicity in regional conflicts.

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Netanyahu, Katz, and Ben-Gvir all responded to the indictment on Saturday in separate posts on X/Twitter, with Netanyahu accusing Erdogan of having "massacred his own Kurdish citizens" and Ben-Gvir posting, "Erdogan, do you understand English? F*ck you."

Turkey's Foreign Ministry responded to said posts by accusing Netanyahu of being "the Hitler of our time."

The Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.
Rodney Harrison was not in the courtroom in Riverhead on New Yorks Long Island last week when serial killer Rex Heuermann pleaded guilty to the murders of seven women and volunteered that hed also murdered an eighth.

But as the New York police departments former chief of detectives, who was brought in to be police commissioner of Suffolk county  the area where Heuermann had dumped his victims  it was Harrison who pulled together a taskforce that came to crack the case.

Im happy were able to put this behind us now, Harrison said on Friday, just days after Heuermann admitted that hed murdered the women, who were mostly sex workers, in a spree that lasted 17 years from 1993 to 2010.

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Related: Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect Rex Heuermann pleads guilty

Anytime theres a criminal thats gotten away with such heinous crimes for such a long time, and now theyre going to jail for a long period, is very rewarding in the law enforcement world.

When Harrison was named police commissioner in 2020, it was already a decade after police had found four sets of remains later identified as Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Megan Waterman, and Amber Lynn Costello on Gilgo Beach in Suffolk county. They were searching for another missing woman, Shannan Gilbert.

Barthelemy, Brainard-Barnes, Waterman and Costello came to be known as the Gilgo Four. Each had been discarded in a similar fashion, 500ft apart, each swathed or covered in burlap sack cloth. Six more bodies were found in the same area and none were known to be local to the area, though all of them had used Craigslist to post for work.

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There was no suspect and, astonishingly, only one detective was by then assigned to the case. Allegations of police incompetence and bureaucratic paralysis surrounded the investigation. Suffolk county investigators had invited and then waved off the help of the FBI.

This is not just Suffolk county but a lot of local agencies where there is a bit of an ego. Hey, we can figure this out ourselves. We dont need to partner with anybody. But Suffolk county didnt have all the resources and different databases and I think hindered the investigation, Harrison told the Guardian.

Harrison said from the outset that allegations of Suffolk police misconduct was a disservice to the investigation, but he found some of what police had said alarming.

I cant speculate on what was done or not done, and it would be unfair to say they didnt have a vested interest in their line of work, he says, adding: When you put the right people in leadership, and you hear the frustration of the victims families and place it as a priority, that equals someone being identified and going to jail.

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Suffolk countys district attorney, Ray Tierney, who had worked with Harrison in Brooklyn, made the case a department priority. They called in the FBI, assembled a team of local detectives and soon focused on the housemates of victim Amber Costello, who disappeared in September 2010.

Dave Schaller, a housemate, had described a towering, ogre-like figure with an empty gaze hed encountered threatening Costello at their home. Crucially, Schaller told investigators that the man drove a green Chevrolet Avalanche pickup truck.

That was the thing that broke the case  being able to attach that to Rex Heuermann, Harrison said, noting that the information had been in the files all along. For there not to have been a deeper dive into the green Avalanche is disappointing  that should have been caught a long time ago.

Ultimately, state investigators tracked a similar vehicle to an owner in Massapequa Park, a town 30 miles east of Manhattan. Within three weeks of assembling the taskforce, Harrison told reporters he was confident that were getting closer to making an arrest. In April 2022, police internally identified Heuermann as a person of interest in the case.

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Investigators tracked cell tower data from burner phones Heuermann used over a period of two years to contact sex workers and linked that geographical data of his registered phone and those of Costello. Detectives tracked his internet searches and his credit card use and saw he was leading a double life. Then they used mitochondrial DNA to match hair found on a piece of burlap from a victim to DNA on a pizza crust that the suspect had discarded outside his midtown Manhattan office. Heuermann was arrested and charged in July 2023.

Harrison, now a commentator at CBS News, was not at Heuermanns court appearance last week when he changed his plea and agreed to submit to interviews with the FBIs behavioral unit after his sentencing in June. Heuermann is set to receive consecutive life sentences.

Heuermanns deal, in some ways, deprives victims families of a full accounting of his crimes. Harrison believes Heuermann changed his plea because he could see his days were numbered, likely after a judge ruled in favor of allowing the aforementioned DNA evidence into court last year.

He saw that he was cornered. If he were to go to trial, the level of embarrassment that would come to him and his family ... He realized what was going to come out so he thought: Let me take the plea deal and put this thing behind me, Harrison said, before adding: Hes able to rest, and I dont like it. Rex Heuermann is getting one over. But God willing, hes going to apologize to the families at the sentencing.

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The discovery of the Gilgo Four came about because police were searching for Gilbert, whose death in the marshes, police maintain, was likely due to drowning during a drug-or-alcohol-fuelled panic in 2010.

I think it was a horrible and unfortunate accident but because she was a sex worker, and everybody else was involved in that lifestyle, people want to put them together. We know of no relationship other than they were involved in the same line of work, Harrison said.

The people who should be getting the credit for solving the case are the people assigned to the taskforce, Harrison emphasized, noting: I didnt do one computer check, I didnt interview one witness or look at any of the case folders, I just came in there and rejuvenated the investigation.

The credit, he says, should go to a 31-year department veteran Det Lt Kevin Beyrer, Suffolk countys homicide chief, who led the Gilgo Beach investigation and retired two months ago.

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But with so many unanswered questions about the case, Harrison believes the taskforce should remain intact. At last weeks hearing, Heuermann admitted to killing an additional victim: Karen Vergata, a sex worker who went missing in 1996 and whose dismembered remains were found in two different locations on Long Island.

That raises the question of whether Heuermanns grotesque crime spree could yield more victims.

The taskforce needs to remain intact, Harrison said. We need to see if there are other missing sex workers out there and to maybe attach them to Rex Heuermann or other predators who are engaged in the same activity.

Heuermann, he says, is going away for the rest of his life but that doesnt mean we cant still be a voice for other sex workers that are missing.
State lawmakers are pushing hard this year to clamp a pipeline established three decades ago to house convicted Hawaii felons in out-of-state prisons.

Such transfers began in 1995 under then-Gov. Ben Cayetano as an anticipated temporary means to relieve overcrowding in the states only medium-security prison for male inmates, and have since frustrated prison-reform advocates and others including state leaders and family members of inmates locked up far from home.

This year, more than a dozen members of Hawaiis House of Representatives set out to force the state Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to bring back most of the roughly 800 Hawaii inmates from a privately operated Arizona prison within five years.

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Some legislators also seek an outright end to exporting isle prisoners, a practice one prominent local justice reform advocate calls unconscionable exile.

It is shameful that Hawaii refuses to take care of all of our people who are incarcerated by the Hawaii government, Kat Brady, coordinator of the Community Alliance on Prisons, said in written testimony on a bill pending at the Legislature aimed at mandating prisoner returns.

Yet legislative leaders advancing the bill dont appear to have clear expectations for how such returns can be realistically achieved.

Uncertain path

House Bill 1769, introduced in January by 13 House members led by Rep. Jeanne Kapela (D, Volcano-Hawaiian Ocean View), proposed having DCR cut the number of prisoners at private facilities outside the state by 25% before July 1, 2029, and then another 50% by July 1, 2031.

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DCR Director Tommy Johnson has described the bill as unreasonable and unworkable given that the agency, which operates one medium-security correctional facility filled far beyond its intended capacity, has no control over the volume of convicted felons entering the prison system.

I want to make it clear: We want to bring our inmates home, Johnson told members of the House Public Safety Committee during a Feb. 11 hearing. But I do not control the population in the state. Theres no way I would be able to bring 25% back because I cant control the population. The courts and (the Hawaii Paroling Authority) controls the population.

DCR controls about 5% of prisoners held in Hawaii who are eligible for work furlough and extended furlough programs.

That is it, Johnson said, adding that he views the HB 1769 as well-intended but incomplete because achieving its goal would require building another medium-security prison estimated to cost between $800 million and $900 million.

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Johnson also said such a facility would cost $45 million to $55 million a year to operate with a staff of 350 to 450.

The agency has been working for several years with limited financial support from the Legislature to build a new, bigger jail to replace Oahu Community Correctional Center, but jails are for pretrial detainees and short-term inmates convicted of misdemeanors, as well as felons nearing release.

DCRs only medium-security prison is Halawa Correctional Facility, which was designed to hold up to 496 offenders and recently housed 818.

Overcrowding relief

Halawa opened in 1987 but soon faced capacity issues after a steep rise in the prison population that prompted public safety officials in 1992, under the administration of then-Gov. John Waihee, to propose building a 1,000-bed prison at an estimated cost of $110 million.

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That plan was carried on by Cayetano, who took office in 1994 but found little support from the Legislature to fund a new prison amid a flagging economy. So in 1995, Cayetano transferred 300 Hawaii inmates to Texas prisons to relieve overcrowding and reduce incarceration expenses.

It is crisis management, and were managing this crisis, he said at the time.

Critics long have contended that sending Hawaii inmates to mainland prisons curtails family and legal support connections while also exposing inmates to outside gang culture that return to Hawaii when their sentences are completed.

Advocates of ending inmate exports also have said that for-profit private prisons have financial incentives to treat prisoners poorly, and that monitoring such care by state officials is susceptible to shortcomings.

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By 2005, exported prisoner volume had ballooned to represent nearly half of Hawaii inmates, or 1,828 individuals in privately operated facilities in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Arizona and Kentucky at a cost of $36 million that year.

Currently, about 800 inmates are held outside the state, all at Saguaro Correctional Center in Arizona.

There have been previous attempts to end the prisoner export pipeline, but none were realized.

In 1998 as part of a continued push by Cayetano to build a new prison, the Legislature appropriated $2.2 million for planning but then refused to appropriate $130 million for construction in 1999.

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Other efforts included a plan in 2003 by two-term Republican Gov. Linda Lingle to build a new prison, and a pledge in 2010 by then-Gov. Neil Abercrombie, a Democrat like Waihee and Cayetano, to work as quickly as possible to bring all Hawaii inmates back from mainland prisons.

Last year, five House members led by Kapela introduced HB 1376 aiming to have the state end use of private prisons to house Hawaii inmates. But that bill stalled after two committee hearings and an issue raised by the state Department of the Attorney General about the bill possibly being subject to legal challenge on constitutional grounds.

Shifting goals

The original goal of this years bill calling for returning 25% of Hawaiis out-of-state prisoner population by July 1, 2029, as a first step equates to 200 prisoners.

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State Rep. Garner Shimizu (R, Moanalua-Aliamanu-Foster Village) stated during the Feb. 11 hearing on HB 1769 that an initial 25% cut, or perhaps 20% instead, might realistically be achievable.

We need to just move the needle forward, he said. And I think thats what the public is seeking  ; something where its not just stuck where were at but were progressing to a place where were showing compassion to our people; were showing that were trying our best.

Johnson said in response that an unknown number of convicted felons, including some ordered to prison by courts and some returned to prison for parole violations, could enter the system over the next three years, making the bills goal to bring back 200 inmates from Saguaro possibly unrealistic.

So I just want to make that clear, that since I dont know how many are coming, I cant guarantee I can reduce the numbers because I could get 400 (coming in), he said.

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Some proponents of the bill, including Christin Johnson with the Hawaii Correctional System Oversight Commission and local attorney Carrie Ann Shirota, suggested DCR can use available bed space at two of its minimum-security prisons and two neighbor island jails to house about 425 inmates brought back from Saguaro.

But Johnson told the House Public Safety Committee that those facilities, which include dorm-type settings, lack security features needed for higher-security inmates at Saguaro. Changes to make those facilities safe, he said, would include double fencing, towers and cells costing hundreds of millions of dollars.

If we really want to fix the problem, then we need to build a medium-security facility, he said.

Rep. Della Au Belatti, chair of the committee and one of the bills introducers, told other committee members Feb. 18, ahead of a decision on the bill, that after hearing testimony she was troubled by the 75% reduction within five years called for in HB 1769.

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Belatti (D, Makiki-Punchbowl) got the committee to amend the bill to require a 5% annual reduction starting July 1, 2031, after the initial 25% cut by July 1, 2029. Under this scenario, a complete phaseout would happen over 20 years.

Belatti also asked that the next House committee taking up the bill consider whether a phaseout should be tied to building a new prison in Hawaii.

The subsequent answer to that question from the chair of the House Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs Committee, Rep. David Tarnas, was a hard no after a bruising hearing for DCR.

Pushing ahead

Tarnas (D, Hawi-Waimea-Waikoloa), one of the bills introducers, suggested during a Feb. 25 hearing that DCR can safely reclassify security levels for inmates to allow more use of state minimum-security facilities where bed space is available.

Johnson said a reclassification study prompted DCR to begin a pilot program in February, and that results wont be known until the end of this year.

Johnson also reiterated that an unpredictable volume of convicted felons sent to DCR in the future for incarceration makes the need for a new medium-security prison in Hawaii a requirement for ceasing to house inmates on the mainland. A forced repatriation without adequate facility capacity, he added, could result in inmates living in inhumane conditions, leading to federal Department of Justice intervention.

Tarnas shot back that DCR needs to start looking at how  not whether  to implement prisoner returns without building new correctional facilities.

Im not asking for reasons why it wont work, Tarnas told Johnson. Im trying to figure out how we can make this work. And I think its clear that there have been policies and procedures within the department that have prevented this from working  .

Personally, I think we need to see better performance from the department to rehabilitate people so you can live up to the other half of your (department) name.

Tarnas finished by saying, Thank you for your good work, and I appreciate you working hard with your team to bring our people home, because its not happening.

After the committee chaired by Tarnas advanced the bill, the full House voted 50-1 on March 10 to send the bill to the Senate.

On March 25, the Senate Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs amended the bill back to a more limited out-of-state prisoner reduction of 5% by July 1, 2027, followed by 10% a year later and 15% the year after that.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee advanced the bill Wednesday without further change on a 13-0 vote.

Then Friday, the full Senate voted 25-0 to approve the bill, though Sens. Brandon Elefante (D, Aiea-Pacific Palisades-Pearl City) and Sharon Moriwaki (D, Waikiki-Ala Moana-Kakaako) expressed reservations about the capacity to house returned inmates.

To send HB 1769 to Gov. Josh Green for action would require the House or Senate to negotiate a compromise draft that both chambers approve before the scheduled end of this years legislative session May 8.
When Father Robert Prevost arrived in a remote, storm-ravaged region of Peru in 2016, James Talarico was a devout young middle school teacher in Texas. Few imagined at the time that within a decade Padre Roberto would become Pope Leo XIV or that the teacher/Presbyterian seminarian Talarico would be Texass Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate.

The two men share a prophetic inheritance that calls believers to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with [their] God. That Old Testament demand informed Jesus Sermon on the Mount and parable of the Good Samaritan. And it echoes in the Enlightenment-inspired secular ideals expressed in the Preambles of our nations Declaration of Independence and Constitution.

Christian teachings and the fallout from America's failings

Of course, Christians and Americans have often fallen short of these lofty goals. Consider the schism that led to centuries of hostilities between Leos and Talaricos respective branches of Christendom, or that men who read from the same Bible fought each other in our Civil War.

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Todays self-proclaimed Christian nationalists would have us overlook those failings. Others respond to those shortcomings by abandoning religion completely. Yet both todays religious right and secular left misread Americas complicated, contradictory, and  yes  intertwined religious and political histories. The experiences and messages of the first American pope and young Texan offer our confused and exhausted majority ballast to navigate todays troubled waters.

Divisions within western Christendom began with the Renaissance-inspired advent of science. That divide widened in the 19th century when some church leaders embraced science-compatible approaches to theology and understandings of the diversity of faith traditions. Most controversially, these modernists challenged literal Biblical accounts of creation.

Simultaneously, Leos papal namesake and Talaricos social gospel forebears responded similarly to the aftershocks from the twin explosions of industrialization and modernization. Ever-widening income gaps, urban squalor, violent labor unrest, environmental havoc, and scapegoating vulnerable Black citizens and immigrants for those misfortunes violated their religious and political inheritances. But their preoccupation with worldly concerns widened differences within the church and American society.

Rarely acknowledged developments from far-flung missionary fields further widened this divide. Long before Padre Roberto and Peruvian locals discerned the image of a loving Creator in one another, Jesuit missionaries to China and India found much to commend in the cultures they had come to change. Eventually, other Catholic and some Protestant missionaries questioned their triumphal proselytizing pursuits.

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By the mid-20th century, Catholicisms Vatican II and leadership of several mainstream denominations (including Talaricos branch of Presbyterianism), embraced a more inclusive view of diversity. In turn, they engaged in the civil rights movements and other controversial efforts to counter longstanding ills.

'Woke' ideals led to abandonment of mainstream churches

In response, more conventional believers abandoned mainstream churches just as their more secular and skeptical counterparts  for reasons both understandable and fashionable  did the same. Paradoxically, this lent credence to charges that the church is too conservative and gave fundamentalists near exclusive claim to both faith and patriotism.

As the nation in the 21st centurys first decades grapples with unresolved old issues and a host of new challenges, selectively nostalgic Christian nationalists ridicule their adversaries as woke and un-American. Meanwhile, an increasingly secular, polarized media and academia largely overlook the dwindling mainstreams contributions and continued commitment to more inclusive religious and political inheritances.

Pope Leo and James Talarico speak out on injustices

This brings us back to Leo and Talarico. Both retain their inherited convictions and assert their distinctively American right to criticize the current administrations responses to immigration, glaring domestic and global inequities, and intertwined economic, environmental, and public-health challenges. But the Popes calm, respectful public statements and candidate Talaricos measured eloquence contrast notably with the divisive, hate-filled discourse that defines our time.

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More: Did Donald Trump threaten the Pope? Here is what we know

Distinctly American headwinds impede their efforts. Their commitment to restorative justice collides with a deeply rooted tradition that equates justice with retribution. Meanwhile, our president proclaims a revived notion of manifest destiny and belittles his critics as un-Christian and un-American. Simultaneously, many from the secular left  unacquainted with the history recounted here  dismiss Christianitys relevance.

In 2026, the Pope and Talarico offer confused, ill-informed, exhausted Americans very different understandings of Christianity and American greatness. Rather than deny their faiths and our republics shortcomings or cite our forebears hypocrisy as justification for abandoning their lofty inheritances completely, Pope Leo and his Protestant counterpart call Americans  secular and religious  to humbly learn from our imperfect past, recommit to our lofty, ever-elusive and intertwined religious and political callings, and rediscover the messy, fragile, yet essential American inheritance of civil, respectful discourse.

Mark Banker is a retired teacher at Webb School of Knoxville. He formally studied history at Warren Wilson College [B.A. 1973], the University of Virginia [M.A.T. 1975], and the University of New Mexico [PhD 1987], and over 40+ years as a teacher historian he shared insights in five books, numerous essays and presentations, and  most importantly  with a diverse array of more than 5,000 students. He can be reached at mtbanker1951@gmail.com.

Mark Banker

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Opinion: Pope Leo, James Talarico and American 'greatness'
Three people were killed and three others injured in a nine-vehicle crash that shut down both sides of Interstate 71 in Delaware County on April 11 for several hours.

The crash occurred at 6:27 p.m. on the northbound lanes of I-71 near the U.S. 36 and state Route 37 interchange, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

The patrol stated that a 2006 Freightliner semi was traveling northbound and failed to stop while approaching a traffic backup in a construction zone. Modou F. Ngom, 50, of Columbus, was driving the tractor-trailer.

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As a result of the crash, a 37-year-old male, 36-year-old female and one-year-old child were killed in a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado. All three were from Ashley, Ohio.

The Patrol did not release the names of the victims or if they were related. On April 13, the Delaware County Coroner's Office said they had not been identified.

Three other people were transported from the scene to hospitals for serious non-life threatening injuries, according to the patrol.

A witness told Dispatch news partner NBC4-WCMHTV that she had seen the semi truck in the northbound lane of I-71, "running into vehicles and coming towards the median," before flames shot into the air.

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Ngom was taken into custody and is being held at the Delaware County Jail on charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, according to the patrol.

More: I-70 west reopens after multi-vehicle crash closed road west of Columbus

The area of the collision is under construction for the Sunbury Parkway interchange project. The Ohio Department of Transportation said an investigation will determine whether the construction played a role in the crash.

This story has been updated with additional information.

Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Interstate 71 crash in Delaware County kills three, driver in custody
NEED TO KNOW

A concerned dad in Tennessee confronted Keith Ervin, the Washington County school board member who called a female student hot during a public meeting on April 2

The confrontation happened during an April 8 emergency meeting, during which the board voted to censure Ervin

Ervin, who was previously censured in 2009 for making a sexual gesture, defended his comment, claiming that hot referred to the student being on a roll with her questions

A concerned dad in Tennessee confronted a school board member who called a female student hot during a recent public meeting.

Less than a week after Washington County school board member Keith Ervin referred to the teenager as hot during a livestreamed meeting on Thursday, April 2, the Washington County Board of Education held an emergency meeting to discuss the remark on Wednesday, April 8.

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At the April 2 meeting, an unidentified female David Crockett High School student shared some of her thoughts, after which Ervin touched her and asked, God, youre hot, you know that? Where do you go to school at?

At the latest meeting, the school board voted to censure Ervin, who was previously censured in 2009 for making a lewd, juvenile gesture of a sexual nature during a classroom discussion, per records obtained by NBC affiliate WSMV.

Before the vote, several community members confronted Ervin and the rest of the school board  including a dad whose remarks about the situation went viral on social media.

After he was informed that he was not allowed to formally ask the board a question during the emergency meeting, the dad said, Well, Im asking a question. You dont have to answer. But lets just say if you were really offended by that, just raise your hand. If it doesnt offend you, keep your hand down.

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When none of the board members lifted a hand, he continued, Do you see what Im saying here, guys? How would you like your kid talked to like that?

We have to worry about our kids getting shot up in schools and all this other stuff, right? But what we dont need to be worrying about is the comments of a man to a minor. Would you want your kid around that guy without a camera around? I wouldnt, he said, as community members at the meeting clapped in agreement.

And Im astonished by every single person here, and Im gonna tell you straight up that if this guy still has a job here soon, Im going to do whatever I can to raise as much money as I can to get every single one of yall out of here. No joke, he said, inciting more claps and comments of agreement from attendees.

Referring to the other concerned community members, he continued, And the rest of them is with me. We gon get down here every meeting and everything. Thats unacceptable, man.

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The concerned father then turned his attention to Ervin directly: And look at your face  you dont even care. This is your community that youre supposed to be serving. Look at the distraction. You put us on the map  nationally, embarrassed us. And you dont even have the backbone just to walk off, dude.

It's sad that you're still here. It really is, he later added, before stating, When I was growing up, if somebody would have said something like that  accident or not  you're gone.

David Crockett High School

Credit: google maps

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Other concerned community members also spoke out, including one who told Ervin, If that had been a male student next to you, you wouldnt have done that.

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Ervin has since defended his remarks during the April 8 emergency meeting about them, claiming in a statement that by hot, he meant that the girl was on a roll due to her questions during the meeting.

Obviously, Ive seen the clip. Look, I get it, if thats all youre seeing, I understand why people are reacting the way they are. But thats not the full conversation, not even close, said Ervin, adding that the student was asking good questions, she was engaged, she handled herself well, especially right before the clip in the conversation with the superintendent on hot topics.

When I mentioned she was hot, I meant she was on a roll. It was nothing to do with her appearance, he said, adding that when you take a couple of seconds out of a two-hour meeting, it can change how everything sounds. And honestly, it doesnt give her the credit that she deserves.

I am sorry that this has overshadowed what would have been a bright moment for one of our students, Ervin said.

Read the original article on People
American college graduates are facing the worst entry-level job market since the pandemic, with the underemployment rate reaching 42.5%  its highest level since 2020.

Several young graduates told the Guardian about their struggles navigating a job market shaped by tightening opportunities, the rise of AI and shifting employer expectations.

Gillian Frost, a 22-year-old student at Smith College in Massachusetts, has been searching for work since last September. Majoring in quantitative economics with a minor in government and set to graduate in May, she described a grueling and often discouraging process.

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Every weekend, I dedicate over two hours to job applications. As of today, Ive applied to over 90 jobs. Ive been ghosted by nearly 25% of them and rejected automatically from around 55%, she said.

Related: The jobs AI cant do  and the young adults doing them

Despite securing some interviews, Frost said the lack of communication from employers had been particularly frustrating.

She said: Ive gotten around 10 interviews but many of them dont even bother to tell you youre not a good fit  I feel helpless. No one seems to know how best to prepare due to the unique conflux of events occurring. How do you prepare for a tight labor market coinciding with the emergence of AI and direct US involvement in war? Most generations have dealt with maybe one of these but our generation is the first to deal with all three.

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For Jeff Kubat, a 31-year-old in St Cloud, Minnesota, the challenge is different but no less severe. After spending eight years optimizing accounts payable at a construction company, he returned to school to pursue a masters in accounting. He has since struggled to secure a role.

I should be about to graduate and its been a struggle to job hunt  Even companies out in small-town Minnesota are being incredibly literal in who theyre looking for and its just a dearth of willingness to train people who have relatable backgrounds into what they need, Kubat said.

As his job search continues, Kubat said he was beginning to lower his expectations.

Im about to drop my standards for salary after this next round of interviews gets hashed out since my next job isnt my forever job  but I still need to make money and it really does feel like Im in an area that doesnt match with my industry. It is a reflection of these stories that say that hiring has fallen to the point of the Covid years. It seems like the only roles that are opening are due to people falling out of roles rather than genuine growth in the area, he said.

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Others said the difficulty lay not just in finding jobs, but in meeting increasingly demanding requirements. A 25-year-old graduate from New York University who majored in media, culture and communications said many so-called entry-level roles felt out of reach.

Related: How the anxiety over AI could fuel a new workers movement

Decent-paying jobs that are listed as entry-level will often ask for candidates with three to five years of experience  an amount of time that simply cannot be achieved if one is fresh out of college, the graduate said. Most job descriptions make me feel so un- or under-qualified, I wont even bother applying since I dont have years of experience to draw from.

The graduate also described the growing influence of automated hiring systems, saying: For every job, especially ones for larger entities who are likelier to use AI in the hiring process, its essential to tailor my resume explicitly for that position and include as many keywords as possible. Its aggravating and exhausting, but sadly a necessity in this fucked-up market and point in technological development.

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They added: I hate that I have to worry about passing a machines arbitrary and unknowable tests before anyone considers my human capability and what I could bring to a given position as an individual.

For Anna Waldron, a 22-year-old originally from Portland, Oregon, structural barriers in hiring practices have made the job search especially challenging.

Waldron, who is set to graduate from Loyola University Chicago in May with a double major in political science and journalism, said she usually applied on job boards like Handshake, LinkedIn, FlexJobs, etc, but other times I look for places in Chicago that I know of and apply through their careers section on their website if they have one.

She continued: What Ive found is that a lot of jobs dont get posted on these sites because they hire internally or keep it in the circle of the company, which makes it hard for entry people like me who dont have as many connections.

Despite multiple internships and relevant experience, Waldron said she had yet to secure a position: I have done three internships since being in college and have skills both in writing for news publications and doing policy work, including working for the US Senate, but despite me applying to all kinds of jobs related to both of these fields, I am still struggling to find something.
Three people were killed, including a baby, and three others were injured in a fiery crash that shut down Interstate 71 in Delaware County on Saturday. A driver was arrested on charges of vehicular homicide in connection with the crash.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the crash happened just before 6:30 p.m. on I-71 near the U.S. 36 and state Route 37 interchange, located by the Tanger Outlets Columbus shopping mall.

OSHP said the preliminary investigation found that a semitruck, driven by 50-year-old Modou Ngom, of Columbus, was traveling northbound on I-71 when it failed to stop while approaching a backup in a construction zone. The semi then struck several stopped vehicles from behind.

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Dispatchers initially said 12 vehicles were involved in the crash, but on Sunday, OSHP clarified that nine vehicles were involved.

OSHP said a 1-year-old child, a 36-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man, all from Ashley, were killed. All three were traveling together in a Chevrolet Silverado.

Additionally, officials said three people were taken to nearby hospitals for serious, but not life-threatening injuries.

Ngom was booked into Delaware County Jail for vehicular homicide, OSHP said.

Video from Ohio Department of Transportation traffic cameras showed flames and heavy smoke coming from at least one vehicle involved in the collision on Saturday. The interstate was shut down in both directions for several hours for rescue operations and the crash investigation.

The crash remains under investigation.




A former Godley police chief is accused of promoting prostitution after investigators allege he solicited another man to pay for sex with his wife, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.

The charge stems from a broader North Texas investigation into alleged prostitution activity and potential misconduct involving a local couple and former law enforcement officers.

Matthew Cantrell, who previously served as Godleys police chief, faces a charge of the promotion of prostitution, a third-degree felony, in connection with a Nov. 18, 2024 incident. According to the affidavit, filed April 7, Cantrell knowingly solicited a man to engage in sexual conduct with his wife for compensation.

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Investigators have identified Michael Ketcherside and his wife as a North Texas couple they allege operated a broader prostitution network tied to the case.

The affidavit states Cantrell was acting other than as a prostitute, meaning investigators allege he arranged the encounter rather than personally receiving payment for sexual services.

Related: Dallas gang member convicted in federal drug, gun case tied to South Dallas operation

It was not immediately clear whether Cantrell, Omotoya, or the Ketchersides had attorneys, and they could not be reached for comment as of Saturday. Authorities have described the case as active, with additional arrests anticipated and related cases still under seal.

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Investigators said Cantrells wife told them he found her a boyfriend who paid $200 for sex. According to the affidavit, the $200 payment was sent via Cash App. Financial records reviewed by investigators show two additional transactions on Oct. 24, 2024, suggesting the encounters may have occurred more than once.

The charge is part of a broader investigation by the Johnson and Somervell counties district attorneys office and the Texas Department of Public Safety into Michael Ketcherside and his wife, who authorities have described as central figures in an alleged prostitution operation involving numerous clients over the past five years, though only Michael Ketcherside has been arrested as of Saturday afternoon. The Dallas Morning News isn't identifying Ketcherside's wife, as she has not been arrested and isnt facing charges at this time, according to the district attorneys office.

Michael Ketcherside is facing a charge of continuous promotion of prostitution, while former Godley police officer Solomon Omotoya faces a charge of solicitation of prostitution.

According to the affidavit, the investigation involves a pattern of racketeering tied to alleged prostitution activity that investigators said spanned nearly a decade.

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Authorities said a March 31 search of the Ketchersides home in Godley yielded electronic communications and storage devices believed to contain evidence of ongoing criminal activity.

Related: Three North Texas firefighters accused of child sexual assault

According to the district attorneys office, the investigation has also examined potential misconduct involving former members of the Godley Police Department, and authorities believe the Ketchersides worked with the then-sworn police chief and other officers as part of the alleged activity.

Investigators wrote that the devices included a burner phone allegedly used by Ketcherside's wife to arrange encounters and communicate with clients and former Godley police officers.

A review of those devices identified communications with former officer Solomon Omotoya, who was arrested April 2 after investigators said he solicited Ketcherside's wife for sex in exchange for services. According to the affidavit, Omotoya told investigators Cantrell was pimping his wife and would find men for her, some of whom paid for sex and others who did not.

Related: White Settlement expands sex offender restrictions, adds Halloween rules

Omotoya also told investigators that both he and Cantrell were aware of the broader alleged prostitution activity and had visited the Ketchersides home while employed as officers.

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Investigators said Cantrell used messaging platforms to communicate. During an interview, Cantrell acknowledged conduct investigators described as solicitation of prostitution and admitted to locating a boyfriend for his wife on at least one occasion, according to the affidavit.

Investigators said Cantrell had longstanding knowledge of the Ketchersides activities and was aware of their alleged prostitution enterprise.

Related: Can international visitors drive in Texas? Here are the rules for those coming to North Texas for World Cup
A former Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU) officer pleaded guilty in federal court to receiving and distributing files depicting the sexual abuse of children throughout a nearly seven-year period.

49-year-old Brian Sargent of Bowling Green was identified as a suspect in July 2025 when an investigation was conducted to identify offenders who were sharing child sexual abuse materials on a peer-to-peer platform, according to court records.

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In August 2025, a search warrant was executed at his home, where agents seized his personal laptop.

Almost 700 child sexual abuse materials that depicted minors engaged in sexual acts and bondage were located in a forensic analysis.

Sargents cellphone was also seized, where more material was located.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Sargant had been receiving and distributing CSAM from November 2018 to August 2025.

In the span of the offenses, he was employed with the OIU unit, which enforces laws regarding alcohol, tobacco, and SNAP benefits.

Sargent is scheduled to be sentenced on July 22 and faces a minimum of five to 20 years in prison.

The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the United States Secret Service and members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

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The family of a dead Georgia state prisoner is expected to get $4 million in a settlement agreement after suing the Georgia Department of Corrections.

The family of David Henegar sued GDOC after saying guards knew he was in danger but would not act to prevent his being attacked while at Johnson State Prison.

After he was hurt, Henegars family said guards took no action to help following the attack.

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The lawsuit alleged that guards heard the attack, heard Henegar begging for his life and asking to be separated, but just told him to deal with it.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Henegar died on Oct. 16, 2021 after his cellmate hogtied him and beat and choked him in the cell.

Betty Wade, Henegars sister, accepted a $4 million settlement on behalf of his estate from the lawsuit filed against guards that Wades attorney said allegedly stood by and let Mr. Henegar get beaten to death over the course of five hours.

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Even after the attack, attorneys for Henegars family said guards went through the cellblock on rounds, saw him lying on the floor with a sheet over his body but did not check on his health and wellbeing.

When guards entered the cell hours later, they found Henegar dead from strangulation and blunt force trauma.

This was a completely preventable tragedy, attorney Megan Pierce of Loevy + Loevy said in a statement. If any one of a number of prison officials had simply done their jobs, let alone shown one ounce of concern for David Henegars welfare, he would still be alive today.

The case was set to go to trial but a settlement with state officials was reached a week before the start, according to Loevy + Leovy.

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The state has a duty to care for, and protect, people in its custody, and Georgia repeatedly and tragically failed that duty in regard to David Henegar, attorney Rachel Brady said. David deserved to be treated with dignity. He deserved to be protected and cared for, both because he was a human being, and because the United States Constitution required it. He deserved better than he got, and we can only hope this settlement helps convince the Georgia Department of Corrections, in the future, to do better by the people in their care.

Channel 2 Action News reached out to the Georgia Department of Corrections for a statement and is waiting for a response.

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German commercial pilots union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) has called on its members at Lufthansa group airlines to continue staging strike action after a two-day demonstration earlier this week.

Set to begin on Thursday 16 April at 12:01 am local time and end on Friday 17 April at 11:59 pm local time, the latest round of action calls for arbitration to resolve the pension dispute.

Also, all Eurowings GmbH flights departing from German airports on 16 April between 12:01 am and 11:59 pm will be impacted, VC announced in its press release, saying that the situation remains unchanged.

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There is absolutely no movement on the part of the employers, said Andreas Pinheiro, President of VC. Neither Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cargo have made an offer regarding company pension schemes, nor has Lufthansa CityLine made a viable offer for a new collective bargaining agreement on remuneration, nor has Eurowings made any offer regarding company pension schemes.

He also said that arbitration would be a means to resolve the dispute with the support of an independent third party and avoid further escalation.

This comes after initial strike action that took place on 12 and 13 April.

The walkout, announced with less than two days' notice, was projected to put at least 80% of flights from Frankfurt and Munich hubs in jeopardy, potentially leaving more than 50,000 travellers in limbo, Air Traveler Club reported.

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VC, which represents at least 10,000 pilots across various German airlines, added that its grievance is rooted in Lufthansa's reluctance to settle several wage disputes, including over pensions.

How has Lufthansa responded?

With negotiations collapsing, the Cologne-based carrier now faces the fallout, including replacing scheduled flights with services operated by other airlines within the Lufthansa Group or partner airlines.

In an updated statement, Lufthansa said that passengers impacted by the action would be informed via email on 14 April.

As per the latest rebooking and refund policy, passengers with tickets from Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, Brussels Airlines or Air Dolomiti, issued on or before 13 April, and booked on Lufthansa-operated flights, including Lufthansa CityLine on 13-16 April can rebook for free to another Lufthansa Group flight from before 23 April. There is also the option to request a refund.

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Lufthansa will also offer Deutsche Bahn train tickets for passengers on cancelled flights with no alternative options.

We sincerely regret the disruption caused by the strike announced at short notice by the union Vereinigung Cockpit and thank you for your understanding, the carrier said.

Weekend awash with disruptions

The upcoming strike action comes on the heels of ten of thousands of passengers across Germany experiencing travel disruptions.

Unabhangige Flugbegleiter Organisation (UFO), a union representing cabin crew professionals in Germany, called on crew members of Lufthansa CityLine GmbH to strike on Friday 10 April.

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The day-long strike grounded flights across Frankfurt and Munich, with The Independent reporting approximately 580 Frankfurt flight cancellations, affecting as many as 72,000 travellers.

Like their pilot counterparts, UFOs grievances also lie in unresolved wage disputes  resorting to industrial action to achieve their demands.

To this day, management consistently refuses to even enter into negotiations with us regarding our demands for a collectively agreed social plan, to address our demands, or even to submit a negotiable offer for such a plan, the union said.
After conservatives saw their fourth straight state Supreme Court loss April 7, former candidate Brad Schimel pointed to party fundraising disparities and called decade-old campaign finance rules passed by Republicans a "terrible law."

"I think it was a terrible decision, and I hope somebody undoes it," Schimel said on WISN-TV's "Upfront" April 12.

Schimel was referencing a 2015 law authored by Republicans and signed by former Gov. Scott Walker that allows donors to make unlimited contributions to state political parties, which then funnel the money to their preferred candidates. Comparably, individual donations to a state Supreme Court candidate are limited to $20,000.

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"I used [the law], of course, last year, because I had to," said Schimel, who now leads the U.S. Attorney's Office based in Milwaukee. "Nowadays, it's not enough to go have meet-and-greets in Eau Claire, Superior and Green Bay ... you have to mass communicate."

Campaign finance totals showed liberal Justice-elect Chris Taylor raised about $6.2 million, compared to conservative opponent Maria Lazar's $1.2 million. The Republican Party of Wisconsin gave about $163,500 in monetary and in-kind donations to Lazar's campaign, while the Democratic Party of Wisconsin contributed about $863,500 to Taylor.

More: A look behind the cash going into Wisconsin's Supreme Court race

Republicans, including Walker, have said their party needs to reinvigorate its fundraising efforts after Lazar's loss and ahead of U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany's run for governor in fall, where he faces a wide Democratic primary field.

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Asked at her election night watch party about the state party's support for her campaign, Lazar said she was satisfied with the financial backing she received and "held no recriminations" against anyone.

More: Steamrolled in Tuesday's election, Wisconsin GOP looks for answers

TV cameras record reporter stand-ups before the election night watch party for Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Supporters wait for Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar to speak during her election night watch party on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. TV cameras record reporter stand-ups before the election night watch party for Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Supporters gradually trickle into Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar's election night watch party on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Supporters watch poll numbers on a projection screen during Maria Lazar's election night watch party on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. The election night watch party for Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar was held at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Former Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Brad Schimel, center, attends the election night watch party for Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Former Governor Scott Walker gives an interview during the election night watch party for Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Supporters attend Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar's election night watch party on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Former Governor Scott Walker gives an interview during the election night watch party for Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Supporters keep an eye on poll numbers at Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar's election night watch party on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar gives her concession speech during her election night watch party on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar, back center, gives her concession speech during her election night watch party on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar gives her concession speech during her election night watch party on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar, right, thanks supporters after conceding to Chris Taylor during Lazar's election night watch party on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar, right, thanks supporters after conceding to Chris Taylor during Lazar's election night watch party on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar thanks supporters after conceding to Chris Taylor during Lazar's election night watch party on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Judge Maria Lazars Supreme Court election night event in Pewaukee 1 of 17 TV cameras record reporter stand-ups before the election night watch party for Wisconsin Supreme Court candidate Maria Lazar on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Ingleside Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin.

While passed over 10 years ago by Republicans, Democrats are now the fundraising powerhouse and use the law to their advantage, a WPR analysis found in 2024.

Between 2019 and 2025, when Ben Wikler led the state Democratic Party, the party raised $262 million for its state and federal accounts, compared to the Republican Party's $97 million.

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Devin Remiker, who replaced Wikler as the Democrats' state party chairman, said Schimel "didnt seem to find [the law] so terrible when he was crawling around on his knees begging for cash last year."

That refers to comments Schimel made about fundraising for his 2025 campaign for Wisconsin Supreme Court. Elon Musk spent some $20 million in support of Schimel, who lost to liberal Justice Susan Crawford by 10 points.

Schimel, a former state attorney general, now leads the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The district's judges declined to make his interim position permanent, but now-ousted U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed him with a new title.

Schimel acknowledged on "Upfront" that he could be removed from the office at any time and feels no pressure from the Trump administration in his job.

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He said he's "thrilled" about acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's new initiative cracking down on fraud in taxpayer-funded programs.

"I've seen things that are making my head spin in the amount of fraud that goes on," Schimel said. "We're going to go after the big stuff, and there's going to be plenty for the picking."

More: Milwaukee prenatal care company owner sentenced to 10 years for fraud

Hope Karnopp can be reached at HKarnopp@usatodayco.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: GOP law allowing unlimited party donations 'terrible,' Schimel says
The list of dead and missing scientists throughout the U.S. was already spurring growing alarm and, in some cases, the attention of law enforcement. Another name has been added to the list by some news outlets, which now stands at nine. Some of the people on the list worked as NASA scientists or were connected to NASA programs.

According to News Nation, the new name is that of Michael David Hicks, a NASA scientist who died in 2023. At the time, his death "went largely unnoticed, but nearly three years later, theres renewed interest in what happened to the NASA scientist," News Nation reported. No cause of death was released for Hicks, 59, but he "worked on major space missions, including NASAs Dart Project, which tested whether asteroids could be deflected," News Nation reported.

However, Men's Journal has determined, the Los Angeles County Coroner does list a cause of death for Hicks, saying he died of "arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease" in his residence with "morbid obesity" being described as a "significant condition." The manner of death was listed as "natural." At the same time, the medical examiner still lists the 2023 death as "open."

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Although Hicks' death and a few of the others on the list may not be connected or the result of anything nefarious, there are other cases on the list that are much stranger and are raising growing concern. That's true in particular of the scientists on the list who simply disappeared into thin air. One had a connection to the UFO research community. And Mike Hicks did have a lengthy career at NASA.

Michael David Hicks Was Part of Teams Helping NASA Understand Comets & Asteroids

According to Daily Mail, Hicks "worked at JPL (NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory) from 1998 to 2022," and he "was credited with publishing over 80 scientific papers and was part of multiple teams helping NASA understand the physical properties of comets and asteroids."

Hicks' obituary reads, "Michael David Hicks of Sunland, California, astronomer, artist and father, passed away Sunday July 30, 2023, at 59 years of age. Born in Dayton, Ohio, Michael earned degrees from Boston University and a PhD in Lunar and Planetary Science at the University of Arizona followed by long career at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California." His loved ones posted a lengthy video tribute to him on YouTube.

Daily Mail wrote that there is no indication of foul play in Hicks' death, but added that he is connected to three of the other scientists on the list who also "worked at the Jet Propulsion Lab or participated in NASA missions there." They include Monica Reza, who also has professional ties with a retired general who disappeared.

The NASA logo is displayed at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker told the Daily Mail: 'You can say these are all suspicious, and these are scientists who have worked in critical technology.'

Who are the Other 8 Dead or Missing Scientists?

Monica Reza disappeared while hiking in June 2025. That month, the Crescenta Valley Sheriffs Office posted an alert reading, Missing Hiker  Help Us Locate Monica Reza. The flyer posted with the alert says that Reza was a resident of Los Angeles County who was last seen hiking on June 22, 2025, at 9:10 a.m. along Angeles Crest Highway. There is concern for Ms. Rezas well-being, the flyer said, indicating that the Sheriffs Homicide Bureau was involved. Fellow-Materials Science and Engineering at Aerojet Rocketdyne, her LinkedIn page says.

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William McCasland is a retired Air Force General. McCaslands wife Susan McCasland Wilkerson wrote on Facebook on March 6. In her post, she confirmed that he associated with the UFO community, but added, Neil does not have any special knowledge about the ET bodies and debris from the Roswell crash stored at Wright-Patt. Though at this point with absolutely no sign of him, maybe the best hypothesis is that aliens beamed him up to the mothership. However, no sightings of a mothership hovering above the Sandia Mountains have been reported.

The Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office in New Mexico released a detailed timeline about the mysterious disappearance of 68-year-old McCasland, who was last known to have been at or near his residence in the area of Quail Run Court NE on the morning of Friday, February 27, 2026.

Carl Grillmaier was an astrophysicist at Cal Tech when he died. According to ABC 7, a suspect was charged with killing Grillmair after carjacking his own relative and burglarizing a home. Grillmair was found shot to death on the porch of his home in rural Llano.

Frank Mailand worked at the Jet Propulsion Lab. Maiwalds obituary says, Frank Werner Maiwald, aged 61, passed away on July 4, 2024, in Los Angeles, CA. Born on June 24, 1964, in Ratingen, Germany, Franks journey brought immense contributions to both his personal life and professional endeavors. The cause of death was not released.

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Melissa Casias, who disappeared in summer 2025, worked at Los Alamos National Labs. In September 2025, the Taos News reported: Two months after Melissa Casias, a 53-year-old Los Alamos National Labs employee, went missing, her disappearance has left more questions than answers. New Mexico State Police reported no breakthroughs in the investigation.

Anthony Chavez, who also disappeared, worked at that lab as well. In May 2025, the Los Alamos Police Department shared photos of Chavez and wrote, MISSING PERSON: On 05/08/2025 Mr. Anthony Chavez of Los Alamos was reported as a missing person. Since then, exhaustive efforts to locate him have proved unsuccessful. Mr. Chavez is not believed to be endangered, but the public is asked to help locate Mr. Chavez to ensure his safety.

Some sites include murdered MIT nuclear scientist Nuno Loureiro on the list. Police believe that Loureiro was shot and killed when he answered the door at his home by Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, the suspect in the Brown University mass shooting, who later died of suicide.

Jason Thomas was a scientist at Novartis, a Swiss pharmaceutical company, when he went missing in December 2025, according to People. According to People, he was struggling with the deaths of his parents, and no foul play is expected. His body was found in a lake.

Related:

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Heavy fighting continued on Sunday in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil, a stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah, according to Israeli and Lebanese reports.

Lebanese security sources said Israeli troops had advanced further into the town, located just a few kilometres from the Israeli border, where dozens of Hezbollah fighters have been trapped after days of clashes.

Hezbollah said it had targeted Israeli soldiers in the area with rockets. The Al-Manar broadcaster, which is affiliated with the group, reported that Israeli forces were attempting to fully encircle Bint Jbeil and cut off surrounding roads, while Hezbollah was responding with rockets, artillery and drones and had repelled attempts to push deeper into the town.

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The Israeli military said at least 20 Hezbollah fighters had been killed in recent days on the grounds of a government hospital in Bint Jbeil.

It accused Hezbollah of storing weapons at the facility and launching attacks from there, claims that could not be independently verified. Hezbollah did not immediately comment on the allegation.

Israels ynet news portal reported heavy aerial bombardment of the town, while Lebanons NNA news agency said Israeli soldiers had destroyed several residential buildings.

Bint Jbeil was also the scene of intense fighting between Israeli ground forces and Hezbollah during the Second Lebanon War two decades ago.
ODOT to start road projects

COSHOCTON  The Ohio Department of Transportation has announced two road projects. Ohio 621 will be closed for embankment repairs from April 6-10 from County Road 190 to County Road 186. Ohio 60 will be closed for culvert replacement from April 15-29 from Bedford Township Road 58 to County Road 3.

Workgroup to focus on natural resources

COSHOCTON  Coshocton Soil and Water Conservation District and Coshocton County Farm Bureau will hold a local workgroup meeting gather input regarding natural resource issues and priorities from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 14, in the meeting room at Wills Creek Dam, 49320 County Road 497. To register, call 740-622-8087, ext. 4 or e-mail ryanmedley@coshoctoncounty.net.

Ridgewood presenting 'The Addams Family' musical

WEST LAFAYETTE  Forty students will take part in "The Addams Family" musical comedy to be presented at 7 p.m. April 17-18 and 3 p.m. April 19, at Ridgewood High School, 602 Johnson St., West Lafayette. Patrons who come in Addams Family or goth costumes can have their photos taken on the set and be entered into a raffle to win a Wednesday LEGO set. Tickets are $10 and available at the door, by calling the school office or at ridgewoodperformingarts.ludus.com.

Button club show in Sugarcreek

SUGARCREEK  The Akron Area Button Club will hold its annual Buckeye State Button Society Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 18 and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 19 at the Carlisle Inn, 1357 Old Route 39, Sugarcreek. The theme is Hearts Full of Buttons. Admission is $5 for those 19 and older. Buttons will be on display and available for sale. For more information, visit ohiobuttons.org or email ohiobuttonsorg@gmail.com.

Malone University ensemble to perform

COSHOCTON  The Malone University Worship Arts Ensemble will perform at 3 p.m. April 19, at Prairie Chapel Methodist Church, 45494 County Road 23.

Meetings

 Coshocton County Land Reutilization Corporation will meet in special session at 10 a.m. April 13, to award demolition bids at the Coshocton County Commissioners' Office, 401 1/2 Main St.

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 The Coshocton County Board of Development Disabilities will meet at 4:30 p.m. April 15, at Hopewell School, 23720 Airport Road.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: What you need to know to start your week in Coshocton County
Efforts to expel Reps. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., and Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, from Congress gained bipartisan steam on Sunday, as lawmakers on both sides of the aisle said they would vote in favor of two separate measures to remove the congressmen following separate sexual misconduct allegations against each of them.

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., told NBC News Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker that he would vote in favor of expelling the two lawmakers from Congress, if given the opportunity, two days after multiple women accused Swalwell of sexual harassment and assault.

If separate motions to expel the two congressmen come before the House, Donalds said, I will be voting yes on both measures.

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These allegations are despicable and they demean the integrity of Congress. These things are just completely unacceptable, he added. As far as Im concerned, both gentlemen need to go home.

Appearing later on Meet the Press, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., was asked whether shed vote to expel Swalwell if the measure comes to the floor.

And Congressman Gonzales, I would, Ive already said that, the congresswoman said.

I think that this is very important that we believe women and that we show people across the Capitol and across the country that we will not accept this kind of behavior, she added.

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Later Sunday, Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez, D-N.M., chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus, also said she'd vote to expel Gonzales and Swalwell if they didn't resign first.

"Reps. Gonzales and Swalwell are not fit to serve. They must resign. If they do not, I will vote to expel them," she wrote in a post on social media.

On Saturday, Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., called on Gonzales and Swalwell to resign on X, adding, "If not, Congress should move to expel ... them upon our return this week."

On Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN reported allegations from at least four women, including a former staffer, against Swalwell. One of the women alleged that Swalwell twice sexually assaulted her when she was too intoxicated to consent. Two other women alleged that the California congressman sent them unsolicited photos or videos of his penis. And one woman said that Swalwell kissed her without her consent in public.

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One of the women in CNNs report, Ally Sammarco, confirmed her account of her experience with Swalwell to NBC News, but NBC News has not independently corroborated the other womens allegations.

Before Fridays allegations, the California congressman was a leading candidate for governor. After facing calls from colleagues and political groups to drop out of that race, Swalwell announced Sunday that he was suspending his campaign.

In a video Friday on X, Swalwell denied the allegations, telling viewers: These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. Theyre absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have.

On Sunday, NBC News obtained a cease-and-desist letter Swalwell's attorney sent to the woman whose allegations were reported by CNN and the San Francisco Chronicle.

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"It has come to our attention that you have made false statements accusing Mr. Swalwell of sexual assault and nonconsensual sexual encounters. We write to demand that you immediately and permanently cease and desist from continuing your wrongful conduct, including by stopping any further publication of such false information or allowing it to be disseminated in any form, whether oral, written, electronic, or otherwise," the letter said.

It added, "Mr. Swalwell takes these accusations seriously, both because they are false and because they are being injected into Californias gubernatorial race only 24 days before voters go to the polls."

Earlier this year, Gonzales, who was running for re-election to the House in Texas, dropped out of the race after reports that he exchanged sexually explicit text messages with a staffer who later died by suicide.

On a podcast in March, Gonzales acknowledged that hed had an affair with the staffer, saying, I made a mistake, and I had a lapse in judgment. And there was a lack of faith, and I take full responsibility for those actions." He added that hed reconciled with his wife.

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Later, a second former staffer told NBC News that the Texas congressman exchanged sexually explicit texts with her while she worked for him.

In her Meet the Press interview Sunday, Jayapal said that expelling Gonzales and Swalwell would send an important message.

This is also important for staffers across the Capitol to see that their bosses dont get to do this to them, the congresswoman said.

Fifty-five former Swalwell congressional and campaign staffers on Sunday had signed a public letter calling on him to drop out of the gubernatorial race and resign from the House.

"We stand unequivocally with our colleague, who showed extraordinary courage in coming forward to share her truth. We believe her," the statement read.

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The staffers also called on law enforcement to open "a full and thorough investigation" into the allegations, adding, "No one is above the law. Not a congressman. Not a candidate for governor. No one."

In a statement Saturday, Swalwells senior campaign and congressional staffers said they were horrified by the allegations and stand with our former colleague, and the other women who have come forward.

Some vowed to remain in their roles because [we] understand that we have obligations to the people we lead and to the constituents of Californias 14th Congressional District. Those of us that remain on staff do so for the sole purpose of ensuring that as many of those obligations are fulfilled as possible.

On Saturday, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said on X that she plans to introduce a resolution to expel Swalwell from Congress. That resolution would need two-thirds of the chamber to vote in favor for it to pass.

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Also Saturday, two California Democrats, Reps. Sam Liccardo and Jared Huffman, called for Swalwell to resign.

Ive seen enough. With his nuanced statement aimed at defending likely criminal charges, Swalwell all but admits a per se abuse of power under House ethics rules: sex with a subordinate. He must now drop out of the Governors race and resign from Congress. Rep. Tony Gonzales, who admitted to the same violation, should also resign. If they dont, I will support voting to expel both of them, Huffman said on X.

Swalwell must halt his campaign, resign from office, and face the consequences of a full investigation. Democrats must not equivocate in the face of uncomfortable allegations about one of our own, Liccardo wrote on X.

Also on Saturday, the Manhattan District Attorneys Office said it would investigate the allegations against Swalwell. At least one of the alleged encounters took place in New York.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
By Krisztina Than and Anita Komuves

BUDAPEST, April 12 (Reuters) - Hungary's veteran nationalist leader Viktor Orban lost power to the upstart centre-right Tisza party in Sunday's national election after 16 years in office, marking a setback for his allies in Russia and U.S. President Donald Trump's White House.

Orban, 62, was celebrated by conservatives across Europe and the United States as the mastermind of the "illiberal" model of democracy, but lost favour at home with voters who grew weary of economic stagnation, international isolation and oligarchs amassing wealth.

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His landslide defeat handed Tisza's Peter Magyar, 45, a comfortable majority in Hungary's 199-seat legislature, opening the door for meaningful reforms of a system critics in the European Union said subverted democratic norms.

With nearly all ballots counted, Tisza was set to win 138 seats, more than the two-thirds majority Magyar would need to undo Orban's constitutional overhaul and combat corruption.

Record turnout on Sunday underscored how many Hungarians saw the election as a watershed moment for their country.

"We have done it. Tisza and Hungary have won this election," Magyar told tens of thousands of supporters who danced and cheered alongside the elegant Danube River embankment in central Budapest.

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Many held candles while loudspeakers blasted Frank Sinatra's "My Way" as Magyar walked towards the stage. "Together, we have replaced Orban's system and together we liberated Hungary, we have reclaimed our country," he said.

Magyar had cast the election as a choice between "East and West", warning voters that Orban and his confrontational stance towards Brussels would take the country further away from the European mainstream. Orban countered that Tisza would drag Hungary into an unwanted war with Russia, a charge Magyar denied.

"The election result is painful for us, but clear," Orban said at the Fidesz campaign offices. Some of his supporters who had gathered outside cried while watching his speech on TV screens.

SHOCKWAVES FOR THE EU AND BEYOND

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The end of Orban's 16-year rule will have significant implications not only for Hungary, but for the European Union, Ukraine and beyond.

Many European leaders are hoping for an end to Hungary's adversarial role inside the EU, possibly opening the way for a 90 billion euro ($105 billion) loan to war-battered Ukraine that was blocked by Orban.

Mujtaba Rahman, a managing director at Eurasia Group, said Magyar will be able to deliver on his promises to clean out corruption and remove Fidesz loyalists from key positions.

"Regarding Ukraine, Magyar will agree to pave the way for 90 billion euros to flow to Ukraine. He was extremely cautious pre-election, but without the need now to try to appease Fidesz voters, we think Hungary will cautiously move more into the European mainstream on most subjects."

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Some diplomats in Brussels cautioned issues such as migration may remain thorny. "Hungary will continue to be a challenging partner, but a partner with whom the other member states can work," one said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy congratulated Magyar on Sunday and pledged to work with him to strengthen Europe and uphold peace and security. "It is important when a constructive approach is victorious," Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram.

Defeat for Orban could also mean the eventual release of EU funds to Hungary suspended over reforms that Brussels said undermined democratic standards, something closely watched by financial markets.

"Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the top EU executive, said after partial results were released.

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Orban's exit would also deprive Russian President Vladimir Putin of his main ally in the EU and send shockwaves through the West's right-wing circles, including the White House.

Orban had won public endorsements from the Trump administration, culminating in a visit to Budapest by Vice President JD Vance last week, as well as from the Kremlin and far-right leaders in Europe.

But his campaign was shaken by media reports alleging his government colluded with Moscow on diplomatic and political matters.

Orban, who denied any wrongdoing, said his goal was to protect Hungary's national identity and traditional Christian values within the EU and its security in a dangerous world.

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"It's incredibly exciting," said 24-year-old Dorina Nyul, who attended the Tisza election night event. "It feels like this is our first and last chance in a really long time to actually change the system. And it's, I can't even describe the feeling."

(Additional reporting by Krisztina Than, Anita Komuves, Lili Bayer, Thomas Holdstock, Judith Langowski, writing by Justyna Pawlak; Editing by Alexander Smith, Gareth Jones, Edmund Klamann and Lincoln Feast.)




About this series: The Cost of Living explores how Austin became so expensive, who is being squeezed and why, and what local leaders are  and are not  doing to address it.

As an ice storm closed in on Central Texas in late January, Bricia, a 43-year-old mother battling endometrial cancer, moved deliberately through her Elgin home, deciding what to pack before the power went out.

Pain radiated from her right shoulder, flaring with stress and aggravating skin already raw from radiation treatment. She wanted to lie down. Instead, she kept moving, preparing to flee the cold and the dark.

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Three months behind on her power bill, she was losing heat and light at the worst possible moment  just months after federal immigration agents detained her husband, the familys primary breadwinner.

In the months since, Bricia and her 21-year-old U.S. citizen daughter have watched their savings evaporate, their business collapse and their home slip toward foreclosure  part of a widening pattern across Central Texas, where a surge in immigration arrests is quietly destabilizing families and pushing many toward financial ruin.

Karla Morales pets one of her four dogs as she feeds the animals on her familys property in Elgin, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. In addition to the dogs, the family also owns two horses, one pony and approximately 20 chickens. Morales said they will likely have to give up all but one dog if their home goes into foreclosure, causing them to move. I dont like to think about it, she said. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)





Such stories are becoming increasingly common in Bastrop County, including Elgin, a majority-Hispanic exurb of about 12,000 residents, roughly 30 miles east of downtown Austin. In the Sausage Capital of Texas, gravel roads wind past goat and horse pens on properties belonging to immigrant families who commute to the city to work construction or clean homes. Many were drawn to the area decades ago by affordable land and rent. Now, deportations are eroding that stability.

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Other area residents are also absorbing the financial shock of losing a primary breadwinner. They include a recent college graduate in Camp Swift who is supporting the family after her fathers deportation, and another Elgin mother who is selling pan dulce late into the night, taking on her husbands work.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests in Central and South Texas have climbed to an average of 2,000 arrests per month during the Trump administration, according to a New York Times analysis. About 9 in 10 of those arrested locally are men, the American-Statesman found, leaving women and children to shoulder the economic fallout.

ICE did not respond to the Statesmans requests for comment.

Bricias husband, a construction subcontractor, was detained 11 months ago after a traffic stop by Elgin police  an arrest that triggered the familys financial unraveling. Bricia, a Mexican immigrant, and her daughter have since lost two cars and a small plot of land where they once raised cattle to creditors. Theyve also fallen behind on property tax payments on the family home. (Bricia asked the Statesman withhold her last name due to fear of retribution.)

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That icy weekend in January, the family fled to San Antonio to stay with Bricias mother. They remained there for more than a week as Bricia sought financial help from relatives and family friends to pay their $1,000 power bill. Her daughter found work painting houses but said she was never paid.

Then they returned home  and to a future that remained uncertain.

I have the clock against me and I dont know what to do, said Bricia, who has lived in the United States for more than 25 years. I dont know what comes next.

Bricia prepares enchiladas during a fundraiser to try to raise money to pay back taxes on her property in Elgin, Sunday, March 22, 2026. Investing $300 into the food sale, she made about $130. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)





Bricia examines one of her past due electricity bills while sitting on her porch in Elgin, Tuesday, March 17, 2026. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)





The storm cometh

For the past two decades, Bricia helped her husband run his contracting business, hiring workers and scheduling jobs installing walls, stuccoing and painting new houses. The business employed several workers and generated about $8,000 per month, Bricias husband, Miguel Morales, told the Statesman in a phone interview from Mexico.

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The work supported the entire family and helped them build their home piece by piece beginning in 2013.

The familys finances tightened after Bricias 2023 cancer diagnosis, which required costly chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries, the family said. The last surgeries, to remove metastasized growths in Bricias left foot at the start of last year, resulted in the amputation of parts of each of her toes and left her bedridden and in a wheelchair for months. Morales deportation came during this time.

The family, who had struggled for years to pay property taxes on time, defaulted on a payment plan to keep their home, prompting legal action by the county.

Karla Morales listens to her mother, Bricia, discuss the day her father was arrested by immigration agents as they sit in their living room in Elgin, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. The arrest was made on outstanding warrants related to driving without a license, after which ICE picked him up from the county jail in March 2025. Unauthorized immigrants in Texas are not eligible for driver's licenses. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)





Bricias husband was arrested in May 2025 on outstanding warrants related to driving without a license, after which ICE picked him up from the county jail. People in Texas without legal status are not eligible for driver licenses. Miguel Morales had previously been cited for outdoor burning and multiple instances of driving without a license, according to Bastrop County records. The Statesman could not find a criminal record for Bricia.

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Although Bricia spent more than $5,000 on her husbands defense  first hoping hed be released on bond to continue working and later just long enough to close out business dealings  Morales was deported to Mexico in November.

By then, the familys finances had collapsed. Bricia and her daughter, Karla Morales, tried to keep the business going, but after Miguel Morales was detained, contractors stopped paying, leaving them about $7,000 short for work on half a dozen houses, the family said.

I think they thought they weren't going to be able to finish, Miguel Morales said.

Due to her health, Bricia has been unable to take on other work. Karla Morales lost her job translating forms at a notarys office in February. The family is trying to make a $6,200 payment before the mid-April court judgment.

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Bricias story is not an outlier. Across Bastrop County, deportations are shifting financial responsibility overnight  often onto daughters and wives who must quickly replace lost income while navigating systems theyve never had to manage alone.

Karla Morales piles hay into troughs for her two horses and one pony as she does chores on her familys property in Elgin, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Karla and her father would alternate days they looked after their animals, but after his deportation the workload has fell to Karla. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)





Taking on the burden

Michelle Zavala, 24, had just moved back to her family home in Camp Swift, just south of Elgin, when immigration agents detained her father. His deportation left Zavala  a recent Texas State masters degree graduate  suddenly responsible for supporting the household.

Roberto Zavala, 53, a floor installer who had lived in the United States for three decades and was in the process of applying for legal residency, was on his way to the dentist when state troopers pulled him over and quickly turned him over to an ICE agent, his wife, Jaqueline Rodriguez said.

Jaqueline Rodriguez and Michelle Zavala chat with Roberto Zavala as he Facetimes them from Matamorros, Mexico as the mother and daughter sit at their family dining room table in Bastrop, Wednesday, April 8, 2026. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)





The Department of Public Safety did not respond to the Statesmans questions regarding its cooperation with immigration agents.

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She scrambled to secure funding for her unpaid social work internship. Of the $2,000 monthly stipend she eventually received, half immediately went toward utility bills, groceries and money sent to her father, who has struggled to find work in Matamoros, Mexico. The family used the last of its savings to pay last years property taxes, Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez, who has spent decades caring for her children (they could both read by preschool because of me), said shes nervously preparing to enter the workforce.

I have to go out into the world now, said Rodriguez, who only recently became a permanent resident. But its like I dont know where to start.

Top photo: Reminders of Miguel Morales, a figurine of a saddle he created using food wrappers from his time in the detention center. Middle and bottom photos: Photos of the Roberto Zavala and Jaqueline Rodriguez, and Rodriguezs wedding ring as seen in the familys home in Elgin. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)





For some families, the fight for survival is even more immediate.

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About 13 miles north of Camp Swift, near Elgins historic downtown, Margarita, a 43-year-old mother of five, begins to prepare the pan dulce each morning after sending her daughter to school. Her thick palms mix pink, yellow and chocolate sugar toppings for conchas as sweet potatoes boil nearby for empanadas. (The Statesman is withholding Margaritas last name because of her legal status.)

By afternoon, the small oven, set at 475 degrees, fills the dark kitchen with heavy heat. Around the corner, her 2-year-old son, ill with a chronic intestinal condition, coughs as he sleeps on her bed.

Margarita sections out dough as she prepares pan dulce in her kitchen in Elgin, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Her husband was detained in January, and she took over his baking business to try and make ends meet and care for their four children in his absence. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)





Until her husband was detained by immigration agents in late January, most of this work had been his. Shes had to relearn some of the recipes and now goes out each evening with her son to sell bread for $1 apiece around local shopping centers.

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Seven days a week, often until 9 or 10 p.m., Margarita stays out until she sells the 50 to 60 pieces she makes daily, far fewer than the roughly 150 pieces she and her husband once produced together. On days when reports of traffic stops and ICE activity circulate through the community, fewer customers venture out, stretching her workday even longer.

Theres not a lot of people at the stores, Margarita said. People dont want to go out. I mean, I dont want to either, but I have to.

Deepening poverty

Like many families interviewed by the Statesman, Margarita has struggled to keep up with bills. Last month, she came within a day of having her water cut off. At the start of April, she had fallen behind on her $1,200 monthly rent.

I have almost none of it, said Margarita, who as of Friday had only gathered $400 and had been given a final one-week extension by her landlord.

Margaritas son sells pan dulce outside the familys rental home in Elgin, Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Margarita has struggled to keep up with bills since her husband was detained by immigration agents in January. Last month, she came within a day of having her water cut off. At the start of April, she had fallen behind on her $1,200 monthly rent. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)





She sought help from community organizations but was told no assistance was available. Rental aid has largely dried up since the pandemic, but Margarita likely wouldnt qualify for state utility assistance, the largest available pool of money, because of legal status requirements, said Ben Martin, deputy director for Texas Housers, a housing advocacy nonprofit.

Although the immigrants interviewed said they have not received government assistance  many had not applied  the need is being felt by local service providers. Pastor Roland Nava  director of the Bastrop County Salvation Army and founder and CEO of the In the Streets-Hands up High Ministry, an emergency shelter  said immigrants without legal status are increasingly turning to his soup kitchen and food pantry after losing primary earners.

The Salvation Army is one of the few local organizations able to offer aid such as utility assistance to immigrants because it operates on private donations, though limited funding means individuals can receive only $100 every six months. Many wait too long to ask for help, he said, and some end up in shelters after eviction.

I ask them, Why didnt you come earlier? Nava said. And they say, We didnt know if coming here would mean someone would call.

Researchers at the Center for Migration Studies and American Immigration Council estimate that deportation of an adult can cut mixed-status household income by half to two-thirds. In households where no one has legal status, the impact can be even greater because those households tend to earn less, said Matthew Lisiecki, a researcher at the Center for Migration Studies.

Because most deportations involve men, the loss is compounded by wage gaps in many immigrant households, according to UC Merced sociologist Tanya Golash-Boza.

I think over the course of a man's career in a working class job, he is moving to better quality jobs. Women are going to stay at the low end of wage earning, Golash-Boza said. Its literally the way the labor market is structured.

Bricia carries a basket of art her husband made using food wrappers while he was in the detention center as she organizes items in her kitchen in Elgin, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)





The cost of holding on

Despite the uncertainty, the families persist.

The constant medical attention Margaritas sons intestinal condition requires has convinced her to remain in the United States, and shes planning to move in with her sister if she cannot make rent.

The Zavala family is beginning to stabilize after Michelle found a counseling job at a high school.

But for Bricia, the pressure continues to mount. She has tried unsuccessfully to sell half the familys two acres to settle back taxes. Other efforts have also floundered.

In February, Bricia invested $300 into a Sunday food sale. Family members traveled more than 100 miles from San Antonio to help her prepare enchiladas mineras, tacos al vapor, barbacoa, aguas frescas and cakes. She texted neighbors and posted flyers on community Facebook pages. Yet, on that particular Sunday, only a few friends stopped by or called in orders. She made about $130.

Bricia surveys her property in Elgin, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Bricia is battling endometrial cancer and her husband, the familys primary breadwinner, was deported, setting the family thousands of dollars behind on taxes. She has tried unsuccessfully to sell half the familys two acres to settle back taxes. (Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman)





In times like these, Bricia said she has thought about leaving everything behind and returning to Mexico. But each time, she comes back to the same question: What would be left for her daughter?

This was my husbands youth, she said of the home they built over years. "Its not a grand home, but its a home.

If they lose it, she said, everything they built disappears with it.

Its like were throwing her into a pool without a life jacket.

Struggling to afford Austin? We want to hear from you. Please share your story with us via email at hello@statesman.com.
The town holds a symbolic position within Hezbollah's organization as it was the location where the then-secretary general Hassan Nasrallah described Israel as weaker than a spider web.

Soldiers from the IDF's Givati Brigade found Hezbollah terrorists operating out of a government hospital in Bint Jbail, southern Lebanon, the military announced on Sunday.

The soldiers, operating under the military's 98th Division, identified terrorists who opened fire at IDF soldiers from hospital windows. The military killed an unspecified number of the terrorists operating within the hospital, as well as approximately 20 additional terrorists operating in the vicinity, the military stated.

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IDF footage of Hezbollah weapons stored within Bint Jbail hospital, published April 12, 2026. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

The soldiers found a Hezbollah weapons cache located within the hospital after raiding the building following a firefight.

"Hezbollah systemically and continuously used the hospital complex and its immediate surroundings for the terror organization's military needs, in severe violation of international law," the military said.

The hospital complex was used to transfer and store weapons, while terrorists used the facilities as observation posts, hiding places, and sheltered locations, the military added.

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An IDF infographic displaying a hospital in Bint Jbail, southern Lebanon, used by Hezbollah terrorists, published April 12, 2026. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)

"Hezbollah systemically uses medical facilities and ambulances for military purposes, violating international law and endangering the civilian population," the military said, adding that it made it clear to Lebanese authorities that Hezbollah's usage of hospitals in Lebanon must cease.

IDF beseiges Bint Jbail, preventing Hezbollah reinforcement of major southern Lebanon town

This comes amid reports in Israeli media that the IDF is besieging the town of Bint Jbail, which is one of the largest population centers on the Lebanese side of the border.

This measure was taken in order to prevent Hezbollah terrorists embedded within the town from being able to reinforce or escape.

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The siege includes setting up roadblocks, deploying observation posts around the town, and sending aircraft to collect intelligence.

Additionally, other IDF operations are taking place within the town, including widespread attacks, according to Walla.

Officers from the IDF's Northern Command noted that Hezbollah has established an extensive military infrastructure within Bint Jbail, including combat positions, command centers, ammunition depots, and underground weapon and rocket launcher stores.

The town holds a symbolic position within Hezbollah's organization as it was the location where then-secretary general Hassan Nasrallah described Israel as weaker than a spider web during a speech in 2000 amid the IDF's withdrawal from occupying southern Lebanon.

Amir Bohbot contributed to this report.
UNIFIL alleges that an IDF tank rammed its vehicles twice in southern Lebanon and fired warning shots nearby, raising concerns over safety and freedom of movement.

An IDF Merkava tank rammed vehicles belonging to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on two separate occasions on Sunday, the UN force claimed on X/Twitter.

In one of the instances, the tank caused "significant damage," according to UNIFIL.

"The soldiers had blocked a road in Bayada that is used to access UNIFIL positions," the force wrote.

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Over the past week, the IDF has "fired 'warning shots' in the area, striking and damaging clearly identifiable UNIFIL vehicles. In one case, a 'warning shot' landed a meter away from a peacekeeper who had dismounted his vehicle," the force said.

"Israeli soldiers have continually blocked peacekeepers' movements on this road in recent days, in addition to denials of freedom of movement recorded in other areas," UNIFIL accused.

A UNIFIL peacekeeper patrols in southern Lebanon, February 23, 2026; illustrative. (credit: Silvia Casadei / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)

"Since early April, Israeli soldiers have also destroyed force protection cameras in UNIFIL's Naqoura headquarters and five other positions on the Blue Line from Ras Naqoura to Maroun ar Ras. Yesterday [Saturday], they also spray-painted the windows of the headquarters' pedestrian access gate, denying visibility to the external perimeter," the force alleged.

Inconsistent with Israel's UNSC res. 1701 obligations, UNIFIL claims

These actions are "inconsistent with Israel's obligations under [UN Security Council] resolution 1701 and the requirement to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers, as well as their freedom of movement at all times," UNIFIL said.

The IDF has not commented on any of the instances UNIFIL raised.
Washington  Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is pushing back against the Trump administration's reasoning for reassigning management of a key federal-state project to block invasive Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes after a top Army Corps official called Illinois an "unreliable partner."

Pritzker called the move to shift project oversight to Michigan a "political stunt," insisting that Illinois has upheld its commitments to the project and threatening that, if President Donald Trump breaks legally binding agreements, "then Illinois will take action." The project is located in Illinois.

The Brandon Road Lock and Dam on the Des Plaines River in Joliet, the site of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project to combat the movement of invasive carp and other nuisance species into the Great Lakes.

"Trump must stop this political stunt and start releasing the funds, get the project moving again, and protect the Great Lakes," Pritzker said on social media. "Illinois owns the land the Brandon Road Project will be built on  Trump cannot just decide to give it away."

Illinois has upheld our commitments.



Trump must stop this political stunt and start releasing the funds, get the project moving again, and protect the Great Lakes. https://t.co/TSEQ8Bc4cP  Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) April 9, 2026

The project has been held up for months while under review by the Trump administration since December. That appeared to change Thursday when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that the next phase of construction would soon begin on the project known as the the Brandon Road Interbasin Project.

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The Civil Works plan released by the Army Corps on April 3 included $28 million to start the contract for the flushing lock and right descending bank's construction.

Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Adam Telle said in a Thursday statement that he was directing management and execution of the Brandon Road project to be "immediately" transferred from the Corps' Rock Island District in Illinois to the Detroit District in Michigan.

"This transfer will ensure the project progresses in closer coordination with the state of Michigan, which has been a model non-federal sponsor for this project to date," the Corps said in statement by headquarters in Washington.

In a separate statement on social media, Telle said that President Trump has been a "champion" of keeping the invasive carp out of the lakes. He added that the Corps is "aggressively moving out on this project" and called Illinois an "unreliable partner, delinquent on its payments and real estate commitments."

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Michigan has been a "good partner and stands to benefit more than any other state," Telle said.

"Our partners in the Great Lake States can't allow one state to have undue influence and use it to play more games," Telle wrote. "This is great news for every state in the region, including Illinois."

In a statement, Detroit District spokeswoman Carrie Fox said that the district "looks forward to managing the Brandon Road Interbasin Project and the challenge of seeing this major civil works investment completed.

"Addressing invasive Asian Carp is critical for the Great Lakes. We are excited to collaborate with our state and federal partners to protect our waters," Fox said by email.

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More: Construction of Asian carp barrier in Illinois hits another snag

More: Trump memo seeks to protect Great Lakes from invasive carp, backs barrier project

More: Illinois delays project to keep invasive carp from Lake Michigan

The dustup over the transfer of the project's management is the latest conflict involving Pritzker, Trump and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who has raised the Asian carp issue during meetings with Trump over the last year.

Trump said last year that he had spoken with the Army Corps and noted they have a "pretty gruesome method" for blocking the fish, even if it's "expensive." A year ago, Trump directed officials to streamline any permitting and environmental reviews or approvals for the project "as quickly as possible."

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Months later, in August, however, Trump suggested he'd withhold funding for Brandon Road because Pritzker hadn't made the same request for help on the issue that Whitmer did, the Chicago Tribune reported. "I think until I get that request from that guy, Im not going to do anything about it," he said.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks during the McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner, Sunday April 27, 2025, in Manchester, N.H.

The project near Joliet is the result of over 10 years of study and planning by the Army Corps to prevent Asian carp from traveling beyond the Brandon Road lock and dam, which is 286 miles above the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers.

The location is considered a choke point in the fight against invasive species reaching Great Lakes waterways, where scientists say the fish would pose a significant threat to the regions native species and aquatic ecosystems.

"Governor Whitmer is committed to protecting our Great Lakes from invasive carp, and thats why she has worked with Illinois and the federal administration to get the Brandon Road project moving forward with urgency," Whitmer spokesman Bobby Leddy said in a statement.

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"This will help protect 1.5 million jobs that generate more than $60 billion in wages a year across the entire region. The governor will continue to work to get the job done so we can protect our lakes and power economic growth for generations to come."

House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, praised the decision to move the project management to Michigan.President Trump is making a strong, smart move to protect our Great Lakes, Hall said in a statement. It takes a strong leader to blow past the obstruction in Illinois, and it takes someone who cares about Michigan and our environment to keep pushing this project forward.

Michigan and Illinois officials had reached an agreement in 2024 with the Army Corps to move forward on construction of the project at Brandon Road.

More: 'Big win': Construction can start on project to block invasive carp from Great Lakes

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That agreement allows for $274 million in federal funding and $114 million in state funding to be used for the construction of the first of three phases of the project. Almost all of the federal appropriation comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed under former President Joe Biden.

After Telle's announcement last week, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources highlighted the Project Partnership Agreement executed by Illinois and Michigan with the Army Corps on July 1, 2024, that outlines the legal process required to modify or terminate the project.

Illinois has dedicated $50 million in the states budget since fiscal 2024 for design and early construction work, and has acquired the parcels of land requested by the Army Corps, according to IDNR, which also said the state has not been delinquent on any payments.

Since December, Democratic lawmakers from Illinois and Michigan have pressed the Trump administration to release of federal funding is necessary for the Corps of Engineers to obligate their own contracts to move this project forward.

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They expressed concern that continued delay could soon affect the next round of contract awards and cause the long-delayed project's cost to spike after more than a decade of study, engineering work and planning.

Scientists have long warned that invasive carp getting established in the Great Lakes would outcompete existing fish populations, permanently damage ecosystems and harm the $7 billion Great Lakes economy.

The $1.15 billion project at the Brandon Road Lock & Dam in Joliet, Illinois, was authorized by Congress in 2020.

Plans involve building a series of mechanisms to block carp from traveling from the Mississippi River watershed to Lake Michigan, including an electric barrier; underwater sounds and an air bubble "curtain" that deters fish; a barge clearing device that makes sure fish don't sneak through; pesticides; upstream fishing; and other methods. It is expected to take six to eight years to complete.

mburke@detroitnews.com

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Illiniois Gov. Pritzker calls transfer of Asian carp project to Michigan a stunt
High gas prices are fueling higher prices for other consumer goods -- and plenty of political rhetoric. (Photo by Leann Ray/West Virginia Watch)

Iowa Down Ballot with Dave Price 4/11/26 by Iowa Writers Collaborative

Laura Belin of Bleeding Heartland and Kathie Obradovich of Iowa Capital Dispatch join Dave to discuss gas prices, quiet senators, and the fight nobody knows how to finish.

Read on Substack

Dave Price, Laura Belin and I unpack the politics of Iran war gas prices and rhetoric  or lack thereof  from Iowas all-GOP congressional delegation. At the Statehouse, property tax legislation is beginning to move as a consensus remains elusive. Listen here.

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And on the campaign trail, gubernatorial candidate Randy Feenstra stepped on some fellow GOP toes with his remarks about public funding for private schools, while Democrat Zach Wahls aimed some pointed criticism at his primary opponent, Josh Turek in the U.S. Senate race.

The Iowa Down Ballot Podcast with Dave Price is a production of the Iowa Writers Collaborative. Paid subscriptions (click on the Iowa Down Ballot link) help cover production costs.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said US "double standards" were the main obstacle to reaching an agreement to end the war, according to a statement from the presidency on Sunday.

"During the negotiations in Islamabad, the United States continued adherence to double standards and its power-political ambitions were the biggest obstacles," Pezeshkian said in a telephone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Iranian presidential office said.

Pezeshkian added that Iran remained willing to reach a fair agreement to achieve lasting peace in the region.

"An agreement is certainly achievable, but the United States must adhere to internationally recognized rules and international law," he said, according to the statement.
US Vice-President JD Vance remained tight-lipped as he returned from Islamabad on Sunday without a major breakthrough in high-stakes talks to end the war in Iran.

It was unclear how much, if any, progress was made in the highest-level diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran in decades.

After 21 hours of back and forth in the Pakistani capital, Washington and Tehran remain far apart on key sticking points, including Iran's nuclear programme.

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The two sides did not reach an agreement on what to do with the regime's enriched uranium, said a US official, who offered new details on the talks on the condition of anonymity.

Other unresolved issues include reopening the Strait of Hormuz without toll charges, a top priority for President Donald Trump, and securing a commitment from Iran to stop funding proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, the US official said.

Vance gave Tehran a final offer in the talks on Saturday, the US official said, without specifying details.

The meeting apparently wasn't entirely fruitless, however. The talks were tough but friendly and the two sides exchanged productive proposals, according to the US official.

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Vance left Islamabad convinced that Iran was overplaying its hand, but still hopeful that a deal could be reached, said the US official.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said an agreement with the US "will certainly be found" if "the American government abandons its totalitarianism and respects the rights of the Iranian nation".

Trump made his displeasure with the lack of progress clear on Sunday.

The president said in social media posts on Sunday that the US would blockade the strait "effective immediately" to pressure Iran to reach a deal.

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The US military said it would stop all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports from Monday morning.

Iran and the US agreed to a temporary two-week ceasefire last week, although Trump said in his latest Truth Social posts that "at an appropriate moment, we are fully 'LOCKED AND LOADED,' and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran".

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran's parliament who led Tehran's delegation in Islamabad, sounded unfazed by Trump's sabre-rattling in a statement upon his return home.

According to reports by Iranian outlets, Ghalibaf addressed the US president, saying that "if you fight, we will fight, if you come forward with logic, we will respond with logic".

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"We will not submit to any threat," he added. "If they test our resolve once more, we will teach them an even greater lesson."

The rhetoric underscores the massive gap between the two sides and the many remaining obstacles to reaching a full deal to end the war.

The negotiations represented a major test for 41-year-old Vance, who was picked by Trump to lead a US team that included special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Vance landed in Islamabad on Friday tasked with finding a way to wind down what has become the biggest foreign policy crisis of Trump's second term.

Trump (right), Rubio (middle) and UFC head Dana White in Florida on Saturday [Pool/Reuters]

The now six-week war has engulfed the Middle East and sent global oil prices soaring.

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It was a difficult mission for Vance, negotiating on behalf of a president who has offered mixed messaging on the war from the start.

Trump joked in early April that he would blame the vice-president if talks fell through and take the credit if both sides struck a deal to end the war.

While Vance has backed the war in public, he has reportedly expressed scepticism of the military campaign in private meetings with Trump.

The vice-president has in the past positioned himself as an anti-interventionist, a view broadly popular with Trump's core Maga base.

The talks were watched closely for signs of how Vance might handle foreign policy in a potential 2028 run for the White House.

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While Vance was leading the talks in Islamabad, Trump watched a UFC fight in Miami, Florida, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, another rumoured 2028 contender and possible Vance rival.

Meanwhile, the clock is ticking.

And a breakthrough seems as elusive as ever, with the two-week truce deadline looming this month.

[BBC]

Follow the twists and turns of Trump's second term with North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher's weekly US Politics Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here.
Three Iranians with ties to the 1979 hostage drama are under arrest in Los Angeles and facing deportation.

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Eissa Seyed Hashemi, his wife Maryam Tahmasebi, and their son Seyed Mobin Hashemi were all taken into ICE custody.

Hashemi and Tahmasebi are both professors. Hashemi is the son of Masoumeh Ebtekar, an Iranian regime politician who also acted as a spokesperson during the Iran hostage crisis of 1979, according to DHS.

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The three became green card holders in the U.S. during the Obama administration after Hashemi entered the country on a student visa two years prior.

ICE arrested Eissa Seyed Hashemi, his wife Maryam Tahmasebi, and their son Seyed Mobin Hashemi in Los Angeles, California. Eissa Seyed Hashemi is the son of Masoumeh Ebtekar, an Iranian regime politician who also acted as a spokesperson during the Iran hostage crisis of 1979. https://t.co/cvMJBBKgFn pic.twitter.com/NHi0s7BDKG  Homeland Security (@DHSgov) April 11, 2026

"ICE law enforcement officers successfully apprehended all three individuals whose presence in the United States posed a clear threat to our national security and foreign policy," DHS said.

In a post on social media, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Ebtekar, also known as "Screaming Mary," was the spokeswoman for the Islamic terrorists who stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979 and held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days -- subjecting them to beatings, starvation, and mock executions."

Masoumeh Ebtekar - also known as "Screaming Mary" - was the spokeswoman for the Islamic terrorists who stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979 and held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days - subjecting them to beatings, starvation, and mock executions.



In 2014, the Obama  Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) April 11, 2026

"America can never become home for anti-American terrorists or their families -- and under the Trump Administration, it never will," Rubio wrote.

READ MORE: ICE detains nieces of late Iranian general in Los Angeles; green cards revoked by state department

The niece and grandniece of the deceased major general were living "lavishly" in Los Angeles but promoted propaganda from the Iranian regime, said Marco Rubio, who revoked their green cards.

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Last week, the niece of slain Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Major Gen. Qasem Soleimani and her daughter were also arrested by ICE in Los Angeles,

Rubio said Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of Soleimani, and her daughter were taken into ICE custody in Los Angeles and will be deported back to Iran.

The state department says Soleimani's niece and grandniece were living a "lavish lifestyle" in Los Angeles, and at least one of them promoted propaganda from the Iranian regime and celebrated attacks on Americans.
Ireland's government announced fresh tax cuts on petrol and diesel at an emergency cabinet meeting Sunday after fuel cost protests that had threatened the functioning of the country's emergency services.

Since Tuesday, hauliers and agricultural contractors have launched a series of protests over spiralling petrol and diesel prices in the wake of the Middle East war.

"As a Government, we hear you," Finance Minister Simon Harris said at a news conference. "We have acted and we are taking further action today," he added.

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The cuts announced include a 10-cent reduction per litre on both diesel and petrol -- and a planned increase on carbon tax will be postponed from May until the Budget in October.

Last week's protests grew from slow-moving convoys on motorways and restricted access to Dublin's busiest streets, to a part blockade of Ireland's only oil refinery and restricted access to at least two other fuel depots.

Some protests were still going for sixth day Sunday.

Earlier, the government had urged the public not to panic-buy as pumps at many fuel stations ran dry.

Police on Saturday with the support of the armed forces deployed public order units to clear the blockade at Whitegate Refinery in southern Ireland.

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Irish police chief Justin Kelly said the action was taken as a last resort.

He condemned the refinery blockade as "illegal activity" by people determined to "hold the country to ransom".

The blockading of "critical national infrastructure" had "resulted in fuel shortages that are directly impacting on emergency services such as hospitals, the ambulance service, and the fire service", he said.

Elsewhere, police dismantled a makeshift barrier erected by protesters blockading western Galway docks.

A late-night operation also targeted the blockade of the capital Dublin's main thoroughfare O'Connell Street after multiple vehicles including tractors and lorries were removed.

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Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan warned earlier that the continued protests were "unacceptable".

"While we all acknowledge the impact of higher fuel prices, and seek to minimise that impact, no groups are entitled in our republic to hold our people to ransom in such a manner," he said.

In March, Dublin announced a 250 million-euro package to reduce fuel costs, notably including a diesel rebate for road haulier.

adm/jj/giv
Investing.com -- The Pakistani capital has been transformed into a "ghost town" as high-level U.S. and Iranian delegations opened their first direct negotiations in years.

According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, local authorities implemented a citywide lockdown in Islamabad, deploying thousands of security personnel and declaring a two-day holiday to ensure the physical security of the delegates amid a fragile regional cease-fire.

A make-or-break summit under heavy guard

The talks, led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, are being held at the Islamabad Serena Hotel under unprecedented security measures.

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The WSJ noted that Jinnah Avenue, the citys primary commercial thoroughfare, sat empty with shops shuttered as SWAT teams and soldiers secured the 15-acre complex.

The extreme precautions reflect heightened tensions following recent U.S. and Israeli actions against the Iranian leadership, as well as lingering concerns over assassination plots.

Iranian delegates, including Ali Akbar Ahmadian, a key figure in Irans asymmetrical naval strategy, reportedly expressed concerns regarding their personal safety after the strike that killed the former Supreme Leader.

Geopolitical stakes for global trade

While the streets of Islamabad remain quiet, the economic implications of the meeting are resonating globally.

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The primary focus of the summit is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked for weeks, roiling energy markets and disrupting the "freedom of the seas" that underpins global trade.

Pakistan has positioned itself as more than just a facilitator, providing a secure "neutral ground" for the two warring sides to negotiate a potential off-ramp.

As the talks extended into the early hours of Sunday, market participants remained focused on whether the diplomatic "open hand" would lead to a signed deal or if the "Brewed for Peace" initiative would give way to a return of hostilities.

Related articles

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Islamabad on lockdown as high-stakes U.S.-Iran peace talks begin

As Claude disrupts stock market, Anthropic researcher warns world is in peril

Morgan Stanley CIO survey: Why AI hype isnt boosting 2026 IT budgets
JERUSALEM, April 12 (Reuters) - Israel's far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Sunday, saying he was seeking greater access for Jewish worshippers and drawing condemnation from Jordan and the Palestinians.

The compound in Jerusalem's walled Old City is one of the most sensitive sites in the Middle East https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/where-is-al-aqsa-mosque-why-is-it-so-important-islam-2023-04-05/. Known to Jews as Temple Mount, it is the most sacred site in Judaism and is Islam's third-holiest site.

Under a delicate, decades-old arrangement with Muslim authorities, it is administered by a Jordanian religious foundation and Jews can visit but may not pray there.

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Suggestions that Israel would alter the rules have sparked outrage among Muslims and ignited violence in the past.

"Today, I feel like the owner here," National Security Minister Ben-Gvir said in a video filmed at the site and distributed by his office. "There is still more to do, more to improve. I keep pushing the Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) to do more and more  we must keep rising higher and higher."

A statement from the Jordanian foreign ministry said it considered Ben-Gvir's visit to be a violation of the status quo agreement at the site and "a desecration of its sanctity, a condemnable escalation and an unacceptable provocation".

The office of Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, said such actions could further destabilize the region.

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Ben-Gvir's spokesman said the minister was seeking greater access and prayer permits for Jewish visitors. He also said that Ben-Gvir had prayed at the site.

There was no immediate comment from Netanyahu's office. Previous such visits and statements by Ben-Gvir have prompted Netanyahu announcements saying that there is no change in Israel's policy of keeping the status quo.

Muslim, Christian and Jewish sites, including Al-Aqsa had been largely closed https://www.reutersconnect.com/item/al-aqsa-mosque-reopens-after-40-day-closure-by-israel/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjY6bmV3c21sX01UMUFOQURMMDAwT1hBQUxB to the public during the Iran war https://www.reuters.com/world/iran/. There was no immediate sign of unrest on Sunday after Ben-Gvir's visit.

(Reporting by Steven Scheer in Jerusalem and Ali Sawafta in RamallahEditing by Maayan Lubell and David Goodman)
As a sex educator, Milly Evans knows more about contraception than most.

But in the run-up to getting a hormonal coil (IUS), she was filled with unfamiliar doubts about whether it was right for her body.

Her social media feed was "flooded" with content discouraging her from getting hormonal contraception. She found herself asking: was the risk of a bad experience worth it?

For six months, 26-year-old Evans kept putting off booking her appointment.

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"Some of the claims I saw were so compelling that they made me question what I already know to be true," she says.

This isn't an unusual story  if you're a chronically online woman in your 20s you'll have seen plenty of conversations about hormonal contraceptives like the pill, coil and implant.

The chatter usually fits into two categories - women sharing side effects they've personally experienced, and people purposefully sharing misinformation, often linking hormones to ideology.

It's the latter she's most worried about.

The content has a "right-wing, religious, largely American element", Evans, who has been accredited for six years, says, and is often framed in terms of "clean living" and "divine femininity".

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Posts like this have also made their way onto Lauren Haslam's Instagram feed. The 25-year-old, who lives in Manchester, follows a lot of fitness and wellness influencers - and says she gets annoyed by content from some of them "demonising" hormonal contraception and calling it "unnatural".

Haslam, who's been taking the combined pill for four years, says it's helped alleviate her symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, which she says caused intense cramps and erratic behaviour in the run-up to her period.

She says the pill has "honestly changed my life," but adds that the posts make her positive experience feel "invalidated" and have made her question whether she's making the right decision.

[Getty Images]

In recent years in the US, content vilifying hormonal contraception has spread rapidly on social media.

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A quick search draws up a post of a new mum holding her unplanned baby, the 17-year-old is asking Instagram for contraception advice. A comment underneath, liked more than 800 times, reads: Birth control is "so bad for you".

Another said contraception "sucks" before a different user shared their hatred towards the pill, saying it made them depressed.

Even people who say they have medical qualifications are spreading misinformation online and in podcasts, according to psychosexual and relationship therapist Evie Plumb.

Medical director at women's health platform the Lowdown Dr Fran Yarlett says that while some of the claims are definitely wrong, others are based on small-scale studies with "dubious methodology" and take the information out of context - like the claim that the pill can "shrink your clitoris".

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But this attitude shift isn't just happening online or in the US. Sexual health experts in the UK say these conversations are increasingly happening in real life at clinics every day.

London GP Jenny Dhingra says that she has seen more "aversion" among patients in the last couple of years, with some citing concerns around the side effects and saying they were "scared" after seeing social media content.

The NHS says commonly reported side effects of hormonal contraception include headaches, feeling sick, mood swings, weight gain, sore breasts and acne, but that side effects usually get better with time.

It also says that hormonal contraception can raise the risk of blood clots and breast cancer, but that the risk is "very low".

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It's hard to accurately say how much these online conversations are truly affecting contraception usage in the UK. NHS data doesn't include people who get the pill from pharmacies, or acknowledge that some devices are now prescribed for longer without needing to be replaced, says Jenny Hall, professor of reproductive health at UCL.

She says that overall, however, data does seem to nod to people moving away from hormonal contraception.

This includes a study published last year suggesting that between 2018 and 2023, the proportion of women using hormonal contraception to prevent pregnancy fell, based on information from tens of thousands of women seeking abortions in England and Wales.

Additionally, a review of several studies last year found that negative side effects are discussed "much more frequently" on social media than benefits of contraception.

Posts and comments on social media can spread false information about contraception. The NHS, for example, says that the risk of breast cancer for people on hormonal contraception is "very low" [BBC]

The reality is scary stories get attention and go viral, Evans says, whereas someone who loves the coil "with their whole heart" wouldn't get the views.

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People are driven to "the really extreme negative ones the ones that people say they had a traumatic experience, the ones where someone had a blood clot," she adds.

Sex educator Kerry Wolstenholme agrees it's those "horror stories" that she hears young people quote and decide contraception is "not for them".

So if people are turning away from hormonal contraception, what are they using instead? Sexual health professionals say fertility tracking apps are creeping in as unlike the pill, coil and implant, they can advertise on social media in the UK as they don't require a prescription.

Some women post promoting them as the "natural" option. Based on things like their last period and their temperature, the apps predict a likely fertile window when you should avoid sex or use protection.

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But many of them are designed as period trackers or to help couples trying to conceive so shouldn't be relied upon to avoid pregnancy.

The experts are frank that side effects from hormonal contraception "can and will" be experienced by some - it's how medicine works. But they say people are not also hearing about the benefits.

Kayla Healey, head of contraception at MSI Reproductive Choices says hormonal contraceptives can help with heavy periods or alleviating the symptoms of PMS.

It's also common for hormonal options to be prescribed to help with the symptoms of conditions like adenomyosis and endometriosis that can cause painful periods.

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Among the social media noise, sex educator Evans says there's also just "a lot of frustrated women" wanting to share their legitimate, negative experiences of hormonal contraception.

The problem is - experts say that even if these stories are valid, they are shared with no context about how likely these side effects are.

Some feel "fobbed off" that concerns over side effects are not taken seriously and are also fed up of bearing the "contraceptive burden", says Hall. Currently there are no hormonal contraceptives for men although some gels and pills are being tested.

And Evans worries "very real frustrations" are just feeding into narratives being spread online by anti-birth control campaigners, including some who see a woman's main role as to have as many children as possible.

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In the end, Evans didn't let the content on social media sway her, and had a hormonal coil fitted earlier this week.

She says she felt "confident" in her choice after discussing it with the healthcare professional who fitted it.

After she posted about her experience on Instagram, she got messages from people who said they were relieved to see her post "because they had been put off" by other content.
Judith Rapoport, who has died aged 92, was a leading psychiatrist who rejected Freudian theories based on the workings of the unconscious mind to focus on the brains biology and its role in mental illness.

She was best known for her 1989 book The Boy Who Couldnt Stop Washing, a bestseller that raised public awareness of obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, an anxiety-driven mental health condition involving irrational, intrusive thoughts combined with repetitive, often ritualistic, behaviour.

Famous sufferers from OCD include the reclusive tycoon Howard Hughes, who would walk around with his feet wrapped in plastic to prevent contamination; Samuel Johnson, who would make ritualistic hand gestures before leaping through doorways; and Frank Sinatra, who, according to the producer Irving Mansfield, was always washing his hands, constantly washing, washing, washing.

Her 1989 book The Boy Who Couldnt Stop Washing was a bestseller

There is, as Judith Rapoport acknowledged, a little bit of OCD in most people. Who has not gone back into their house twice to check that the gas is off or all the windows are locked? In extreme cases, however, such behaviour becomes so obsessive that it interferes with normal life  a sufferer will not check the gas or locks once or twice, she observed, but 10, 20 or 100 times.

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Judith Rapoports patients included the talented 17-year-old who overnight found himself unable to stop washing, so obsessed with the idea that he was dirty that he dropped out of school; the man who felt so sure that he had hit someone with his car that he would continually drive up and down the road looking for the body; and the woman who went to confession five times a day to ask forgiveness for the terrible sin of coughing during a public lecture.

Sufferers, she found, are often aware that their actions are ridiculous, but are beset by such powerful anxieties that they are unable to stop.

Judith Rapoports research revealed a number of facts about OCD that were not generally known, even among psychiatrists. She found that when sufferers sought her out for treatment, their refrain was almost always the same: I thought I was the only one in the world with these crazy symptoms, and I didnt want anybody to know about them. As a result they became expert at concealment  so much so that OCD was widely assumed to be an uncommon disorder.

In fact, she revealed, about 3 million adults and 1 million children in the US were locked into some form of repetitious behaviour. In Britain it is estimated that around a million people suffer from OCD, while between one and four per cent of the population may experience symptoms at some point in their lives.

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As a trainee psychiatrist Judith Rapoport had been taught that even before the onset of their illness sufferers invariably had obsessional personalities  often blamed on over-strict parenting in childhood.

While the exact causes of OCD are still not fully understood, and treatment for the condition mostly involves cognitive behavioural therapy, she demonstrated that there was a strong neurological component. In 1989 she directed a clinical trial that showed how the antidepressant clomipramine could effectively treat the condition in children, leading to its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration.

She was born Judith Helen Livant in Manhattan on July 12 1933, the daughter of a school teacher and a businessman. From the private Walden School in New York, she read experimental psychology at Swarthmore College, Pennsylvania, taking a postgraduate degree in medicine at Harvard, where she met Stanley Rapoport, a fellow student, whom she married in 1961.

Graduating in 1959, she embarked on psychiatric training that took her eventually to Sweden  to Uppsala University, then to the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, where she led research into women travelling from the US seeking abortions abroad.

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Back in the US, after stints at Georgetown University and the Washington Psychoanalytic Institute, in 1976 she joined the US National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, Maryland, where she served as head of child psychiatry from 1984 to 2017.

At the Child Mind Institute benefit in New York in 2010, with the Insitutes president Harold Koplewitz - Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images

Judith Rapoports research encompassed ADHD and childhood-onset schizophrenia, and in 1999 she led an important study that laid the groundwork for a reappraisal of the adolescent brain, suggesting that there might be a neurological explanation for teenage angst and stroppy behaviour.

From MRI scans carried out over 10 years on children from the age of four to adults as old as 25 she found that the brain matures in a gradual wave of development, travelling from the back of the head to the front, with the last parts to develop fully being the frontal lobes, which are involved in reasoning and problem-solving.

One could speculate that some of the more immature aspects of adolescent behaviour may be due to the lack of maturity of some parts of the frontal lobes of the brain, she concluded.

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Judith Rapoport is survived by her husband and two sons.

Judith Rapoport, born July 12 1933, died March 7 2026

Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays.
U.S. Navy ships sent an unmistakable signal Saturday as they crossed the Strait of Hormuz, challenging Irans control over the narrow waterway that will likely determine the outcome of the Middle East war.

The U.S.S. Michael Murphy turned on its automatic identification system as it and another destroyer, the U.S.S. Frank E. Petersen, transited the strait, breaking the typical protocol of Navy ships sailing with their AIS turned off.

You just dont throw AIS on by accident on a Navy ship, Campbell University professor Salvatore Mercogliano, who specializes in military and maritime history, said on his podcast. This is purposeful. They wanted to turn this on on the far side of the Strait of Hormuz to demonstrate that they have sailed through.

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U.S. Central Command said the destroyers had begun setting conditions for clearing mines that had been placed by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

It added that more U.S. forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearance effort in the coming days, pointing out that the strait is an international sea passage and an essential trade corridor.

In a statement, Admiral Brad Cooper said Central Command is establishing a new passage for the maritime industry for the free flow of commerce.

Irans grip on the strait, through which one-fifth of the worlds oil and liquid natural gas flowed before the war, has triggered a global energy crisis and represents the regimes main form of leverage over the U.S.

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The destroyers crossing of the strait comes as the U.S. and Iran began ceasefire talks in Pakistan this weekend. But if the Navy creates a safe avenue for tankers that doesnt require getting Irans permission and paying a toll, then talks would shift in Americas favor.

As a result, the IRGC challenged the Navy destroyers as they transited, according to a radio conversation recorded by a civilian ship that was shared with the Wall Street Journal.

This is the last warning. This is the last warning, the IRGC said.

Passage in accordance with international law. No challenge is intended to you, and I intend to abide by rules of our governments ceasefire, the U.S. ship replied.

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Iranian media said the destroyers turned around after being confronted by the IRGC, which reportedly launched a drone in the direction of the destroyers. The IRGC also said any attempt by military ships to cross the strait would be met with a firm and forceful response.

Until now, U.S. warships have avoided the strait as Navy officials previously have described it as an Iranian kill box filled with numerous threats, including anti-ship missiles, drones, fast-attack boats, and mines. And given how narrow the strait is, projectiles can be fired from close distances and provide little time for a defensive response.

Meanwhile, the U.S. military continues to send more combat power to the region. A third aircraft carrier as well as thousands of Marines and paratroopers are expected to arrive later this month. More long-range cruise missiles are also flowing to the Middle East.

Mercogliano said there were earlier signs the Navy resupplied its ships via the island of Diego Garcia, potentially to replenish munitions. Littoral combat ships, which are equipped with mine-hunting underwater drones, may also be in the mix.

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While its not clear whether the destroyers entered the strait alongside those ships or without them, it still marked an important milestone for the oil trade.

One of the things that commercial ships were waiting to see was whether or not this strait was clear, and sailing two destroyers in is a big one, he added.

Despite the ongoing ceasefire talks, another military clash between the U.S. and Iran may be looming soon. Rapidan Energy founder Bob McNally told CNBC on Thursday that he thinks the U.S. is getting ready for round 2.

As the U.S. weakens Irans ability to threaten ship traffic, Irans leverage will erode, and conditions for a lasting ceasefire with a full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could be in place later this month, he said.

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McNally compared neutralizing Irans threats to a game of whack-a-mole, noting the variety of its weapons, and pointed out that the U.S. has reduced Irans stockpile of underwater mines.

It may not be widely reported, but I believe the U.S. military in the last week or so has been focusing on whacking those moles, degrading Irans ability, he added. You may not perfectly get rid of it, but degrading Irans ability to interdict shipping down to a manageable leveland thats when insurance can come into play and escorts, and folks can start to move through.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
April 12 (UPI) -- A stampede at a historic fortress in northern Haiti that is a popular place for tourists to visit was the site of stampede that killed at least 30 people and injured dozens of others.

The stamped occurred at the Citadelle Laferriere, a 19th-century fortress seen as a symbol of resistance against French colonialism, that some have linked to the appearance of a popular social media influencer called Dopefresh, The New York Times and The BBC reported.

Dopefresh was among a large crowd that visited the Unesco World Heritage-denoted site for an event celebrating the founding of the fortress.

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"In the face of this painful situation, the national authorities express their strong emotion and immense sadness," Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime said in a statement posted to Facebook.

The Citadelle Laferriere was commissioned by Haiti's first king, Henri Christophe, after the nation gained its independence from France to help defend it in the event of an invasion and took more than a decade to build.

The site is especially popular around Easter, and on Saturday when it started raining heavily, a logjam of visitors at the site's entrance turned chaotic, according to Haiti's minister of culture and communication, Emmanuel Menard.

"While some people wanted to leave, others were trying to enter," Menard said after the melee. "People began pushing. Some fell, and others trampled over them."

"Consequently, some people died from suffocation," he said.
At least 30 people are feared to have been killed in a stampede at a popular tourist site in Haiti on Saturday.

The incident took place on Saturday during an annual Easter gathering at the Laferriere Citadel, a Unesco World Heritage site, Jean Henri Petit, head of civil protection for Haiti's Nord department, said, warning the death toll could yet rise.

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime said the incident occurred "during a tourist event attended by many young people" at the site, in the northern town of Milot.

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He said an investigation had been launched and "all relevant authorities" mobilised to support those affected.

"The government sends its sincere condolences to the affected families," Fils-Aime said in a statement.

The site had been packed with students and visitors after the event - commemorating the 19th Century fortress's founding - was advertised on social media, local media report, citing officials.

The stampede was said to have started near the entrance to the site and was exacerbated by the onset of heavy rain.

Haiti's Le Nouvelliste newspaper first reported the death toll, citing Petit. The government statement did not say how many had died.

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Citadelle Laferriere, also known as Citadelle Henry, was built by revolutionary Henri Christophe shortly after Haiti gained independence from France.

The stronghold took more than a decade to construct and was a crucial part of a network of fortifications to protect the new Caribbean island nation against attacks. The site has since become a symbol of Haitian independence.

The deadly stampede comes as Haiti grapples with widespread gang violence that has led to thousands being killed.
The March 26 article, Milwaukee city attorney slaps out-of-state landlord with lawsuits, highlights an decisive and necessary step toward addressing significant and deeply rooted problems that are disproportionately impacting north and south side neighborhoods across Milwaukee.

The City Attorneys actions represent meaningful initial progress, but they also underscore the scale of the challenge that residents and community organizations have been documenting for years.

Working in close collaboration with hundreds of dedicated resident leaders, the 11 neighborhood-based nonprofit organizations that make up the Reclaiming Our Neighborhoods Coalition, have conducted extensive, on-the-ground research that paints a sobering picture of housing conditions across Milwaukees north and south sides.

Patterns of neglect and disinvestment

Through annual surveys, we have consistently observed patterns of neglect and disinvestment, particularly among investor-owned properties, that demand sustained and systemic intervention.

DeShawn Harris, 54, of Milwaukee, walks through brambles in her backyard on a property previously managed under Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Wires entangle with tree branches behind DeShawn Harriss home, which was previously managed under Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. DeShawn Harris, 54, of Milwaukee, points at where wires entangle with tree branches behind her home, which was previously managed under Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. - Angelica Edwards / The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel The home occupied by DeShawn Harris and previously owned by Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A bullet hole remains in the wall of DeShawn Harris, 54, of Milwaukee, in a property previously managed under Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Harris says it took Highgrove Holdings five months to fix the broken window the bullet pierced through. A large hole remains underneath a homes porch previously owned by Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, on March 25, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. DeShawn Harris, 54, of Milwaukee, says the property had several code violations when Highgrove Holdings LLC acquired the property. DeShawn Harris, 54, of Milwaukee, poses for a portrait in a home she previously rented from Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A boarded up property owned by Highgrove Holdings Management LLC on West Lisbon Avenue on March 24, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A boarded up property owned by Highgrove Holdings Management LLC on West Lisbon Avenue on March 24, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ebony Martin, 47, of Milwaukee, poses for a portrait outside a home she rents from Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Martin says the property is in poor condition and leaks when it rains and has mildew and mice. The home occupied by Ebony Martin, 47, of Milwaukee, which she rents from Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Martin says the property is in poor condition and leaks when it rains and has mildew and mice. A patch on the ceiling marks where it collapsed on Ebony Martin, 47, of Milwaukee, during the Milwaukee area floods in August 2025. - Angelica Edwards / The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Pieces of wood and plaster crumble in the basement of a home owned by Highgrove Holdings Management LLC and occupied by Ebony Martin on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Pieces of plaster sit on a basement floor in a home owned by Highgrove Holdings Management LLC and occupied by Ebony Martin on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A wooden plank blocks off the vacant upstairs unit of a home owned by Highgrove Holdings Management LLC and occupied by Ebony Martin on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ebony Martin, 47, of Milwaukee, points out leaks in her bathroom from a home she rents from Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The kitchen of a home owned by Highgrove Holdings Management LLC and occupied by Ebony Martin on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Martin says mice enter the kitchen and leave droppings below her sink and cabinets. The basement of a home owned by Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, and occupied by Ebony Martin on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Martin says the management company recently installed a board in the basement to prevent mice from entering her kitchen and that parts of the wall have fallen to the ground. Ebony Martin, 47, of Milwaukee, poses for a portrait in a home she rents from Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Martin says she was rushed to the hospital after part of the ceiling collapsed on her during the Milwaukee area floods in August 2025. See deteriorating Milwaukee homes connected to out-of-state landlord 1 of 19 DeShawn Harris, 54, of Milwaukee, walks through brambles in her backyard on a property previously managed under Highgrove Holdings Management LLC, on March 23, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In 2024, the coalition and its partners surveyed the exterior conditions of more than 35,000 residential and mixed-use properties across our neighborhoods. Among the key findings from that effort was that investor-owned properties were nearly twice as likely to need multiple major repairs (19.7%) compared to owner-occupied properties (10.3%).

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Letter: Bayshore teen takeover incident is symptom of a larger issue

Building on that work, we conducted 1,232 person-to-person surveys with some of Milwaukees most housing-vulnerable residents, both renters and homeowners, living in properties identified as needing two or more major exterior repairs.

Low-income families face serious, often overlapping challenges

These in-depth surveys shed further light on the serious and often overlapping challenges facing low-income Milwaukee families: 19% of respondents reported leaky roofs, 37% experienced rodent or insect infestations in the past year, 46% reported peeling, chipping, or flaking paint, and 40% experienced water intrusion. Most alarming, 34 households reported having no running water, and 79 households endured the 202425 winter without heat.

These are not isolated incidents. They are systemic failures that demand coordinated action. While recent legal efforts are encouraging, they must be part of a broader, sustained strategy to hold negligent and predatory investor landlords accountable and to protect the health, safety, and dignity of Milwaukee residents.

Tenants have complained of rodent infestations at 2904 W. Wisconsin Ave. The building is being inspected by the city for rodent and insect infestations.

Looking ahead, the Reclaiming Our Neighborhoods Coalition and its partners are preparing once again for our 2026 parcel survey, with an ambitious goal of assessing 40,000 properties citywide. This effort will continue to provide critical data to inform policy, enforcement, and community-driven solutions.

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Opinion: 5 ways Milwaukee can address grocery store closing crisis

We urge community members, stakeholders, and policymakers to support this work and to remain committed to working in true partnership, with resident voices leading the way, to ensure safe, healthy housing for all. We also call on the City of Milwaukee to build on current enforcement actions and do more to address the systemic issues that have allowed these conditions to persist.

JoAnna Bautch is Executive Director of VIA CDC; Karen Higgins is Executive Director of Milwaukee Community Crossroads; Mabel Lamb is Executive Director of Sherman Park Community Association; Lindsey St. Arnold Bell, Executive Director of Near West Side Partners; and William Schmitt is Executive Director of Rooted & Rising  Washington Park. They write on behalf of the Reclaiming Our Neighborhoods (RON) Coalition, which includes: Bridge Builders; Dominican Center; Metcalfe Park Community Bridges; Milwaukee Community Crossroads; Near West Side Partners; Riverworks Development Corporation; Rooted & Rising  Washington Park; Sherman Park Community Association; Southside Organizing Center; VIA CDC; and Walnut Way Conservation Corp.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee must do more to ensure safe, healthy housing | Opinion
French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday called for efforts toward a more "sovereign Europe" following Hungarys parliamentary election, congratulating opposition leader Peter Magyar on his victory over Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

"I just spoke with Peter Magyar to congratulate him on his victory in Hungary!" Macron posted on X.

He said France welcomed "the victory of democratic participation" and "the Hungarian peoples commitment to European Union values."

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"Let us move forward together towards a more sovereign Europe, for the security of our continent, our competitiveness, and our democracy."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot commented: "The Hungarian people have decided to put an end to a power that, at the expense of European sovereignty, has gone astray by dismantling the rule of law and fundamental freedoms, spreading disinformation, and colluding with Russia."

During his time in office, Orban has been accused of building a semi-authoritarian system, curbing media and judicial independence, cracking down on LGBTQ rights, steering the country into conflict with the European Union and aligning it more closely with Russia.
A man is facing a felony charge after investigators say he targeted AT&T huts across Harris County.

According to court documents, Robert Chesser is accused of stealing more than 1,000 pounds of equipment from AT&T sites across the county. The incidents happened in 2025, over a span of six weeks, from September through October.

Court filings state Chesser would reportedly break into the sites and steal what are called Litespan and VRAD network cards, which are critical equipment that could disrupt "911 services, internet access, hospitals, fire stations, and police response."

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Court documents state investigators traced the stolen equipment to a Houston business named "Texas Electronic Recyclers," where they connected Chesser to the sales. The business has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

At the same time, deputies were investigating a series of similar break-ins across the area. Court records say an off-duty deputy spotted a vehicle connected to the suspect near one of the targeted AT&T terminals and later saw the driver picking up Chesser.

Chesser is now facing a felony aggregate theft charge.

For updates, follow Mo Haider on Facebook, X and Instagram.
A 41-year-old man was stabbed to death and a woman slashed inside a Queens apartment building early Sunday, cops said.

The mortally wounded victim was stabbed in the chest in the four-story building on 86th Ave. near 101st St. in Richmond Hill about 2:20 a.m., police said. A 32-year-old woman was slashed in the arm.

Medics rushed both victims to Jamaica Hospital, but the man could not be saved. His name was not immediately released.

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The woman is in stable condition, police said.

Police have made no arrests but are looking for a man in a gray hoodie who ran off after the stabbing.

The slaying marks the third homicide this year in Queens 102nd Precinct, which saw three slayings in all of 2025, NYPD statistics show.
If Melania Trump wanted people not to put her and Jeffery Epsteins names in the same sentence, she failed miserably.

Most Read from Fast Company



The first lady surprised the nationand reportedly much of the White Houseon April 9 when she delivered a public statement about her relationship with the convicted sex offender.

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The lies linking me with the disgraceful Jeffrey Epstein need to end today. I never had a relationship with Epstein or his accomplice [Ghislaine] Maxwell, Trump said.

The individuals lying about me are devoid of ethical standards, humility, and respect, she continued, though to whom she was referring was unclear. I do not object to their ignorance, but rather, I reject their mean-spirited attempts to defame my reputation.

If the first ladys associations with Epstein had recently reentered the headlines, her speech might have been understandable. But instead, her statement left many scratching their heads and pointing at her and her husbands proven connections to Epstein, particularly the two mens friendship in the 1990s.

It also brought renewed attention to the infamous birthday message and lewd drawing allegedly left for Epstein by Donald Trump in 2003, which read, A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthdayand may every day be another wonderful secret. The president has denied writing the message and sued The Wall Street Journals parent company for defamation after the outlet reported on the letter.

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I have never been friends with Epstein, Melania Trump said. Donald and I were invited to the same parties as Epstein from time to time, since overlapping in social circles is common in New York City and Palm Beach.

The speech generated new scrutiny of Trumps history with Epstein and his associates. Google Trends shows that searches for Melania Trump Jeffrey Epstein spiked afterward, reaching an all-time peak.

The speech was reportedly a rogue move by the first lady. In a brief phone call with MS NOW, the president said he didnt know about his wifes statement ahead of time, adding that she didnt know [Epstein]. A White House official stated that many staffers were also surprised by the speech.

Emails with Ghislaine Maxwell

In her statement, Melania Trump gave special attention to her relationship with Epsteins former partner, convicted child sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell, apparently referencing emails she and Maxwell exchanged between 2002 and 2003.

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My email reply to Maxwell cannot be categorized as anything more than casual correspondence, the first lady said. My polite reply to her email doesnt amount to anything more than a trivial note.

Though Trump referred to her own message to Maxwell as a reply multiple times, based on her greeting, it appears she initiated the exchange.

Dear G! How are you? one email read. I know you are very busy flying all over the world. How was Palm Beach? I cannot wait to go down. Give me a call when you are back in NY. Have a great time! Love, Melania.

Maxwell replied, calling Trump sweet pea and writing, I still do not think I have time to see you sadly. I will try and call though. Maxwell signed her email, Gx.

A call to action

In a rare reach across the aisle, Trump closed her speech with a statement echoing what Democrats have long advocated for: Now is the time for Congress to act, she said, asking for a public Congressional hearing for Epsteins victims.

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Each and every woman should have her day to tell her story in public, if she wishes, and then her testimony should be permanently entered into the Congressional Record, she continued. Then, and only then, will we have the truth.

This post originally appeared at fastcompany.com

Subscribe to get the Fast Company newsletter: http://fastcompany.com/newsletters


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Heres what youll learn when you read this story:

A metal detectorist in England discovered a silver and gold ring thats over 1,000 years old and inscribed with runic characters.

Experts arent certain of the meaning of the engraving, but they believe it indicates the ring belonged to an individual named Udnan.

The rings materials and design suggest the artifact was owned by a high-status individual.

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Nearly two years ago, a metal detectorist in England dug up a ring of silver and gold inscribed with a mysterious set of characters. University and museum experts have only now confirmed that the early medieval ring dates to between 700 and 1000 C.E., but they still only have guesses about what its runic inscription might mean.

The 4.51-gram silver ring was discovered by Boston resident Rafal Wesolowski in a field in Quadring, England. It features gold gilding and an engraving that roughly reads: +udnAnH(:)Ri*aHiSDe, according to a listing from the British Museums Portable Antiquities Scheme, which analyzed the ring.

The characters were made with fine, mostly straight lines which terminate in dots, possibly made with a punch, according to information from the treasure case led by experts from the University of Nottinghamshire.

Its clear to the experts that a cross symbol marks the beginning of the engraving, but the rest is a bit foggy. University experts Martin Findell and Jasmin Higgs believe a portion of the runic translation includes the personal name Udnan, although they admit thats far from certain. The possible name precedes another portionh:ri?gmeaning ring in Old English or Old Norse. The inscription could be translated as Udnans ring or Udnan owns the ring, though Findell and Higgs hesitate to accept any of these possibilities with any confidence at all.

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The silver ring features gold gilding, but a lack of gilding in the inscription suggests the engraving was made after the rings initial crafting. Experts found faint traces of niello, a substance used to help highlight inscriptions, within the engraving.

I didnt know exactly what it was, but I knew immediately it was something special, Wesolowski told the BBC. I remember standing there in the field, holding it in my hand, thinking how is it possible that I am the first person to touch this again after more than a thousand years?

The 2.33-millimeter-thick ring has a raised border around the inscription and no decorations in the interior of the band. The internal diameter of 18.94 millimeters roughly corresponds to a U.S. size nine. Based on the precious metals, design, and engravings, experts believe the runic ring was probably a mark of wealth for a high-status individual (whether that individual was Udnan or someone else).

Lisa Brundle, a finds liaison officer, told the BBC that the ring represented a treasured possession and may even suggest the presence of a literate elite living along the fen-edge landscape.

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The ring joins a small group of inscribed early medieval rings known to exist in Britain. Other examples feature a ring from Cumbria and one from Wheatley Hill. The Cumbria find, dated to the eighth to 10th centuries C.E., has an inscription that experts couldnt interpret, although they believe it has magical or amuletic importance. The Wheatley Hill example is from the eighth century C.E. and the inscription translates to [A] ring I am called.

Since the Quadring ring is made of more than 10 percent precious metals and is over 300 years old, it qualifies as a potential treasure under The Treasure Act 1996.

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KAUNAKAKAI, Molokai  Around 5 a.m. March 22, Kapaakea resident Kalani Johnston Jr. was thigh-high in floodwaters, doing what he could to protect his house.

He also made sure his aunties and neighbors in the same predicament were safe, and continued to wade in the water for hours, even after a police officer told him to evacuate his home at 7 a.m.

Had he and his neighbors been told to evacuate earlier, Johnston said, he probably would have if it were safe and he could ensure his neighbors safety. But by the time his neighborhood received notice, It was too late, he recalled.

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We have families that are 96, 97 years old with water going underneath their bed in their house, and its right across from my house. Thats why our neighbors were so fired up, because were not leaving anybody behind.

Johnston ended up losing around $15,000 in building supplies he had been storing for home renovations, which are now even more urgent with the water damage caused by flooding. He also lost car parts for his auto collision customers that he will have to replace out of his own pocket.

In the meantime, he said he will continue to look out for his neighbors as recovery from recent heavy rains persists.

Molokai was especially hit hard by the second of two Kona-low storms to sweep across Hawaii in two weeks last month. Flooding and other storm impacts caused an estimated $80 million in damage and losses across Maui County, with well over 1,000 damage reports submitted as of Thursday, including several hundred from Molokai alone, according to county officials.

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Residents of the isolated island are facing unique challenges as they struggle to recover. There are no big-box retailers and local stores have limited inventory. Cargo arrives via barge twice a week at Kaunakakai Harbor but can be extremely costly, as are shipments by air.

As of Wednesday, unleaded gas prices exceeded $7 per gallon, and for diesel, used in machinery and boats, prices exceeded $8 per gallon.

For an island of around 7,500 residents, navigating these challenges is nothing new  but doing so in a crisis is.

Kalamaula Homesteaders Association President Lehua Kauka said she and fellow board members opened up a relief hub at Kiowea Beach Park in Kaunakakai the same day as the flooding. It started by serving warm meals  the park is powered by solar panels and water faucets were still running  but Kauka realized getting supplies was going to be a major issue.

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We gave away whatever supplies that we had to families that need it, she said. Then we started getting calls from Kapaakea.

Word got around that the association was helping families, and soon donors from Aina Momona, Maui United Way, Lahaina Strong and the Lahui Foundation began coordinating shipments of supplies. Within a week, they opened a hub on the eastern side of the island at Kilohana Elementary School and split shipments between the two locations to ensure broader access to necessities.

The hubs are open seven days a week from around 8 a.m. until sometimes past 10 p.m. Kauka said they want to make sure people can receive supplies after work, so she and other board members split shifts depending on their day jobs.

For association board member and Kalamaula resident Kalani Johnston Sr., father of Kalani Johnston Jr., helping out at the hub was an obvious choice. While his property was damaged in the flooding  invasive mangroves on the adjacent protected wetland divert water straight onto his property and rain entered through the roof of his home  he spends nearly every day at the hub cooking food or distributing supplies.

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Thats a no-brainer, its automatic, Johnston Sr. said, adding he is blessed to be healthy and to have suffered less damage to his property compared to others on the island.

The Maui Emergency Management Agency has partnered with various organizations to help streamline support for the community. Justin Neuhart, the agencys isolated communities specialist based on Molokai, said coordinating with community-led organizations was a natural step.

Molokai has been culturally and historically resilient and our island is really tight-knit, Neuhart said. In the event of a storm, we all come together.

He said that in his role, he prioritizes supporting the needs of both community members and local organizations, which often have more intimate contact with those in need than county and state officials. Neuhart also has personally done outreach on Molokai, with his team knocking door-to-door to ensure as many residents as possible know how to access support.

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Kayla Hoku Shaw, program manager for Aina Momona, a nonprofit Native Hawaiian environmental group, said using social media and personal connections on other islands has helped connect Molokai to much-needed supplies.

My mindset is that community-led initiatives are most effective, Hoku Shaw said. However, if they can get behind our community-led initiatives and support it completely, and let us just drive the canoe and back us and trust that we are going to take care of our community, I think thats really important.

Residents of Maui have been particularly supportive of its close island neighbor in the aftermath of the recent storm, according to Hoku Shaw, having experienced their own major disaster with the deadly August 2023 wildfire in Lahaina.

After the Lahaina fire, Molokai was the first to respond by boat by supplying donations to make sure that the people in Lahaina were OK, she said. Theyve reciprocated that aloha in such big ways, and were so grateful and were so appreciative, and we continue to see them return after the storms to help us.

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All residents and community organizers on Molokai who spoke with the Star-Advertiser said the people of Maui were instrumental in providing rapid-response supplies after the flooding, even connecting with Molokai boaters and offering their personal vessels for shipments.

Inside the Hawaii Tourism Authority office in Kaunakakai, Molokai Cares has turned an empty room into a donation distribution center. Kui Adolpho, an HTA employee and Molokai Cares co-founder, said the nonprofit was born in response to the Lahaina wildfire and hadnt needed to reactivate until the March 22 flooding.

Thats when she and other volunteers immediately began organizing donations, assessing needs and gathering intake forms so they could track where to distribute supplies as shipments came in.

Their intake forms also assess long-term needs, such as mold remediation and contracting services, which are now more pressing as the community continues to recover. So far, the organization has received around 300 damage intake forms, a good number of them considered critical.

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Maka Lenwai, whose home was impacted by the flooding, has spent every day since at Molokai Cares fielding calls and connecting residents with support.

If youre local and you know locals, the communication between you is better, Lenwai said. Most of these people in my critical list are all homesteaders like me. We live in the coastal line, we dont have much money  . When I do call these neighbors, they understand that I am also a flood victim and understand Im here to help, so theyre more open to asking for things.

Residents, especially kupuna, not wanting to ask for help has been a key challenge every organization and MEMA is navigating. Many people may feel like they can make do and that someone else is more deserving of help, while others may feel ashamed of needing assistance to begin with.

Community organization members said theyve received reports of kupuna and other residents living in homes taken over by mold or with roofs caving in. Kalamaula homesteader Nani Kahinu said she has personally done outreach to kupuna embarrassed to ask for help while living in unsafe conditions. She said she always tried to emphasize that reporting the damage will help them get the supplies they need to make their home safe again.

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Kahinu also has organized donation shipments and distribution through social media as she deals with flood damage to one of the structures on her property, appliances and four vehicles.

She and several residents called for the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to improve the drainage systems on homesteads, which currently consist of man-made streams and culverts diverting water directly into the ocean and overflowing onto neighboring properties.

Swift action is needed, Kahinu urged, as the flooding at her property worsens with heavier storms.

Johnston Sr. said he hopes the state embraces restoring traditional mauka-to-makai ahupuaa systems and managing mauka lands to better handle heavy storm events.

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In the meantime, he said, hell continue showing up for his community.

I come here every day, he said. Its what we are supposed to do.

Monday

The Molokai nonprofit Aina Momona is working to restore the ahupuaa on its land, perhaps providing a blueprint to prevent flooding and encourage similar efforts in other areas.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for parts of San Saba, Llano, and Burnet County until 1:00 AM.

CENTRAL TEXAS RAIN TOTALS

A few isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected overnight into early Monday morning.

The Storm Prediction Center has issued a level 2/5 (Slight) severe risk for parts of the Hill Country. Large hail, damaging winds, flash flooding, and an isolated tornado are possible.

Storm Prediction Center: Severe Risk

CENTRAL TEXAS RADAR

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The Weather Prediction Center has issued a level 2/4 flood threat for most of Central Texas, with slow moving, discrete supercells potentially producing several inches of rain.

Flood Threat: Tonight

An active pattern remains in place through the next few days, with another round of storms possible mid-week.

Rain Chances: Next 7 Days

High temperatures are forecast to climb back up into the 90s by the end of the workweek, with a cold front possible next weekend.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Several lanes of Interstate 24 in Rutherford County were blocked for hours Sunday morning due to a multi-vehicle crash.

According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation, the crash was reported shortly after 5:30 a.m. near mile marker 63.2, near the Old Hickory Boulevard exit. TDOT SmartWay cameras show an overturned vehicle on the concrete median.

(Courtesy: TDOT SmartWay)

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The left two westbound lanes and left shoulder were blocked for several hours, but reopened shortly before 11 a.m. The far left lane and left shoulder of I-24 East remained closed for the cleanup, but all lanes reopened just before 11:30 a.m.

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As of publication, no further information was released.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

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 WKRN News 2.
MUNCIE, IN  A Muncie woman was arrested for driving while intoxicated after a crash on the late night of Friday, April 10, that resulted in a van with 10 young passengers overturning.

Jeff Stanley, chief deputy for the Delaware County Sheriff's Department, said the crash was reported shortly before 11:30 p.m. in the 500 block of West Fuson Road.

The chief deputy said a preliminary investigation showed a Chevrolet Trax  driven by Jessica Nicole Miller, 49  was traveling southwest on Fuson Road when it crossed the center line and collided with a passenger van, which overturned and came to rest on its top.

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The van was occupied by two adults and 10 children associated with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Muncie.

Six of the children were taken to IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital for evaluation and were later released to their parents or guardians, Stanley said.

"At the time the scene was cleared, the most serious reported injury was a torn hamstring," the chief deputy said.

A Daleville police officer who arrived at the scene before deputies began an investigation into Miller's possible intoxication, She was arrested and remained in the Delaware County Jail on Saturday evening under a $5,000 bond, on suspicion of driving while intoxicated resulting in injury.

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A legal blood draw was taken from the driver of the van, standard procedure after crashes resulting in injuries, Stanley said.

The crash remains under investigation by the sheriff's department.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Muncie woman accused of DWI after crash overturns van containing kids
Topline

In the end, NASAs Artemis II mission was iconic in multiple ways. With three American astronauts and one Canadian, a partly European-built Orion spacecraft and an Artemis program with 60 supporting countries, it was a timely reminder of whats possible when nations come together. With fabulous images of Earthset beamed across the planet from as far away as humans have ever been from it  252,756 miles (406,771 kilometers)  all eyes turn to what NASA will do next. The space agency plans to put two astronauts on the moon this decade and, in the years after, build a permanent lunar base. Heres everything we know about launch dates and details of Artemis III, Artemis IV and beyond.

Artists concept of Blue Origin's Blue Moon lander, which could be involved in NASA's next Artemis III mission. Blue Origin

Key Facts

The Artemis program was officially named and announced by NASA in May 2019, when Artemis III was intended to land the first woman and next man on the lunar South Pole in 2024. Since then, the uncrewed Artemis I test flight launched in 2022, and Artemis II is complete.

On March 3, NASA revealed a revision in the Artemis program. Artemis III has now been re-classified as a test mission during which the Orion spacecraft will rendezvous and dock in low Earth orbit with commercial lunar landers  the SpaceX Starship Human Landing System (HLS) and Blue Origin's Blue Moon. It is scheduled for launch in mid-2027.

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NASA's Artemis IV mission has now become the moon landing mission. In a complex mission, a crew will travel to lunar orbit in an Orion capsule and rendezvous with a commercial lunar lander. Two crew members will descend to the surface and spend about a week near the moon's south pole before returning to lunar orbit to join their crew for the journey back to Earth. Its tentatively scheduled for early 2028.

Beyond Artemis IV, frequent moon landings are planned  Artemis V in late 2028 and further landings each year  as NASA attempts to create a permanent presence on the moon by building a moonbase close to the lunar South Pole.

Illustration of SpaceX Starship human lander design that will likely carry NASA astronauts to the moons surface during the Artemis program. SpaceX

Will Nasa Really Land On The Moon In 2028?

According to NASA, the Artemis IV mission, will be one of the most complex undertakings of engineering and human ingenuity in the history of deep space exploration. Thats before they even get to the lunar surface.

The plan was for SpaceXs Starship HLS to be refueled in Earth orbit  something that would take 15 flights of other Starships  before going into lunar orbit, where it would rendezvous with NASAs Artemis III crew in Orion. SpaceX was originally contracted to provide its Starship IHS for NASAs first two missions to land on the moon, with Blue Origin asked to provide a lander for subsequent missions.

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However, with SpaceX beset by delays, NASA invited others to bid in October 2025. Its effectively now a straight race between SpaceX and Blue Origin, with NASA intending to test whichever lander is ready for its Artemis III crew. If both companies get a lander ready in time, an Elon Musk vs. Jeff Bezos face-off in space  with NASA as the judge  is sure to keep interest in Artemis alive.

NASAs Space Launch System rocket launches on the Artemis II mission, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from Launch Complex 39B at NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA/Bill Ingalls

The Politics Of Nasa

The Artemis II crews landmark lunar flyby took place on April 6, during the fallout from President Trumps threats to strike Irans power plants and bridges. As well as sidestepping the opportunity to share in the reflected glory of Artemis II  arguably NASAs biggest triumph in over 50 years  the White House published its FY2027 discretionary budget request soon after the missions launch. It includes a $5.6 billion cut to NASAs discretionary budget, a 23 percent decrease from 2026.

Further Reading

MORE FROM FORBESNASAs New Moon Base Plan Explains Why Its Going Back To The Moon By Jamie Carter

MORE FROM FORBESArtemis Astronauts See Earthrise, Earthset And A Total Solar Eclipse By Jamie Carter

MORE FROM FORBESAstronauts Share Spectacular Earth Images From Halfway To The Moon By Jamie Carter

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MORE FROM FORBESIn Photos: Artemis II Launches Orion Moonship On Iconic Mission By Jamie Carter

MORE FROM FORBESNASAs Artemis 2 Launches: 4 Astronauts Begin Moon Mission By Jamie Carter

This article was originally published on Forbes.com
From Japanese bank SMBC Group to the New York-based Citi Group, Charlotte has been on fire with job announcements. The city of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County have partnered to bring more than 6,300 jobs in the past year alone!

North Carolina Chamber of Commerce President Gary Salamido wants to keep that momentum going.

ALSO READ: GOP donor urges North Carolina Senate to reject gambling expansion

When youre on top, everybody tries to knock off the person whos on top, he said. Weve done well here. Its been intentional and were going to continue to do well. We got to protect it.

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When the state legislature returns to session this month, the NC Chamber will be advocating for business friendly legislation to pass.

First and foremost, the Chamber would like to see lawmakers pass a budget. They want to explore tax code changes and also see lawmakers address child care and affordable housing.

What can we do to have housing be more available and affordable for folks that are public servants, so they can live for to live and work in their communities, he said.

While in Charlotte, Salamido also said he is excited about Charlottes new direct flight to Abu Dhabi. He thinks this will open the Queen City up to more business.

Its a real big deal, he said. The reason theyre coming to Charlotte is because of the finance capital, because you have access to so many executives across so many industries. So its really competitive.
The Triangle is bursting with innovation  and now, one town has received a national nod.

The Raleigh suburb of Morrsiville is a finalist for the 2026 All-America City Award, which recognizes places with innovative approaches to inclusive civic engagement, according to results published in March.

The award will spotlight communities across the country that are creatively engaging residents in collective efforts to create thriving and welcoming places where trust and belonging are abundant, the award program wrote on its website.

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Heres what to know about Morrisville and why its in the running as a top place in the United States.

Fans crowd around the boundary of the of the oval field to watch a Major League Cricket match between the Washington Freedom and the LA Knight Riders on Thursday, July 20, 2023 at Church Street Park in Morrisville, N.C.

What makes Morrisville special?

The National Civic League  which presents the All-America City Award  said tribes, towns, cities, counties, and regions were eligible to send in applications. The submissions went through a review period before organizers determined Morrisville was among the finalists.

In response to our wonderfully diverse population, weve been intentional about creating opportunities to gather, celebrate and learn from one another, Mayor TJ Cawley wrote in a Monday, April 6 news release. When something matters to some of our residents, we show up alongside them because their traditions and cultures enrich all of us.

Morrisville  west of Raleigh and south of Durham  is home to more than 30,000 people. In the past, it has been named one of the nations best cities for families and the states best place to live, The News & Observer reported.

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Morrisville is located adjacent to Research Triangle Park  a national hotbed of technological development, hosting over 385 companies and 55,000 workers with more than $6 billion dollars of research investment, the town wrote on its website. The towns economy is based on highly skilled professional and technology industries, particularly including recent expansion in life sciences and advanced manufacturing.

Two-year-old Satvik Arora plays cornhole with his father, Vikas Arora, during the LIVE in The District Music Series at Park West Village in Morrisville.

Morrisville named a finalist

Morrisville was the only place in North Carolina to advance to this round of the competition. A list of all 20 finalists is available at nationalcivicleague.org.

In June, the last part of the contest kicks off in Denver. Representatives from Morrisville and other locations will attend informative sessions and present their cases in front of a jury. At the end of the event, 10 winners will be announced, the award program wrote on its website.

Some of the projects and initiatives included in our award application were collaborative efforts on economic development, arts-based and storytelling projects that demonstrate the communitys future like our mural and icon programs, our Language Access Program that is utilized to learn how to engage with the community in their preferred language, and public education campaigns for critical projects like Town Center, town spokesperson Erin Hudson told The N&O in a Friday, April 10 email.

In this 2016 file photo, children take part in an Easter egg hunt at Cedar Fork Park, one of a dozen parks in Morrisville.

Morrisville said it was one of the places that won the contest in 2021, when the theme was Building Equitable and Resilient Communities. Here are some other past winners from the state:

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Carrboro, 2025

Charlotte, 2018 and 2023

Durham, 1983

Garner, 2013

Raleigh, 1975

Since its start in the 1949, the All-America City Award has been given to more than 500 destinations. This year, hundreds of places in the United States applied, according to a news release from the city of Montgomery, Alabama, a fellow finalist.

The award program didnt immediately share additional information with The News & Observer.

Ask the North Carolina Service Journalism Team

Questions about life in North Carolina? Or have a tip or story idea youd like to share? The service journalism teams at The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer want to hear from you.

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You can submit your question by filling out this form.

2 NC college towns rank among the best in the South. What makes them special?

This NC destination is the No. 1 most desirable place to live, US report finds
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has visited southern Lebanon and announced a continuation of military operations against the Iran-allied Hezbollah militia.

"The war continues, even within the security zone in Lebanon," Netanyahu said, according to his office on Sunday.

He was in the southern part of the neighbouring country together with Defence Minister Israel Katz and Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. The exact location was not specified.

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Israel's army has "fought off the invasion threat from Lebanon thanks to this security zone," the prime minister said.

Netanyahu spoke of "great successes" in the fight against rocket fire from Lebanon into northern Israel, but said there was "still work to be done."

Defense Minister Katz said in March that Israel intended to control the area up to the Litani River in southern Lebanon until further notice.

Israel had already established a so-called security zone in southern Lebanon after the first Lebanon War in 1982. The last Israeli soldiers withdrew from the area in 2000 after sustaining continuous losses.
Meanwhile, Israel Katz announced the name of the operation to disarm Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon as "Silver Plow."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz visited IDF troops in southern Lebanon and held a situational assessment with commanders, the Prime Minister's Office confirmed to The Jerusalem Post on Sunday.

Following the confirmation, the Government Press Office released a statement on Netanyahu and Katz's visit.

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The two politicians were accompanied by IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir and Northern Command chief Maj.-Gen. Rafi Milo, later holding a review with Galilee Division commander Brig.-Gen. Yuval Gez.

"What we see is that we have thwarted the threat of invasion from Lebanon thanks to this security zone, we are removing the danger of anti-tank fire and are also dealing with anti-tank missiles (rockets), but there is more work to do. We have done a huge job, tremendous achievements, there is more to do - and we are doing it," Netanyahu told the IDF soldiers in the region.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visits IDF soldiers in southern Lebanon, published April 12, 2026. (credit: KOBI GIDEON/GPO)

Israel Katz announces 'Operation Silver Plow' against Hezbollah

Israel Katz announced the name of the operation to disarm Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon as "Operation Silver Plow" during the visit to the region.

"We are taking down the threat as we did in Gaza," Katz said.

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Katz also discussed the assassination of then-Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah.

"According to our diagnoses, in the end, he was locked up in some room and suffocated there. He has a few minutes to think how wrong he was in understanding the Jews - that we had changed," Katz said.

"We have determined that we are not leaving the north anymore; we are not moving from the north. For this to happen, it is impossible to leave civilians with the threat of anti-tank missiles and the threat of a raid," Katz told the IDF soldiers posted in southern Lebanon.

"Hezbollah, after pressure from Iran, decided to join. It was built to be Iran's protector. This time, it decided to join, so it must pay a price. We are continuing this, and the goal is to disarm Hezbollah. That is the goal, and we are working to achieve it - to bring security to the residents of the North," he said.
The New Hampshire State Police announced that they are searching for a missing person in the Merrimack River.

Authorities received a report around 7:08 p.m. on Saturday that a person had fallen from the railroad track bridge in the area of Riverside Street and Main Street in Hooksett.

Multiple first responder groups aided in the search efforts by using boats, drones, and thermal cameras to search in the water and on the riverbanks.

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Search operations continued for several hours but have been temporarily paused overnight, state police wrote. Search efforts are expected to resume during the daylight hours on Sunday.

At this time, the identity of the missing person is being withheld at this time, pending an investigation. State police also say that there is no threat in connection with the incident.

#BREAKING New Hampshire State Police are searching for a missing person in the Merrimack River in Hooksett. They said the person fell off the railroad track bridge nearby. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/iPUrBMSxL3  Alyssa Azzara (@alyssaazzaraTV) April 12, 2026

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
The House gave overwhelming approval Thursday to the No Kings Act, which would let Marylanders sue federal agents who violate their constitutional rights, despite heated opposition from House Republicans.

The 95-35 vote in support of Senate Bill 346 follows a year of high-profile confrontations between Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and citizens that culminated in the shooting deaths of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents in Minneapolis. Republicans said the bill is an emotional response to those events that ends up going too far.

Ill certainly have more to say about violating rights, House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy (R-Frederick) said. Maybe we can identify who the kings really are.

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The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher (D-Montgomery), took inspiration from a federal law that lets individuals sue state or local government officials for constitutional rights violations committed under the color of law, and uses similar language.

But House Republicans said it is bills passed in response to immigration raids, like Waldstreichers, that will end up violating Marylanders constitutional rights.

Pippy asked Del. Elizabeth Embry (D-Baltimore City), who was managing the bill on the House floor, if this bill would allow Marylanders to bring a lawsuit if their favorite handgun were to be banned, a reference to House Bill 577, a bill that would prohibit the sale or manufacture of firearms that can be converted into automatic weapons. The House passed that bill Wednesday.

Embry confirmed that owning a firearm is a constitutional right under the Second Amendment, but said SB 346 would not apply since Maryland lawmakers are not federal officers.

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Del. Matt Morgan (R-Calvert and St. Marys) pressed the argument, asking Embry to confirm that showing preferential treatment based on skin color goes against the Constitution, then asking if the House could be possibly violating the Constitution with some of the DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] policies that come out of this chamber?

Embry said that while Attorney General Anthony Brown did not offer an opinion on the constitutionality of the bill, he did support the bill.

House Minority Leader Jason Buckel (R-Allegany) said during floor debate that the No Kings Act is just another bill Democrats are pushing out to show that they dont support the Trump administration.

Lets just be honest, what this bill is, its another one of the 10, 20, 30, 50, 5,635 bills this year that is intended to vent the spleen at ICE, Buckel said. Thats all it is, thats all its here for.

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But Embry argued that the No Kings Act actually ensures that federal officials are held to the same standards as state officials, by creating a law that is identical to the laws that apply to state officials.

This bill is, really, its doing the opposite of what you just described, Embry said in response to Buckel. It is the state empowering its residents and attorney general to protect the U.S. Constitution, just as [U.S. Code section] 1983 enforces that against state and local officers.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Pippy said that any officer who breaks the law should be held accountable, and that he does not want to what happened in Minneapolis being repeated in Maryland. But the No Kings Act is not the answer, he said.

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I think this bill is, as the minority leader said, one of many bills this year to kind of say something, about maybe they dont like what they see, so theyre putting in a bill to say that, Pippy said.

Del. Samuel Sandy Rosenberg (D-Baltimore City) said theres a reason this bill and many similar bills have been introduced this session.

Respected constitutional scholars fear the consequences of our constitutional rights of actions that are being taken by this federal government, Rosenberg said. Its not out of some political reason or personal pique that these suits are being brought, that these bills are being before us today.

 This story was updated on Friday, April 10, to correct Del. Elizabeth Embrys role in the debate.
The Lorain County Sheriffs Office has implemented a new prisoner control device in the courtroom after an attack that left two officers injured.

The device called Band-it is an electronic prisoner control device that delivers 50,000 volts of electricity through an inmates body, roughly the same amount as a taser, according to our CBS news partner, WOIO.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

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The courtroom attack occurred last June, when a Lorain County judge sentenced Andrew Davison to up to 15 years in prison for attempted murder.

He turned around and said, Youre going to have to kill me, I aint going to jail, and the fight was on, said Deputy Jeff Smith.

Davison swung at Smith and an Elyria police sergeant.

The attack left Smith with four fractured ribs and a cracked sternum.

The sergeant suffered a damaged eye socket, said Sheriff Jack Hall.

StunTronics LLC CEO Randy Saley manufactures the device in Ohio and Michigan.

The device is relatively safe and is in use by the Federal Bureau of Prisons, U.S Marshals Service, and nearly a thousand sheriffs offices across the country, said Saley.

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The Band-it device is strapped to an inmates body and can be placed in eight different locations, including the arm, leg, or calf.

It interferes with the neuromuscular signals created by your nervous system, Saley said. And with the electrical transmissions of your nervous system, which affect the muscles.

Training specialist Austin Myers demonstrated the device twice, where it was strapped to his calf.

During the first demonstration, Myers was told to attack the officer from across the room.

Myers was given a series of verbal commands before being shocked.

He tried to continue, but the officer was able to take him to the ground with little effort.

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The whole, the muscle locks up, Myers said. My focus was on the pain.

During the second demonstration, the officer activated the device before Myers could reach him.

I tried to power through, but it definitely debilitated my ability to fight as much as I probably could have normally, Myers said.

Hall said the device is helpful in a courtroom setting because inmates are not seen wearing visible shackles, making juries less influenced by their appearance.

Its a very subtle device that goes underneath the clothing, and a lot of people wouldnt even know that the defendant is wearing it, Hall said.

When Davison went back on trial for assaulting the officers, he wore the Band-it device on both of his legs.

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Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The Mauritanian authorities and an International Monetary Fund (IMF) team have reached a staff level agreement on policies to complete the sixth and final review of Mauritanias 42-month blended EFF/ECF-supported programme and the fifth and final review of the RSF and on a new 42-month blended ECF and EFF arrangements
Over the weekend, peace talks with Iran stalled and President Trump threatened a naval blockade of a key waterway; sexual assault allegations threatened California Rep. Eric Swalwell's gubernatorial bid; and the world looked on as Hungary held high-profile elections. Here's more.

Viktor Orban concedes after defeat

After 16 years as prime minister, Viktor Orban was defeated in the polls by Tisza party leader Peter Magyar. Magyar is a former member of Orban's Fidesz Party  he split in 2024 and joined the Tisza Party, a center-right organization. Magyar ran on a campaign of anti-corruption and also focused on economic issues. Some Hungarian news outlets are predicting Tisza could win as many as two-thirds of the seats in parliament.

Sundays election had record turnout, with the highest number of voters in Hungarys post-Communist history  nearly 78 percent of eligible voters cast ballots.

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I congratulated the victorious party, Orban told supporters in Budapest. We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from the opposition as well.

European leaders reacted with relief. Europes heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on social media. "Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary".

Hungary has spoken, said Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, who looked forward to working with Peter Magyar, "toward a strong, secure, and above all united Europe."

Orban's loss is a blow to the Trump administration, which publicly backed the far-right Fidesz leader. Vice President JD Vance visited Budapest and promised to "help" Orban win, and during a visit in February Secretary of State Marco Rubio told the autocrat, "Trump is deeply committed to your success."

Iran peace talks fail; Trump says U.S. will blockade the Strait of Hormuz

Peace talks between the U.S. and Iran ended without a resolution over the weekend. Vice President JD Vance led the negotiations, which took place in Pakistan and marked the first time the U.S. had a face-to-face meeting with Iran in nearly 50 years. The discussions failed to produce a deal to completely open the Strait of Hormuz and put an end to the war  which Iranian state media blamed on "excessive demands by America." Vance, meanwhile, said the U.S. was "negotiating in good faith" and that he left Pakistan with "our best and final offer." Points of disagreement remain, though Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told CBS's "Face the Nation," The talks are not dead. Theres a stalemate."

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In response, on Sunday, President Trump declared on Truth Social that the U.S. navy would blockade the Strait of Hormuz. He said it would be a "complete blockade" with no exceptions for allies. He also said he's "instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran" and said they would begin destroying mines laid by Iran.

A naval blockade is considered an act of war, the New York Times notes.

Eric Swalwell accused of sexual assault

California Rep. Eric Swalwell has withdrawn from the California governor's race following accusations of sexual assault. To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment Ive made in my past," he posted on X. "I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made  but thats my fight, not a campaigns.

Several prominent Democratic lawmakers pulled their endorsements of California Rep. Eric Swalwell after multiple women accused him of sexual assault and misconduct in explosive reports published by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN.

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One woman who worked for Swalwell for close to two years told the San Francisco Chronicle that the congressman sexually assaulted her on two separate occasions when she was too intoxicated to consent  once in 2019 and again in 2024. The woman, who started working for Swalwell when she was 21, told the Chronicle that the congressman sent her images of his genitals on Snapchat. He later tried to kiss her one night when she drove him home from an event. Another time, he pulled out his genitals and asked her to perform oral sex on him. She told CNN she briefly complied before stopping because she felt uncomfortable.

CNN published allegations from four women, who alleged that Swalwell pursued them when they were "in their twenties and finding their footing professionally." They felt "special" and even "starstruck." They allege the lawmaker sent them increasingly explicit messages, which they responded to "in part because of his position of power."

Swalwell has vehemently denied the accusations. These allegations are false and come on the eve of an election against the frontrunner for governor, he wrote in a statement to the SF Chronicle. For nearly 20 years, I have served the public  as a prosecutor and a congressman and have always protected women. I will defend myself with the facts and where necessary bring legal action. My focus in the coming days is to be with my wife and children and defend our decades of service against these lies.

The day before the story went live, an attorney for Swalwell sent a cease-and-desist letter to one of his accusers, claiming she made false statements accusing Mr. Swalwell of sexual assault and nonconsensual sexual encounter" and threatening to sue her if she didn't retract her allegations.

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On Saturday, the Manhattan district attorney's office announced it is opening an investigation, since one of the alleged assaults took place in New York City.

After the allegations broke, a number of Democratic lawmakers rescinded their endorsements of Swalwell  who was previously viewed as a frontrunner in California's gubernatorial race. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi have called on him to end his campaign for governor, and California Sen. Adam Schiff and the California Teachers Association have pulled their endorsements.

Some lawmakers have gone a step further and said they would support removing Swalwell from Congress. On Saturday, Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican, said she will file a motion to expel him. California Rep. Ro Khanna called for a House ethics investigation and criminal probe into the claims against Swalwell. "Anyone who abuses young girls and staffers should not be in the United States Congress," he said. "And many Democrats have said that not only should he resign, there needs to be an investigation in law enforcement. You cannot do what he did. And I believe the survivors.

Washington Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat, told NBC's "Meet the Press" that she would vote to expel Swalwell if the measure were to come to the floor. At the same time, some lawmakers are calling to expel Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales, who ended his re-election bid after news broke that he had an affair with a subordinate who later died by suicide. A second staffer has since come forward to NBC News, claiming Gonzales sent sexually explicit text messages to her when she was working for him. Rep. Byron Donalds, a Republican serving Florida, told "Meet the Press" that he would vote to expel both lawmakers, should motions to do so be brought to the floor: As far as Im concerned, both gentlemen need to go home.

The post Orban Defeated After 16 Years, Trump Threatens Blockade, Calls Grow to Expel Eric Swalwell From Congress appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
Israels far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalems Old City  his third incursion into Islams third holiest site this year  as Israel arrested at least 18 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank on Sunday.

Accompanied by Israeli settlers under heavy protection from Israeli forces, Ben-Gvir offered Jewish prayers at the site, which is not allowed for non-Muslims as part of the status quo arrangement in place since 1967, though Jewish people are permitted to visit the compound.

A statement from Jordans Foreign Ministry said it considered Ben-Gvirs visit to be a violation of the status quo agreement at the site and a desecration of its sanctity, a condemnable escalation and an unacceptable provocation.

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The Palestinian Authoritys presidency has also condemned the storming of the mosque compound, which has become more frequent in recent years.

In a statement, the presidency said the move was a blatant violation of the historical and legal status quo at the holy site, Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.

Ben-Gvir, who has stormed the mosque compound at least 16 times since taking office in 2022, is part of a growing settler movement that wants to take over the Al-Aqsa Mosque, with the far-right Israeli minister having expressed his intention to build a Jewish synagogue in place of the holy Muslim site.

Today, I feel like the owner here, Ben-Gvir said in a video filmed at the site and distributed by his office. There is still more to do, more to improve. I keep pushing the prime minister [Benjamin Netanyahu] to do more and more, he said.

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There has been no comment from Netanyahus office so far.

Israel had closed the Al-Aqsa Mosque to the public for 40 days after launching its war on Iran on February 28. Israel often imposes restrictions, especially on Palestinian worshippers, with Israeli authorities also preventing Eid al-Fitr prayers at Al-Aqsa this year  the first such restriction since Israels illegal occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967.

The mosque reopened on April 9 to Palestinian worshippers. But later that day, Israeli settlers stormed the compound and performed Talmudic rituals, under the protection of Israeli police, Wafa reported.

Wafa also said that Israeli authorities had extended the daily windows for Israeli settler incursions by an additional 30 minutes.

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Meanwhile, Israeli raids have continued across the occupied West Bank, with at least 18 people arrested on Sunday.

Wafa said Israel arrested six Palestinians during a raid on Dheisheh refugee camp, south of Bethlehem.

A child and a young man were also injured by Israeli forces during a raid on the city of Nablus.

Attacks by Israeli forces across Gaza and the occupied West Bank have continued, along with Israels wars on Iran and Lebanon.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says more than 1,100 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the occupied West Bank since October 2023, with thousands forcibly displaced.
The Pierce County Sheriffs Office is investigating a homicide that occurred early Sunday morning.

According to a social media post from the Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to reports of a person being shot at around 4:19 a.m. on April 12 in the 12200 block of Canyon Road East, near the Summit View neighborhood.

A 37-year-old male was located with gunshot wounds, according to the post. Medical aid was rendered, but the male passed away.

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Detective Joshua Mills with the Sheriffs Office told The News Tribune that there is no suspect in custody at this time. He said detectives were wrapping up on the scene around 1 p.m. Sunday, and they will be compiling evidence to develop leads. He said it was a contained incident and theres no danger to the public.

Mills said anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the non-emergency number at (253) 287-4455.
The race for the 14th congressional district includes parts of Mecklenburg County, stretching out to Polk County.

Democrat candidate LaKesha Womack beat Brent Calwell and Ahmid Kargbo in the primary and now faces incumbent Republican Tim Moore in November.

Codiga sat down with The Political Beats Joe Bruno. You can find the full interview below.

LaKesha Womack, (D) NC-14 Candidate: I am a business owner. My primary job is working as a consultant. And I work with three clients. One is the CDFI here in Charlotte. And I actually moved to Charlotte in 2016 to work on Hillarys campaign, and I fell in love with the city and decided to relocate my son and my business here, and have just fell in love with the city. And then Ill say maybe two years ago, I started feeling the tug that I wanted to get more involved in politics and tell my friends, like, I think Im gonna run for Congress. And they were like, okay, and then I filed in December, and the rest is history.

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Joe Bruno: This is your first run for office, but youve been involved with politics. As you said, you just you moved to Charlotte to work on Hillarys campaign. What was that like?

LW: You know, it was a lot working on a presidential campaign, and I was actually a part of a special team where we were building capacity from South Carolina for North Carolina. And you know, that was Trumps first run, and it really just helped to help me to see how disconnected the parties had become from the average voters. And I think that just knocking on doors and calling people and hearing like their frustrations. And I think for a long time, the parties had kind of taken those frustrations for granted, and he was really able to speak to a lot of those frustrations. And I learned a lot.

JB: What made you want to take the leap now? Youve been on the other side and see how things happen and what made you want to put your name now on the line for people to choose.

LW: Well, you know, Ive been watching, you know, as this administration has been dismantling a lot of the agencies and departments that weve relied on, and I believe that when the Democrats retake the house, which I believe we will in November, that theres going to be a rebuilding process. And as a strategist, thats what I do. I help companies rebuild. And so I just felt like I wanted to be a part of that rebuilding so that we dont put back things the way that they were, but that we really look at our economy and our communities to figure out what are the actual needs that we have, and then how do we rebuild these agencies so that they meet the needs of our communities?

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JB: Its an interesting shape district. You got north and south Mecklenburg, a little bit of West Mecklenburg, and then it goes all the way to, like Burke County, I think even further than Burke, you know, how are you traveling the district? What are the different needs that you are hearing in, you know, the western part of the district, compared to, say, Mecklenburg County?

LW: We have Burke, Cleveland, Gaston, Rutherford, Polk and then, as you said, the, you know, C shape of Mecklenburg, but you know, at the end of the day, you know, everyone wants their children to have a quality education. Everyones concerned about health care, everyones concerned about the billions of dollars that are being spent on this war of choice and on issues that just are not affecting their lives. And so, you know, weve been trying to figure out, like, what is that common denominator? And to really speak to that, and people just want a better life for themselves. They want security for seniors. And so just really trying to listen more than I speak, so that I can hear from the residents, like, what their concerns are. But they really fall into, like, those three or four buckets.

JB: What do you think the top issue is for the 14th district?

LW: I would say the top issue is definitely health care. I think a lot of people are concerned. Like I met one gentleman who said that, you know, he had to let his clap. And so hes gonna, you know, spend the next year, you know, on a wing and a prayer, hoping that he doesnt get sick and he doesnt need to go to the hospital. And that just shouldnt be the case in our country. And so, you know, I have seniors who are concerned about their health benefits rising, well, their health care rising, and then their social security benefits getting lower. And so its just, you know, a lot around health care. And so I would say, like, thats one of the bigger issues that weve been hearing about.

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JB: One thing that stood out on your website to me was you were promising to have town halls, yes. And you know, youre a Democrat in the 14th district too. And you know, sometimes there might be more Republicans and Democrats at those town halls. You know, knowing that, like, why is it important for you to engage with like, people who may vote differently or have different stances on issues than you

LW: Yeah, I think its important. Because you know, when you go to put gas in your car, like the gas pump isnt asking, Are you a Democrat or Republican? When you go buy groceries, like the cashier isnt asking, Are you a Democrat or Republican? So you know, no matter who votes for me, Ill be representing all of the people in the district, and so you know, I welcome comments, or, you know, commentary from anyone. My only request is just be respectful, like we can disagree, but just be respectful. You know, I want to hear like what peoples pain points are, and to figure out what I can do to solve those issues. But you know, it doesnt matter what your party affiliation is or if youre unaffiliated, because, you know, we have a lot of unaffiliated voters in this in the state, as a matter of fact, and so, you know, everyone deserves to be heard.

JB: What would you say you would attribute your primary win to? How did you run your campaign? What did that look like?

LW: So just being present in the community, I think thats what really made me stand out. Like people really appreciated the fact that I showed up. I think I was probably attending campaign events, like, maybe I would say, like, seven or eight times a week, just being like at the meetings. And I dont have like, main character syndrome, so I dont have to be like the speaker at the event to show up. And so a lot of meetings like I went to just to listen and to hear like what was happening. And people just appreciated that, you know, I was there and that I was listening, and the word spread, and I would meet people, and theyre like, you know, my parents love you. And Im like, I have no idea who you are or who your parents are, but you know, I just appreciate that people were telling other people, you know, how I show up, and that they felt like they finally had a representative that they could believe in.

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JB: To wrap things up, the districts are drawn in a way where competitive races arent encouraged. What is your message to all of the Republican voters and maybe the unaffiliated voters who lean GOP on why they should give you a shot for the seat in November.

LW: Well, Ill just say, you know, get to know me. You know, figure out, you know, am I the person that you trust that shares your values? Because I get a lot of times people ask like, you know, what are your legislative priorities? Or, you know, what bills would you vote on? And you dont know what bills are going to come before you. Like it all sounds great in theory, but you have to find someone that you trust their values, you trust their judgment. And so Ill say, like, just get to know me and see if you trust me to vote on your behalf and to help make this district better for you.

Part 2: The Political Beat with Ch. 9s Joe Bruno (April 13, 2026)
Americans have one word above all others to describe the recent developments in Iran.

They are largely relieved over a temporary, two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, though a majority of voters remain deeply skeptical that the fragile truce will hold.

The diplomatic off-ramp arrived Tuesday just 90 minutes before an 8 p.m. deadline set by President Donald Trump, who had warned that a whole civilization will die tonight if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

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In announcing the halt to over five weeks of fighting, Trump stated that Iran offered a 10-point proposal serving as a workable basis on which to negotiate, CNBC reported.

A YouGov poll documented overwhelming support for the temporary deal among 2,854 U.S. adults. Data released Wednesday revealed 41% of respondents strongly approved of the ceasefire, 25% somewhat approved, 5% somewhat disapproved and 5% strongly disapproved. Another 23% were not sure.

A separate Daily Mail/JL Partners poll of 1,013 respondents found that relieved was the single most common word used by respondents to describe their reaction to the news.

The survey showed that 54% of voters believe the ceasefire will probably or definitely collapse. Just one in four Americans think it will hold, with only 7% expressing full confidence in the agreement.

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The Daily Mail survey showed that 33% of Americans believe the truce is a good outcome for the United States, compared to 18% who view it as a bad one. An additional 28% say they feel neutral about the agreement, which White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt argued came together because Trumps tough rhetoric ultimately led the Iranian regime to cave to their knees and ask for a ceasefire.

Despite the administrations victory lap, Vice President JD Vance now faces a complex landscape as he begins high-level peace negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan. The New York Times reported that Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf introduced new preconditions for the talks, including the release of unspecified blocked assets.

This demand has exposed a major inclusion gap in the deal. Despite Pakistans claims that the truce was region-wide, Israel maintains that Lebanon is not covered by the U.S.-Iran agreement and has continued heavy bombardment in Beirut, PBS reported.

Meanwhile, the economic terms of the deal are drawing domestic scrutiny. The Daily Mail noted that 43% of voters say the U.S. should accept a controversial Iranian move to charge ships a fee to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in order to preserve the ceasefire, while 32% oppose the fee. The straits blockade has severely impacted global markets, contributing to a 3.3% jump in the U.S. Consumer Price Index in March and restricting worldwide oil and jet fuel supplies.

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On Wednesday Trump warned that U.S. military forces will remain nearby until a permanent deal is formalized. On his Truth Social platform, the president stated that despite contrary rhetoric, it was agreed that Iran would possess NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS and the strait WILL BE OPEN & SAFE, threatening military action bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before if Iranian leaders fail to comply.

The Daily Mail/JL Partners flash poll, conducted Wednesday, included 1,013 respondents. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

More on Politics

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President Donald Trump continues to face broad opposition in New Jersey, with a majority of voters holding an unfavorable view of him, according to the latest RutgersEagleton poll.

The survey, released this past week, found that 26% of respondents in New Jersey had a favorable impression of Trump, while 61% viewed him unfavorably. Another 12% said they had no opinion.

Trump posted his strongest support among white respondents in the blue-leaning state, at 37%. But his support was far lower among Black voters, with just 2% saying they had a favorable view of the Republican president.

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Among Hispanic voters, 17% said they favored Trump.

Trumps low favorability was driven largely by Democrats and independents. Among Democrats, 92% said they viewed Trump unfavorably, while 60% of independents expressed a negative opinion. By contrast, 80% of Republicans said they had a favorable view of the president.

Men were more likely than women to view Trump favorably, with 31% of men saying they had a favorable opinion of him compared with 22% of women.

Older voters were also more likely to support Trump than younger New Jerseyans. His highest favorability came among those 65 and older, at 36%, followed by voters ages 50 to 64 at 32%. Support fell to 23% among voters ages 35 to 49, and 12% among those ages 18 to 34.

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The poll also found that higherincome residents were among Trumps strongest critics, with 67% of respondents who earn more than $150,000 annually holding an unfavorable view.

The poll surveyed 1,568 New Jersey adults from March 27 to March 30 and has a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3.2 percentage points.

Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Hungarian voters on Sunday ousted long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orban after 16 years in power, rejecting the authoritarian policies and global far-right movement that he embodied in favor of a pro-European challenger in a bombshell election result with global repercussions.

It was a stunning blow for Orban  a close ally of both U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin  who quickly conceded defeat after what he called a painful election result. U.S. Vice President JD Vance had made a visit to Hungary just days earlier, meant to help push Orban over the finish line.

Election victor Peter Magyar, a former Orban loyalist who campaigned against corruption and on everyday issues like health care and public transport, has pledged to rebuild Hungary's relationships with the European Union and NATO  ties that frayed under Orban. European leaders quickly congratulated Magyar.

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His victory was expected to transform political dynamics within the EU, where Orban had upended the bloc by frequently vetoing key decisions, prompting concerns he sought to break it up from the inside.

It will also reverberate among far-right movements around the world, which have viewed Orban as a beacon for how nationalist populism can be used to wage culture wars and leverage state power to undermine opponents.

It's not yet clear whether Magyars Tisza party will have the two-thirds majority in parliament, which would give it the numbers needed for major changes in legislation. With 93% of the vote counted, it had more than 53% support to 37% for Orbans governing Fidesz party and looked set to win 94 of Hungary's 106 voting districts.

I congratulated the victorious party, Orban told followers. We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition.

Jubilation erupted along the Danube

In a speech to tens of thousands of jubilant supporters at a victory party along the Danube River, Magyar said his voters had rewritten Hungarian history.

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Tonight, truth prevailed over lies. Today, we won because Hungarians didnt ask what their homeland could do for them  they asked what they could do for their homeland. You found the answer. And you followed through, he said.

On the streets of Budapest, drivers blared car horns and cranked up anti-government songs while people marching in the streets chanted and screamed.

Many revelers chanted Ruszkik haza! or Russians go home!  a phrase used widely during Hungarys 1956 anti-Soviet revolution, and which had gained increasing currency amid Orbans drift toward Moscow.

Turnout in the election was nearly 80%, according to the National Election Office, a record number in any vote in Hungarys post-Communist history.

Choice between East or West

Orban, the EUs longest-serving leader and one of its biggest antagonists, traveled a long road from his early days as a liberal, anti-Soviet firebrand to the Russia-friendly nationalist admired today by the global far-right.

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The EU will be waiting to see how Magyar changes Hungary's approach to Ukraine. Orban repeatedly frustrated EU efforts to support the neighboring country in its war against Russias full-scale invasion, while cultivating close ties to Putin and refusing to end Hungarys dependence on Russian energy imports.

Recent revelations have shown a top member of Orban's government frequently shared the contents of EU discussions with Moscow, raising accusations that Hungary was acting on Russias behalf within the bloc.

Members of Trump's Make America Great Again movement are among those who see Orban's government and his Fidesz political party as shining examples of conservative, anti-globalist politics in action, while he is reviled by advocates of liberal democracy and the rule of law.

In Budapest, Marcell Mehringer, 21, said he was voting primarily so that Hungary will finally be a so-called European country, and so that young people, and really everyone, will do their fundamental civic duty to unite this nation a bit and to breakdown these boundaries borne of hatred.

Strained relationship with the EU

During his 16 years as prime minister, Orban launched harsh crackdowns on minority rights and media freedoms, subverted many of Hungary's institutions and been accused of siphoning large sums of money into the coffers of his allied business elite, an allegation he denies.

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He also heavily strained Hungary's relationship with the EU. Although Hungary is one of the smaller EU countries, with a population of 9.5 million, Orban has repeatedly used his veto to block decisions that require unanimity.

Most recently, he blocked a 90-billion euro ($104 billion) EU loan to Ukraine, prompting his partners to accuse him of hijacking the critical aid.

His challenger came from the inside

Magyar, 45, rapidly rose to become Orban's most serious challenger.

A former insider within Orban's Fidesz, Magyar broke with the party in 2024 and quickly formed Tisza. Since then, he has toured Hungary relentlessly, holding rallies in settlements big and small in a campaign blitz that recently had him visiting up to six towns daily.

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In an interview with The Associated Press earlier this month, Magyar said the election will be a referendum on whether Hungary continues on its drift toward Russia under Orban, or can retake its place among the democratic societies of Europe.

Tisza is a member of the European People's Party, the mainstream, center-right political family with leaders governing 12 of the EU's 27 nations.

Uphill election battle

Magyar faced a tough fight. Orban's control of Hungary's public media, which he has transformed into a mouthpiece for his party, and vast swaths of the private media market give him an advantage in spreading his message.

The unilateral transformation of Hungary's electoral system and gerrymandering of its 106 voting districts by Fidesz also required Tisza to gain an estimated 5% more votes than Orbans party to achieve a simple majority.

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Additionally, hundreds of thousands of ethnic Hungarians in neighboring countries had the right to vote in Hungarian elections and traditionally have voted overwhelmingly for Orban's party.

Russian secret services have plotted to interfere and tip the election in Orban's favor, according to numerous media reports including by The Washington Post. The prime minister, however, accused neighboring Ukraine, as well as Hungary's allies in the EU, of seeking to interfere in the vote to install a pro-Ukraine government.

___

Associated Press journalists Bela Szandelszky, Marko Drobnjakovic, Ivan L. Nagy, Florent Bajrami in Budapest, Hungary, and Angela Charlton in Paris contributed to this report.
Syrians have shown since December 8, 2024, that they want to rebuild their country, and they want peace. This doesnt mean everything has gone smoothly

With the current ceasefire in the Iran war, Israel has time to take stock of what is changing in the region. One narrative about the Israeli and American operations against the Islamic Republic is that it will redraw the region. It has been doing this by weakening the Iranian regime and thus weakening the regimes backing of its proxies.

As this continues, Israels power will increase, and groups such as Hezbollah are likely to be sidelined.

One place that Israel should consider a shift in policy in order to cement the new regional order is Syria. However, it doesnt appear as though Israels leadership is ready to change its mind on Damascus.

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On Saturday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a statement in front of a map of the Middle East. This is the kind of talk that he is known for. Netanyahu likes props and maps.

The map was coded white, red, and blue. All the red countries appeared to be linked to Iran and its proxy groups, which include Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Gaza  the Iranian axis.

Israel was coded blue, and the West Bank was included within Israel. The other countries were all white.

However, Syria is no longer part of the Iranian axis. On December 8, 2024, the Assad regime  already weakened by a decade of civil war that left much of the country in ruins  fell. At the time, Israeli officials appeared to take credit for helping topple the Syrian regime.

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Yet Israel also launched massive airstrikes in Syria on that same day. The goal was apparently to deny whoever might take over the country the chance to use its weapons against Israel.

Syria has pushed for peace since fall of Assad

Since then, Syrians have demonstrated that they want to rebuild their country and achieve peace.

Nevertheless, this doesnt mean that everything has gone smoothly. The new government in Damascus opposes Iran and Hezbollah. The Islamic Republic backed the Assad regime and used Syria to move weapons to Hezbollah.

Israel waged what is known as the Campaign Between the Wars in Syria during the Syrian civil war. The goal was to prevent Iranian entrenchment. Thousands of strikes targeted Iranian weapons moving to Hezbollah. This was revealed by former Israel Air Force chief Amir Eshel back in 2017, and former IDF chief of staff Avi Kohavi also discussed it in 2021. As such, it is known that Israel was fighting a quiet conflict against Iran in Syria, using air power.

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Hezbollah intervened in Syria to back Assad. It lost hundreds of fighters, perhaps even thousands, while suppressing the Syrians.

The new president of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, knows well the evils of the Islamic Republic of Iran and of Hezbollah.

However, Israel has not taken the opportunity to build positive ties with Damascus. Instead, Israeli officials have viewed the new government of Syria as unstable, and they called Sharaa a jihadist. Some Israeli officials have even threatened to eliminate Syrias president over the past year.

Part of the anti-Sharaa antics relates to Jerusalems claimed desire to support the Druze in southern Syria. However, the support of the Druze having rights in Syria is a policy goal that offers no clear discussion about the rest of Syria. The Druze live in Sweida, a relatively small area in southern Syria. They are unlikely to create an independent state. Jordan and other countries would oppose this. Also, the Druze are not going to control all of Syria.

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In January, the Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Defense Forces created an agreement. This has led Damascus to consolidate control over eastern Syria. The US, which backed the SDF, has also backed the agreement. US officials such as Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack, who is also the US special envoy to Syria, have played a key role.

The US has ended sanctions on Syria, and Syrias government has been hosting many international delegations, such as Ukraines president. Syria has good relations with countries all around the world and in the region. As such, it seems logical that Israel would build warmer ties with Damascus. Syrian officials have indicated that they dont want tensions with Israel, and as recently as January, the US, Syria, and Israel had a trilateral meeting.

Syria can be helpful to Israel against Hezbollah and also on other issues. The question for Israel is how to get the policy tanker to shift course. Foreign policy is like an oil tanker; sometimes it cant move quickly. The map used by Israels prime minister indicates this.

The red coding for Syria is symbolic, and its not just a mistake. Coding Syria as still part of Irans axis is a decision, though Syria is not linked to Iran today. The map cant be read any other way. For instance, Afghanistan, although led by the Taliban, is not coded in red. Neither is Pakistan. The red coding is solely for countries linked to Iran, not specifically countries that Israel sees as hostile.

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Why does Israel continue to view Syria as an enemy when Syria wants warmer ties? What is gained? Who benefits from the tensions?

Israel is already at war in Lebanon and still has not defeated Hamas in Gaza.

Israel also recently waged a month-and-a-half-long war with Iran. Having a rapprochement with Syria would benefit Jerusalem in the region. It would also benefit the Druze in southern Syria because it could enable more reasonable discussions, rather than threats and ill-conceived assumptions about what comes next.

The Kurds in eastern Syria have made the pragmatic choice to move toward working with Damascus. Kurdish officials such as Sipan Hemo have become officials of Syrias Defense Ministry. This is the path forward that is being crafted. There are challenges, of course, but diplomacy generally can smooth the way.

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So far, wars with Gaza and Lebanon have not led to a Clausewitz-style political strategic victory for Israel. Syria provides an opportunity. It remains to be seen whether that opportunity can be utilized.

Changing the symbolic map being used by Israels prime ministers office would be one way to illustrate that symbolic changes are happening.
KYIV, Ukraine  On Tuesday, the president of the United States sent a message to the world. The man whose military is supposed to guarantee the survival of a 35-nation coalition in Ukraine posted on Truth Social that a whole civilization will die tonight if Iran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by his 8 p.m. deadline.

He promised to bomb every bridge and power plant in the country. Not as a warning. As an ultimatum, with a countdown, posted for the world to read along with the 93 million people he profanely threatened to annihilate.

The next day, civilians in Tehran were standing on the infrastructure he had threatened to destroy. Mothers, students, old men  they linked arms across overpasses, formed human chains around bridges and power plants, shielding them with their bodies, an NBC News video showed.

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Asked whether he was concerned about war crimes, Trump told reporters he was not at all.

Retired American military officers said the threats themselves were likely war crimes  and that Trump had handed prosecutors a ready-made record. Hes essentially self-incriminating, one retired senior officer told reporters, per The Guardian.

Legal experts noted that threatening to systematically destroy civilian power plants and bridges, regardless of whether the strikes occur, can itself constitute evidence of criminal intent under the laws of armed conflict, according to The New York Times.

At the same time, White House envoys, billionaire Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, were supposed to fly to Ukraine after Orthodox Easter this weekend carrying new security guarantees but were rerouted to Pakistan instead, for talks in Islamabad the same weekend the Kyiv visit was planned.

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The administration was starting a war with one hand and promising to end one with the other. The same president who threatened to destroy civilian infrastructure in Iran on Tuesday is supposed to guarantee that no one destroys Ukrainian civilian infrastructure ever again.

Is the U.S. going to provide Ukraine something like mutual security assistance? I dont think so, Ed Arnold, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute and a former British military officer, told Military Times.

And even if they did, do the Ukrainians believe in it? And pretty critically  does Putin believe in it?

A Ukrainian serviceman appears in a dugout with ammunition before firing toward Russian troops at a front-line position in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, April 9, 2026. (Stringer/Reuters)

Moscow already had an answer.

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The Americans have a lot of other things to deal with, if you know what I mean, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to the Kyiv Independent.

The primary movers in these so-called peace talks  the Americans  are now busy with other things, a senior European diplomat told Military Times, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive security assessments.

And they took the interceptors with them. The U.S. military burned through more than 800 Patriot missiles in the Middle East in three days  more than Ukraine has received in the entire war  while the production line makes roughly 600 a year.

The White House has since suspended Patriot export sales globally because of supply constraints, according to The Atlantic.

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Meanwhile, the administration rolled back Russian oil sanctions  the same restrictions that had been slowly strangling Moscows ability to finance the war  just as the Iran conflict sent crude past $100 a barrel, opening a window for Russia to sell at wartime prices with no cap and no consequences.

Just this easing by America could provide Russia with around $10 billion for the war, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said alongside French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. This certainly does not help peace, according to Al Jazeera.

The sanctions rollback did not just weaken Ukraines position at the table  it actively financed the war Ukraine was supposed to be negotiating its way out of.

This is throwing a massive lifeline to Putin, the senior diplomat said.

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Kyiv has fought harder anyway.

Its forces have recaptured more than 480 square kilometers in the southeast since January, pushing the ballistic missile interception rate toward 95%, and sent long-range strikes deeper inside Russia than at any point in the war  and for every short- to medium-range missile Russia fired in, Ukraine was sending more out.

Its forces achieved a drone advantage over Russia in what the Institute for the Study of War called a possible first in combat history, striking oil ports from the Baltic to the Black Sea.

But the Iran war has made those capabilities impossible to ignore. As Tehran launched waves of drones and missiles across the Middle East, nations scrambling to respond found themselves watching Ukrainian-developed systems do what their own could not  handing Zelenskyy leverage overnight that years of diplomacy never had.

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Ukraines long-range drones have knocked out an estimated 40% of Russias oil export capacity, around 2 million barrels per day offline, in one of the most severe oil supply disruptions in the modern history of Russia, according to Reuters.

Washington did not celebrate any of it. The administration told Kyiv to stop striking, and the same week, Vice President JD Vance flew to Budapest to campaign for Hungarian autocrat Viktor Orban  Putins closest partner in the EU  while accusing European allies of election interference.

Zelenskyy confirmed that allies had sent Ukraine signals about scaling back strikes on Russias oil sector, per Reuters. The State Department formally warned Kyivs ambassador to quit the attacks.

Having severed most support to Ukraine, undermined the trust of its allies and made clear that it will avoid applying any serious pressure on Russia, Washington is rapidly bleeding leverage, Arnold wrote in a recent RUSI analysis.

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But the Iran war may have had the opposite effect on Ukraines standing, Arnold told Military Times. The country Washington is pressuring to stop fighting has just demonstrated that its technology works and Americas deterrence does not.

In the space of weeks, Washington has eased the sanctions squeezing Russias war budget, told Kyiv to stop the strikes crippling its oil exports and conditioned security guarantees on surrendering territory Ukrainian soldiers are still holding  a sequence that, to the allies watching it unfold, has looked less like negotiation than an attempt to dismantle Ukraines leverage piece by piece.

The war in Iran, the peace deal in Ukraine, stability in the Far East  all of it seems to run through one man in the White House, the senior diplomat said, who does not seem to worry about the long-term consequences of his global actions.

Youve pushed a domino in the dark, he said.

You have no idea which other dominos are lined up, whos in the line of fall, what youre going to face as a consequence  because you looked at this problem in complete isolation.
Paul Dans, the architect of the controversial conservative blueprint known as Project 2025, has ended his bid to challenge South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham in the Republican primary this summer.

Dans announced his decision to drop out of the race Friday  the last day to remove his name from the states June ballot  in a post on X. He also endorsed Mark Lynch, an appliance store owner, reiterating his desire to see Graham ousted from office.

I am proud to endorse @MarkLynchSC and will do everything in my power to get him elected to the U.S. Senate, Dans wrote. Mr. President we here in South Carolina love you, but we dont trust Lady Graham to help you put America first, he added, including a derogatory moniker he has repeatedly used for the veteran senator.

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President Donald Trump celebrated Dans exit and doubled down on his support for Graham, a close friend. Writing on Truth Social, Trump suggested Dans campaign suffered from an endorsement by conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, whom Trump has sparred with in recent days over the Iran war.

It all started to fall apart for Paul when a very Low IQ individual named Tucker Carlson ENDORSED him  THE KISS OF DEATH! Trump wrote. Lindsey has a BIG lead, and is on his way to a spectacular VICTORY because he just, GETS THINGS DONE!

Trump also attacked Lynch in a separate post noting his past support for Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, with whom the president is also feuding.

Dans launched his campaign for US Senate in July. He carried considerable baggage into the race, including loose connections to the state and the lingering fallout from his work for the Heritage Foundation. There, he spearheaded Project 2025, a right-wing roadmap for the next Republican president put together by more than 100 conservative organizations in the lead up to the 2024 election that Trump attempted to distance himself from during his political comeback. Amid the blowback, Dans was forced out of the Heritage Foundation, which remains loyal to Trump.

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Still, Dans believed there was a lane to defeat Graham, who turns 71 in July and is seeking his fifth term in the Senate. Graham has divided some Republicans with his unflinching support for Israel and overtures backing Trumps war with Iran. But Dans and other Republicans have struggled to make headway against Graham amid a divided field.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  From St. Peters Basilica in Vatican City to St. Patrick Church in Providence, a Vigil for Peace brought the faithful together to call for an end to the war in Iran.

Were saying enough of war, said Father Joseph Brice, the pastor at St. Patrick Church. We want peace, we want hope, we want life.

Brice told 12 News he felt it was important to answer Pope Leo XIVs call to host a Vigil for Peace in the Ocean State.

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RELATED: US-Iran ceasefire talks end without reaching agreement

This comes after Pope Leo XIV vocalized his disapproval of the ongoing war on Easter Sunday. He hosted his own vigil Saturday morning to once again denounce the war.

Leo said praying for peace is a way to break the demonic cycle of evil and to build instead the Kingdom of God where there are no swords, drones or unjust profit.

It is here that we find a bulwark against that delusion of omnipotence that surrounds us and is becoming increasingly unpredictable and aggressive, Pope Leo XIV said. Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death.

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Back in Providence, Brice said his parish has the unwavering support of Bishop Bruce Lewandowski.

Peace is our cause, Brice said.

Parishioner Keith Francoeur said he felt it was crucial for him to join the vigil.

Its great that its reaching different tenants of the world, he said. Things are kind of rough right now and we could use a little bit of soothing of the soul.

Download the WPRI 12 and Pinpoint Weather 12 apps to get breaking news and weather alerts.

Watch 12 News Now on WPRI.com or with the free WPRI 12+ TV app.

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Daily Roundup

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 WPRI.com.
It has been more than two decades since 34-year-old Kim Langwell disappeared and former Beaumont, Texas, Detective Joe Ball still relives those early days of the investigation over and over again.

Det. Joe Ball: This case, even after I retired  This case has haunted me because I couldn't find her.

Det. Joe Ball: I felt like I had failed (emotional).

Peter Van Sant: And you felt that you failed the family?

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Det. Joe Ball: Yes. And her.

The haunting case of Kimberly Langwell

On July 10, 1999, a day after Kim Langwell failed to arrive home, Ball was summoned to a strip mall parking lot in front of an Eckerd Pharmacy.

Tiffani McInnis: My mom's car is there and nobody's checked it out. We need to see what's in the car.

Kim's daughter, Tiffani McInnis, who was just 15 at the time, and Kim's sister, Susan Butts, had already arrived at the scene.

Peter Van Sant: When you looked through the window, what did you see in the car?

Tiffani McInnis: No purse, no wallet, no keys.

Susan Butts: Yeah, no, the purse was not in there.

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Susan Butts: The car was locked.

Peter Van Sant: No keys inside?

Susan Butts: No nothing.  It just looked like somebody walked away.

Peter Van Sant (in the parking lot): This is where Kim's vehicle was.

Det. Joe Ball: This is where Kim's vehicle was parked.

Peter Van Sant: And what did that suggest to you?

Det. Joe Ball: It suggested to me that she either met someone here and left with them or that she had been kidnapped out of this parking lot.

But no one could recall seeing anyone get in or out of Kim's car.

Esther Randall: I do know that they said to me, maybe she just went off. Maybe she just had started a new life. And left her child? No she didn't. She didn't do that.

Kimberly Langwell / Credit: Susan Butts

Esther Randall was like a second mom to Kim, who called her "Mimi."

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Esther Randall: I thought of her as my own.  We adored her. She was easy to love. She was fun.

Tiffani McInnis: She was an amazing mom. She had me at a very young age, but she treated me like I was everything.

It became clear to Ball that Kim would never abandon her only child.

Det. Joe Ball: I was pretty sure that something had happened to her.

"Everybody's a suspect"

So, he focused on those who were closest to Kim, starting with Kim's boyfriend Ken Weatherford. He was the one who discovered her abandoned car in the parking lot the evening she disappeared.

Tiffani McInnis: He seemed like a really nice guy.  He cared about my mom. He cared about me.

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Kim and Ken had met at the Mobil Chemical plant where they both worked. They had been dating for just six months. Weeks before Kim disappeared, they took a trip to Cozumel, Mexico.

Coworkers Ken Weatherford and Kimberly Langwell were dating and took a trip to Mexico weeks before she disappeared. / Credit: Tiffani McInnis

Esther Randall: She had a great time, and she had a tan and it was fun.

Peter Van Sant: Did you sense they were both in love?

Esther Randall: Yes.  She was like, "I'm happy Mimi."

However, Ball says he was suspicious of Weatherford, mostly because of what he didn't do the night Kim disappeared.

Det. Joe Ball: He saw her car in the parking lot, but he did nothing. He didn't tell anybody. He waited until the next day before he told anybody that he knew where Kim's car was.

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Peter Van Sant: And did you think to yourself, this man may be hiding something from me?

Det. Joe Ball: I suspect everybody.  Everybody's a suspect.

And that included co-workers and former bosses like Frank McCormick.

Tiffani McInnis: Frank McCormick was a supervisor out in Mobil and he worked in the same building as my mom.

Tiffani says McCormick, who was married, often came around their house and left Kim presents, like chocolates from Paris.

Esther Randall: He adored her, he talked about her big blue eyes and how sweet she was  And then it went from that to a little darker.

McCormick began sending Kim love letters  dozens of them. He also sent disturbing photo collages. Grainy copies were given to "48 Hours" by investigators.

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Esther Randall: Pictures of all kinds of women with Kim's face on the bodies.

Esther said that Kim was upset about McCormick's bizarre behavior. But she didn't report him for fear of retribution.

Esther Randall: Kim was nice to everybody, but I think he just thought because she was so nice to him that she liked him.

Detectives say, despite McCormick's obsessive behavior, he had an alibi. Around the time Kim disappeared, he told investigators he was at a "grocery store" to "buy some chips" for a poker game. And he had the receipt to prove it.

A grocery store receipt provided an alibi for Frank McCormick's whereabouts around the time Kimberly Langwell disappeared / Credit: Beaumont Police Department

Det. Joe Ball: We looked at him, we talked to him and we were able to rule him out as a suspect.

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But authorities had someone else on their radar: Terry Rose, Kim's ex-boyfriend. Kim and Terry dated and lived together for about six years. After they broke up, the two stayed in contact.

Tiffani McInnis: I do know that she kept a  friendly relationship. He would help her do things.

In fact, the night Kim disappeared, Kim had stopped by Terry Rose's house on the way home from work.

Tiffani McInnis: He was doing something in the house and needed help, hanging some boards, which I thought was strange.

Terry Rose was an ex-boyfriend of Kimberly Langwell. She had stopped by his house the night of her disappearance. / Credit: Beaumont Police Department

Just two days after Kim's disappearance, Terry Rose willingly came into the police station and provided a statement. Terry said on the evening she disappeared, Kim arrived "about 5:10 or 5:15 PM" and was at his house "for just a short time" before leaving to meet Tiffani. Terry claimed he had not heard from her since.

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Det. Joe Ball: I felt that Terry was not being completely truthful with us.  It was the tone of the whole interview and how vague he was about details.

Yet Terry Rose was cooperative. He allowed police to search in and around his house.

Det. Joe Ball: We went into every room in that house. It was just a very junky house. There was stuff everywhere. 

Det. Joe Ball: It made it very difficult to conduct a search.

Ball says there were no signs of Kim at the house, and no evidence that any violence had taken place there. But, he had Terry Rose take a polygraph test and he failed.

Det. Joe Ball: At that point, I was pretty focused on Terry.

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Det. Joe Ball: I was pretty sure that he was lying, but I didn't have any evidence to confront him with.

Tiffani McInnis: If not even the authorities can do something to find my mom, who's gonna help us?

Investigators focus on Terry Rose

Tiffani McInnis: Once mom was gone for a  for a little while, you know, you  come to realize that hey  she's not gonna come back.

Tiffani McInnis, left, and her mother, Kimberly Langwell. Tiffani was 15 when her mother didn't come home from work on July 9, 1999. / Credit: Susan Butts

Tiffani McInnis endured the typical teenage growing pains under the shadow of her mother's missing person investigation.

Tiffani McInnis: I got to a point of just complete denial.  You just don't wanna look anymore.  Aunt Susan did a really good job keeping it going  She did searches and stuff like that.

Like investigators, Susan says she became more and more convinced who was responsible.

Susan Butts: It just always ended up right back at Terry.

Esther says Kim had shared her fear of Terry Rose well before her disappearance.

Esther Randall: "I'm afraid he's gonna kill me.  If I leave, he's gonna kill me."

Kimberly Langwell and Terry Rose / Credit: Susan Butts

Kim had described Terry's obsessive and possessive behavior during their six-year relationship, says Esther, which she sometimes witnessed firsthand.

Esther Randall: She came into my house, and my phone would ring the entire time she was there.  When are you coming? Are you still there? Is she still there?

Peter Van Sant: Controlling.

Esther Randall: Controlling. Unbelievably controlling.

Esther says Kim told her that, at times, that need for control boiled over into violence.

Peter Van Sant: And what are some of those things he did to her?

Esther Randall: Strangled her.  He threw her on a bed and strangled her till she couldn't breathe anymore. And then she woke up and he was gone.

Tiffani believes her mother shielded her from witnessing any abuse but says she did experience Terry Rose's obsession firsthand after the relationship finally ended.

Tiffani McInnis: He would call the house at all times during the day, night. If mom wasn't home, he questioned me, you know, "where is she at? Where has she been?  When do you expect her home?"  We had found him lurking outside the house.

But that all stopped abruptly once Kim was gone.

Peter Van Sant: Was Terry concerned about your sister?

Susan Butts: No, not at all.

Peter Van Sant: Did he help look for her?

Susan Butts: No, never.

In 2001, two years after Kim's disappearance, the FBI assisted by interviewing Terry Rose. He admitted to "one physical confrontation" with Kim where he "slapped her in the face." And he acknowledged that "he had no alibi" for the crucial hours from "approximately 5:30 p.m." on the day Kim went missing until he met up with a friend that evening.

Det. Joe Ball: He called his friend David Wiley.  and they shot pool from about 9:30 until probably midnight or a little after.  but after I talked to David Wiley, I was  even more suspicious, because I was pretty sure David Wiley was lying to me, too.

But investigators still lacked any physical evidence of an actual crime. And the case went cold.

Decades passed, until 2023, when the TV program "Cold Justice" chose to investigate the unsolved case. And the Beaumont Police Department appointed detectives to work alongside them.

Det. Heather Wilson: When I got assigned the case  we set  the bar pretty low.

Detective Heather Wilson became the lead investigator working alongside Lieutenant Mitch Sliger and Detective Jesus Tamayo. They began by looking at all the original suspects once again  like Kim's last boyfriend, Ken Weatherford.

Lt. Mitch Sliger: We had already narrowed down the timeframe  when we believe something happened to Kim.

Weatherford declined an interview with "48 Hours." He was actually with Tiffani around the time Kim went missing, so investigators ruled him out.

Det. Heather Wilson: And we also looked into  a former boss of Kim's named Frank McCormick.

That boss who had sent Kim all those disturbing love letters and images.

Det. Heather Wilson: You have to ask yourself, how far was he willing to go to get her attention.

Peter Van Sant: Because obsession can lead to something dangerous.

Det. Heather Wilson: Absolutely.

Frank McCormick declined an interview with "48 Hours" but he did speak to investigators. Detective Wilson confronted him with a stack of those letters.

DETECTIVE WILSON: Those bringing back some memories for you? Been a long time, huh?

FRANK MCCORMICK (looking at the letters): ... as I sit here it's hard for me to believe I wrote this but obviously it's my handwriting.

Regardless of what he said he remembered, McCormick still had that alibidocumented by the grocery store receipt from around the time Kim disappeared.

Det. Heather Wilson: So, ultimately we felt like, uh, Frank was  was not relevant to this case.

Peter Van Sant: Who became your top suspects in the disappearance of Kim?

Det. Heather Wilson: Our top suspect was Terry Rose.  he's showing all  all the typical behaviors  of someone who is abusive  He just  couldn't let go.

But when approached more than two decades later, Terry Rose, now 66 years old, was still adamant he had nothing to do with Kim Langwell's disappearance.

In 2023, Terry Rose remained adamant he had nothing to do with Kim Langwell's 1999 disappearance. / Credit: Beaumont Police Department

DETECTIVE WILSON: ... What's your theory on what happened to her, what do you think?

TERRY ROSE: I don't really know. ... Once we broke it off, I figured just leave her alone.

Det. Heather Wilson: So, we're trying to find his inner circle  So, we wanted to find these people that were close to Terry.

One of those people was David Wiley, who Terry Rose played pool with the night Kim went missing.

Det. Jesus Tamayo: We could feel that David was the weakest link.

Detective Jesus Tamayo showed up at David Wiley's door in 2023 and interviewed him in his patrol vehicle.

David Wiley, a friend of Terry Rose, is questioned by Det. Jesus Tamayo in his patrol car about the Kim Langwell case. / Credit: Beaumont Police Department

DETECTIVE TAMAYO: ... knowing Terry like you knew Terry, did he have anything to do with Kimberly's disappearance?

DAVID WILEY: I don't think so. Not at all. ... And I just don't think he's that type of person.

Investigators were convinced Wiley wasn't telling them everything he knew. So, in April 2024, the D.A. convened a grand jury where Terry Rose and David Wiley would have to testify under oath. Rose stuck to his original story, but Wiley, while also consistent, seemed uneasy.

Lt. Mitch Sliger: He was very nervous. He seemed very uncomfortable.

Det. Heather Wilson: So we decided to call David Wiley and see if he would just be willing to come in and take a polygraph test.  he immediately was like, you're gonna need to contact my attorney  and ended the phone call.  so we knew at that point that we were onto something.

That hunch was confirmed when Wiley's attorney called back.

Det. Heather Wilson: He does have information for y'all that's gonna help you find her.

More than two decades later, a break in the cold case?

In April 2024, more than two decades after Kim Langwell disappeared, David Wiley was ready to talk to investigators.

Det. Heather Wilson: This was huge. This is what we needed.

But only under one condition.

Det. Heather Wilson: His attorney told us  he wants full immunity from any kind of prosecution. I said, "OK we kind of need to know what we're working with here."

Detectives wondered if Wiley could have been an accomplice.

Det. Heather Wilson: He said no.  He didn't. He's not saying that he killed her, that he just has information of what happened to her. So we're like we can work with that.

With assurances of an immunity deal, David Wiley met with investigators at his attorney's office.

ATTORNEY:  our goal is you're gonna, you're to  here to tell the truth 

DAVID WILEY: Yeah.

ATTORNEY: OK.

Wiley told detectives that on July 9, 1999  the day Kim disappeared he received a call around 6:15 p.m. from his friend and former boss Terry Rose.

DAVID WILEY (in his attorney's office):  he called me and asked me to pick him up at Walmart  He just said, when you get close to the parking lot, call me  I called  and he was in Kim's car.

DAVID WILEY:  When I pulled up next to him, he said that he did not like that parking lot and to follow him 

DETECTIVE TAMAYO:  did you ask him why are you in the car?

DETECTIVE WILSON:  And so y'all left Walmart and you followed him to Colonnade?

DAVID WILEY: I went, down  turned into the Colonnade Shopping Center parking lot. He stopped in a spot, got out, and got in my truck and I took him and dropped him off at his house and went back to my little trailer I was living in.

Later that evening, Wiley said he met up with Terry to play pool. The two then had breakfast the next morning. Wiley was foggy on the timing but says Terryout of the bluetold him a horrific story about what had happened to Kim.

DAVID WILEY (in his attorney's office): He told me that they, she was at his house, and I guess they argued, and then he shot her.

DETECTIVE TAMAYO:  And then after that, did he say what did he do with the body? 

DAVID WILEY: He told me that he put her under the slab in one of the bedrooms.

DETECTIVE TAMAYO: One of the bedrooms?  Did he say which one?

DAVID WILEY: No, he did not say which one.

Det. Heather Wilson: We couldn't quite comprehend she's under the slab in a bedroom in his house.

Days later, David Wiley was given a polygraph test.

POLYGRAPH EXAMINER: Did Terry tell you he shot Kim?

DAVID WILEY: Yes.

POLYGRAPH EXAMINER: Did Terry tell you where he buried Kim?

DAVID WILEY: Yes.

He passed. But before they could arrest Terry Rose, the District Attorney's Office insisted they get physical evidence that would back up Wiley's story.

Det. Heather Wilson: We still had a lot of work to do.  We're gonna be cracking the slab of this house. We're gonna be looking under the floor as David described where she was.  It was gonna be a huge operation.

And it would take intricate and secretive planning. Detectives feared that if Terry Rose found out, David Wiley's life could be in danger. They were also concerned about the safety of Terry's common law wife, Violet.

Lt. Mitch Sliger: What is his mindset? If this man is really the narcissist psychopath we believe him to be, will Violet's life be in danger too?

So, they devised a ruse. On June 10, 2024, Terry Rose and Violet were called to the police station to discuss another case. Terry's father had been a victim of a homicide five years after Kim disappeared. After that conversation, the Langwell investigators stepped in.

DETECTIVE TAMAYO: How you doing?

TERRY ROSE: All right.

DETECTIVE TAMAYO: Good. Good. I don't know if you remember me.

TERRY ROSE: You look familiar.

DETECTIVE TAMAYO: I was one of the guys that uh, that was working on the Kimberly Langwell case.

TERRY ROSE: Uh-huh.

Det. Heather Wilson: I think he was truly caught off guard that he was called to the police station for one thing and now this is happening.

As Detectives Tamayo and Wilson served Terry Rose with the search warrant, investigators were at his house ready to begin looking for Kim Langwell.

Terry Rose looks a search warrant as investigators prepared to search his home for evidence in the murder of Kimberly Langwell. / Credit: Beaumont Police Department

DETECTIVE WILSON (in interrogation room with Terry Rose):  I want you to understand  what all it entails.

TERRY ROSE: OK.

DETECTIVE WILSON: It's gonna be a thorough search of the house, possibly under the house.  so if there is information that you wanna tell us, is Kimberly on the property?

TERRY ROSE: No.

DETECTIVE WILSON: Is there any evidence of her murder on the property?

TERRY ROSE: Shouldn't be. No.

DETECTIVE WILSON:  Did you murder Kim?

TERRY ROSE: No.

DETECTIVE WILSON: So is there any reason why we're gonna find any kind of blood or evidence or remains or anything like that anywhere on your property sir?

TERRY ROSE: No.

TERRY ROSE:  I don't know what you want.

DETECTIVE TAMAYO: We want the body.

TERRY ROSE: Well I understand that.  I don't have anything to tell you.

DETECTIVE WILSON: OK. We just wanted to give you that opportunity.

TERRY ROSE (referencing the search warrant he's holding): Is this mine or?

DETECTIVE WILSON: You can keep that, yes sir.

DETECTIVE TAMAYO: That's your copy.

Det. Heather Wilson: I think at that point  he knew that his world was crashing down, but he couldn't stop it.

Detectives Wilson and Tamayo then went to speak to Violet.

DETECTIVE TAMAYO:  we have the search warrant to look for Kimberly Langwell all through the property.

VIOLET: OK.

DETECTIVE TAMAYO:  if there's anything that we need to know now before we begin, this is the time.

VIOLET: I honestly can tell you, I don't know anything about where she is, or anything about that.

Det. Heather Wilson: She really wasn't worried about Terry, I don't think. I think she really thought that he had nothing to do with this and we weren't going to find whatever we were looking for.

VIOLET (to detectives): So y'all just do what you have to do.  if I had known this, I would have washed the dishes, and coffee pot ... (laughs)

Terry Rose and Violet were free to go, but not to their home. Police put tracking devices on Terry's vehicles so they could monitor his movements. The next day, an FBI evidence response team assisted Beaumont P.D. investigators at Terry's house.

Det. Heather Wilson: They brought in their own equipment, ground penetrating radar.  So they started that tedious process of scanning all the rooms.

By day three of the search, they scanned one of the two bedrooms in Terry Rose's house. But the next morning, the equipment had to be pulled.

Lt. Mitch Sliger: Now there was a little bit of a scramble and a panic of we need to get another GPR out here, ground penetrating radar. But Detective Wilson had a great idea and somebody we could call.

That somebody was Tim Miller, the founder of Texas EquuSearch  an organization that specializes in finding missing people.

Tim Miller: You know it doesn't matter when we get that phone call, we're, we're there to help the family, help law enforcement.

Later that afternoon, Miller and his team got to work on the second bedroom.

Tim Miller: Literally within three or four minutes we noticed  that there's something here.  There's no wire mesh. This area has been disturbed.  And then I pounded on it just a couple times lightly.  and that area was hollow.

Peter Van Sant: You could hear it?

Tim Miller: I could hear it. And it was like, she has to be here.

Det. Heather Wilson: Almost immediately, we start breaking the tile flooring that was in that bedroom.

Det. Jesus Tamayo: We started with sledgehammers.

Det. Heather Wilson: Sledgehammers. And once we made that initial break in the tile, we realized that he had stacked cinder blocks underneath the flooring. So those cinder blocks just immediately collapsed. And there was a divet.

Det. Jesus Tamayo: A void.

Det. Heather Wilson: Yeah a void. So we knew this is not normal.  we knew we were in the right area.

Then Tamayo made a discovery.

After breaking through the tile floor in a bedroom of Terry Rose's home, a pair of sunglasses were found in a void. / Credit: Beaumont Police Department

Det. Jesus Tamayo: I found a uh, like a key chain and a pair of sunglasses.

Not long after, they found something else.

Det. Heather Wilson: One of our ID technicians actually found three small, very small bones that we believe were toe bones.

After Kim Langwell's remains are discovered, Terry Rose is charged with her murder

Det. Jesus Tamayo: Once we found human bones, we knew she was there.  And the decision was made, it's time to, get an arrest warrant.

On June 13, 2024  more than two decades after Kim Langwell disappeared - undercover Beaumont Police officers had their eyes on Terry Rose, tracking his every movement, as they waited for an arrest warrant for murder to be signed by a judge.

Peter Van Sant: And Mitch, you're being briefed on all this, right?

Lt. Mitch Sliger: Yes.  I'm back at the police station 

Peter Van Sant: Where is Terry?

Lt. Mitch Sliger: Terry is going to a local restaurant here in town to have dinner with his wife  Terry Rose is walking out of the restaurant and I could hear the chatter.

OFFICER RADIO: Alright, I got eyes on him.

Lt. Mitch Sliger:  is that warrant signed? We see him moving. He's paying his check. He's walking. And then I say, "warrant signed arrest him."

OFFICER RADIO: Alright I say move boys. Feet on the ground." (Officer begins running, Terry goes to his knees in parking lot)

Lt. Mitch Sliger: His demeanor was different, it wasn't the same Terry I'd seen.  You could see the defeat on his face. I think he knew it was over 

TERRY ROSE: I'm not going anywhere.

OFFICER: Hang on.

TERRY ROSE: Don't hurt me 

Terry Rose was immediately transported to the police department where Wilson and Tamayo were waiting to question him.

DETECTIVE TAMAYO: Have a seat right here 

DETECTIVE WILSON:  We do have an arrest warrant for you for  for the offense of murder.

TERRY ROSE: I understand.

DETECTIVE WILSON:  You don't want to talk?

TERRY ROSE: Nothing to say. What can I say?

DETECTIVE WILSON: Well, there- there's probably a lot to say. I mean, are you curious about what  what we have found or why you're here?

DETECTIVE TAMAYO: You may have some questions for us 

TERRY ROSE: No. You got what you want.

Det. Heather Wilson: His true character is being revealed in that moment.

TERRY ROSE: I won't be believed anyway. I don't  I'm not gonna waste my breath.

DETECTIVE WILSON: I mean, I'm interested in what you have to say. I really am. I will  I will hear you out.

TERRY ROSE: Doesn't matter.

DETECTIVE TAMAYO: The family, maybe.

DETECTIVE WILSON: Do you have anything to say to  to Kim's family?

TERRY ROSE: No.

Detectives then brought Terry Rose's wife, Violet, along with her brother and sister-in-law, into the interrogation room.

VIOLET: I was gonna ask the obvious question.

VIOLET'S BROTHER: That's what I was gonna say, I assume we're here ...

DETECTIVE TAMAYO: Yes.

VIOLET: They found Kim.

DETECTIVES WILSON & TAMAYO: Yes.

VIOLET: May I ask where?

DETECTIVE WILSON: Under one of the bedrooms.

VIOLET: (Short of breath)  You mean 

VIOLET'S SISTER-IN-LAW: Oh, Violet.

VIOLET:  I've been sleeping, over her 

Violet, seated center left, Terry Rose's common law wife, is consoled by her brother and sister-in-law after learning Kim Langwell's remains were buried under her home. / Credit: Beaumont Police Department

VIOLET'S BROTHER: It's OK Violet. It's OK. Violet, Violet, you didn't know, you trusted him. OK? It's OK, Violet. It's OK.

VIOLET: I've been sleeping there for 20 years.

VIOLET'S BROTHER: I understand Violet, I understand.

VIOLET: Oh my God. Oh my God.

VIOLET'S BROTHER: You're gonna get through this. You're gonna get through this.

VIOLET: Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.

VIOLET'S SISTER-IN-LAW: You got friends and family that love you Violet, you're gonna get through this, OK.

VIOLET: OK. OK. I'm sorry.

DETECTIVE WILSON: Don't be.

DETECTIVE TAMAYO: It's OK.

DETECTIVE WILSON: Don't be sorry.

VIOLET: Oh that's a shock 

Peter Van Sant: Do you believe that Violet knew nothing about the fact that her husband  murdered this woman and buried her under the floor of the house?

Det. Heather Wilson: I believe that she did not know any of that.  I don't think she ever speculated that he was actually involved.

Violet declined "48 Hours"' request for an interview. Now in custody, Terry Rose headed to jail facing a murder charge.

Tiffani McInnis:  and we watched him walk, down the stairs in handcuffs, you know with police escorting him to the police car and then, you know, stared him down, gave him the looks that he deserved as he you know had to drive right past us to go to prison.

Peter Van Sant: And your eyes were sending a message, right?

Tiffani McInnis: Absolutely.

Peter Van Sant: And that message was?

Tiffani McInnis: We got you. I finally have her back, not the way I want her, but he's  he's finally going to pay for what he did.

Back at the Rose property, investigators continued to dig into the early morning hours, to make sure they recovered all of the remains.

Police and the FBI worked to remove Kim Langwell's remains. She had been found wrapped in a blanket. / Credit: Beaumont Police Department

Det. Heather Wilson:  So the whole excavation process took about 13 hours. So, we were there through the night  we found her completely skeletonized. She had been wrapped in a blanket. So, luckily  she was all there. We found all of her.  And there was also a very obvious, gunshot wound to the back of her head 

Peter Van Sant: Is there an emotional component for you at this moment?

Det. Heather Wilson: It is. It's very  it's kind of hard to describe the room, but it was very quiet and we all knew that this was a grave site, somewhere that she had been buried and imprisoned for years. And, um, it was a great moment knowing that we're finally getting her out of this house  to bring her home to her family 

Weeks later, the results from DNA testing and dental records verified what everyone already knew: that the remains were in fact, Kim's.

Luke Nichols: We were very excited about going to trial in this case.

Jefferson County Prosecutor Luke Nichols was also confident.

Luke Nichols: They found a murder victim's body under a man's floor. Uh, so as far as proving it, it was a good  great case, strong case.

Nichols was ready to share with jurors his theory of what happened to Kim Langwell the evening she was murdered.

Kimberly Langwell / Credit: Susan Butts

Luke Nichols: Something that Kim said or did brought home to Terry Rose that he lost, that he lost her, that she was moving on with her life. She had a new boyfriend that she was getting serious with. She did not need him anymore. And that set him off.

Luke Nichols: I think once he killed her and made the decision to put her body under his floor  it was just a sick twisted way of maintaining physical control over her body.

But just a week before the trial was to begin, Rose's defense attorney approached Nichols about a plea deal. Nichols offered a maximum sentence of 40 years without the ability to appeal in exchange for a guilty plea from Terry Rose.

Luke Nichols: With a guilty plea, he's admitting guilt for the first time since this happened  More importantly, we can't promise that a jury of 12 people is gonna always get it right.

When presented with the deal, Tiffani and Susan had mixed feelings.

Tiffani McInnis: I wasn't happy, you know, at first.  what I had to think about is the fact that we have lived and breathed this situation for 25 years. And if I can walk away from this courtroom and I don't have to come back for any kind of appeals  that's a good day.

Terry Rose's attorney agreed to the terms. Now prosecutor Nichols would have to persuade the judge to give Rose the maximum 40-year sentence.

Luke Nichols: We had this horrible story of what he had done to this family  I thought it was important to get all that out there.

Nichols would present crucial evidence at the sentencing hearing, including testimony from his star witness, David Wiley.

Luke Nichols:  what I told him was this is your chance to make it as right as you can at this point. You can't go back, uh, 25 years and start telling the truth, but you can start now 

A daughter faces her mother's killer in court

Tiffani McInnis: (sighs) I'm anxious, I'm nervous to have to look at him  So, a lot of nerves going into thatthat moment.

That moment, over a quarter of a century in the making, came in December 2025 when Tiffani McInnisflanked by supportersfaced her mother's killer in a courtroom.

Luke Nichols: The terms of the plea deal were he would get anything up to 40 years.  at his age, 40 years is a life sentence. And my goal from the get-go was to make sure he never breathed one more breath  of free air.

Prosecutor Nichols called David Wiley to the stand, who recounted Terry Rose's confession to him back in 1999.

LUKE NICHOLS (in court): Did he give you any detail as to how that happened or where he shot her?

DAVID WILEY: Uh, the only thing he told me was back of the head.

LUKE NICHOLS: That he shot Kim in the back of the head?

DAVID WILEY: Correct. 

LUKE NICHOLS: Now, the police asked you about this in 1999, didn't they?

DAVID WILEY: Yes, they did.

LUKE NICHOLS: And did you tell them the truth about what had happened and what Terry had said?

DAVID WILEY: No, I did not.

LUKE NICHOLS: And so you kept your mouth shut?

DAVID WILEY: I did.

LUKE NICHOLS: You kept Terry's secret?

DAVID WILEY: I did.

Wiley said he now regrets guarding that secret, which caused so much needless heartache and despair.

LUKE NICHOLS (in court): Twenty-five years after it happened, what made you come forward?

DAVID WILEY: I didn't wanna live with it any longer, tired of it being on my conscience.

LUKE NICHOLS: Is there something you wanna say to Tiffani McInnis and her family?

DAVID WILEY: I wish I'd came forward right when it happened.

Peter Van Sant: What was it like to listen to Wiley on the stand?

Tiffani McInnis: Frustrating.  It's frustrating that here, we spent all this time trying to figure out what the hell happened and you had an answer right in your back pocket.

LUKE NICHOLS (in court): So, Tiffani, um, I'm sorry, you have to be here.

TIFFANI MCINNIS: Me too.

Tiffani McInnis was 15 at the time of her mother's disappearance.

Tiffani was called to testify.

Tiffani McInnis: And once I'm on the stand, all I can think about is not stare at him because I don't know if I'll be able to talk.

She described those agonizing years not knowing where her mother was or what had happened to her.

TIFFANI MCINNIS (in court): My mom is the person that I go to for everything.  so, um, lost, very lost.

Tiffani recalled her devastation on learning her mother's fate all those years: "I just screamed and pulled over my car." And then expressed her hope for Terry Rose's punishment.

TIFFANI MCINNIS: I would like him sentenced to at least 40 years. I think he deserves that.

LUKE NICHOLS: And you and I've spoken, there's not a number that really makes this right, is there?

TIFFANI MCINNIS: No, there never will be.

The judge also heard from Terry Rose himself via a recorded jail call with his son. At one point, Terry Rose callously described his frame of mind when he killed Kim Langwell.

TERRY ROSE (jail phone call):  Uh, you know, I'm not like a  a psychopath, sociopath, crazy ass, you know I'm not none of that. I'm just  I had a bad day, I dealt with it wrong, I f***ed up. And I'm gonna deal with it 

Then, the two coldly discussed what they wished for Tiffani:

TERRY ROSE JR. (jail phone call):  She's in her 40s, people die in their 40s and 50s all the time. TERRY ROSE: That'd be sweet. (laughter) Yeah, that'd be sweet. I  I will pee in a cup. Send it to y'all to pour on her grave ... (laughter)

Luke Nichols: I will mail you a cup of my piss and you can pour it on her grave. And to say that  about the daughter of a woman you killed  is just horrific.

JUDGE RAQUEL WEST: The fact on that phone call that you said you're not a psychopath  Who isn't a psychopath that kills someone that they once cared about and buries them in their house and lives on top of them for 25 years? I would think that's the definition in Webster's dictionary of a psychopath.

Now, Judge West handed down her sentence.

After being admonished by the judge, Terry Rose listens as he is sentenced to 40 years in prison. / Credit: CBS News

JUDGE RAQUEL WEST: And Tiffani is right, 40 years isn't enough. There is a part of me that wishes I had not accepted this plea agreement and that we had gone to trial last week, because I do think a jury would've given you life or 99 years, I actually do.  I'm going to sentence you to a term of 40 years in the institutional division of the Texas Department of Corrections. (clapping in the courtroom)

And Tiffani got the final word.

TIFFANI MCINNIS (in court, reading impact statement): Milestones that should have been shared with my mom, my 16th birthday, my 18th birthday, my high school graduation  have all been shadowed by her absence.

Tiffani McInnis: It wasn't until we got to my victim statement that I really stared at him, and I wanted him to hear my words because I meant every single one.

TIFFANI MCINNIS (in court, reading impact statement): You referred to the day you murdered my mother and buried her beneath your bedroom as a bad day? That bad day cost me everything.

Peter Van Sant: If he's watching, do you have anything to say to Terry Rose?

Tiffani McInnis: I don't think I have anything left to say to him. I hope he rots in jail.

Peter Van Sant: When you think about your mom now, what do you think about?

Tiffani McInnis: (cries) Um, I try to remember all the good times with mom more than anything.  the good memories  her humor.  my mom was so strong and she deserves us talking about her 

Susan Butts: Mm-hmm.

Tiffani McInnis:  and keeping her alive in that way. 

Peter Van Sant: How she lived as opposed to how she died?

Tiffani McInnis: Absolutely, yeah.

Produced by Chris Young Ritzen, Hannah Vair and Richard Fetzer. Jenna Jackson is the development producer. Ken Blum, Marlon Disla, Michael Baluzy and Marcus Balsam are the editors. Lourdes Aguiar is the senior producer. Nancy Kramer is the executive editor. Judy Tygard is the executive producer.

Risk on the Road | Sunday on 60 Minutes

Inflation skyrockets as Iran war impacts U.S. economy

NASA holds press conference after Artemis II splashdown
I had no idea U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie played the banjo. I didn't know Cincinnati's historic Showboat Majestic was docked in Greenup. And I had no idea it was still possible to get a hefty chicken wrap for less than $5.

I and The Enquirer's photo editor Cara Owsley found that out when we took a road trip through eastern Kentucky in March.

Our goal was to learn more about the people and places where the country's most-watched congressional primary will be decided.

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Because even though I've lived in Northern Kentucky for almost six years, there's still plenty I don't know about it. And there's even more I don't know about people in some of the furthest reaches of Kentucky's 4th Congressional District, which Massie has represented since 2012.

So we stopped at a delicious local spot in Flatwoods called Pappy's Cookin' and talked to one of the cooks. We went to grocery stores, including one decorated with taxidermied animals. We talked to people in parks and at a hair salon.

Then, I combined all that reporting with interviews I had with voters at rallies for President Donald Trump, Republican candidate Ed Gallrein, and Massie.

The result, I hope, is a more nuanced take on the race and what people think of it.

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But the biggest thing I took away from my reporting?

It's that day-to-day, most people feel disconnected from politics. Elections? Millions of dollars in campaign money? Who wears what suit to sit where at the State of the Union?

People just have other things to think about.

Some are single parents. Others are trying to figure out how to deal with high utility bills and increased costs of groceries and gas.

A mother told me she was worried about the war in Iran because her son will be 18 in a few years. Another mother told me her son had hardly any places to play in their small town.

It's ironic because all of those things  infrastructure, war, investment into quality of life issues  are actually determined by politics and governance.

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Those are the things that elections are actually about because it's elected officials who will make decisions on them.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What Enquirer found in Kentucky's 4th Congressional District
PORTAGE COUNTY  In the dense, rain-soaked woods stretching from Mantua to Newton Township in northeast Ohio, something is moving  and it's leaving more than just oversized muddy footprints in its wake.

What investigators are calling the "2026 Ohio Bigfoot Flap" has ignited a firestorm of local interest following at least eight high-credibility sightings in early March. The phenomenon first gained traction through investigative reports by Jeremiah Byron, host of The Bigfoot Society, before being detailed by local outlets like The Portager.

According to tracking data, the activity which began March 6, appears to follow a deliberate east-southeast path, suggesting a possible migratory pattern that has caught the attention of both skeptics and seasoned Bigfoot researchers.

The 'Flap' by the numbers

According to reporting from The Portager and Garrettsville Today, the frequency of these reports is unprecedented for the region in recent decades.

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The timeline: March 6 through March 10, 2026

The movement: A suspected group or "family unit" moving approximately three miles per day.

The description: Figures ranging from 6.5 to 10 feet tall, with colors spanning from deep cinnamon brown to midnight black.

Voices from the field

Bigfoot sightings have been reported on March 6 and 7 in the Mantua area in Portage County.

While many in the community are leaning into the excitement, local officials and experts are offering a mix of caution and professional curiosity.

Jeremiah Byron, host of the Bigfoot Society Podcast (via Fox 8 News): "It's normal for there to be Bigfoot sightings all over the United States, but it's not normal to have multiple sightings in a small area within a short number of days. This hasn't happened since the late 1970s."

Portage County Sheriff Bruce Zuchowski: While not confirming a biological discovery, the sheriff's office acknowledged the cultural phenomenon on its official Facebook page. On March 11, the office posted a humorous AI-generated image of the sheriff with a "captured" creature, joking that he would help "deport this creature back to Canada."

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Garrettsville Police Department Statement: "Stay calm, and make sure to stay inside if you feel unsafe."

A skeptic's close encounter

Not all reports are coming from true believers. On the evening of March 9, a mother and daughter driving on Route 303 reportedly came within three feet of a 6-5 brown figure. The passenger noted a "blurred face" and a strange, stiff "stilt-like" gait as the creature crossed the road.

Another witness in Windham, previously a staunch skeptic, described a 6-foot figure with an "impossibly long stride" crossing a neighbor's yard in broad daylight. Her takeaway was simple: "I know what I saw, but I don't know what I saw."

The current status

As of April 2026, "boots are on the ground." Investigators from the Bigfoot Mapping Project remain in the region, conducting interviews and searching for physical evidence. While no definitive photographs have surfaced, the sheer volume consistent testimony has left Northeast Ohio residents looking a little more closely at the wood line as the sun goes down.

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For now, the message from local law enforcement remains practical: keep your eyes open, but keep your distance.

KSutton1@gannett.com; X: @KSuttonDJSports; Instagram: kevinsutton_dailyjeffsports

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Eight Bigfoot sightings in five days spark local investigations
A row over tax paid by Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice's property company was "a minor administrative error", his party has claimed.

The company, which Tice founded and owned, failed to pay 91,000 in tax before dividends were paid to him and his offshore trust, according to the Sunday Times.

Tice has called the failure a "technicality" and said "overall HMRC received the correct amount of tax due".

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Labour has called the row "a major scandal which goes to the heart of Richard Tice's integrity and credibility".

A HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) spokesperson said: "We neither confirm nor deny investigations and we cannot comment on identifiable individuals."

Tice's company, Quidnet REIT Limited, invests in property.

The Sunday Times reported that it "did not pay a required 20 per cent levy on [its] dividends  before channelling profits to Tice and his trust registered in Jersey".

Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's home affairs spokesperson conceded that this was "a minor administrative error" but told Sky News it was a "non story".

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"Any tax that would have not been paid or underpaid by the company paying the dividend would then have been overpaid by Richard himself in the form of income tax", Yusuf said.

"So it does look like HMRC netted off in the same way."

In a post on X, Tice said the Sunday Times's reporting had revealed that "overall HMRC received the correct amount of tax due".

He said the paper was "effectively complaining I paid too much tax rather than [my] company pay some tax on my behalf".

A Labour spokesperson said: "This is a major scandal which goes to the heart of Richard Tice's integrity and credibility. Reform cannot ignore it.

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"Richard Tice urgently needs to explain whether his business followed the law and paid the full tax it owed."

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey called for Tice to be sacked after the reports.

Sir Ed tweeted: "Morally completely indefensible. Farage should sack Richard Tice immediately."

Last month, Labour asked HMRC to investigate the tax affairs of Tice.

Labour's chair Anna Turley wrote to the tax authority after the Sunday Times reported Tice had "avoided nearly 600,000 in corporation tax" through his property company.

At a press conference in Westminster, Tice said Quidnet Reit Ltd was "a UK company paying UK tax in accordance with UK laws", adding there was no "obligation" to pay the maximum tax required and suggested few people would likely take such a decision.

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Speaking at the press conference, Tice asked journalists: "How many friends of yours would voluntarily choose to pay more tax than they are legally obliged to do?

"The idea that morally, we have got to pay the maximum tax we possibly can - therein lies the road to ruin for the UK as an economy."
KYIV/MOSCOW, April 12 (Reuters) - Russia and Ukraine accused each other L1N40U064 on Sunday of breaching the 32-hour ceasefire L1N40S124 in their four-year war, reporting more than a thousand drone and shelling attacks just hours after the truce began on Saturday to mark Orthodox Easter.

The Russian defence ministry said it recorded 1,971 ceasefire violations overnight into Sunday.

The General Staff of Ukraine's military, in a late evening report issued as the end of the truce was approaching, said it had compiled a total of 7,696 Russian violations over the course of the truce.

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According to the calendar of the Orthodox faith dominant in both countries, Easter is celebrated this year on Sunday.

A soldier from Ukraine's 65th brigade fighting in Zaporizhzhia said Russian reconnaissance drones were still circling the area despite the ceasefire, blocking efforts to recover the bodies of fallen troops.

"We wanted to evacuate our fallen comrades today, but (the Russians) are not letting us do so just yet," the soldier, known by the call sign Spider, said at a candle-lit military Easter service.

Both sides continued to report what they described as violations of the ceasefire throughout the day on Sunday. The truce was due to end at midnight (2100 GMT).

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The latest report by the Ukrainian General Staff said the 7,696 Russian violations noted over the course of the truce included 1,355 artillery shelling incidents, 115 assault operations and 6,226 strikes by attack drones. It said no air strikes had been recorded.

Ukraine's State Emergencies Service said two civilians were wounded on Sunday by a Russian drone attack in northeastern Kharkiv region. Police in the region later said a Russian drone had struck a car, injuring one person.

Russia said a child was among civilians injured in a Ukrainian drone attack on the Kursk region. The Belgorod region's governor, Vyacheslav Gladkov, reported two people killed by Ukrainian shelling and several injured in other strikes through the border region.

The Russia-appointed head of the parts of southern Kherson region held by Russian forces, Vladimir Saldo, said Ukrainian troops had shelled an administrative building and a private home in two villages, without causing injuries.

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Reuters could not independently verify reports of military activity.

'HUMANITARIAN GESTURE'

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday the truce was a "humanitarian gesture" from Russian President Vladimir Putin, but that Russian troops would resume fighting as soon as it ends.

"Putin has instructed the Russian military to remain on high alert in case of provocations," Peskov said.

Putin announced the temporary Orthodox Easter ceasefire on April 9. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, whose previous ceasefire proposals were turned down by Moscow, agreed to the truce.

(Reporting by Max Hunder in Kyiv, Serhiy Chalyi in Zaporizhzhia and other Reuters staff; Editing by Bernadette Baum, Ron Popeski and Chris Reese)
April 12 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia said on Sunday it had summoned Iraq's ambassador over what it described as threats targeting the kingdom and other Gulf states from drones launched from Iraqi territory.

The Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement that it had "emphasised the importance of Iraq dealing responsibly with these threats and attacks".

(Reporting by Hatem Maher and Ahmed Tolba; Editing by Alexander Smith)
Multiple Michigan school districts are scrambling to find a new vendor to send quick parent notifications about everything from snow days to lockdowns after their current company announced a sudden closing.

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools and Midland Public Schools announced to parents they would no longer be able to text or send robocalls for the next few weeks after Edulink Systems shut down at the end of the day Friday.

Plymouth-Canton Director of Communications Frank Ruggirello said the district uses the service to send both phone calls and text messages to families with urgent updates, ranging from emergency situations to transportation delays.

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"Its pretty widely used and a necessary tool," Ruggirello said.

Messaging systems are often used by districts to get out everyday school information. But they also have taken on increased importance since school districts in Metro Detroit experienced what prosecutors called an exponential increase in school threats after the November 2021 Oxford High School shooting, leading to a massive uptick in criminal prosecutions, according to prosecutors in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

More: Metro Detroit school threats, charges have 'spiked exponentially' since Oxford shooting

It was unclear how many other Michigan districts were affected by the closure. The company did not respond Friday to a message seeking comment. Other districts in Maine and Indiana posted a similar message on their Facebook pages, letting parents know Edulink was closing and they would not be able to send robocalls or texts.

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Midland posted on its Facebook page a list of other ways parents would receive information, including through social media and email.

"This was an unforeseen issue that is affecting school districts across the country, and unfortunately, we are part of that group," the Midland district post said.

Several Wayne County districts, including Dearborn Public Schools, had previously used EduLink but no longer have a contract with the company.

Ruggirello said the Plymouth-Canton administration is searching for another vendor to provide the same service, and hopes to have a new company in place within a few weeks. Other companies provide similar services, he said.

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Such services typically cost about $1-$3 per student annually, Ruggirello said. Plymouth-Canton has about 16,000 students.

In the meantime, he said, families should look for updates via email, social media and the district's website.

"We'll have it in several places, as we always do, even when we send out a (text or phone) message like that," Ruggirello said.

jpignolet@detroitnews.com

Correction: This story has been updated to correct the robocall company's name.

Want to comment on this story? Become a subscriber today. Click here.

This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: School robocall vendor closes, forcing Michigan districts to scramble
Elections to the Scottish Parliament have always been about schools and hospitals but this time the vote will be about tax and welfare too.

In recent years Scotland has struck out on a different path to the rest of the UK when it comes to income tax and social security.

This shift began in 2017 but the difference has sharpened since the Scottish National Party won the last Holyrood election under Nicola Sturgeon in 2021.

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This year's poll, being held on Thursday 7 May, is an opportunity for voters to have their say on the direction Scotland has taken under the SNP and the alternative routes proposed by other parties.

Taxation

Every adult in the UK has a personal allowance of 12,570 on which they don't pay any income tax.

Above that, England, Wales and Northern Ireland have three different levels of tax but Scotland now has six.

The result is that lower earners in Scotland pay slightly less tax than they would if they lived elsewhere in the UK while middle and higher earners pay significantly more.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) projects that 55% of income taxpayers in Scotland  those earning up to 33,500 per year  will be better off this financial year than people in the rest of the UK earning the same amount.

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But the tax advantage will amount to no more than 40 per year each (77p per week).

The other 45%  those earning more than 33,500  will take home less than their counterparts elsewhere in the UK, with someone on 50,000 paying about 1,500 more income tax per year in Scotland.

This figure rises to about 5,200 for someone earning 125,000.

The SNP government in Edinburgh presents this as a more progressive tax system which aims to redistribute wealth to tackle poverty in a nation where inequalities run deep.

Some economists have challenged that characterisation, pointing out that, rather than gradually increasing as income rises, the model contains several steep jumps in the rate of taxation, which may stifle growth and productivity by putting people off trying to earn more.

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The IFS calculates that on paper the Scottish system should raise 1.8bn more in 2026/27 than if it had stuck with UK income tax policy but notes that the actual figure is forecast to be just under 1bn because of behavioural responses to higher tax rates and an underlying slowdown in earnings growth in Scotland.

Scottish income tax rates 2026-27

[BBC]

For Jenna Lindsay, who manages Cafe Continental, a bar and restaurant in the Inverclyde town of Gourock, the political debate about taxation feels a long way from the pressures of real life. She is by no means sure that she will even vote.

"It's full on," she says. "You're like, how am I working all this and I've got nothing to show for it? It's hard.

"It's probably just a mix of everything. You earn a wage and then it all just gets taken off you - taxes and then the cost of living - everything's going up."

Social security spending

The SNP, which has been in government in Scotland since 2007, has also increased spending on social security.

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In 2021 Sturgeon introduced the Scottish Child Payment (SCP), a benefit for families on low incomes.

Initially set at 10 per week for each child under six it has since been raised to 28.20 and the age of eligibility has been increased to 15 and under.

Current SNP leader and First Minister, John Swinney, has announced plans to raise the payment to 40 for low income families whose children are less than 12 months old in 2027/28, if his party wins the election.

Laura Derrick says her family would struggle without benefits payments [BBC]

Laura Derrick, who also lives in Inverclyde with her husband and three children, including a three month old baby, says the payment is "really important".

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She says that without it - and UK-administered child benefit - her family would be "really struggling".

Laura works 12-hour weekend night shifts as a carer in a nursing home and her husband is also in employment but, she says, the family struggles to make ends meet.

We met Laura with a group of other mums at the Boglestone community centre in Port Glasgow, run by Inverclyde Council with funding from both the Scottish and UK governments.

"It's not like we're choosing not to work and we're just trying to live off the government," she says.

"We're doing the best we can and that extra help really does make the difference."

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The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) estimates that there are 210,000, or just over one in five, children in relative poverty in Scotland.

This means they live in households with income after housing costs below 60% of the median UK income.

In 2017, the Scottish Parliament set legally-binding targets to reduce the number of children in relative poverty to less than 10% by 2030, although it has since missed interim targets.

For some in Inverclyde, the political debate about taxation feels a long way from the pressures of real life [BBC]

Chris Birt, JRF's associate director for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, said the Scottish Child Payment had helped reduce poverty in Scotland below rates in England and Wales.

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Although, he added, lower housing costs north of the border were a more significant factor in explaining the difference.

"Where we are today cannot be the summit of our ambitions," cautioned Birt.

"We're just in the foothills of progress."

The SCP is just one example of how the Scottish Parliament's role has expanded since it was established in 1999.

In 2012 and again in 2016 MPs at Westminster agreed to transfer extra tax and welfare powers to Holyrood.

As well as being able to set rates and bands of income tax, Scottish ministers now administer disability benefit, land and buildings tax (formerly known as stamp duty), landfill tax and some housing benefits.

Inverclyde has struggled with high levels of poverty and economic inactivity [BBC]

The slice of the population claiming social security support because of a disability is rising across the UK but the increase is quicker in Scotland where disability benefits are designed to be easier to access.

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In the first three years of this decade the percentage of Scottish adults who reported having a disability rose from 19% to 28%.

The figure for children jumped from 6% to 12%.

Of those children receiving support, three quarters were claiming because of "mental or behavioural conditions".

The Scottish Fiscal Commission (SFC) said the reasons for the rise were poorly understood but could include increased awareness, the impact of Covid and the cost of living crisis.

"We expect these trends to continue, and we forecast that the total number of people receiving disability payments in Scotland will exceed one million by 2030-31," said the SFC.

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That would be more than one in six of the Scottish population, and the public spending watchdog Audit Scotland has warned that it could leave the Scottish government with a 770m shortfall in its budget by 2029/30.

The SFC predicts that the overall funding gap for devolved social security benefits will reach 2bn by the same point.

Dividing line

In general terms Scotland's biggest political parties are divided into two camps on tax and welfare, with four on the left and two on the right.

To varying degrees the SNP's approach  cutting poverty with a more generous welfare state funded by taxation  is a priority shared by Labour, the Scottish Greens and the Liberal Democrats.

The Conservatives and Reform UK, on the other hand, prioritise cutting taxes and benefits, which they say will improve lives by generating economic growth.

The Tory manifesto promises to tighten eligibility for Adult Disability Payment (which can be claimed by those in or out of work) with a focus on those claiming because of mental health conditions.

It says Scotland's "bloated benefits bill" needs to be brought under control and proposes tax cuts and a two-child limit on the Scottish Child Payment.

Reform UK has pledged to cut income tax in Scotland below rates in the rest of the UK, funded by closing quangos and slashing welfare spending.

Its manifesto is light on details but promises to tackle the "bloated welfare budget" with rigorous face-to-face assessment of claimants.

Although other parties have yet to publish their manifestos they have previously indicated where they stand.

Scottish Labour has pledged not to raise income tax for the duration of the next Holyrood parliament, and party leader Anas Sarwar has promised to maintain the Scottish Child Payment.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Greens have pledged to increase the Scottish Child Payment and to hike taxes on wealth.

And the Scottish Liberal Democrats have previously spoken of the importance of repairing the "broken benefits safety net" while also promising to cut taxes for people on low wages.

Entrenched poverty

Some of the issues in this election have their roots in the profound social changes which shook Scotland as its economy shifted from manufacturing to services in the latter half of the 20th Century.

The decline of coal mining, shipbuilding and the production of metals and textiles left some communities isolated, with high levels of drug and alcohol addiction, poor health and entrenched poverty.

This century, the financial crash of 2007/8 and ensuing cuts to public services enacted by the UK coalition government also took their toll as did the UK's departure from the European Union and the 2020 Covid pandemic.

Few places have felt the pain more sharply than Inverclyde which has struggled with high levels of poverty and economic inactivity.

Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow is the last remaining shipyard on the lower Clyde [BBC]

"Inverclyde's had to reshape itself," said Louise Mahon of Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce.

"Tourism is actually one of the biggest growing areas," she adds.

Although there is no shortage of crumbling housing, graffiti and empty shops there is still some manufacturing in the region too.

Neill Hunter owns Scotcrest in Port Glasgow, which makes commemorative plaques, clan crests and other memorabilia.

He says he has been able to scale up the business thanks to Scottish and UK government grants which he wants to see rolled out across the country.

However, Neill also wants politicians to be far more business-minded, urging them to cut business rates and levels of income tax.

"It's all about growth," he says.

"If we really are serious about growing, and some politicians talk about that, then why are we being heavily taxed?"

"We're treated like cash cows," adds Neill, who is also unhappy about a rise in employers' national insurance contributions under the UK Labour government.

Neill Hunter wants politicians to be far more business-minded [BBC]

But just as there are difficult questions for politicians who support high levels of welfare spending, there are challenges for those who promise to solve the nation's problems by boosting the economy.

The IFS sounds sceptical about promises made so far in this election campaign to generate growth by lowering income tax, and to cut public spending by eliminating waste - using phrases such as "not credible" and "unserious at best".

And Chris Birt of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation says the "elephant in the room" is what he calls the lack of any serious plans to reform the "regressive" council tax.

He also rejects the notion that there is a binary choice between providing well-paid employment and a decent safety net through the social security system.

Still, for some voters, this election may yet come to down to the question - is Scotland's current system of taxation and welfare a measure of national success or failure?
Protesters attempted to block vehicles while lying in the road, addressing officers deployed at Tel Hashomer with "hateful chants."

At least 19 ultra-Orthodox protesters were arrested outside of the IDF's recruitment offices in Tel Hashomer during an ongoing draft day, Israel Police said on Sunday afternoon.

Protesters attempted to block vehicles while lying in the road, addressing officers deployed to the protest with "hateful chants."

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Other footage at the scene shows protesters calling police officers "soul murderers," and "destroying us as the Nazis did in Auschwitz."

Two additional protesters were arrested in a second demonstration near the military recruitment offices in Jerusalem.

Haredi protest over draft law, April 12, 2026. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)

Haredi anti-draft protesters block Jerusalem light rail

Later in the afternoon, Israel Police said that the demonstration had spread onto Jerusalem's Jaffa Road to block the Light Rail and had devolved into an unlawful protest.

Officers at the scene succeeded in moving protesters off the tracks. Alongside this, police are working to maintain a steady flow of traffic in the surrounding area and are filing reports against those who attempt to obstruct it.
A teenage boy and another person are injured in connection to an Oldham County shooting and subsequent vehicle pursuit ending in Louisville's Shawnee neighborhood, law enforcement officials said April 11.

La Grange Police officers initially responded at 4:11 p.m. to a call of a shooting in the 1600 block of Betances Court, where they found a 16-year-old boy with apparent gunshot wounds, officials said in a news release, adding calls they received also indicated three individuals in a black Chevrolet Malibu had left the area.

Oldham County Police found the vehicle heading south on Interstate 71 toward Louisville, La Grange Police reported. About 12 minutes after officers responded to the shooting call, Louisville Metro Police officers joined the pursuit, LMPD spokesperson Adam Sears said in a statement. The pursuit ended in the area of South 41st Street and West Muhammad Ali Boulevard, about 30 miles from the location of the La Grange shooting.

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"An occupant of the vehicle was suffering from a gunshot wound sustained during the incident, which occurred outside of Jefferson County," Sears said.

LMPD officers rendered aid until first responders arrived to assume medical care and take the individual to UofL Hospital, Sears said. Their injuries "do not appear to be lifethreatening."

First responders from Oldham County took the 16-year-old boy with gunshot wounds to UofL Hospital, La Grange Police officials said. His condition is unclear.

La Grange Police reported "other occupants in the vehicle had fled before or at the end of the pursuit." La Grange Police are investigating with assistance from Oldham County Police.

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No other details have been provided.

More news: London police killed man at wrong address, Kentucky State Police confirms

Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@usatodayco.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Police pursuit Oldham County to Louisville connected to shootings
A Las Vegas family's routine shopping trip turned tragic Saturday morning when a man sleeping in a parked car was killed after a stranger jumped behind the wheel and took off, setting off a violent chain of events that ended in a deadly crash just blocks away. It is the kind of story that makes you want to rethink ever leaving your car running unattended, and for the family at the center of it, it is a moment they will never be able to take back.

The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. near the 4400 block of West Charleston Boulevard, close to South Decatur Boulevard, when the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department received a call reporting a serious traffic accident. What officers found when they arrived was more than just a fender-bender. Two vehicles had been involved in a high-speed collision, and one person was already fighting for his life.

According to LVMPD Lt. Rodriguez, a woman had left a family member asleep inside their black Hyundai Sonata while the car was still running and went inside a nearby Walmart to shop. That small, familiar decision, one that millions of people make every day without incident, became the window a suspect needed. Police say the man spotted the idling vehicle, opened the door, and drove away at a high rate of speed with a sleeping passenger still inside.

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When the woman came back out of the store and noticed the car was gone, she had no idea what had already happened. It was only later that she learned the vehicle had been involved in a crash, and that the family member she had left behind had not survived.

What Happened in the Moments After the Car Was Stolen

The stolen Hyundai did not get far before things went catastrophically wrong. Police say the suspect drove at reckless speed and slammed into the back of a silver minivan, sending it spinning. He then continued northbound through the intersection of Essex and Charleston, where the vehicle struck a large rock and a light pole, bringing it to a final, violent stop.

The passenger in the Hyundai, who had been asleep when the car was taken, suffered critical injuries in the crash. He was transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the Sonata, whom police identified as the suspect, sustained minor injuries. The two people inside the silver minivan were also taken to the hospital for evaluation, though their injuries were described as minor and one of the passengers was not injured at all.

Suspect Had Extensive Criminal History, Police Say

The man who stole the vehicle was taken into custody at the scene. LVMPD confirmed that he has an extensive criminal history, though specific charges pending in this case had not been formally announced at the time of initial reporting. Investigators described the theft as a crime of opportunity, noting that there was no known connection between the suspect and the man who was killed. He was simply in the wrong place, asleep, with no way to know what was coming.

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That detail makes the story even harder to sit with. This was not a targeted attack. It was a stranger making a split-second decision that ended a man's life and shattered a family.

Neighbors Say the Area Has Felt Less Safe for Some Time

For people who live near West Charleston and Decatur, this was devastating news, but it was not entirely surprising. Residents say the corridor has seen a noticeable decline in safety in recent years, with petty theft being a persistent problem.

Mirna Serrano, who has lived in the area for eight years, told reporters that theft has become a regular part of life in the neighborhood. She mentioned that items have been stolen right off her front yard before, saying that you simply cannot leave anything valuable outside and expect it to still be there. Hearing about the crash hit close to home for her, and she said she plans to continue taking extra precautions when it comes to keeping her family safe. "It's really bad that this is happening so close to home," she said, adding that it no longer feels like a place where you can walk around and feel safe.

A Reminder About the Risks of Leaving a Car Running Unattended

While the grief in this story belongs entirely to the family who lost their loved one, the incident carries a practical warning worth repeating. Leaving a vehicle running and unattended, even for a few minutes, is illegal in many states and cities, often referred to as "puffing" laws. Beyond the legal risk, it is also a well-known invitation for opportunistic theft. In this case, the consequences were fatal.

Las Vegas police have not yet released the name of the man who died, pending notification of next of kin. The investigation remains ongoing.
SPRINGFIELD  The school budget will top $700 million next year, allowing educators to continue pushing ahead with established goals without having to make cuts.

The proposed $708 million budget calls for a 5.8% increase, which will be mainly paid for with a $37.3 million jump in state funding and a $3 million increase in city funds, said Patrick Roach, chief financial and operations officer for the schools when unveiling the plan.

The budget covers the 2027 fiscal year that begins July 1.

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The proposal was released to the School Committee Wednesday.

Members have the final say on the plan and can move money to be used in different ways or request more funding. But they cannot cut it, since the state sets the minimum the city must spend on education.

The state will continue to provide most of the funding for the schools. In the upcoming year, it will allocate 82%  or an estimated $583 million  for the school departments budget. Local taxes will pay about 8% (or $57.3 million) of the funding needed. The rest comes from a variety of other sources, Roach said.

The School Department budget is about two-thirds of the entire city budget, which is expected to top $1 billion this year.

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We were able to come through with a balanced budget that puts the money invested with the students out in the schools, Roach said.

The majority of the spending is focused on the four district priorities developed by Superintendent Sonia Dinnall some 18 months ago and endorsed by the School Committee. They are ensuring all children read proficiently by the time they finish second grade; transforming middle schools by increasing academic success and offering a larger variety of courses and programs; preparing all students for college or a career; and making sure graduates are reaching their goals after they leave schools, she said.

One of the additions in next school years budget is a boost in funding for early childhood classes designed to better prepare students for kindergarten. Each school received about $15,000 extra to meet the demands of universal free preschool offered to all city families for 3- and 4-year-olds, Dinnall said.

Some of the other funding priorities include increasing literacy training for staff teaching the youngest children and for the development of post-secondary success for the oldest students, she said.

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The budget calls for additional money to fund an expansion of career technical training at Aspire Academy instructing students in health care assisting and early childhood teaching, to grow the dual language program at German Gerena School and to add more educators for students who dont speak English as a first language, she said.

We are putting significant funding directly into school-based spending plans, Roach said. We are including $49.2 million in addition to the schools allocated staff. This is the money principals have autonomy over and they get to choose what they do with this money.

The school-based spending, which is mostly divided by student population, is used in a wide variety of ways. Principals may hire extra teachers to reduce class size or bring on teaching assistants so students have more one-on-one attention. They use it for field trips, to add or continue special programs, additional equipment, tutoring and library materials. Most use data and school goals to decide how best to spend that money, he said.

That is really important to us because each one of our schools is a little different, Roach said.

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One of biggest increases schools are facing this year is utility costs. Last week, the School Committee had to transfer $1.4 million from savings into its utility costs to pay for overages in electricity costs. For next year, officials budgeted a 17%, or $2.3 million, increase in all utilities. Health insurance, which has been an issue nationwide, will rise 5.2%, or $2.7 million, Roach said.

Busing, which is funded by the city budget because it is not allowed to be included in the total communities must spend on education, is actually decreasing by about 1.1% for the next fiscal year, Roach said.

In 17 years that Ive been here, transportation has done nothing but go up, he said. This is the first year we are realizing a decrease.

One of the changes on paper is the way eight schools and programs will be funded. Those schools are being moved from the Springfield Empowerment Zone  a state, local and educator partnership that oversaw some of the schools that were struggling the most  back under the public school districts sole oversight because they have shown improvements.

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The schools should see no decreases in funding, but 41.6% of money spent in the Empowerment Zone will be transferred to the overall budget for the public schools.

more news from Western Massachusetts

Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
By Svea Herbst-Bayliss

NEW YORK, April 12 (Reuters) - U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell on Sunday said he was suspending his campaign for governor of California, as he faces calls from fellow Democratic lawmakers and dozens of his former staffers to leave Congress following accusations of sexual assault.

"To my family, staff, friends, and supporters, I am deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment Ive made in my past," Swalwell wrote in a post on X, without elaborating. "I will fight the serious, false allegations that have been made - but that's my fight, not a campaign's."

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The post did not address the calls for him to leave Congress. Swalwell's congressional office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Swalwell, who had been a front-runner for the governorship of the U.S.' most populous state, ended his campaign two days after The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN reported that a woman who previously worked in Swalwell's district office accused him of two nonconsensual sexual encounters.

CNN also reported that three other women made sexual misconduct allegations against Swalwell, who represents a California district and has been in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2013.

Swalwell has denied the accusations nL6N40U00G as "absolutely false" and vowed to fight them.

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In separate TV interviews on Sunday morning talk shows, Democratic Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna and Eugene Vindman each said Swalwell should quit Congress. An open letter released later on Sunday and signed by more than 50 of Swalwell's ex-staffers also called on him to resign from Congress and drop out of the California gubernatorial race, calling the allegations serious and credible.

"Remaining in either role while these allegations hang unresolved is an insult to every person who has ever worked for him," the former staffers wrote in the letter published by several U.S. media outlets.

Under California law, the top two finishers in the June 2 open primary contest will advance to November's election, regardless of their party affiliation. Other Democratic candidates include nL1N40C0QL former U.S. Representative Katie Porter, billionaire activist Tom Steyer and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan.

DHS, MANHATTAN PROSECUTOR INVESTIGATE

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Also on Sunday, the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services confirmed it has looked into allegations that Swalwell illegally employed a Brazilian nanny.

"These allegations are serious. USCIS has referred this matter to the Department of Homeland Security law enforcement for investigation," a USCIS spokesperson told Reuters in a statement.

Swalwell's office did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment on the probe.

Politico first reported the USCIS probe.

His fellow lawmakers focused on Swalwell's future in their chamber.

"What he did is sick and disgusting," Khanna told "Fox News Sunday" while calling for law enforcement and House ethics investigations of Swalwell.

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The Manhattan district attorneys office L1N40V005 on Saturday confirmed it is investigating the sexual assault allegations.

POSSIBLE EXPULSION MOTION LOOMS

As pressure grows on Swalwell to also resign from Congress, some lawmakers have said they would back a motion to expel him from the House of Representatives if he does not leave on his own.

Representative Byron Donalds, a Republican from Florida appearing on NBC's "Meet the Press," and Jayapal, a representative from Washington also appearing on "Meet the Press," each said on Sunday they would vote to expel Swalwell from Congress if such a vote came up.

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In a social media post on Saturday, Representative Anna Paulina Luna, a Florida Republican, wrote that she planned to file a motion to expel Swalwell from Congress. She told Fox News she would file the disciplinary motion next week.

Another Democrat, Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick https://www.reuters.com/world/us/democratic-lawmaker-himes-calls-indicted-colleague-cherfilus-mccormick-resign-2026-03-29/, a Florida representative, also faces a potential expulsion vote after a House panel recently concluded she violated ethics rules. A grand jury indicted her in November after she was accused of stealing pandemic relief funds and directing that money to her 2021 congressional campaign.

Cherfilus-McCormick's office did not immediately return a request for comment. She has previously denied wrongdoing.

While Luna and other Republicans have called for expelling Swalwell and Cherfilus-McCormick, Democrats have been calling for an expulsion of Representative Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican being investigated by the House over sexual misconduct allegations.

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Gonzales' office did not immediately return a request for comment. Last month, he said he would not seek re-election later this year.

Donalds told "Meet the Press" he wants to see Swalwell and Gonzales leave. "As far as I'm concerned both gentlemen need to go home," Donalds said.

While calling on Swalwell to resign, Khanna told Fox he also believes "there are other members (of Congress) and Republican members who should resign as well," such as Gonzales.

(Reporting by Svea Herbst-Bayliss with additional reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington D.C., Luc Cohen in New York and Renee Hickman in Chicago; Editing by Aurora Ellis, Sergio Non and Chris Reese)
SWANSEA  The 2026 annual town election, scheduled for April 13, has arrived. Voters headed to the polls Monday will have the opportunity to shape the future of Swansea in key races on the ballot.

Those casting a ballot on Monday will be tasked with electing a new member to the Select Board.

Candidates running for reelection or to fill vacancies, and newcomers to the race will be decided by residents who also have the opportunity to write in candidates to fill seats for positions with no campaigners.

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Heres your guide to see whos in the running before the polls open:

Selectmans race heating up with two vying for open seat

Returning candidate Gary Lund will face newcomer Alanna Solitro in a bid to gain a three-year seat on the towns Board of Selectmen. Lund lost his 2025 bid to snag a seat on the Select Board when Selectman Robert Medeiros sought reelection and won by 49 votes.

In January, Select Board Chairman Steve Kitchin announced he would not seek reelection.

Lund has been a vocal opponent of capping the town landfill, and has expressed his will to look into Swansea's taxation schedules, work collaboratively with neighboring municipalities to address discolored drinking water, and generally, act in the town's best interests, he said.

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Solitro, who announced her bid to enter the race a month ago, is campaigning on the wish to move things forward in a positive manner for all residents and generations of our town.

In a March 4 Facebook announcement, Solitro had said her role as an occupational therapist has allowed her to assess the big picture when determining barriers and finding solutions to help serve her patients, skills she hopes to apply if given the opportunity to serve on the Board of Selectmen.

The Board of Selectmen is Swansea's three-member executive body, responsible for policy-making and who oversee day-to-day operations of town government.

Madison shows mom Stacey Thibault her pick at the Swansea polls at Joseph Case High School Monday April 14, 2025.

Swansea news: Swansea Select Board approves contractor's access to old town dump

Two School Committee members running to renew terms

School Committeewoman Sonya M. Barbosa and School Committee Vice Chairman Thomas M. Rodrigues Jr. are seeking to renew their three-year terms due to expire after this election. Voters will have the opportunity to select them both on the ballot.

Town moderator and sewer commissioner seek to keep their posts

Paul Burke, who has served as Swanseas town moderator, is running uncontested to keep his position for the next three years.

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Jim Pelletier is also seeking reelection as a water commissioner, a role that holds a three-year term.

One man running for two 5-year terms

Philip D. Keighley is running to fill a vacancy on the Swansea Planning Board and will make an uncontested bid to fill a seat on the Park Commission. Both positions carry a five-year term.

The Planning Boards Ryan Pacheco will run uncontested to renew his seat on the board with a four-year term.

Board of Tax Assessors chairman campaigns uncontested

Michael G. Berube, chair of the Board of Tax Assessors, is running to remain on the board and start a new three-year term.

Two Trustees of Public Library to be chosen

Angela R. Dolan, chairwoman of the Public Librarys trustees, is in the running to continue to serve in a new three-year term. Newcomer Molly E. Igo is also in the running to join the board for a three-year term.

Voters may write in names for vacant offices

A vacant three-year seat on the Community Preservation Committee, three two-year terms for Constable, and a one-year term on the Planning Board will ask voters to write-in a name before making their way to the ballot box.

Early morning voting at Case high school in Swansea Tuesday September 3, 2024.

Swansea selectman: Candidate sued by town over alleged cesspool failure

Where and when to vote in the Swansea Town Election

Polls on Monday, April 13, will open at noon and close by 8 p.m. at Joseph Case High School at 70 School St., Swansea, where all voting precincts are asked to report to the gymnasium through the rear door.

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To vote in the town election you must be registered to vote. To check your voter status, visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website and enter your information.

To claim an absentee ballot, you must apply online and sign off on a physical absence, disability, or religious belief. The last day to apply for an in-person absentee ballot is Friday, April 10.

Time's up to register to vote

To vote in the upcoming town election, residents must have been registered to vote by Friday, April 3, by 5 p.m.

When will election results be announced?

Unofficial election results are generally available on the night of April 13, within two hours after polls close. Official results are announced days later when the results are certified by the town clerk.

Recount requests must be submitted by April 23 at 5 p.m.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Swansea town election voters' guide. Where and when to vote, who's running
Experts and amateur birdwatching enthusiasts alike have been shocked by the sighting of a rare species at an ecological preserve, garnering global attention seemingly overnight.

A grey hypocolius was spotted at the Chhari-Dhandh Conservation Reserve in western India, according to a post on Moneycontrol.com. The sighting was even more unique given that it took place in a wetland area, while the grey hypocolius typically prefers drier, more arid regions.

The Press Trust of India reposted a video of the rarely seen bird on the social media platform X.

VIDEO | The rare Grey Hypocolius has made Chhari-Dhandh Conservation Reserve in Kachchh, Gujarat, a major global attraction for birdwatchers. Recently designated as a Ramsar site, the wetland now draws international tourists eager to observe its rich avian diversity. Under the pic.twitter.com/Lbr23nJse9  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 10, 2026

"The rare Grey Hypocolius has made Chhari-Dhandh Conservation Reserve in Kachchh, Gujarat, a major global attraction for birdwatchers," the video's caption read. "Recently designated a Ramsar site, the wetland now draws international tourists eager to observe its rich avian diversity."

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According to the UNESCO World Heritage Center, Ramsar sites are areas that have been identified as Wetlands of International Importance. To make the list, the areas must contain representative or unique wetland types and must be of importance in maintaining biodiversity.

"Nice," one user commented on the video.

According to the birding website 10,000 Birds, the grey hypocolius is considered a "Holy Grail" bird for birdwatchers due the relatively low number of sightings in the wild. While the species is not considered rare or endangered, it is seldom sighted because it tends to keep to dense thickets and is considered a shy bird.

The sighting highlighted the importance of maintaining conservation areas as a means of preserving biodiversity.

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"Biodiversity is essential for the processes that support all life on Earth, including humans," according to The Royal Society. "Without a wide range of animals, plants, and microorganisms, we cannot have the healthy ecosystems that we rely on to provide us with the air we breathe and the food we eat."

Unlike the grey hypocolius, which is not considered endangered, some bird species are rarely spotted due to their threatened status. In such cases, sightings can be an indication that conservation efforts have been working.

For example, conservationists heralded a sighting of the seldom-seen red-backed shrike in the United Kingdom as a cause for celebration. The species previously had been considered nearly extinct.

Similarly, when a nocturnal nightjar was found in Northern Ireland, experts took it as an indication that the species, which had previously seen steep population declines, could be making a comeback.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP)  Trinidads ongoing row with its Caribbean neighbors over U.S. policy toward international drug trafficking and Venezuela boiled over into a full-scale verbal war Friday, with the prime minister demanding the exit of CARICOMs secretary-general after her term ends in August.

Regional tensions among members of CARICOM, a 15-member regional trade bloc, spiked late last year when governments denounced U.S. military action in the South Caribbean and the build-up of an unusually large American force near Venezuela intended to capture then-President Nicolas Maduro.

Regional neighbors previously called for the Caribbean to remain a zone of peace, but Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar dismissed the label as zone of peace fakery, throwing her support behind U.S. military strikes and the Trump administration's broader campaign against international drug trafficking and organized crime.

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She has now turned her focus to CARICOM's general operations, demanding that Secretary-General Carla Barnett step down once her five-year term concludes in late August.

Since winning Trinidad's general election one year ago, the prime minister has used her platform to push for Barnetts removal, reminding leaders that Trinidad pays around 22% of CARICOM's annual budget, around $20 million.

Persad-Bissessar has repeatedly expressed her administrations deep dissatisfaction with the blocs current operations, saying she remains puzzled why the region aligned with Venezuela and Maduro rather than supporting the U.S. position.

Caricom has chosen to support the Maduro narco-government through the fake zone of peace narrative, she said in a statement in late 2025 as the U.S. was preparing for action against Maduro and as governments complained about the alleged illegality of the deadly boat strikes.

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Her relentless monthslong campaign against the bloc and its chief executive had forced Friday's emergency meeting to discuss Barnetts reappointment.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
The Brief

The Trump administration is moving management of the Great Lakes Asian carp project from Illinois to Michigan.

It's the latest in a series of back-and-forths between the administration and the state over the vital $1.15 billion project.

The Trump admin called Illinois an "unreliable" partner while Gov. JB Pritzker called the move a "political stunt."

CHICAGO - The Trump administration announced this week it would move the management of a $1.15 billion project to prevent the invasive Asian carp from reaching the Great Lakes from Illinois to Michigan, which Gov. JB Pritzker called a "political stunt."

What they're saying

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said on Thursday in a news release it was still moving forward with the construction of deterrents near Joliet to block the path of the carp, but would move management of the project to Michigan.

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Adam Telle, the assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, said the management will come from Michigan because Illinois "has been an unreliable partner, delinquent on its payments and real estate commitments."

"Our partners in the Great Lake States cant allow one state to have undue influence and use it to play more games," Telle said. "This is great news for every state in the region, including Illinois."

The other side

Pritzker refuted the claim.

"Illinois has upheld our commitments. Trump must stop this political stunt and start releasing the funds, get the project moving again, and protect the Great Lakes," the governor said in a statement posted on social media. "Illinois owns the land the Brandon Road Project will be built on  Trump cannot just decide to give it away. If he breaks legally-binding agreements, then Illinois will take action."

The backstory

The multi-year project aims to keep Asian carp from moving into Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes.

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The carp can exceed 100 pounds, spread rapidly and could be detrimental to native fish populations and the $20 billion fishing and boating industries in the region.

When Trump returned to the White House last year, his administrations threats to cut off federal funding prompted Pritzker to temporarily pause the project. The two sides later appeared to have agreed to move forward with the project.

Decades ago, the carp were used in the southern parts of the country to reduce nuisance vegetation, but the fish began to reproduce and spread north via the Mississippi River.

Over the last two decades, the federal government built electric barriers along the Des Plaines River, including near suburban Romeoville, to keep the carp from reaching Lake Michigan. Commercial fishermen have also been tapped to catch the carp to keep the population down.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has conceded defeat in the country's elections on April 12 after 16 years in power and as one of President Donald Trump's closest European allies.

Tisza, currently Hungary's opposition party, is projected to win 135 seats in the country's 199-seat parliament, a two-thirds majority, based on partial results announced by Hungary's national election office.

The party's leader and the country's likely next prime minister, Peter Magyar, said on Facebook that Orban "congratulated us on our victory over the phone."

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"The election results are not final yet, but the situation is understandable and clear," Orban said at the Fidesz campaign offices. "The election result is painful for us, but clear."

More: Trump says EU is 'jealous' of Hungarian PM Orban's immigration crackdown

The parliamentary supermajority allows Tisza to potentially pass a new constitution, as Orban's Fidesz party did in 2011. It will also likely spell an end to Hungary's adversarial role inside the European Union, possibly opening the way for a $105 billion loan to war-battered Ukraine, which was blocked by Orban.

"Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger," Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said on X.

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Orban and Trump have been compared to each other, with critics drawing parallels between what they see as attacks on governmental institutions, democratic backsliding and the rollback of civil rights.

Vice President JD Vance, who visited Hungary just days before the elections, praised Orbans governance and leadership style as a model for Europe and attacked the EU for trying to influence the outcome of the vote.

Many Hungarians have grown increasingly weary of Orban, 62, after three years of economic stagnation and soaring living costs, as well as reports of oligarchs close to the government amassing more wealth.

World leaders, US legislators react to results

Congratulations from other world leaders  including French President Emannuel Macron, European People's Party President Manfred Weber, Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte  have begun pouring in, Magyar said on Facebook.

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Multiple international public figures also took to their own social media accounts to congratulate Magyar on his win, which Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere described as "a result with great importance to all of Europe."

"In democratic elections, the Hungarian people have demonstrated their strong will to be an active member of the European Union and NATO. The election result gives Hungary the opportunity to return to our community of values and security as a constructive actor," Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo wrote on X. "I congratulate Peter Magyar. I hope he will do everything in his power to restore confidence."

More: Trump is furious at NATO over Iran. Withdrawal isn't his only option.

In the realm of U.S. legislators, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-New York, likened Orban's loss to the upcoming midterm elections later this year, where Republicans could face challenges amid a string of electoral victories by Democrats in 2025 and 2026 that have raised questions about whether a blue wave is building.

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"Far-right authoritarian Viktor Orban has lost the election. Trump sycophants and MAGA extremists in Congress are up next in November," Jeffries wrote on X. "Winter is coming."

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-New York, echoed a similar message and warned Trump to "pay attention" following the election results.

"Wannabe dictators wear out their welcome," Schumer wrote on X. "November 2026 can't come soon enough."

A live broadcast by Magyar on X showed a celebratory scene in Hungary, with crowds of people waving flags and cheering while Magyar spoke at a Tisza press conference following the announcement of the election results.

This is a developing story.

Contributing: Reuters, USA TODAY's Zac Anderson

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump ally Viktor Orban concedes defeat in Hungary PM elections
California Republicans this weekend will vote to endorse their pick for California governor in the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The vote, this Sunday in San Diego at the California GOP's annual convention, comes a week after President Donald Trump took sides between the two major Republican candidates in the race, backing conservative commentator and former Fox News Channel host Steve Hilton over Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

Trump, whose endorsements are extremely influential in GOP primaries, argued in his endorsement statement that California had "gone to hell" and that "Steve can turn it around, before it is too late, and, as President, I will help him to do so!"

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The president's support for Hilton is expected to pay immediate dividends at the state GOP convention.

Here's Who Trump Is Backing In The Golden State Gubernatorial Showdown

Republican governor candidate Steve Hilton speaks to press during Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates press event at Huntington Beach on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Huntington Beach, California. Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael Gates announced his run for California attorney general.

"I think it definitely can help rally the base behind a candidate and generate some noise and some enthusiasm," California Republican Party chairwoman Corrin Rankin told Fox News Digital.

Read On The Fox News App

Bianco is a loyal Trump supporter who has plenty of friends and support among California Republican insiders. But Trump's endorsement of Hilton, a top adviser to then-British Prime Minister David Cameron a decade and a half ago before moving to the U.S. and becoming an American citizen in 2021, may boost him at the GOP convention, where backing from 60% of delegates is needed to land the party's endorsement.

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But Bianco, the sheriff who recently grabbed plenty of national attention for seizing ballots in Riverside County, appeared defiant.

"For too long, politicians and insiders from Sacramento to Washington have tried to pick our leaders for us. Thats not leadership, thats a coronation, and its exactly how we ended up with the failed leadership Californians are living with today," he said in a social media video. "This election belongs to the people, not the political class."

Tough On Crime Republican Sheriff Launches Bid For California Governor

Sheriff Chad Bianco of Riverside County speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on May 15, 2024, in Washington, DC. This week marks National Police Week, which sees thousands of police officers from departments across the country coming to Washington DC to honor law enforcement who died in the line of duty.

Trump's endorsement may have another unintended consequence.

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Candidates from both major political parties appear on the same ballot in the left-leaning state's June primary, with the top two finishers advancing to November's general election.

Some Democrats were concerned that with nine candidates in the race, support among Democratic voters would be so badly divided in the primary that no contender would reach the general election. Hilton and Bianco had been the top two candidates in some public opinion polls, giving some in the GOP hope of a final face-off between two Republicans.

That scenario may be less likely now, as Hilton's support is expected to rise and Bianco's drop in light of the president's endorsement. Polling in the past week gave a hint of a Hilton surge.

"Trump kills any GOP hopes of an R vs R runoff in the California governor's race," Rob Pyers of California Target Book, which describes itself as a non-partisan and unbiased political almanac, wrote last week in a social media post.

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Media Personality Steve Hilton Enters California Gubernatorial Race

But Hilton dismissed as a pipe dream talk of shutting out the Democrats from the general election ballot.

"That scenario of two Republicans [making the general election ballot], I've been saying this for months, was always a fantasy," Hilton said on Fox Business' "The Bottom Line." "The idea that the Democrat machine in California was just going to hand over the state to two Republicans was never serious. It was never, never going to happen."

He further argued, "What was more likely was actually...you were going to have two Democrats in the top two and then we'll have no chance of change. So this really makes sure that we have a Republican in the top two."

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No Republican has won a statewide election in California since then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2006 re-election victory.

And with the president's approval rating in California hovering in the 30s, Trump's endorsement will likely do Hilton no favors if he makes it onto the November ballot.





Original article source: Trump backs Hilton ahead of California GOP vote, testing Biancos grip on party endorsement
A federal appeals court has ruled US President Donald Trump's $400 million White House ballroom renovation can proceed, albeit temporarily, and called for a district judge to clarify national security-related questions.

The project aims to construct a massive ballroom on the site of the White House's East Wing -- previously best known for housing the First Lady's offices. It was demolished in September.

A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit ruled 2-1 to give the administration until April 17 to continue working on the project and "seek Supreme Court review," in the court order released Saturday.

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The order also calls on the federal district court Judge Richard Leon to clarify questions on White House safety and security raised in earlier proceedings.

Last month, Leon ordered a halt to construction, saying Trump needed congressional approval for the project.

Leon wrote in that order that Trump is a "steward" of the White House, adding: "He is not, however, the owner!"

The lawsuit against the renovation was brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States.

sla/aks
Following the conclusion of face-to-face talks between the United States and Iran on Sunday, President Donald Trump blamed an alleged collapse of negotiations on unyielding Iranian leadership.

U.S. officials told The Associated Press this morning talks failed over what they described as Irans refusal to commit to abandoning a path to a nuclear weapon, while Iranian officials blamed the U.S. for the breakdown of the talks without specifying the sticking points.

Irans 10-point proposal ahead of the talks called for a guaranteed end to the war and control over the Strait of Hormuz, The AP reported.

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It included ending fighting against Irans regional allies, explicitly calling for a halt to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah.

Pakistani officials told the publication in March that the U.S. 15-point proposal included monitoring mechanisms and a rollback of Irans nuclear program.

Speaking on condition of anonymity as they werent authorized to discuss details, they said it also covered reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran promised to open the Strait of Hormuz, and they knowingly failed to do so, Trump wrote in a post to Truth Social Sunday morning.

This caused anxiety, dislocation, and pain to many people and Countries throughout the World. They say they put mines in the water, even though all of their Navy, and most of their mine droppers, have been completely blown up. They may have done so, but what ship owner would want to take the chance?

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Irans closure of the strait has proved its biggest strategic advantage in the war, The AP reported. Around a fifth of the worlds traded oil had typically passed through on over 100 ships a day.

During talks this weekend, the U.S. military said two destroyers transited the critical waterway ahead of mine-clearing work, a first since the war began. Irans state media, however, reported the countrys joint military command denied that.

There is great dishonor and permanent harm to the reputation of Iran, and whats left of their Leaders, but we are beyond all of that, Trump wrote.

As they promised, they better begin the process of getting this INTERNATIONAL WATERWAY OPEN AND FAST! Every Law in the book is being violated by them.

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Since the U.S. and Israel launched the war on Feb. 28, it has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,020 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and caused lasting damage to infrastructure in half a dozen Middle Eastern countries, according to The AP.

Irans grip on the Strait of Hormuz has largely cut off the Persian Gulf and its oil and gas exports from the global economy, sending energy prices soaring.

Following the events of this weekend, neither side has indicated what will happen after the 14-day ceasefire expires on April 22.

Pakistani mediators urged all parties to maintain it, according to The AP. Both said their positions were clear and put the onus on the other side.

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Irans parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who led Iran in the negotiations, said it was time for the United States to decide whether it can gain our trust or not, The AP reported.

He did not mention the core disputes in a series of social media posts, though Iranian officials earlier told the publication the talks fell apart over two or three key issues, blaming what they called U.S. overreach.

I have been fully debriefed by Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, on the meeting that took place in Islamabad through the kind and very competent leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan, Trump wrote Sunday.

...The meeting with Iran began early in the morning and lasted throughout the night  Close to 20 hours. I could go into great detail, and talk about much that has been gotten but, there is only one thing that matters  IRAN IS UNWILLING TO GIVE UP ITS NUCLEAR AMBITIONS!

Stories by Heather Gann

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Iran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons but has insisted on its right to a civilian nuclear program.

It has previously offered written affirmative commitments, including in the landmark 2015 nuclear deal.

Experts told The AP its stockpile of enriched uranium, though not weapons-grade, is only a short technical step away from weapons-ready material.

In many ways, the points that were agreed to are better than us continuing our Military Operations to conclusion, but all of those points dont matter compared to allowing Nuclear Power to be in the hands of such volatile, difficult, unpredictable people, Trump wrote in his post.

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My three Representatives, as all of this time went by, became, not surprisingly, very friendly and respectful of Irans Representatives, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, Abbas Araghchi, and Ali Bagheri, but that doesnt matter because they were very unyielding as to the single most important issue and, as I have always said, right from the beginning, and many years ago, IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told The AP his country will try to facilitate a new dialogue between Iran and the U.S. in the coming days.

It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to cease fire, Dar said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Read the original article on al.com. Add al.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
WASHINGTON (AP)  In Hungary, President Donald Trump and his top officials used social media and an election-eve trip to Budapest to promote the countrys far-right prime minister in his reelection campaign.

In Argentina, the U.S. administration worked to prop up the countrys financial markets to the tune of $20 billion -- then Trump threatened to pull the assistance if its elections didnt go his preferred way.

And in Honduras, he backed a conservative former mayor for president  and pardoned a predecessor from the same political party as Hondurans were preparing to vote.

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In his second term, Trump has made a public flex of his political influence abroad on a scale that few if any U.S. presidents have exerted, trying to marshal power that hes used domestically to sway races in Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe.

Using endorsements to reward loyal and like-minded leaders, he has shattered a U.S. tradition of avoiding overt involvement in the internal politics of other countries, and made the use of some foreign policy tools more about politics than about advancing U.S. interests, according to his critics.

The impact of that is to really cheapen a relationship, said David Pressman, who served as the U.S. ambassador to Hungary during the Biden administration. Pressman, who was on the ground in Budapest as Orban publicly backed Trump in 2024, said Hungarian positions on key issues such as Ukraine felt infused through a political U.S. rubric, rather than articulated as sovereign foreign policy.

The most significant test yet of Trumps political power abroad may come Sunday, when voters in Hungary render a verdict on Prime Minister Viktor Orban's bid for a fifth term. Orban was the first European leader to back Trump during his 2016 run and remained a close ally even during Trumps period of political exile, making sojourns to see him in south Florida and again endorsing the Republican in his 2024 comeback race.

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I love Hungary and I love that Viktor, Trump said this week as Vice President JD Vance, visiting Budapest, put him on speakerphone at a rally with more than 1,000 Orban supporters.

Trump says he loves to pick winners

Trump has long reveled in his status as kingmaker in the Republican Party. Now, he boasts that foreign leaders come to him seeking his approval.

I love it when I give endorsements and people win, Trump said last month at a summit with several Latin American leaders whom he had backed.

Often, his picks share his policy views, like fellow immigration hard-liners Orban and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, or the chainsaw-wielding Argentine President Javier Milei, who used the tool to illustrate his zeal to slash spending.

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Trump and his officials have often used the Conservative Political Action Conference as a stage for promoting their foreign political friends.

At a CPAC gathering in Warsaw last year, then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urged Poles to vote for conservative Karol Nawrocki, and implied that the future of the U.S. military presence in Poland could hinge on the elections outcome. Nawrocki would go on to win.

In Hungary last month, Trump greeted CPAC attendees with a video message from behind the Resolute Desk, urging support for Orban.

The prime minister has been a strong leader whos shown the entire world whats possible when you defend your borders, your culture, your heritage, your sovereignty and your values, Trump said. He later added, I hope he wins, and I hope he wins big.

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The White House defended Trumps approach as a sign of transparency.

President Trump is a great American statesman who will speak or work with anyone, and he makes no secret about those he likes or supports, spokeswoman Anna Kelly said. Many individuals who align with President Trumps ideology are getting elected to top offices around the world because everyone wants to replicate his immeasurable success on behalf of the American people, she said.

Sunday's election is a big test of Trump's foreign political clout

Few foreign leaders have amassed as much political support from the Trump administration as Orban. The U.S. president has fired off multiple Truth Social posts promoting the prime minister, whose hard-right authoritarian approach to governance has endeared him to Trump, as did his fealty to the U.S. president even when Trump was out of power.

Hungary: GET OUT AND VOTE FOR VIKTOR ORBAN, Trump posted Thursday night. On Friday, he said his administration stands ready to use the full Economic Might of the United States to help Hungary's economy, if Orban and Hungarians need it.

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Secretary of State Marco Rubio, as a senator, once aired concerns about democratic erosion under Orban. Nonetheless, Rubio endorsed him in February and promoted the very, very close personal relationship and working relationship between Trump and the prime minister.

During Vances two-day swing to Budapest this week, he made the administrations endorsement of Orban explicit even as he decried foreign election interference from the European Union.

Of course were going to work with whoever wins the Hungarian election because we love the people of Hungary and its an important relationship, Vance told reporters. But Viktor Orban is going to win the next election in Hungary, so I feel very confident about that and about our continued positive relationship.

But Orban had been trailing in independent polls ahead of the April 12 election and Trump  whose push to acquire Greenland and war in Iran have made him unpopular throughout Europe  may have less sway than he once had.

Past presidents have been more subtle

Past administrations have used different methods to influence power abroad. For instance, the Central Intelligence Agency under President Dwight D. Eisenhower helped engineer a 1954 coup that forced out Guatemala's president, Jacobo Arbenz.

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There have been rare cases when past presidents made their support explicit, such as when former President Bill Clinton backed Russian President Boris Yeltsins 1993 move to dissolve parliament and set up new legislative and presidential elections.

But Trumps political engagement abroad is without precedent, said James Lindsay, a distinguished senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Trump is just different than other presidents, and hes viewed differently than other presidents, and that is a strength you can take advantage of, Lindsay said.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said Trump's blatant involvement in elections abroad should be viewed as part of the what the administration called the Trump Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine in its national security strategy released in December. The 1823 Monroe Doctrine, named for President James Monroe, has been used to justify U.S. military interventions in Latin America.

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Kaine, who was a missionary in Honduras at a time of deep covert U.S. involvement in Latin America, called the doctrine poison language for the region. It's violating best practice, he said. America has been deeply involved in regime support, opposition and regime change in the Americas for centuries, and it is not a legacy that we should be proud of.

Trump has offered carrots  and sticks  during foreign races

Sometimes Trump's support for foreign candidates has come with more than an endorsement.

In October, Trump was particularly blunt about his intent to withhold assistance for Argentina if Milei's political coalition didnt prevail in legislative elections that month. Shortly before Milei's visit, the administration had finalized a $20 billion currency swap line, aid that had drawn fierce criticism from U.S. farmers and Democratic lawmakers.

If he loses, we are not going to be generous with Argentina. OK? Trump told a reporter as he hosted Milei at a White House lunch.

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In the final days of last year's Honduran elections, Trump not only made his preference for Nasry Asfura clear, but also emphasized that the United States will not be throwing good money after bad if Asfura lost. Both Milei and Asfura were successful in their respective elections.

Trump also announced a pardon for former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez for U.S. drug trafficking and weapons convictions. This cannot be allowed to happen, especially now, after Tito Asfura wins the Election, when Honduras will be on its way to Great Political and Financial Success, Trump wrote on social media.

Trump has repeatedly floated a pardon for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including in a formal letter and during a speech to the countrys parliament. Netanyahu is enmeshed in a far-reaching corruption case that includes allegations of fraud, breach of trust and bribery. He faces what could be a tough reelection campaign this year.

A fiery Vance speech in the early weeks of the Trump administration strained ties with Germany when, at the Munich Security Conference, he criticized mainstream German parties for refusing to work with a far-right party.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz later said it was not the place for a U.S. leader to say something like that to us in Germany.

I wouldnt do it in America, either, Merz said.
Every red state in America has two kinds of Republicans  elected officials who cede their state's authority to President Donald Trump in silence, and election administration officials anxious about his intentions for the next election.

Trump's March 31 executive order, a power grab on mail ballots that clearly violates the U.S. Constitution, has upped the pressure on both groups.

That order directs the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to create a national list of eligible voters and orders the U.S. Postal Service to send mail ballots only to people on that new federal list. And it orders the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute state elections officials who do not comply with the order's terms.

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Article I, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution gives sole power over running elections to the states. Lawsuits seeking to stop Trump's power grab were swiftly filed in Massachusetts and in Washington, DC, by Democratic Party organizations, blue state officials and voter rights advocates.

President Donald Trump signs an executive order at the White House in Washington, DC, on March 31, 2026, restricting mail-in voting.

Trump, who voted by mail in a special election in Florida in March despite being there during early voting, has long spouted lies and unsubstantiated conspiracy theories about voter fraud via mail ballots to stir division and distrust in how elections are conducted.

The real reason for that: Trump wants to invert the system so that he picks the voters instead of the voters picking their politicians. And he blends that motivation with MAGA base pressure to silence red state politicians who know how unconstitutional that all is.

Imagine if a Democrat pulled this

David Becker, a former Department of Justice lawyer who founded The Center for Election Innovation and Research, has suggested a scenario to show how off-kilter that is. Imagine if a Democratic president ordered DHS to create a national voter registry and demanded that everyone on that list gets to vote, regardless of whether they're eligible.

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(I know, I know, Trump and his MAGA allies insist that happens now. Because they lie about this.)

Rob Kendall: Trump's Indiana Senate endorsements help no one but Trump

Becker, who was speaking in a briefing for journalists, suggested that red state Republicans would be outraged and sue the president.

"And yet, we continue to see this dynamic where Republicans cede their own state sovereignty to this particular president when they would never cede that sovereignty to a president of the other party," Becker said.

The other side of that coin: Election administration officials in red states are just as concerned about Trump's executive order as Democrats in blue states, Becker told me. He recently hosted a webinar for 548 election officials from 42 states and Washington to discuss Trump's executive order.

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Becker told me "I heard a lot of concern" about it, in part because of the uncertainty created in 2025 by another Trump executive order power grab on elections, before it was struck down by federal courts.

"This is not a partisan issue," he said. "There are at least as many Republicans expressing concern about these executive orders as Democrats."

Trump's insidious executive order isn't about how you vote

The Brennan Center for Justice, which joined the lawsuits to oppose the executive order, noted in an April 8 briefing that Trump's demand to prosecute anyone who does not obey his constitutional order "appears to sweep in election administration vendors, postal workers, and civic volunteers who help individuals submit their ballots."

Al Schmidt, a Republican appointed as purple-state Pennsylvania's secretary of State in 2023 by Josh Shapiro, a Democrat who had just become governor, told ABC News on April 5 that Trump's executive order is causing "some degree of confusion" while expressing confidence that it will be struck down by the courts.

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"We want voters to know that the election is going to be free, fair, safe and secure, and that everyone knows what the rules are prior to going into this," Schmidt said. "So confusion is never a positive thing unless you are seeking to sow distrust in the outcome of an election."

Opinion: Trump fired another loyalist. He'll just hire another one.

This is not a new scenario for Schmidt or Shapiro. Schmidt was on the receiving end of death threats after he helped administer the 2020 presidential election in Philadelphia and faced Trump's wrath for getting it right.

Shapiro, who as Pennsylvania's attorney general in 2020 fought off Trump's attempts to overturn his presidential loss to Joe Biden in the state, has joined a coalition of more than 20 other states and Washington to challenge the executive order in federal court. And Shapiro, up for reelection this year and considered a likely 2028 presidential contender, boasted in an April 3 social media post that he "went 43-0 against Trump and his allies back in 2020."

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Mail ballot use surged in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has been decreasing in use since then, according to a December 2024 survey by the Pew Research Center. But 35% of American voters used a mail ballot in that presidential election, Pew found, and they included 26% who backed Republican candidates.

Trump's executive order isn't about voting, or how you cast your ballot. It's about him deciding if he wants you to vote at all. More Republicans need to speak up about how that violates the Constitution.

Follow USA TODAY columnist Chris Brennan on X, formerly known as Twitter: @ByChrisBrennan

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's national voter list violates the Constitution | Opinion
President Donald Trump has once again attacked Fox News host Jessica Tarlov  but this time, he publicly called for her removal from the air.

In a Truth Social post published on Monday night, Trump accused Fox News Sunday host Shannon Bream of not pushing back on Rep. Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), a guest on her show, for spreading Democrat propaganda and lies. He then turned his sights on Tarlov, the resident Democrat on the Fox News show The Five, by calling her a real loser and telling Fox executives to remove her.

Life: The Funniest Posts From Women This Week (April 4-10)

For Fox executives only, take Jessica Tarlov off the air, Trump wrote. She is, from her voice, to her lies, and everything else about her, one of the worst personalities on television, a real loser!

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Trump, who has a history of attacking the press and berating female journalists, has targeted Tarlov before.

When Trump phoned in to The Five for an interview last month, he told her co-hosts that he wasnt a fan of Tarlov, who was absent that day. He said he was glad she wasnt there and accused her of using fake polling numbers that reflect that a majority of Americans dont approve of Trumps job performance.

I think your show would be better without her, but who am I to say that? he said as Tarlovs co-hosts smiled and laughed. I think it would be a lot better.

Jessica Tarlov, photographed at Fox News Channel Studios on March 5, 2024, in New York City. Roy Rochlin via Getty Images

Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.

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Trump had also complained about Tarlov after she reported on his unfavorable polling last June, calling her a disgrace to television broadcasting in a Truth Social post. He called her a real loser days later.

While Trumps latest attack on Tarlov isnt surprising, it is worrisome nonetheless, Jacob Neiheisel, associate professor of political science at the University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences, told HuffPost.

Life: Trump Raged At Fox News To Take A Host 'Off The Air'... And Oof, It Revealed A Lot

It is concerning that Trump repeatedly calls for journalists to be fired, as it shows little respect for a free press, he said.

Trumps call for Tarlovs removal says a lot, experts said.

Neiheisel said that Trump calling on Fox executives to take Tarlov off the air demonstrates that he thinks very little, at least outwardly, about the protections that are afforded to the press.

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Just as distressing is the fact that the media ecosystem, as it is currently configured, has perhaps encouraged him to think that he has sway at a place like FOX, he said.

Weve seen some evidence to this effect before (such as the text messages between media personalities at FOX and the administration that came out during the Dominion case), but the more partisan or ideological media outlets that exist now are all too well connected to the political parties at the present juncture, he continued.

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While every president is frustrated with the press at some point, the press isnt doing its job if the president thinks theyre always on his side, said Peter Loge, associate professor of media and public affairs and director of the Project on Ethics in Political Communication at The George Washington University School of Media & Public Affairs.

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This is something President Trump has done repeatedly throughout his time in office, both in the first and second term: He mocks the press, hes belittled the press, hes called them the enemy of the people [and] hes been especially demeaning to women in the press corps, he said. This is part of his MO, and a lot of voters support that.

What matters is if the press responds, if the press then caves to his whims, then it becomes a problem because then the free press isnt doing its job in holding power to account, he continued.

Loge emphasized that being challenged by the press is part of the job of being a public official. If you dont want to be criticized by the press, dont run for office, he said.

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President Trumps post about Jessica Tarlov is yet another example of Trumps belief that he has a role in shaping news coverage, particularly in punishing those who present views critical of him or his administration, said Andrew Geronimo, director of the First Amendment Clinic within the Milton and Charlotte Kramer Law Clinic Center at Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

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Geronimo told HuffPost that Trump choosing to address Fox executives only in his post might suggest that the president, who has a history of seeking to pick and choose which reporters cover him, is slowly learning that its a textbook First Amendment violation for a government actor use government power to target speakers for their viewpoints  and he may have tried to frame his post as an opinion versus a threat to use government power.

Nonetheless, Geronimo said that Trumps criticism of Tarlov is typical of Trumps obsession with being portrayed only in a positive light.

Experts stress its important to call attention to Trumps attacks on journalists.

With so many alarming issues both domestic and abroad to be concerned about, its important to continue to call out Trumps attacks on the press  or else we risk normalizing this behavior, experts emphasized.

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Neiheisel said that its important not to normalize comments like Trumps recent attack on Tarlov, since it might be altogether too easy to accept such rhetoric as the new normal on the American political scene.

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But he cautioned that its also important to not treat all violations of democratic norms as being of the same kind.

Some things that are happening now are certainly more distressing than are others, and we risk making it all background noise to the average American if every norm violation is treated as being equal in nature, he said.

With a lot going on, it can seem like its hard to know what to respond to or how to respond, Loge said. I think its important to hold power to account, no matter what power is doing and whether or not you tend to like the people in power.

If the president is calling for the removal of a reporter [whom] he doesnt like, the press should call that out, he later continued.

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Loge noted that a lot of Trumps supporters like that the fact that hes not polished or that hes not overly scripted.

That said, a lot of his actions and behaviors  especially in the last two weeks  have been really unpresidential, unprofessional, demeaning of the office and not the kind of behavior we expect out of the commander in chief of the oldest democracy in the world, he said.

Geronimo said that we shouldnt normalize government attacks on the First Amendments fundamental protections for free speech and a free press.

He said that whether the president is directly or indirectly threatening to punish media entities for expressing disfavored opinions, its important to remember that our constitutional system is designed so that the government lacks the broad censorship powers to control content and editorial decisions that Trump so often asserts.

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The original version of this story was published on HuffPost at an earlier date.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
April 12 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump on Sunday said the U.S. Navy will block the Strait of Hormuz to cut off Iran's shipping lanes after peace talks in Pakistan failed to produce a deal.

The blockade will start Monday at 10 a.m. EDT, the U.S. military said.

Vice President J.D. Vance, who Trump sent to negotiate a deal to end the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran, said Saturday that the talks were not successful because the two sides cannot agree on what to do about the Iranian nuclear stockpile and who will control the Strait, CNN and The Washington Post reported.

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Trump told Fox News' Maria Bartiromo that the United States was going to block the Strait -- it will "take a little while, but it'll be effective pretty soon," he said -- and that nations in the Gulf region have agreed to help in the effort.

The blockade, he said, will prevent "any and all ships" from entering or leaving the the waterway, including vessels belonging to Iran, which have been shipping its oil to other countries and reportedly been bringing weapons parts from China to the Middle Eastern nation.

Vance told reporters early Sunday morning that while Iran had not yet accepted the United States' "final and best offer," he expressed optimism that a deal can be reached.

"We just could not get to a situation where the Iranians were willing to accept our terms," Vance said. "I think that we were quite flexible."

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In a post on X, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is Iran's leading negotiator in the talks, said that he and his colleagues had "raised forward looking initiatives, but the opposing side ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations."

"Before the negotiations, I emphasized that we have the necessary good faith and will, but due to the experiences of the two previous wars, we have no trust in the opposing side," he said.
President Donald Trump made a weird pivot in a live Fox News interview on Sunday to discuss renaming the Gulf of Mexico to something more flattering than the Gulf of America: the Gulf of Trump.

I decided not to do it. I think maybe it was  I think that one maybe wouldnt have worked out, Im not so sure, youll have to tell me, said Trump, who previously claimed to be joking about such a rebrand, in a phone interview with host Maria Bartiromo.

Like this article? Keep independent journalism alive. Support HuffPost.

Trump: "I was thinking about calling it the Gulf of Trump, and I decided not to do it. I think that one maybe wouldn't have worked out. I'm not so sure. But I was thinking about it's gonna be called the Gulf of Trump." pic.twitter.com/khFCpOGCox  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 12, 2026

Bartiromo, in a conversation that seemingly left her stunned by Trump on at least one occasion, asked the president to spill on a recent Truth Social claim regarding a massive amount of empty oil tankers going to the gulf to load up on what he called the best and sweetest oil (and gas!) anywhere in the World.

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He used the question to gush about one of the little things he did since his return to office: his attempt to change the gulfs over 400-year-old, heavily-supported name to the Gulf of America.

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While some map platforms, particularly Google, and outlets took on Trumps beloved name for the gulf last year, most stuck with the old.

On Sunday, he suggested that the longstanding name didnt make sense, claiming that the U.S. has 93% of the gulfs frontage. (Note: Data from Sovereign Limits, highlighted by The New York Times last year, shows the States lay claim to just 46% of the gulf  3% less than Mexico.)

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As Trump continued to dribble on with his Gulf of America talk, Bartiromo tried to interject.

But the president had other plans to riff about naming the gulf after himself.

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Its going to be called the Gulf of Trump, and then I said, You know, thats not going to play too well, said the president as Bartiromo stumbled to pick the interview back up.

He added, You know Im kidding. You know Im kidding.

Bartiromo jumped in, Youre being facetious, I know that Mr. President.

Related...

Read the original on HuffPost
After a diplomatic team led by US Vice-President JD Vance tried, and failed, to reach a negotiated agreement to end the war with Iran on Saturday, President Donald Trump had to decide his next move.

That came on Sunday morning, in a series of Truth Social posts.

The US will impose a naval blockade of Iran, he wrote. "No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas," he wrote.

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He also said that the US would continue clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz to ensure a safe passage for allied shipping. The US military, he added, was "locked and loaded" and prepared to resume attacks against Iran at an "appropriate moment".

He went on to say that while progress had been made in the 20-hour negotiations in Islamabad, Iran would not meet the US demand that it abandon its nuclear ambitions.

That view was contradicted somewhat by a US official familiar with Vance's negotiations, who spelled out a much longer list of disagreements  including on Iran's control of Hormuz and its support for regional proxies, like the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

While Trump's latest posts didn't have the apocalyptic bluster of last week's threat to end Iranian civilisation, they pose a number of new challenges  and risks  for the American side.

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Will mine-clearing activities place American naval vessels at greater risk of Iranian attacks? How would the US determine who paid Iran a toll? Will the US use force on foreign-flagged ships that ignore the blockade? How will nations that depend on Iranian oil, like China, respond? Will the move, intended to choke off Iran's primary income stream, drive the price of oil to even higher levels?

There are no clear answers.

Later on Sunday, the US military Central Command announced that the naval blockade would stop all ships travelling to or from Iranian ports  a different set of conditions than in Trump's earlier proposed action.

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"I don't understand how blockading the strait is going to somehow push the Iranians into opening it," Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, told CNN on Sunday.

On CBS' Face the Nation programme, Republican congressman Mike Turner of Ohio, who until last year chaired the House Intelligence Committee, said the blockade was a means to force a resolution to the situation in Hormuz.

"The president, by saying we're not just going to let them decide who gets through, is certainly calling all of our allies and everyone to the table," he said. "This needs to be addressed."

Last week, before Iran and the US agreed to a two-week ceasefire and face-to-face negotiations, Trump had found himself in a difficult situation.

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He could continue to ratchet up the US attacks on Iran, possibly doing long-term damage to the nation's civilian infrastructure, adding to a humanitarian crisis and further destablising the global economy.

Or, he could back away from a war that has always been unpopular among the American public and is beginning to frustrate even some of Trump's supporters, who believed his promises to avoid extended foreign conflicts and Middle East entanglements.

A new CBS poll suggests that most Americans (59%) feel the war is going somewhat or very badly for the US.

Many believe the key US objectives - such as keeping open the Strait of Hormuz, securing greater freedom for the Iranian people and permanently ending Iran's nuclear programme - remain unmet. Overwhelming bipartisan majorities feel it's important for the US to achieve these goals.

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Nearly a week has passed and, despite American claims of victory, the predicaments facing the president have not changed.

Trump told Fox News on Sunday morning that Iran would ultimately give the US "everything" it wants. He added that while oil prices might be the same or higher in the months ahead, he believed the US economy would hold up.

That, to say the least, is a gamble.

And with November's midterm elections looming, the president's Republican Party could pay dearly at the polls if he is wrong.

On Saturday night, as his vice-president was negotiating with the Iranians in Pakistan, Trump travelled to Miami, where he watched prize fighters batter each other in UFC cage matches.

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It was, according to members of the press pool in attendance, a bizarre spectacle.

The president of the United States observed violent contests in a blood-spattered ring, chatted to celebrities and, at times, engaged in intense discussions with his Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other advisers, in full view of the thousands of attendees.

Ultimate fighting cage matches, despite their ferocity, have set rules and time limits, and end with a clear winner and loser.

It's the kind of clarity that the Iran war may never provide, as it stretches into its second month and the current two-week ceasefire appears on the verge of collapse.

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The conflict has become a test of wills  of Iran's ability to endure continued US and Israeli attacks versus Trump's tolerance for the economic and political pain the war has produced.

In the end, all the participants in this fight might be diminished.

[BBC]

Follow the twists and turns of Trump's second term with North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher's weekly US Politics Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here.
Tucker Carlson called President Donald Trump a "slave" to Israel and said his handling of their war on Iran is "awful to watch" as the feud between the two continues to escalate.

"Ive always liked Trump and still feel sorry for him, as I do for all slaves," the former Fox News host told Newsmax on April 10. He added that Trump "can't make his own decisions" and that the president is "hemmed in by other forces."

Carlson doubled down on his interpretation of the president when asked whether he thinks Trump is a "slave to Benjamin Netanyahu" in an interview on the BBC's "Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg" on April 12.

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"I don't think it is as simple as 'he is under the control of Netanyahu,' but you could certainly summarize it that way and you wouldnt be totally inaccurate," Carlson said, clarifying he blamed Israel for the U.S. entering the war. "We know this because the single biggest mistake Trump  or any American president in my lifetime  has made was going to war with Iran in an effort to change its regime."

More: Young Republicans more skeptical of Iran war, dividing Trump base

Tucker Carlson, who speaks during AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center on Dec. 18, 2025. Tucker Carlson hosts his Tucker Carlson Live Tour finale at Desert Diamond Arena on Oct. 31, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson appears on stage with his two dogs Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, during a Turning Point USA tour stop at the Indiana University Auditorium in Bloomington, Ind. Talk show host Tucker Carlson speaks during a campaign rally for former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden in New York on October 27, 2024. Tucker Carlson speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024. The final day of the RNC featured a keynote address by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Tucker Carlson speaks during the final day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 18, 2024. The final day of the RNC featured a keynote address by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. President Donald Trump greets Tucker Carlson on the first day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 15, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisc. Delegates, politicians, and the Republican faithful are in Milwaukee for the annual convention, concluding with former President Donald Trump accepting his party's presidential nomination. Tucker Carlson speaks during the 10X Growth Conference 2024 at The Diplomat Beach Resort on April 2, 2024 in Hollywood, Fla. Tucker Carlson, television personality and founder of the Tucker Carlson Network, speaks at a panel session during the World Government Summit in Dubai on Feb. 12, 2024. In this pool photograph distributed by Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin gives an interview to US talk show host Tucker Carlson at the Kremlin in Moscow on February 6, 2024. Former Fox News television personality Tucker Carlson speaks as conservative leaders and personalities attend Turning Point USA's AmericaFest 2023 in Phoenix on Dec. 18, 2023. Former Fox News commentator Tucker Carlson reacts as he speaks during the Turning Point Action Conference in West Palm Beach, Fla., July 15, 2023. Former Fox News television personality Tucker Carlson speaks to guests at the Family Leadership Summit on July 14, 2023 in Des Moines, Iowa. Fox News has parted ways with Tucker Carlson , the highest-rated host in cable news. Here, Carlson speaks at the Fox Nation Patriot Awards at Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, on Nov. 17, 2022. Tucker Carlson readies to give a speech during the Mathias Corvinus Collegium Feszt on August 7, 2021, in Esztergom, Hungary. The multiday political event, organized by the private foundation MCC, aims to promote patriotism among the next generation of Hungarian leaders. People pass by a promo of Fox News host Tucker Carlson on the News Corporation building in New York, March 13, 2019. Tucker Carlson speaks onstage during Politicon 2018 at Los Angeles Convention Center on Oct. 21, 2018. James Carville (left) and Tucker Carlson attend Politicon 2018. Steve Doocy (from left), Mary J. Blige, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Tucker Carlson appear on "Fox & Friends" on Nov. 20, 2015, in New York City. "Fox & Friends" co-hosts Steve Doocy (from left) as Captain America, Kimberly Guilfoyle as Wonder Woman, Tucker Carlson as the Incredible Hulk and Maria Molina as Batgirl attend a Halloween celebration at Fox Plaza on Oct. 31, 2014, in New York. A truck with a digital sign saying "Tucker Carlson KNEW" drives past the Leonard Williams Justice Center, where Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis postponed the start of the defamation trial against Fox News on April 17, 2023, in Wilmington. Dominion sought $1.6 billion in damages after the network claimed Dominion was tied to late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, had paid kickbacks to politicians, and that its voting machines were "rigged" to switch votes from Trump to Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Tucker Carlson (left) and Christopher Buckley attend The Creative Coalition and The Atlantic Media Company reception on April 29, 2006, in Washington. Tucker Carlson was a contestant on "Dancing With the Stars" in 2006. He was eliminated from the competition in the first week. On the heels of Donald Trump's indictment in New York on criminal charges, MoveOn erected a pair of billboards on the highway approaching Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Florida residence, on April 3, 2023. One quotes Tucker Carlson's private text message about Trump: "I hate (Trump) passionately." Producer Lawrence O'Donnell, moderator Tucker Carlson and Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee take part in an Art$, Education and the 21st Century Economy panel discussion at Carolines on Aug. 31, 2004 in New York. Democratic presidential candidate the Rev. Al Sharpton (from left), CNN "Crossfire" host Tucker Carlson and "Crossfire" senior executive producer Sam Feist attend a CNN pre-party for the White House Radio and TV Correspondents Association annual dinner on June 4, 2003, in Washington. Carl Bernstein (left) and Tucker Carlson at The Creative Coalition's "Freedom of the Press During Wartime" panel discussion at Chadwick Restaurant in Beverly Hills, California, on June 20, 2002. Longtime media host Tucker Carlson and his career in photos 1 of 27 Tucker Carlson, who speaks during AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center on Dec. 18, 2025.

Iran war fallout: Support for Israel hits new low in US, new poll shows

When Kuenssberg pointed to past presidents who "said no to Benjamin Netanyahu" Tucker agreed and said: "They did and I wish our president had, but he didn't."

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"The Israeli government, this is documented and I saw it personally, steered the United States into a war that hurts the United States and the world," Carlson added.

USA TODAY has reached out to the White House for a response.

The comments come days after Trump called Carlson and other MAGA-aligned critics of the war "low IQ," irrelevant and publicity hungry in an April 9 social media post.

"Nobodys talking about them, and their views are the opposite of MAGA  Or I wouldnt have won the Presidential Election in a LANDSLIDE," Trump wrote, adding, "MAGA agrees with me." He said of Carlson in the post that "he was a broken man when he got fired from Fox, and hes never been the same."

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The Iran war has prompted strong pushback from some prominent Trump-aligned media figures, with the president's dramatic threats against the country intensifying the debate on the right.

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.

Carlson called Trump's expletive-laden Easter Sunday threat against Iranian civilian infrastructure "a war crime" and "a moral crime" in the April 6 episode of "The Tucker Carlson Show." Former GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene called for Trump to be removed from office after the president threatened that "a whole civilization will die tonight" in an April 7 social media post.

Conservative critics have said that the war goes against the anti-interventionist "America First" promises that brought Trump back to the White House. Some argued that Trump ran for president as a critic of past Middle East conflicts, and his non-interventionist approach became central to the MAGA movement. Podcaster Joe Rogan, who endorsed Trump, said the Iran war has people feeling betrayed by a president who ran on no more wars.

Polls show the Iran war is broadly unpopular; however, most Republicans approve of how Trump is handling the conflict. A CNN survey released April 1 found that while just 33% of Americans approve of how Trump is handling Iran, 73% of Republicans approve.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tucker Carlson calls Donald Trump 'slave' to Israel amid Iran war
The 35-member list of those charged also includes Defense Minister Katz and National Security Minister Ben-Gvir, with Netanyahu, Katz, and Ben-Gvir responding to the indictment on Saturday.

Turkey indicted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, as well as 35 other Israeli officials, for the naval interception of the October 2025 Sumud Gaza flotilla, seeking up to 4,596 years in prison as punishment, Turkish media reported.

Istanbuls chief prosecutor accused those indicted of having been involved in a military operation against civilians in international waters, seeking a minimum sentence of 1,102 years.

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The list of those charged also includes Defense Minister Israel Katz and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Turkish Justice Minister Akn Gurlek referred to the indictment as a reflection of the country's commitment to international law.

Turkey previously issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in November 2025, as well as for other senior Israeli officials.

Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila sit in a vessel making their way to Israel, after Israel intercepted some of the vessels of the Global Sumud Flotilla, in this handout image released on October 2, 2025. (credit: ISRAEL FOREIGN MINSTRY/ Handout via REUTERS)

The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail in late August, comprising dozens of vessels and hundreds of activists from multiple countries.

Israel detained over 400 of the flotilla's participants, including anti-Israel and climate activist Greta Thunberg, before deporting them shortly after.

Israeli officials respond to indictment

Netanyahu, Katz, and Ben-Gvir all responded to the indictment on Saturday in separate posts on X/Twitter, with Ben-Gvir posting, "Erdogan, do you understand English? F*ck you."

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Netanyahu responded by accusing Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of having "massacred his own Kurdish citizens."

"Israel under my leadership will continue to fight Irans terror regime and its proxies," said Netanyahu.

Katz accused Erdogan of being a "paper tiger" for "failing to respond to the missiles fired from Iran onto Turkish soil," referring to the indictment as a "grand absurdity."

"Israel will continue to defend itself with strength and resolveand it would be better for Erdogan to sit quietly and stay silent," concluded Katz.

Later on Saturday, Turkey's Foreign Ministry responded to the posts by accusing Netanyahu of being "the Hitler of our time" in an X/Twitter post.

"The fact that our President has been targeted by Israeli officials with baseless, brazen, and false allegations is a result of the discomfort caused by the truths we have consistently voiced on every platform," read the post, adding that Turkey "will continue to stand by innocent civilians and will further its efforts to ensure that Netanyahu is held accountable for the crimes he has committed."
Before the sun came up on a Sunday morning in Marietta, Georgia, two men had what they probably considered a pretty solid plan. Hit a premium dealership, bring the right equipment, walk away with something worth serious money. Clean, quiet, and fast. The kind of operation that sounds a lot better in theory than it turns out to be in practice.

Sean Hambrick and Jayden Dorsey made their way to Platinum Cars, a dealership that is not exactly stocking base-model sedans. We are talking Camaros, Dodge Challengers, Hellcats, and other vehicles that carry the kind of price tags that make theft feel worth the risk to the wrong kind of person. The two suspects came prepared with advanced scanning tools and devices specifically designed to get around modern vehicle security systems. This was not a smash-and-grab situation. It was supposed to be surgical.

What followed was one of the more embarrassing heist attempts in recent Georgia history, and that is saying something. Despite the planning, the gear, and what appeared to be a reasonably well-timed window of opportunity, not a single car left that lot. Not one. The suspects went from potential criminals to actual defendants without ever getting an engine to turn over.

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The whole operation collapsed in slow motion, caught on camera, and ended with both men in handcuffs after a failed fence climb while officers were already on scene. If there is a lesson buried somewhere in this story, it involves the fact that modern performance cars are considerably smarter than the people who try to steal them.

They Had the Tools. The Cars Did Not Care.

According to investigators, Hambrick and Dorsey did not show up empty-handed. They brought equipment designed to bypass the electronic security systems that protect high-end vehicles, the kind of gear that suggests at least some level of planning and research went into this. Keyless entry systems and ignition bypass tools have been a real concern for automakers over the past several years, with relay attacks and signal amplifiers being used in theft rings across the country.

The problem here was that the cars themselves were not cooperating. The first target, an approximately $80,000 Chevrolet Camaro, simply would not start. The suspects moved to a Dodge Challenger hoping for better luck. Same result. At that point, the operation shifted from calculated to chaotic, with the suspects ripping into the Challenger's dashboard in a desperate attempt to force a manual start. That kind of visible frustration is not a good sign when security cameras are actively recording your every move.

Modern Muscle Cars Have Layers of Protection That Are Hard to Beat

Image Credit: JDzacovsky / Shutterstock.com.

There is a reason manufacturers like Dodge and Chevrolet have invested heavily in layered security systems. Relay attacks and OBD port exploits made headlines for years as thieves figured out ways to clone key fob signals and trick older systems. Automakers responded by adding encryption, immobilizers, and multi-step verification that makes bypassing one layer useless without getting through all of them.

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Hellcats and high-performance Camaros in particular have been targets often enough that security has become a genuine selling point. The SRT lineup from Dodge includes engine immobilizers tied to encrypted key fobs, and some versions have featured additional dealer-installed tracking and disabling options. Getting into the car is one thing. Getting it moving is a completely separate challenge that requires clearing multiple layers simultaneously, which is exactly where this attempt fell apart.

The Dealership Gates Were Locked the Whole Time

Here is a detail that makes the entire episode even harder to defend as a plan: the dealership's gates were locked. That means even if the suspects had somehow managed to get one of those cars running, driving it off the lot was not going to be a straightforward exit. There was no obvious escape route. The endgame of this operation was never fully thought through, and that gap between "steal the car" and "actually get away with it" is where a lot of these attempts go sideways.

Security footage reportedly showed the two men walking around the lot casually, taking their time, and eventually settling on their targets. That confidence is a little ironic in hindsight. They moved like people who expected things to go their way. The cameras were running. Police were eventually called. And when officers arrived, the suspects tried to scale a fence to get away and were caught before making it over.

Both Suspects Now Face Serious Charges Beyond Just the Attempted Theft

What started as an attempted vehicle theft has turned into a considerably more serious legal situation. Authorities say the charges against Hambrick and Dorsey include possession of tools intended for committing a crime, as well as firearm-related offenses. The combination of those charges means this goes well beyond a failed joyride attempt.

High-end dealerships have increasingly become targets for organized theft operations, and law enforcement in metro Atlanta and surrounding areas has been watching these patterns closely. Platinum Cars, with its inventory of premium muscle cars, was always going to be an attractive target on paper. What the suspects apparently did not account for was how well the vehicles themselves, the dealership's camera system, and the surrounding infrastructure would work together to stop them cold. Every car they touched stayed exactly where it was. Every move they made was recorded. And when the moment came to run, there was nowhere to go.
Several northern Wisconsin counties are under flooding warnings this week as storms move through Wisconsin on Sunday, April 12.

The National Weather Service issued the warnings throughout the morning Sunday for Ashland, Iron, Waupaca, Outagamie, Shawano, Winnebago, Marathon, Dickinson, Oconto and Florence counties. Some of the warnings are in effect through Thursday, April 16 while others will be in place "until further notice," according to the NWS.

The weather service said rain on top of lingering snow will increase how quickly that snow melts and the resulting runoff will raise water levels in some of the affected areas.

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Flooding is expected along various points in the Tyler Forks, Wisconsin, Menomonie, Oconto, and Wolf rivers.

Motorists should not attempt to drive around barricades or through flooded areas.

More: Stay up to date on Wisconsin's winter weather with USA TODAY Network text message updates

See weather radar for Wisconsin

What to do during a flood warning

If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.

Use a battery-operated radio or television to get the latest emergency information.

Do not walk through floodwater. Just six inches of floodwater can sweep you off your feet if it is moving swiftly.

Turn around, don't drown; do not drive into a flooded street. Cars can be swept away by two feet of moving water or there may be unseen damage to the road. If you come to a flooded area turn around and go another way. Most flood-related deaths are caused by people driving through water.

Watch out for fire hazards.

Move to higher ground.

Stay alert, turn weather notifications on.

Do not allow children to play in flowing water. Waters can hide rocks, trees and debris.

This weather report was generated automatically using information from the National Weather Service and a story written and reviewed by an editor.

See the latest weather alerts and forecasts here

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: NWS issues flood warning for several northern Wisconsin counties
Ukraine and Russia on Sunday accused each other of thousands of violations of a ceasefire declared for the Orthodox Easter weekend.

The Ukrainian General Staff recorded 2,299 violations by Russian forces, including 479 instances of shelling and around 1,800 attacks with small drones. But it added that there had been no strikes using missiles, glide bombs or Shahed drones.

The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed there had been a break in the fighting for 18 hours, but also said that a Russian drone attack requiring an air force response had been recorded in the Sumy region along the Russian border in the north-east of the country on Sunday morning.

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In Moscow, the Russian Defence Ministry accused Ukraine of mounting targeted attacks. A total of 1,971 violations of the ceasefire by units of the Ukrainian armed forces had been recorded over a 16-hour period from Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning, it said.

It accused Ukrainian forces of attacking Russian positions around Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region but said that all the attacks had been warded off.

Attempts by Ukrainian forces to advance in the Sumy region had also been repulsed, the ministry said.

The ministry insisted that all Russian units had adhered to the ceasefire ordered by President Vladimir Putin. Putin instructed that the ceasefire should last until midnight (2100 GMT on Sunday).

The two sides have accused each other of violations during previous ceasefires. This year, Orthodox Easter falls a week after Catholics and Protestants celebrate Easter.
A truce between Russia and Ukraine to mark the Orthodox Easter formally expired Monday, both sides having accused each other of thousands of violations, despite a lull in Russian air raids.

The truce lasted 32 hours, from 4:00 pm (1300 GMT) on Saturday until the end of the day on Sunday.

Both sides had agreed to observe the ceasefire, which Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered on Thursday and which Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky proposed more than a week earlier.

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But as with a similar agreement last year, only relative calm reigned along the 1,200-kilometre (745-mile) front line.

As of 10:00 pm (1900 GMT) on Sunday, "7,696 violations by the enemy have been recorded", the Ukrainian army said on Facebook.

Russia had adhered to the ceasefire to some extent, while continuing "combat operations in certain sectors, including the use of FPV drones and kamikaze drones", it added.

Russia's defence ministry accused Kyiv of nearly 2,000 breaches of the truce.

"A total of 1,971 ceasefire violations by units of the Ukrainian armed forces were recorded between 4:00 pm Moscow time on April 12 and 8:00 am on April 12," the ministry said on the state-pushed MAX messenger service.

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Kyiv had fired 258 times using artillery or tanks, carried out 1,329 FPV drone strikes, and dropped "various types of munitions" on 375 occasions, notably via drones, Russia said.

Moscow also accused the Ukrainian military of launching "three nighttime attacks" against Russian positions and also "four attempts to advance" along the front line, adding that it had thwarted each one.

Zelensky had called for a longer ceasefire in his evening address Saturday, saying Ukraine had put the proposal to Russia.

But in comments aired Sunday, the Kremlin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected any extension unless the Ukrainian leader accepted Russia's "well-known" terms.

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"Until Zelensky musters the courage to assume this responsibility, the special military operation will continue after the truce expires," Peskov added, referring to the war in Ukraine.

- 'Holiday joy' -

In a sign that the truce had some effect, the Ukrainian army said it had recorded no long-range Shahed drone attacks, guided aerial bombings or missile strikes.

Ukraine has had to deal with barrages of hundreds of Russian drones on a near-nightly basis, prompting retaliation from Kyiv.

In northeastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region, Lieutenant Colonel Vasyl Kobziak told AFP on Sunday morning that things were "rather calm" in his sector.

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While the 32-year-old officer said the truce had not been "fully" observed, the lull had allowed his soldiers of the 33rd Mechanised Brigade to attend an Easter Sunday mass outside in the freezing forest chill.

"Our comrades have the chance, as you can see, to have their Easter baskets blessed and to feel the warmth and joy of this holiday," he told AFP, referring to the religious tradition of priests blessing food and eggs.

In Russia's Kursk region, which borders Ukraine, Governor Alexander Khinshtein also accused Kyiv of breaking the ceasefire by attacking a gas station in the town of Lgov with a drone, injuring three people, including a baby.

Residents in Ukraine's southern city of Zaporizhzhia were sceptical about Russia's intentions.

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"I think they're using this as a cover to reconvene," said 28-year-old manager Vladyslav.

"If we're going to declare a ceasefire, it shouldn't be for just one day," said 58-year-old economist Maryna.

- Frontline freeze -

Recent months have seen several rounds of US-brokered negotiations fail to bring the warring parties closer to an agreement to stop the fighting, triggered by Russia's February 2022 invasion.

The process has stalled further since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East, with Washington's attention having shifted towards Iran.

But even before the Iran war, progress towards a peace deal in Ukraine had been slow, due to differences over the issue of territory.

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Ukraine has proposed freezing the conflict along the current front lines.

But Russia has rejected this, saying it wants the whole of the Donetsk region despite it being partly controlled by Ukraine -- a demand Kyiv says is unacceptable.

The war has cost hundreds of thousands of lives and forced millions to flee their homes, making it Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II.

Russia, whose battlefield advances have slowed since last year, has paid a high price in manpower for relatively small territorial gains.

Moscow occupies just over 19 percent of Ukraine, most of which was seized during the first weeks of the conflict.

burs-cad/jj
If you thought that the US Air Force had enough planes to ensure it didn't have to venture into the used airliner market, then think again. It turns out that the USAF is buying Boeing 747s from German airline Lufthansa. However, this isn't the Air Force "spreading its wings" and opening up a transatlantic air route; the reason for the purchase is to help the USAF make the long-delayed transition to a new presidential aircraft.

The replacement aircraft are officially the VC-25B, but for all intents and purposes, these are modified Boeing 747-8 aircraft, and are now expected to enter service by mid-2028. The current plane filling the role is the Boeing VC-25A. These have been in the role since 1990, and are based on the much older Boeing 747-200 platform.

Therein lies the problem. The newer jet introduces different systems, more advanced avionics, upgraded engines, and differing maintenance requirements. What this means is that it's unrealistic to turn up at Edwards Air Force Base with an entirely new aircraft, present it to the crew and maintenance teams, and say, "Sign here and she's all yours."

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All these teams need to be trained beforehand, and this is tricky given that all this training needs to be done on an aircraft that isn't operational. Looking further ahead, there's also the matter of spare parts to consider. This is where Lufthansa and its fleet of 747-8s comes in. Let's have a closer look at why the USAF is buying a pair of commercial jumbo jets from Germany's flag-carrying airline.

Read more: 13 Countries That Make Their Own Fighter Jets

Why these aircraft actually matter

Air Force One VC-25A landing at Nellis Air Force Base - U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Daniel Hughes/Released

There was once a time when the Boeing 747 was a mainstay of commercial long-haul aviation. However, those glory days are long gone. The last 747 rolled off the production line in December 2022, and, as of 2025, there were only 39 active passenger 747s still in service. For the USAF, this is more than a history lesson  it's something of a headache.

Essentially, the Air Force's spanking new presidential jet is a model that's no longer in production, and passenger operators across the globe are dropping like hot cakes. This is ultimately why the USAF decided to splash out $400 million on two passenger 747-8s from Lufthansa. As an interesting side note, the original 747-8 airframes purchased for the VC-25Bs were originally intended for a Russian airline but were never delivered.

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According to a USAF announcement, the purchase of the two aircraft is essential to maintain the future capability of the aircraft. As reported in Air & Space Forces Magazine, the USAF has been explicit about the reason for the purchase  stating, "Given the 747-8i is no longer in active production, and is a very different aircraft than the 747-200, it is important for the Air Force to establish an overall training and sustainment strategy for the future."

It's an unusual situation, that even as Boeing continues to work on the sixth-generation F-47 fighter jet, the Air Force is buying up old planes to make sure a project that has yet to be delivered has a future.

Want the latest in tech and auto trends? Subscribe to our free newsletter for the latest headlines, expert guides, and how-to tips, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google.

Read the original article on SlashGear.
By Bo Erickson, Saad Sayeed and Asif Shahzad

MIAMI/ISLAMABAD, April 12 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Sunday the U.S. Navy would start blockading the Strait of Hormuz, raising the stakes after marathon talks with Iran failed to reach a deal to end the war https://www.reuters.com/world/iran/, jeopardizing a fragile two-week ceasefire.

The U.S. Central Command said U.S. forces would begin implementing the blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports at 10 a.m. ET (1400 GMT) on Monday.

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It would be "enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman," a CENTCOM statement on X said.

U.S. forces would not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports, and additional information would be provided to commercial mariners through a formal notice prior to the start of the blockade, it said.

Trump said in a post on social media the U.S. would take action against every vessel in international waters that had paid a toll to Iran, and begin destroying mines that he said the Iranians had dropped in the Strait, a choke point for about 20% of global energy supplies that Iran has blocked.

"No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas," Trump wrote, adding: "Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!"

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Iran's Revolutionary Guards responded to Trump by warning that military vessels approaching the Strait will be considered a ceasefire breach and dealt with harshly and decisively, underlining the risk of a dangerous escalation.

Iran's Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, who led his country's delegation to the talks along with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, said Trump's new threats would have no effect on Iran.

"If you fight, we will fight, and if you come forward with logic, we will deal with logic," he said in comments carried by state media.

The weekend talks in Islamabad, which followed the announcement of a ceasefire on Tuesday, were the first direct U.S.-Iranian meeting in more than a decade and the highest-level discussions since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

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IRAN BEMOANS 'MAXIMALISM, SHIFTING GOALPOSTS, AND BLOCKADE'

Araqchi said Iran had engaged in good faith but had "encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade" when just inches away from an "Islamabad MoU."

"Zero lessons earned," he added. "Good will begets good will. Enmity begets enmity."

Speaking after the talks, Vice President JD Vance, who headed the U.S. delegation, said: "The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think that's bad news for Iran much more than it's bad news for the United States of America."

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Six weeks of fighting has killed thousands nL1N3ZZ07R, roiled the global economy nL1N40C0PY and sent oil prices soaring as Iran prevented traffic through the Strait. Oil prices jumped above $100 per barrel early on Monday.

Trump said on Sunday the price of oil and gasoline may remain high https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/trump-says-us-start-blockading-strait-hormuz-2026-04-12/ through November's midterm elections, a rare acknowledgement of the potential political fallout from the war.

A few hours after Trump's comments, Qalibaf took to social media to post a map of Washington-area gasoline prices and the comment: "Enjoy the current pump figures. With the so-called 'blockade', Soon you'll be nostalgic for $4$5 gas."

The dollar jumped against other major currencies on Sunday L6N40V06C, as investors sought the relative safety of the currency after the talks failed to yield a deal, plunging markets into a seventh week of uncertainty.

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MORE NEGOTIATIONS?

In an interview with Fox News after his post about the Strait, Trump nevertheless said he believed Iran would continue to negotiate and called the discussions "very friendly."

"I do believe they're going to come to the table on this, because nobody can be so stupid as to say, We want nuclear weapons, and they have no cards," Trump told Fox News from his golf course near Miami, Florida.

Trump also said NATO allies he has criticized for failing to back the war he launched along with Israel on February 28 wanted to help with the operation in the Strait.

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There was no immediate comment from Washington's allies.

A U.S. official said Iran had rejected Washington's call for an end to all uranium enrichment, the dismantling of all major enrichment facilities and the transfer of highly enriched uranium.

The two sides also failed to reach agreement on the U.S. demand that Iran cease funding for Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis as well as fully open the Strait, the official added.

Qalibaf blamed the U.S. for not winning Tehran's trust, despite his team offering "forward-looking initiatives." Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, who discussed the talks in a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, said Tehran wanted "a balanced and fair agreement."

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"If the United States returns to the framework of international law, reaching an agreement is not far off," he told Putin, Iranian state media reported.

Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency said "excessive" U.S. demands had hindered reaching a deal. Other Iranian media said there was agreement on a number of issues, but the Strait and Iran's nuclear program were the main sticking points.

Despite the stalemate, three supertankers fully laden with oil passed through nL1N40U04R the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, shipping data showed. They appeared to be the first vessels to exit the Gulf since the ceasefire deal.

(Reporting by Reuters bureaus worldwide, Writing by Idrees Ali, Lisa Shumaker, Raju Gopalakrishnan, Matthias Williams, Keith Weir, Joseph Ax and David Brunnstrom; Editing by Sergio Non, Deepa Babington and Chris Reese)
ISLAMABAD (AP)  The United States and Iran ended a historic round of face-to-face talks early Sunday without reaching an agreement and the fate of the fragile, two-week ceasefire still unclear.

Vice President JD Vance, who led the U.S. delegation during the 21 hours of talks in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, said negotiations finished without a deal after the Iranians refused to accept American terms to refrain from developing a nuclear weapon.

There was no immediate comment from the Iranian delegation, but Pakistani mediators called on both countries to maintain the ceasefire.

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It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to ceasefire, Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said, adding that his country will try to facilitate a new dialogue between Iran and the U.S. in the coming days.

The discussions in Islamabad began Saturday, a few days after a fragile ceasefire was announced as the war that has killed thousands of people and shaken global markets entered its seventh week.

Vance said he remained in constant communication with U.S. President Donald Trump and others in the administration during the negotiations.

But the simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon, Vance told reporters. That is the core goal of the president of the United States. And thats what weve tried to achieve through these negotiations.

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The vice president said he spoke with Trump a half dozen times, a dozen times, over the past 21 hours and also spoke with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Adm. Brad Cooper, head of the United States Central Command.

We were constantly in communication with the team because we were negotiating in good faith, Vance said, speaking at a podium in front of a pair of American flags with special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to his side. And we leave here, and we leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. Well see if the Iranians accept it.

Two Pakistani officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the press, said a third round of discussions between the delegation heads had finished and the talks would resume after a break.

Then the U.S. vice president addressed the press, announced there was no agreement and went to the airport to leave Pakistan.

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Trump had said he would suspend attacks against Iran for two weeks. Vances comments did not indicate what will happen after that time period expires or if the ceasefire will remain in place.

US says its destroyers moved through the Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military said two destroyers transited the Iran-gripped Strait of Hormuz ahead of mine-clearing work, a first since the war began. Irans state media, however, said the joint military command denied that.

Were sweeping the strait. Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me, Trump told journalists as talks continued and the time approached 2 a.m. in Islamabad. He called negotiations very deep. Iranian state TV noted what it called serious differences.

The U.S. delegation led by Vance and the Iranian one led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf discussed with Pakistan how to advance the ceasefire already threatened by deep disagreements and Israel's continued attacks against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, whose health ministry said the death toll has surpassed 2,000.

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Since the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, the most direct U.S. contact had been in 2013 when President Barack Obama called newly elected President Hassan Rouhani to discuss Irans nuclear program. Obama's secretary of state, John Kerry, and counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif later met during negotiations toward the 2015 Iran nuclear deal  a process that lasted well over a year.

Now the far broader talks featured Vance, a reluctant defender of the war who has little diplomatic experience and warned Iran not to try and play us, and Qalibaf, a former commander with Iran's powerful Revolutionary Guard who has issued some of Iran's most fiery statements since fighting began.

Iran sets red lines including compensation for strikes

Irans state-run news agency said the three-party talks began after Iranian preconditions, including a reduction in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, were met.

Iran's delegation told state television it had presented red lines in meetings with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, including compensation for damage caused by U.S.-Israeli strikes that launched the war on Feb. 28 and releasing Irans frozen assets.

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The war has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,020 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and caused lasting damage to infrastructure in half a dozen Middle Eastern countries. Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz has largely cut off the Persian Gulf and its oil and gas exports from the global economy, sending energy prices soaring.

US sending forces to help mine-clearing on the strait

Irans closure of the Strait of Hormuz has proved its biggest strategic advantage in the war. Around a fifth of the worlds traded oil had typically passed through on over 100 ships a day. Only 12 have been recorded transiting since the ceasefire.

On Saturday, Trump said on social media that the U.S. had begun clearing out the strait.

Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon, U.S. Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper later said. The U.S. statement about the destroyers added: "Additional U.S. forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearance effort in the coming days.

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had said Tehran was entering negotiations with deep distrust after strikes on Iran during previous talks. Araghchi, part of Irans delegation in Pakistan, said Saturday that his country was prepared to retaliate if attacked again.

Irans 10-point proposal ahead of the talks called for a guaranteed end to the war and sought control over the Strait of Hormuz. It included ending fighting against Irans regional allies," explicitly calling for a halt to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah.

The United States 15-point proposal includes restricting Irans nuclear program and reopening the strait.

Israel and Lebanon will have direct negotiations

Israel pressed ahead with strikes in Lebanon after saying there is no ceasefire there. Iran and Pakistan have disagreed.

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Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin Tuesday in Washington, Lebanese President Joseph Aouns office has said, after Israel's surprise announcement authorizing talks despite the countries lack of official relations.

But as thousands in Lebanon protested the planned negotiations on Saturday, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he had postponed a planned trip to Washington in light of the current internal circumstances. His absence should not affect talks as the first round is expected to be at the ambassadorial level.

Israel wants Lebanon's government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much like was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. But the militant group has survived efforts to curb its strength for decades.

Hezbollah joined the war in support of Iran in the opening days. Israel followed with airstrikes and a ground invasion.

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The day the Iran ceasefire deal was announced, Israel pounded Beirut with airstrikes, killing more than 300 people in the deadliest day in Lebanon since the war began, according to the country's Health Ministry.

___

Castillo reported from Beijing, and Finley and Binkley from Washington. Josh Boak in Washington, Samy Magdy in Cairo, Cara Anna in Lowville, New York, and Christopher Weber in Los Angeles contributed.
WASHINGTON, April 10 (Reuters) - U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said on Friday that the United States is trying to maintain a stable relationship with China, but if Beijing gets involved with Iran in a way that is counter to U.S. interests, that would complicate matters.

"The underlying goals of our economies are so different. But there's a way where we can have some economic stability. If China is going to be involved in Iran in a way that's harmful to U.S. interests, then that obviously complicates it, and that's China's responsibility to eliminate that," Greer said in an interview on CNBC.

Greer also said he expects President Donald Trump to have a good meeting next month with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The trip comes just a year after Washington rolled out sweeping and at times erratic global tariffs.

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"I think the thing to remember with China is, although we're trying very hard to have stability with China, particularly in trade and economics, not every challenge with them is resolved," Greer said.

(Reporting by Katharine Jackson and Doina Chiacu)
The highest concentrations of forever chemicals in the Big Sioux River are in Sioux Falls and just south of Watertown, according to a report from South Dakota Mines.

The study, conducted by East Dakota Water Development District and researchers at the school, tested water for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at 13 sites from northeast South Dakota to the Iowa border between September 2024 and the end of 2025.

The chemicals have been used in industry and consumer products  from nonstick cooking pans to firefighting foam  since the 1940s and dont break down easily in the environment or in the human body. PFAS exposure may be linked to negative developmental and reproductive effects, and an increased risk of some cancers, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

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The federal government finalized limits on some types of PFAS in drinking water in 2024, with some changes announced in 2025 that will see EPA reconsider limits on some classes of PFAS but retain others. The 2025 changes also extended compliance deadlines and offered more options for exemptions for water systems in municipalities experiencing economic hardship and those that lack of alternative water sources. The limits will be implemented in phases, starting in 2027.

The maximum contaminant limits dont apply to surface water, East Dakota director Jay Gilbertson told South Dakota Searchlight previously, but managers of public drinking water systems located near the river should be aware of them. Under the right conditions, Big Sioux River water can infiltrate wells near the river.

The report presented on Thursday showed 15 types of PFAS compounds in the Big Sioux River, some in concentrations higher than the EPA drinking water limits.

Eleven of the sites along the river were tested five times, in September 2024, followed by April, June, August and October 2025. Two sites were added after the initial September test and were only tested in the 2025 dates.

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High concentrations were found consistently at two Sioux Falls locations: at Falls Park and near the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. One compound was detected at higher levels than the drinking water limit near Watertown.

The highest amounts of PFAS tied to firefighting foams in the report were detected near the airport, with samples showing concentrations of up to 25 times the drinking water limit.

The second-highest concentration of the compounds was found at Falls Park, also over the drinking water limits, but not by as much. A still-lower concentration was detected once at a site south of Watertown, putting that sites sample over the drinking water limits in the September 2024 test.

PFAS was previously detected in wells near the Sioux Falls Regional Airport and its co-located Air National Guard base, where the chemicals were used in firefighting foam. Sioux Falls suspended the use of 21 wells suspected of PFAS contamination after those earlier detections. Since then, all raw water samples collected by the city, which can include water from the Big Sioux River, have been tested for PFAS compounds.

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A forever chemical has been detected in drinking water wells near Ellsworth Air Force Base at Box Elder, at National Guard facilities near Custer and in Rapid City, and in three private wells in South Dakota. A federal test of drinking water sources identified forever chemicals at Mount Rushmore in 2024.

Dont drink the water at Mount Rushmore, Gilbertson said. Or make sure you see it come out of a bottle that was sealed.

Lisa Kunza, South Dakota Mines professor and lead researcher, said her team is developing a water filtration system for PFAS, which was designed for use at Ellsworth Airforce Base. Her team could test the system on the Big Sioux River, she said.

Gilbertson said the water development district plans to add PFAS sampling to its 2026 collection routine. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is conducting its own study of PFAS in South Dakota surface waters, which is expected to conclude this year.
McDowell County, West Virginia, had nearly 100,000 residents in 1950. Today it has fewer than 17,000.

That number  16,878, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus newly released Vintage 2025 population estimates  represents a loss of more than 82% of the countys mid-century population. And the decline is not slowing. McDowell lost 2,245 people between the 2020 census and July 2025, a five-year rate of 11.7%. At that pace, the county will fall below 15,000 residents before 2030.

McDowell County is the most extreme case in the region, but it is not an outlier. It is the leading edge of a pattern that now defines all 16 of West Virginias Central Appalachian coalfield counties. For the first time in the five years since the 2020 census, the new data shows that every single one of those 16 counties is losing population  driven simultaneously by more deaths than births and more people leaving than arriving. No other state in the four-state Central Appalachian region has that distinction. In Kentucky, net domestic migration is slightly positive across the 30-county sub-region. In Virginia and Tennessee, some counties are growing. In West Virginia, the forces of decline are running together, and they are running hard.

The numbers across all 16 counties

The table below presents the full picture for all 16 West Virginia ARC Central Appalachian counties, sorted from the worst five-year percentage loss to the least severe.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, CO-EST2025-alldata (Vintage 2025 Population Estimates), released March 2026. Nat.Chg = births minus deaths in the 2025 estimate year (July 2024July 2025). Dom.Mig = net domestic migration same period. All 16 counties show population decline. Authors computation.

The aggregate numbers for the 16-county sub-region are stark. West Virginias Central Appalachian counties lost 33,796 people between 2020 and 2025, a decline of 5%  double the rate of Kentuckys coalfield counties and steeper than Virginias seven-county sub-region. Natural decreases across all 16 counties totaled 2,931 people in the single estimate year from July 2024 to July 2025. Net domestic outmigration added another 1,289 people to that loss. Both forces are running negative simultaneously  a distinction that sets West Virginia apart from the rest of the region.

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Only three counties showed positive domestic migration in 2025: Mercer (+153), Cabell (+55), and Summers (+50). But in each case, domestic in-migration was insufficient to offset natural decrease, and all three counties still lost population for the year. There are no growing counties in West Virginias Central Appalachian sub-region. Not one.

The southern coalfield core: Where the crisis is most acute

The five southernmost counties  McDowell, Mingo, Wyoming, Logan and Boone  form the historic heart of the West Virginia coalfields and the epicenter of the current decline. Combined, they lost 9,703 people between 2020 and 2025, a decline of 8.2% from a collective 2020 base of 118,463 residents.

McDowell Countys trajectory is, by any measure, a demographic catastrophe in slow motion. The county whose coal built American steel and lit American cities for a century  a county that sent its young men underground for generations with the promise that the work would sustain their families and communities  is projected to fall below 15,000 residents before 2030 if the current rate of loss continues. Its natural decrease of 187 people in the 2025 estimate year, combined with domestic outmigration of 152, tells the two-part story: the population is aging beyond the point of natural replacement, and those young enough to leave are doing so.

Mingo County has lost 9% of its population since 2020, Wyoming and Webster counties each 7.4%, and Boone and Logan counties between 6.7 and 7.2%. Webster Countys one-year loss of 2.2%  173 people from a county of fewer than 8,000  suggests a community already at the threshold where the loss of a single institution, employer or medical facility could accelerate the spiral dramatically.

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Clay County, at 7,538 residents after a 6.4% five-year decline, is approaching similar fragility. When a county reaches this size, the closure of a hospital, a school consolidation, or the retirement of a generation of public servants can trigger feedback effects that pure demographic modeling does not easily capture.

Charleston is not insulated

One of the most significant  and underreported  findings in the new data is the scale of population loss in Kanawha County, home to Charleston and the Cabin Creek Coalfield. Kanawha is the most populous county in West Virginias Central Appalachian sub-region, with an estimated 172,381 residents in 2025. But it lost 8,352 people over the five-year period, a decline of 4.6%, and shed more than 1,000 residents in the single year from 2024 to 2025 alone.

Kanawhas natural decrease of 751 people in the 2025 estimate year  deaths exceeding births by that margin in a county with 172,000 residents  reflects the same aging dynamic that is running through the smaller counties, only at larger absolute scale. Domestic outmigration added another 273 to the one-year loss. For a state whose government, hospital systems, and institutions are concentrated in Charleston, a capital city and county trending persistently downward is a structural problem that extends well beyond the coalfields.

Cabell County, home to Huntington and Marshall University, lost 3,162 people over five years despite a slight net domestic in-migration of 55 in 2025. Its natural decrease of 320  the largest in the sub-region in absolute terms  reflects Huntingtons long-running struggle with opioid mortality and an aging population. Raleigh County, anchored by Beckley, has lost 2,815 people over five years.

The Tennessee contrast: What connectivity looks like

The starkest comparison available in the 60-county Central Appalachian dataset is between West Virginias 16 declining counties and Tennessees seven former coal counties, every one of which gained population between 2020 and 2025.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, CO-EST2025-alldata (Vintage 2025). Tennessees ARC-designated coal counties all gained population 20202025. Most growth is driven by domestic in-migration. Even counties with natural decrease are growing through in-migration. Authors computation.

Tennessees former coal counties gained a combined 8,169 people over five years, a 4.2% increase  while West Virginias 16 counties lost 33,796, or 5%. The combined swing between the two sub-regions is nearly 42,000 people over five years. That is not a rounding error. It is a structural divergence driven by fundamentally different economic geographies.

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The difference is not coal. Tennessee ceased meaningful coal production in 2021, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and its former coal counties have had to find other economic anchors. What they found was proximity. Hawkins County, up 5%, sits near the Tri-Cities metro area. Morgan County, up 5.3%, benefits from the Oak Ridge corridor. Claiborne County, up 3.7%, draws from both Knoxville and Morristown. Johnson County, up 4.3%, lies at the edge of the Boone, North Carolina metro influence zone.

Even in the Tennessee counties showing natural decrease  most of them do, just like their West Virginia and Kentucky counterparts  domestic in-migration is large enough to produce net population growth. The distinction is not that Tennessee counties have younger or healthier populations. It is that people from other parts of the country are choosing to move there, and the presence of interstate highways, metropolitan employment centers, and community colleges within commuting range makes that choice rational.

West Virginias southern coalfields have none of those proximate advantages. The nearest significant metro centers  Charleston, Huntington, Roanoke  are themselves declining. The interstate highway network that made Tennessees diversification possible runs largely north-south through the state, not east-west through the coalfields. The lesson Tennessee offers is real but it is also difficult: the time to build the connective infrastructure was before the mines closed, not after. I have suggested that a modern Appalachian Homestead Act or a dramatic expansion of West Virginias Ascend West Virginia Remote Worker Program deeper into the coalfields would be good solutions.

A growing exception within the region

Against the uniform backdrop of West Virginias coalfield losses, one broader Appalachian demographic trend offers a different kind of data point. Across Appalachia as a whole  a region larger than the 60-county coalfield sub-region  the Hispanic community is the fastest-growing demographic group, now estimated at 5 to 6% of the total regional population, up from negligible numbers in the 1980s. The growth has been concentrated in Southern Appalachia and driven by employment in food processing, construction, and light manufacturing.

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In West Virginias coalfield counties, international migration numbers remain very small  the state has among the lowest rates of immigrant population in Appalachia. But the broader regional pattern is a reminder that demographic decline in rural America is not universal, and that understanding what draws new residents  from other states or other countries  to communities that are otherwise losing population is a question worth serious attention from economic development practitioners.

The regional context: West Virginia as the canary

Within the 60-county Central Appalachian region, West Virginias position is not just the worst in the current data. It is an indicator of where other states in the region are likely to be in a decade or two if the demographic forces now at work in the southern coalfields continue to compound.

Kentuckys deep coal counties  Breathitt, Leslie, Harlan, Letcher  are declining at five-year rates of 7 to 9%, rates that would match McDowell Countys current pace within a generation.

Kentuckys net domestic migration is still slightly positive across its 30 counties, a sign that some inflow is still occurring. But natural decrease is already dominant: 29 of 30 Kentucky coalfield counties recorded more deaths than births in the 2025 estimate year. West Virginias pattern  natural decrease compounded by domestic outmigration, running together across every county with no exceptions  is where Kentuckys deep coal counties appear to be heading.

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Virginias seven coalfield counties, losing 4% over five years, sit between Kentucky and West Virginia in severity. Buchanan Countys 9.1% five-year loss  from a 2020 population of 20,343 to an estimated 18,492  begins to approach the pace of West Virginias worst performers. The University of Virginias Weldon Cooper Center projects Buchanan will lose an additional 48 percent of its current population by 2050.

Across all 60 counties in the four-state region, the combined five-year loss is approximately 49,000 people, a decline of 2.9% from the 2020 census baseline. At that pace, the region reaches the 15 to 20% population loss that state university demographers projected for 2050 by roughly 2040. The models are not being outrun. They are being confirmed. And West Virginia is showing the rest of the region what confirmation looks like at full development.

What the numbers demand

West Virginia Universitys Bureau of Business and Economic Research projected that McDowell County would lose roughly a third of its people by 2040. The Vintage 2025 data shows the county is already more than two-thirds of the way to that threshold, and the remaining distance will be covered in the next few years if the current rate holds. The WVU researchers were not wrong. They may have been optimistic.

The Appalachian Regional Commission was created in 1965 in part because of what was already happening in the West Virginia coalfields  the poverty, the outmigration, the collapse of communities built entirely around a single extractive industry. Sixty years later, the commissions Central Appalachian sub-region is losing nearly 10,000 people a year, the federal programs that sustain what remains are under budget pressure in Washington, and the economic diversification that might have changed the trajectory was never achieved at the scale the region needed.

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John Whisman, the ARCs first states co-chair, famously said that the only way to help Appalachia was to bribe the governors  to make federal investment compelling enough that states would have to match it. West Virginias numbers suggest the bribery never reached the right scale. The question now is whether there is still time and political will to act at the scale the data demands  or whether McDowell Countys trajectory will simply become the template for the rest of the region, one county at a time.

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It is no secret that the hyperscalers (e.g., Google Cloud, Amazon AWS, etc.) and the frontier AI labs (e.g., OpenAI, Anthropic, DeepMind) are devoting extraordinary attention, time, and capital to the AI buildout. The big four (Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta) have earmarked over $600 billion to this in 2026 alone. This trend has been the central theme in the equity market for the last three years or so. During this time, Nvidia became the most valuable public company by selling the leading AI hardware, and private AI company valuations have grown dramatically. As the novelty of chatbots fades, the market focus is shifting toward the physical AI buildout (e.g., data centers, power grid, etc.) and the dissemination of autonomous systems (agentic AIs) capable of independent reasoning and multi-step execution.

One cannot get through the day without hearing about AI. What does this all really mean for a practicing surgeon and for our job security? The fearmongers have been saying radiology will be eaten by AI for years, and yet they are doing more work than ever. And what was that about Elon Musk saying medical school is pointless and do not bother going into it?

To answer these questions, I first need to give two definitions and outline one concept. Achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI) has been the primary goal of this technology arms race. AGI has a few definitions, but to oversimplify, an AGI model would be one that meets or exceeds human capability across all cognitive domains and can learn new skills better than a human despite no specific training on those domains. As a non-health care example, many readers will be familiar with Teslas Full Self-Driving (FSD), which is not AGI. It is capital-A-capital-I, AI in the sense that it is a computational construct pre-trained to perform a human task as well or better than a human, so it is a highly sophisticated artificial narrow intelligence (ANI), but it is not AGI. This is because when your Tesla parks in the driveway, it will not follow you into your house and cook your dinner or be your dental hygienist. It will not learn how to perform additional non-driving tasks without more training. That is because the goal of Tesla FSD was designed and fully focused to perform well only on a narrow task: driving.

If an AGI model emerges, then this model would (after being distilled and uploaded into a humanoid robot, more on that later) be able to get into your 1999 Ford Bronco and drive it better than Tesla FSD, and without the extra video cameras and the rest of the FSD hardware. So, despite the decade-plus head start that Tesla FSD has, an AGI would leapfrog Tesla FSD overnight. It will also be a better long-haul trucker, programmer, chef, biostatistician, and paralegal. An AGI would outperform humans at essentially all other cognitive tasks and white-collar professions without any specific pre-training in those things. But what about modern surgery? Does it not logically follow that an AGI would outperform a human surgeon at the cognitive tasks necessary for surgery? What about actual surgery?

The strategic divide in AI development

Here is the catch: There is a schism emerging among leading AI researchers and at the frontier labs. Some believe that there is no clear line of sight on a true AGI (more on this also below). This is being discussed quietly at these labs, because these same labs are on the receiving end of this massive CapEx spend that has been committed to the AGI buildout. Instead, some labs are pivoting, or at least hedging, with ANI solutions. Limited (narrow) agentic AI models have recently been released with approaches to replace programmers, do paralegal work and legal research, guide project management, replace client relationship managers, and replace many other horizontally integrated software solutions.

If you are in charge of AI strategy at Anthropic, OpenAI, or Google, then right now you have two choices:

Start monetizing what you already have and release sophisticated ANIs to win a few technically narrow but wide-TAM frontiers.

Keep doubling down as long as capital is available on being the first to true AGI, allowing you to jump ahead of everyone else on all frontiers when you achieve that.

In the first scenario, you do not end up with AGI anytime soon, but the massive investment into the space will yield many ANI agents, where each agent will be narrowly trained and therefore specialize in a narrow area, but will become as good as humans at that narrow task. These agents will then be linked together and communicate so that, as a group, the ANI cluster will eventually resemble something that looks like an AGI but is not true AGI. The second school of thought is that with a few additional programming breakthroughs and scaling, that we will develop a true AGI (more below, as promised), and spending time and capital on developing ANIs is a waste because they will be obsolete as soon as the first AGI emerges.

The multi-agent ANI surgical future

If we follow the first (no near-term AGI, but many ANIs emerge) scenario through, we may have, for example, one ANI that is superior to a vascular surgeon at reading CT scans for aneurysms and will be able to automatically provide all centerline measurements and angles, and be able to immediately tell which companys devices are on-IFU (i.e., have an FDA-approved treatment) and which are not on-IFU (i.e., no FDA-approved treatment). If no on-IFU options are available, it will tell us what non-IFU options are available, if any.

This ANI will be better at case planning than any human or group of humans. Another ANI may be able to perform a chart review directly and determine which additional preoperative workup or optimization is provided, with better outcomes than any anesthesiologist or cardiologist. A third ANI agent that is sitting on Cooks, Gores, or Medtronics servers, would complete the planning and ordering for the case. They would communicate with the patient and hospital scheduling team (which would have already been replaced by another ANI) directly to find an OR time. These ANIs might then liaise with a fourth ANI that is on the Philips C-arm machine with access to the hybrid room to register the patient, fuse the cone beam CT scan, and confirm patient positioning. Eventually, this will then communicate with an ANI-enabled robot that obtains vascular access and has actuators that can control and navigate wires and catheters as well as control the fluoroscopy machine, deploy the closure devices, and hold pressure at the end of the case.

This sounds like science fiction, but there is a high probability that we will have a complete solution for preoperative planning and preoperative cognitive tasks associated with aortic surgery to perform vascular surgery second opinions available in the next two years. Our scribes are already disappearing, and the human schedulers will quickly follow suit. Even if no additional progress is made in AI architecture or scaling, the economic incentives are too strong to ignore. For outside-the-OR surgical tasks, the tsunami is not over the proverbial horizon, it is in plain view and we are standing on the beach, and the water is starting to go out.

The robotic components and ANI interconnectedness are further out and have technical and (probably major) regulatory hurdles to overcome, but all the pieces of this currently exist or will exist soon. They just need to be hooked together. Time to buildout to scale and other regulatory friction means this will not be a complete reality for at least five years, probably more like 10 years, but this is also coming.

The AGI singularity in health care

The second school of thought (AGI will eat everything) leads to the conclusion that the business strategy of developing these multi-connected ANIs described above is a complete waste of time, money, and effort because we will see a true AGI in the next 12 to 24 months. If this occurs, it will be a singular event, and the full ramifications of this are hard to imagine. This technology would leapfrog the admittedly optimistic timeline above. An AGI loaded into currently available humanoid robots would outperform all humans at all cognitive tasks (including surgery, especially robotic and endovascular procedures).

An AGI-enabled humanoid robot (with currently available hardware, no additional engineering is necessary) would meet a patient in the emergency room. It would then, for example, diagnose a posterior knee dislocation with a tibial fracture and no pedal pulses. It would recognize this scenario, then act to relocate the knee and perform a vascular exam. After finding still no pedal pulses, it would transport the patient to the CT scanner, then to the OR after finding a popliteal arterial occlusion. It would then shunt the popliteal artery, plate the tibial fracture, confirm stable relocation, and then perform a bypass. Not only are they not limited by human biology such as the need to eat and sleep, but they would also not be limited by modern surgical specialty boundaries. They would perform all the tasks of the trauma surgeon, orthopedic surgeon, and vascular surgeon. It would also not recognize boundaries between what we think of as classically nursing tasks, medical tasks, or surgical tasks.

It may be that every patient at the hospital has an AGI assigned to its case when the patient shows up, and that the AGI performs all tasks for the patient regardless of specialty or profession: from peripheral IV, to bedside echo, to sternotomy, to rehab referrals, to billing. These AGIs would communicate with one another, and (assuming society has not completely unraveled in the process of these advances) this would lead invariably to the greatest improvement in modern medicine as these AGIs rapidly advance in knowledge together.

An AGI-enabled robotic surgeon would not be limited by the quality of the ICU, because they would be the ICU provider. They would not be limited by triage time at the CT scanner, because they would perform the triage. There would be no delay for admission orders or labs, because they would place the orders, draw and interpret the labs, and complete the documentation. Nothing would be out of stock or unsterile, as they manage the stock room and sterile core.

The technical hurdles to AGI

In addition to the broader social and political issues, there are a few computational and technical reasons why one should be bearish on this AGI-enabled surgical future. I have come to believe that there are at least two technical jumps needed to realize AGI as outlined above. The first is related to the mathematics underlying modern AI architectures. Historically, the learning (i.e., updating of model weights) was done with a technique called gradient descent with back propagation. This is a fancy way of saying that for each layer in the network and each neuron in that layer, during training, we look at the slope (the gradient) of the error in the model at that point, compute the slope of the error there, and then move in the direction down to less error (we descend the gradient, hence the name gradient descent).

The first well-known problem with this is that the gradient is local: meaning you can travel downhill until you find a local minimum, but it is not guaranteed to be a global minimum (i.e., it found the best nearby solution, but there may be better solutions out of view). In practical terms, an analogy might be that if you are performing a transfemoral endovascular SMA stenting procedure, an algorithm that uses transfemoral endovascular as a starting point may help you minimize error by suggesting you change to a stiffer wire or choose a larger stent, and thereby optimize the local solution, but gradient descent alone is not going to get you to stop, swing the arm out, and switch to brachial access when you start to struggle. Nor is it going to suggest that you convert to open; we would need some other AI architecture to get to that.

There are other well-known reasons to believe that gradient descent with back propagation will not work out for AGI that are beyond the technical scope of this article, but it is sufficient to say here that this I am not the first to suggest this problem, and lots of people are working on many different optimization strategies. There are many smart people who believe we have the core architectures necessary to realize AGI, but that we do not have the computational scale yet. They think if we just build larger models with more data and run these models for longer, that we will get there (also beyond the scope of this article, but they may be right, time will tell). Others believe that the scaling laws do not pencil out, and AGI based on current architectures will not get us there. This thinking goes back to the emerging schism about what is the best AI strategy moving forward.

The economic reality of the AI transition

All of this sounds hyperbolic at first glance. But just a month ago the leading narrative in public equity markets was: Is there an AI bubble? Are we overspending on the AI build out? Can these AI stock prices keep going up? But look at what has happened since then and think about what we can learn from it: An anti-bubble has emerged in software. Anthropic (Claude) released two ANI models, one aimed at replacing paralegal and legal research work and one to help with coding. These have been widely telegraphed for two years and should have been priced in (we knew this was coming!) but upon release, software companies sold off and there has been a sudden realization that AI is about to eat software.

This has led to a complete re-rating of publicly available SaaS companies, as investors question future cash flow estimates. The $IGV is down about 30 percent, and P/E and P/S ratios are at multi-year lows. This represents a major sea change for public and private investors. From the early 2010s to 2026 investors favored asset-light high-margin software businesses, and they were willing to pay high multiples to own them. Now they realize the next ANI model might kill their niche SaaS product. This is especially true if the product is not horizontally integrated. Companies are rethinking their moats, pricing, and labor needs. Layoffs have started as a result.

Simultaneously, private equity and private credit firms are realizing that they have an issue. They have been investing heavily in private SaaS companies, often with leverage. Now a sector-wide re-pricing is occurring in probably their most important space, and they are illiquid. Major publicly traded PE firms (e.g., KKR, Blue Owl, Blackstone, etc.) have experienced 20 to 60 percent sell-offs. Blue Owl froze redemptions last month. They were able to sell off some assets at par value (indicating that at least the underwriting was solid) as investors re-evaluate their risks. Nevertheless, it appears that private PE firms will be saddled with these losses as SaaS valuations decline. For now, at least, all of this is isolated to these specific sectors, and there has been no contagion.

Somewhat related, Citrini Research released a well-framed report on the broader impacts of AI to society, the public markets, and the financial sector last week. They highlighted the SaaS sell-off and pointed out previously under-appreciated but obvious threats to financial technologies companies. As a result, Visa and Mastercard sold off 4 to 7 percent. The point I am trying to make here with a few cherry-picked recent examples: No one will be immune to AI, and this is not all priced in. Of course, none of this matters to you, a surgeon, if you do not own Blue Owl or Visa stock in your IRA, right? Well, I would argue that if sophisticated financial operators are re-considering their future cash flows on financial services companies (the area they should be the most expert in) in response to AI, should we not consider our futures as well? How insulated from AI are we?

Is surgery a HALO career?

Josh Brown from CNBC and The Compound podcast coined the term HALO stocks last month to designate stocks during this sea change that he believes should be relatively immune to re-rating due to threats from AI. HALO stands for heavy assets, low obsolescence. He argues that companies that make an actual product or service, are asset-heavy, and are not easily undercut by AI, should be more insulated from this new macro-AI trend (think: Coca Cola, Waste Management, ExxonMobil). Indeed, these stocks are outperforming since his call during this recent re-rating.

Some careers will be HALO careers, some will not. Being an elk hunting guide will be a HALO career. An AGI would be smarter, stronger, and a more efficient elk hunter than any human. And though I, myself, am not an elk hunter, I suspect humans will always prefer a human guide to lead their elk hunt, instead of an AGI-enabled robot. Computer programming, on the other hand, is clearly not a HALO career. AI can already perform better than any human at most programming tasks. The leading narrative has been that computer programmers will either focus on the harder programming concepts and let the AI agent do the menial programming tasks, or the programmer will re-train and instead lead the AI agents that are writing the actual code. Neither of these will work long term, as AI is already replacing all human tasks in coding.

Surgery should be a HALO career, should it not? We are highly trained, expensive labor. We take all the medicolegal risk and there is significant regulatory burden to replacing us, right? At a high level, in the non-AGI scenario with ANIs slowly doing more and more, they may slowly replace certain parts of the job, like they are currently doing for computer programmers. Our jobs will morph and, during this evolution, hopefully we will spend less time doing the tedious non-surgical and less important tasks such as scheduling and documentation. But one of two things will eventually happen, either AGI will be realized in which case we would be one of the first professions targeted, or there will be a tipping point in the multiple-interconnected-ANI scenario where we become supervisors of AI agents, then shortly thereafter become obsolete.

Some may disagree with the first premise above: Why would surgeons be first targeted? Because if the hospital can have one AGI-enabled robot replace the 24/7 on-call trauma surgeon, it can conservatively effectively replace $1 million to $2 million of labor costs per robot, which may have currently required three to four human surgeons. Remember, AGIs do not take vacation, they do not take maternity leave, and they do not need to eat, sleep, or drive to the hospital. They also do not need to call in the vascular surgeon, the orthopedic surgeons, or the neurosurgeon. They can do their own anesthesia and manage their own complications. The ROI on a single robot replacing a single surgeon is massive. Compare that ROI to that of a nurse. The ROI of a nurse is far lower due to the salary discrepancy and the staffing ratios. So, counterintuitively, when the first AGI-enabled robots are ready for deployment, they will first replace the surgeons and anesthesiologists before the nurses and the CRNAs.

Preparing for the AI transition in surgery

What can you do to insulate yourself? Well, in the ANI-enabled future, proceduralists will be more protected than non-proceduralists as the regulatory hurdles will be harder to overcome here. Certain procedures will also be more insulated from ANI development than others. Procedures that are common, that are already connected to imaging or AI-enabled guidance, and are lower risk will be the first to phase out. Eventually, an emergency room provider will order a robotic cholecystectomy or a diagnostic angiogram, and an ANI cluster will perform it. An open Whipple procedure will be more insulated (this is a HALO procedure). Training data for an open Whipple would be harder to come by, the infrastructure needed to care for a Whipple patient is expensive, and the economic incentives (low TAM) make this higher hanging fruit.

So, if you can, focus on mastering procedures, especially rare, open, and more complex operations. These will be the last cases done by humans. Emergent cases (gunshot wound to the abdomen with hypotension) done without pre-operative CT imaging may also be well-insulated. Next, become an expert in AI. Download Claude to your desktop and spend a half day building an agent. Hedge your career AI risk by expanding your investment horizon to HALO stocks and AI-insulated companies, or those companies and sectors best poised to benefit from AI.

I do not mean to be too pessimistic on the AI-enabled future in surgery. Though the medium term is hard to predict, in the short term the future is bright. AI will make us more efficient, safer, and hopefully improve patient-reported outcomes as it slowly comes online. In the long term, however, the outcome is also clear: The last generation of human surgeons is being trained now.

David Stonko is a vascular surgery fellow.
In casting his ballot for President Donald Trump, Alabama resident Gray Holland said a big factor was his belief that Trump would avoid another war in the Middle East.

He really ran on the concept of no wars, Holland said.

Now the United States is at war with Iran and Holland, a 25-year-old Republican from Birmingham who works in sales for a flooring manufacturer said hes not happy with the presidents decision.

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.

Id rather not be involved in another foreign war with Iran or whoever else it may be in the Middle East at the time, Holland said. I just think we need to stay out of it and worry about ourselves.

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Polls show most Americans disapprove of the Iran war, and while older Republicans have largely stood behind Trump, younger ones are much more likely than their elders to oppose it.

A Pew Research Center survey released in March found that less than half  49%  of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents age 18 to 29 approve of Trumps handling of Iran.

Overall, 69% of Republicans and those who lean Republican approve of how Trump is handling the Iran war, with support increasing by age, according to the Pew survey. Among Republicans and Republican leaners 65 and older, 84% approve of Trump's record on Iran, while 79% approve in the 50 to 64 age group and 60% among those 30 to 49.

Among all Americans, the poll found that just 37% support Trump's approach to Iran.

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Facing deep skepticism about the war at home, Trump has pushed to end the conflict, announcing a ceasefire April 7 and negotiations in Pakistan to find a permanent settlement. The ceasefire appears to be on shaky ground, though, as both sides accuse the other of not abiding by the agreement. The prospect of more fighting remains, an outcome that could further divide Republicans heading into the November midterm election.

'Diminished' opinion of Trump

Trump made gains with young voters in his successful 2024 campaign, winning 39% of voters under 30 compared with 35% in 2020.

But now some of his younger supporters are growing disillusioned by his decision to launch a war that they think violates his campaign promises. "I'm not going to start a war. I'm going to stop wars," Trump said on election night in 2024.

Trump campaigned as a staunch critic of previous U.S. wars in the Middle East and lately has been accused of betrayal by some who subscribed to his anti-interventionist, America First pledges.

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Prominent Trump supporters such as podcaster Joe Rogan, whose large audience includes many younger men, have been critical of the Iran war.

It just seems so insane based on what he ran on, said Rogan, who endorsed Trump in 2024. I mean, this is why a lot of people feel betrayed, right?

Holland said Trumps campaign rhetoric about Middle East conflicts was at the forefront of one of my decisions to vote for him.

I just thought we should stay out of anything over there at the time, and I thought he would do it, and he hasnt, Holland said. So its definitely diminished my opinion of him.

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Some young Republicans told USA TODAY they're concerned about the cost-of-living and would rather see Trump focus on economic issues than Iran. Holland pointed to the cost of housing.

Theres so many other problems at home we need to focus on other than Iran, Holland said.

'I have huge issues with it'

Nevada Republican Morgan Kern said her top concern is providing for her family.

We most definitely need to protect the American people ... but sending young men and women over to fight a war is not top in my list of priorities, said Kern, who works in insurance.

Kern, 46, voted for Trump. She has personal reasons to be concerned about the war.

High gas prices are displayed at a Chevron gas station near the Pacific Ocean on April 8, 2026 in El Segundo, California.

I have huge issues with it just because I have two children in the military, I would rather them not have to go to war, she said.

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Kern is not sure if the war was justified, she doesnt feel like she has enough information. But she questioned the threat Iran posed.

Im most definitely not for it until I feel that we are really threatened, she said, adding, I dont feel that were super-threatened as of yet.

Most Republicans support Trump on Iran

Even as many younger Republicans and some prominent MAGA voices fret about Iran, the GOP base is still largely behind Trump on the war.

The demographic divide within the GOP on Iran is mirrored in the larger population. Just 19% of all U.S. adults age 18 to 34 say they approve of how Trump is handling Iran, compared with 41% of adults 45 and older, according to a CNN/SSRS survey. A survey by The Economist/YouGov found that only 13% of adults age 18 to 29 support the war.

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Dartmouth professor Jeff Friedman noted that younger voters grew up with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, conflicts that the public became disenchanted with.

I think that really cast a pall over public attitudes towards military force, said Friedman, who studies the politics around foreign policy.

Older voters saw the United States win the Cold War and decisively win the 1991 Gulf War, Friedman added. Older Republicans also came of age at a time when the GOP was more committed to a robust military presence abroad, he said.

Republican Vernon Sommers, 62, said so far the positive outweighs the negative for him when it comes to Iran.

Republican Vernon Sommers, 62, of Sarasota, Florida said of the war in Iran: "It seems like it had to be done." Older Republicans are more likely to approve of Trump's handling of the Iran conflict than younger party members, according to a recent Pew survey.

From my perspective it seems like it had to be done because they weren't relenting on their desire to make a nuclear weapon, added Sommers, a retired former masonry company owner in Sarasota, Florida, who voted for Trump.

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Minnesota Republican Jessica Stawarski, 43, voted for Trump three times and continues to support him. She trusts the administration on the Iran war, although she has concerns about a protracted conflict.

I know he ran on no forever wars and no stupid wars, so I feel like there must be a good reason for it, said Stawarski, a Waite Park resident who works for a salvage yard.

If it goes longer ... then Ill be a little more hesitant to support it but as of right now I do support the administration, she added.

Sommers acknowledged that if the war drags on it could hurt the GOP, pointing to soaring gas prices.

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"It doesn't matter if it's the Democrats or the Republicans in office, if you have things going wrong with the economy that seems to be one of the biggest drivers of people going to the polls and wanting change," he said.

Any erosion in Trumps GOP support could add to the partys already considerable challenges heading into the midterm election. Democrats won a series of electoral victories in 2025 and 2026 that have raised questions about whether a blue wave is building.

We live in this country where the electoral margins are razor thin.  If this is the kind of thing that swings public opinion for the Republican Party by half a percentage point, that can be decisive, Friedman said.

Holland said the Iran conflict is on his mind ahead of the election.

It definitely makes me less excited to vote, he said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Republicans are divided by age in support for Trump's Iran war
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Ukrainians for withstanding the full-scale Russian invasion now well into its fifth year in an Easter message delivered in Kiev's St Sophia Cathedral on Sunday.

Ukraine had survived its worst winter of the war and was continuing to defend itself, Zelensky, who was accompanied by his wife Olena, said.

"We place our trust not only in heavenly powers, but also in our security and defence forces," the president said. Ukraine looked to the accuracy of its weapons, he said, appealing for unity in a war Russia started in February 2022.

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In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in supporting what he terms the "special military operation" in Ukraine in his Easter Sunday address in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.

Speaking with a candle in his hand as he celebrated the service on Saturday evening, Putin said he had ordered a ceasefire in the war for the weekend, so that Orthodox Christians in both countries could celebrate Easter.

On Sunday, both sides accused each other of thousands of violations of the ceasefire.

In Kiev, the Ukrainian General Staff recorded 2,299 violations by Russian forces, including 479 instances of shelling and around 1,800 attacks with small drones. But it added that there had been no strikes using missiles, glide bombs or Shahed drones.

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The Ukrainian Air Force confirmed there had been a break in the fighting for 18 hours, but also said that a Russian drone attack requiring an air force response had been recorded in the Sumy region along the Russian border in the north-east of the country on Sunday morning.

In the Kharkiv region in eastern Ukraine, authorities reported two people injured in a grocery store after a Russian drone attack during the ceasefire.

In Moscow, the Russian Defence Ministry accused Ukraine of mounting targeted attacks. A total of 1,971 violations of the ceasefire by units of the Ukrainian armed forces had been recorded over a 16-hour period from Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning, it said.

It accused Ukrainian forces of attacking Russian positions around Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region but said that all the attacks had been warded off.

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Attempts by Ukrainian forces to advance in the Sumy region had also been repulsed, the ministry said.

The ministry insisted that all Russian units had adhered to the ceasefire ordered by President Vladimir Putin. Putin instructed that the ceasefire should last until midnight (2100 GMT on Sunday).

The two sides have accused each other of violations during previous ceasefires. This year, Orthodox Easter falls a week after Catholics and Protestants celebrate Easter.
President Volodymyr Zelensky praised Ukrainians for withstanding the full-scale Russian invasion, now well into its fifth year, in an Easter message delivered in Kiev's St Sophia Cathedral on Sunday.

Ukraine had survived its worst winter of the war and continued to defend itself, Zelensky said, appearing alongside his wife Olena. He also renewed a proposal to turn a temporary truce over Orthodox Easter into a lasting ceasefire.

"We place our trust not only in heavenly powers, but also in our security and defence forces," he said, calling for unity against Russias invasion, which began in February 2022.

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In Moscow, President Vladimir Putin praised the role of the Russian Orthodox Church in supporting what he calls the special military operation in Ukraine. On Thursday, he had declared the 32-hour ceasefire over the Easter weekend to allow Orthodox Christians to celebrate.

Despite the pause, both sides accused each other of thousands of violations.

Ukraines General Staff reported 2,299 breaches, including 479 cases of shelling and around 1,800 drone attacks, though it said there were no strikes with missiles, glide bombs or Shahed drones, resulting in fewer casualties and destruction than usual.

Russias Defence Ministry said it recorded 1,971 Ukrainian violations over a 16-hour period, while also noting there had been no attacks on its oil infrastructure, which is key to its war economy.

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The Ukrainian Air Force said there had been an 18-hour lull in fighting, but reported a Russian drone attack in the Sumy region on Sunday morning. Authorities in the Kharkiv region said two people were injured in a grocery store during a drone strike.

No full ceasefire took hold, but shortly before the holiday both sides exchanged prisoners, each handing over 175 military personnel and seven civilians, and signalled further swaps could follow.

The situation along the front remained tense, with both sides expressing distrust of the truce and warning they would respond to any attacks.

Russia has said fighting will resume after the ceasefire expires unless Ukraine agrees to its conditions for peace, which Kiev has rejected.

Orthodox Easter falls a week after the celebrations observed by Catholics and Protestants this year.
President Trump announced Sunday that the United States will blockade the Strait of Hormuz after nearly 20 hours of peace talks in Islamabad collapsed over Iran's refusal to give up its nuclear ambitions.

Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz," Trump wrote in a pair of posts on Truth Social.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical oil chokepoints  roughly 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass through the narrow waterway off Iran's southern coast each day. The war has already sent energy prices surging globally and threatened fuel supplies across Europe, Asia and beyond. European airports warned last week that a "systemic jet fuel shortage" could hit within three weeks if the strait remained closed.

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Trump said the talks  which he described as lasting close to 20 hours  reached agreement on most points but broke down on the single issue he said mattered most: Iran's nuclear program.

"There is only one thing that matters  IRAN IS UNWILLING TO GIVE UP ITS NUCLEAR AMBITIONS!" Trump wrote. "As I have always said, right from the beginning, and many years ago, IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!"

Iran's chief negotiator, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, offered his own account of the collapse on X, saying the Iranian delegation entered talks in "good faith" but that the U.S. "failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations." He stopped short of closing the door entirely. "America has understood our logic and principles," Qalibaf wrote, "and now it's time for it to decide whether it can earn our trust or not."

Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes, not weapons development. Iran was a signatory to the 2015 nuclear deal, which placed limits on its enrichment activities in exchange for sanctions relief, before the U.S. withdrew from the agreement under President Trump's first term.

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Trump warned that any Iranian who fires at U.S. forces or peaceful vessels "will be BLOWN TO HELL," and said the U.S. military will begin destroying mines Iran laid in the strait. He also instructed the Navy to "seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran."

In a Sunday morning interview on Fox News, Trump escalated his rhetoric further. "I could take out Iran in one day," he said. "In one hour, I could have their entire energy, everything, every one of their electric generating plants." He added: "We've wiped out their whole country. The only thing left is their water, which would be very devastating to hit."

Trump: "I could take out Iran in one day. In one hour, I could have their entire energy, everything, every one of their electric generating plants, which is a big deal. I hate to do it because if I do it, it takes you 10 years to rebuild. They'll never be able to. And the other pic.twitter.com/NsKbSfB6oS  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 12, 2026

The move drew immediate skepticism from Democratic lawmakers. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, questioned the logic of the threat. "I don't understand how blockading the strait is somehow going to push the Iranians into opening it," he said on CNN's State of the Union. Warner added that U.S. intelligence shows Iran's current leaders are "even more radical" than their predecessors who were killed during the war.

On Truth Social, Trump said he had been debriefed by Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner on the Islamabad talks, which were facilitated by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.

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We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon, Vance said after the talks.

Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz ticked up slightly over the weekend  but that may not last. Twelve ships crossed the waterway on Saturday, the highest single-day total since the ceasefire was announced, according to ship-tracking firm Kpler, the New York Times first reported.
I am sharing my experience of what I believe to be retaliation and the non-renewal of my contract at a major academic medical center in New York following my refusal to engage with inappropriate advances. As an international medical graduate who immigrated to the U.S. from Brazil at the age of three, I have devoted my life to medicine and patient care. Throughout my career, I have worked across multiple hospitals and health care systems in New York, both in full-time and locum and per-diem roles. My colleagues and supervisors have frequently recognized my strong work ethic, dedication to patients, and clinical commitment.

In 2020, I began working at a prominent academic hospital. After a change in leadership in 2022, my contract was ultimately not renewed. The decision occurred without any prior performance review, formal meeting, documented concerns, or warning. When I asked for the reason, I was simply told that we were not a match. The absence of any documented performance issues was particularly troubling. Many nurses and staff members expressed surprise and support following the decision, noting my dedication to patient care and professional conduct. I have retained emails and messages reflecting this support.

Based on the circumstances surrounding the situation, I believe the non-renewal was retaliatory and connected to my refusal to engage with inappropriate advances. I also believe harmful stereotypes about Brazilian women may have influenced how I was perceived and treated. I have filed formal complaints with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the relevant state agency. These complaints are currently under review.

I initially retained legal counsel who submitted a demand letter; however, I later continued the filing process independently due to financial constraints. Despite these challenges, I felt it was important to pursue the matter and ensure that my concerns are formally documented. This experience has been deeply painful and professionally disruptive. The loss of employment also resulted in the loss of expected compensation and benefits associated with the position. Nevertheless, I believe it is important to speak openly about these issues so that others facing similar circumstances know they are not alone.

My intention in sharing my story is to raise awareness about workplace retaliation and the barriers many professionals face when reporting misconduct. I hope that increased visibility can help protect others and encourage accountability. I am willing to discuss my experience further in appropriate forums, including media, advocacy discussions, or professional conversations. I am also continuing my professional work and have two upcoming publications related to health and well-being. I remain committed to advocating for fairness, professional integrity, and safe workplaces for all health care professionals.

Daniela Rizzo is a board-certified psychiatrist, integrative medicine specialist, and longevity physician affiliated with Mount Sinai and Good Samaritan / Bon Secour Westchester Medical Center. Born in Brazil and trained at Universidade Sao Francisco, she completed her psychiatry residency at Mount Sinai and holds dual board certifications through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Academy of Procedural Medicine. She is currently completing a fellowship in longevity medicine.

Dr. Rizzo is the founder of a concierge private practice in Manhattan offering psychiatry, hormone optimization, IV nutrient therapy, and aesthetic medicine, a model she built after navigating the high volume, under-resourced realities of academic medicine. She is also a vocal advocate for international medical graduates and physicians who have faced workplace discrimination.

She is the author of The Thriving Practice and the forthcoming The Longevity Kitchen. Her writing and speaking focus on medicine, resilience, and physician entrepreneurship, including her KevinMD essay on workplace retaliation. She shares more at her website and on LinkedIn.
KevinMD recently published a paper describing the horrible impacts of health care lobbying in the U.S. This article assesses how effective the lobbyists have been in misdirecting four key legislators on health care-related committees of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate.

As we will shortly discover, these highly influential lawmakers have parts of their story right. They also have parts desperately wrong, in ways that are destroying American medicine and the lives of people in pain. Major course corrections are needed.

The following text is quoted from an artificial intelligence (AI) search engine. Perplexity.ai returned this text with extensive curated source listings (checked by the author of this paper), in response to a question posed four times: What public statements have been made by [name and position] concerning the role of doctors prescribing to their pain patients, with respect to the so-called U.S. opioid crisis?

Senator Bill Cassidy has publicly argued that some opioid crisis policies were being misapplied in ways that harmed legitimate pain patients, and he specifically warned that physicians were misinterpreting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) opioid guidelines and cutting off or tapering stable patients inappropriately. In a 2019 letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Cassidy wrote that the 2016 CDC opioid prescribing guidelines have been misinterpreted or misapplied, creating problems for patients with chronic pain and the doctors who treat them. He said some stable pain patients were being forced tapered or abandoned and, in some cases, turned to illegal opioids afterward.

Senator Bernie Sanders has publicly criticized patterns of prescribing by doctors in the context of the U.S. opioid crisis, but he has framed them as part of a broader system failure rather than blaming individual clinicians. His main emphasis has been on how pharmaceutical marketing, regulatory weaknesses, and limited access to non-opioid pain care have contributed to overprescribing, rather than on punitive measures against physicians. Sanders has repeatedly stressed that many clinicians were encouraged to prescribe opioids heavily because drug companies misrepresented the addiction risk and aggressively marketed these drugs as safe and non-addictive. He has argued that doctors became over prescribers partly because alternatives like physical therapy, long-term mental health care, and non-opioid pain management options were under-covered or unavailable, especially in poor and rural communities. In speeches and legislation such as the Opioid Crisis Accountability Act, Sanders targets drug company executives and marketing practices, not individual prescribers, proposing criminal and financial penalties for companies that mislead doctors and patients about addiction risk. He has also supported expanding community health center funding, addiction treatment programs, and prescription drug monitoring programs, which aim to guide safer prescribing while improving access to treatment for those already addicted.

Representative Ron Wyden has publicly framed doctors prescribing practices as central to the U.S. opioid crisis, but he has emphasized guidance, system-level changes, and support for clinicians rather than simple blame. His statements usually stress that safer prescribing must be backed by better information, fewer industry conflicts, and stronger safeguards in the health care system. Wyden has explicitly supported the CDCs opioid prescribing guidelines, calling them a turning point toward smarter pain management and stressing that doctors and families need up-to-date, non-biased guidance on how to prevent misuse and overdose. He has argued that how these drugs are prescribed in the first place is one of the main levers for halting the epidemic, while insisting that pharmaceutical company influence not distort the evidence. In a 2016 letter and public statements, Wyden highlighted reports that pain research and advisory panels with ties to opioid manufacturers tried to weaken or dilute the CDCs draft prescribing guidance. He warned that such conflicts could indirectly shape how doctors understand risk and dosing, and he urged the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to require full disclosure of conflicts of interest so that clinicians receive untainted guidance.

Senator Mike Crapo has publicly acknowledged that doctors prescribing practices helped drive the U.S. opioid crisis, but he has generally framed the issue around systemic incentives, oversight, and access to treatment reforms rather than singling out individual clinicians. His statements consistently emphasize that federal, state, and local policies must align to support safer prescribing while expanding alternatives and treatment. In hearings and public remarks, Crapo has noted that legislated federal programs have helped reduce the use and supply of prescription opioids, implicitly endorsing tighter prescribing norms for clinicians. He has pointed to the fact that as prescription opioids became harder to obtain, deaths have shifted toward illicit drugs like fentanyl, underscoring that earlier prescribing patterns were a major contributor to the epidemic.

What legislators got mostly right

All four of these legislators are correct in observing that many doctors have overreacted to U.S. CDC and Veterans Administration (VA) guidelines on prescription of opioid analgesics, by force tapering their patients to dose levels too low to be effective. Though the legislators have not said so publicly, clinicians are also well aware that forced tapering and denial of effective pain care are both unnecessary and fatal for many patients.

The legislators are also correct in observing that problems in health care are system-wide, and that health care insurance and pharmaceutical companies have historically had disproportionate influence on regulatory policy. However, unmentioned in the curated answers to the question is that health care insurance and pharmaceutical companies are highly financially self-interested, and each group is lobbying and working against the other.

To a pharmaceutical company, even when their products are proven safe and effective (which almost all drugs used in pain management are), more drugs sold equals higher profits. But to a health care insurance company, chronic pain patients are loss leaders. They do not get better and their care is often very complex. These realities create highly perverse incentives in corporate advocacy for public health policy that is clearly killing patients by thousands every year.

Where legislators are desperately wrong

Even when they do not advocate punishing clinicians, all four of these key legislators blame overprescribing as a serious contributor to the U.S. opioid crisis. Doctors and many among the 50 million Americans who suffer with often-intractable pain every day are well aware that this assertion is false.

As recently presented before a session on drug user health at Americas largest-ever harms reduction conference (SYNC-2026, March 19, 2026, Arlington, Virginia), we now know several facts beyond any rational contradiction:

The 2023 U.S. CDC and VA guidelines on prescription of opioids were based on political agendas, not science. Gross errors of methodology and science were known to the authors and reviewers of these guidelines well before publication.

Drug dependence and tolerance are purely physiological outcomes caused by pain treatment, and these outcomes are not the same as addiction. There is no evidence that dependence or tolerance predisposes patients toward addiction. Likewise, recent corrections to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) have removed these factors from criteria for diagnosing moderate to severe substance use disorder.

Incidence of treatment-related substance abuse or overdose in patients managed by a clinician is on the order of one to three patients per 1,000 treated for pain. Assertions of immediate addiction as a consequence of clinical treatment are grossly and incorrectly over-hyped.

In rare cases where overdose or suicide events occur in clinical patients treated with opioid analgesics by a doctor, factors in mental health history are six to 24 times more important than prescription of opioids in estimating short-term risk of patient hospitalization, suicide attempts, or successful suicide.

Forty-five years of CDC data prove that the U.S. opioid crisis was not caused by overprescribing and is not now sustained thereby.

Despite its extensive use as a safety threshold criterion by the U.S. CDC, morphine milligram equivalent (MME) dose is a mythology, not a method.

Finally, due to major errors in protocols design, much of the existing trials literature on safety and effectiveness of thousands of drugs that are metabolized in the human liver must be burned to the ground and done over at a potential cost of tens of billions of dollars.

In November 2023, the author posed a question to doctors who diagnose addiction: Are the blind leading the blind? We now know that the answer to this question is a resounding yes for both doctors and legislators who regulate clinical practice. This outcome is a deliberate result of lobbying.

This is institutionalized madness. It is time that citizens demand from our legislators that this madness be stopped.

Richard A. Lawhern is a nationally recognized health care educator and patient advocate who has spent nearly three decades researching pain management and addiction policy. His extensive body of work, including over 300 published papers and interviews, reflects a deep critique of U.S. health care agencies and their approaches to chronic pain treatment. Now retired from formal academic and hospital affiliations, Richard continues to engage with professional and public audiences through platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and his contributions to KevinMD. His advocacy extends to online communities like Protect People in Pain, where he works to elevate the voices of patients navigating restrictive opioid policies. Among his many publications is a guideline on opioid use for chronic non-cancer pain, reflecting his commitment to evidence-based reform in pain medicine.
Washington, DC, US (PANA) - The United States has commended the Nigerian government for its strong commitment to expediting trials addressing terrorism and related crimes
On the morning of April 8, bulldozers rolled into Sahityaratna Annabhau Sathe Nagar in Mankhurd, flattening homes built over years  sometimes decades. By evening, thousands were left amid rubble, tarpaulin sheets and whatever belongings they could salvage.



For the BMC, it was a planned drive against unauthorised structures spread across 1122 acres of government land along the GhatkoparMankhurd Link Road. For residents, it was the day everything vanished.



Between 1,200 and 2,000 structures were demolished in a single operation, leaving an estimated 1,400-2,000 families homeless overnight.



By the time residents grasped the scale of the drive, it was too late.



Families scrambled to retrieve schoolbooks, utensils and Aadhaar cards  anything they could grab before walls collapsed. Many say there was no time to process notices, no clarity on relocation and nowhere to go.



That night, entire families slept in the open.



Nine-year-old Arpit Jaiwal, a Class 3 student of Shivam Vidya Mandir in Lallubhai Compound, spent the day searching for his books ahead of exams.



Mumtaz Shaikh said, They are not even allowing us to sit here. Our belongings are here. We have ration cards, Aadhaar cards, but they dont want to see them. We have nowhere to go. They say our houses were illegal.



Shamim Bano said, Just three days ago, these were our homes. Now its rubble, and we are searching for our belongings.



Upendra Sahani said, We have lived here since before 2009 and can show documents. I have four children. For two days we lived under a makeshift tent. Today, I managed to rent a small place nearby, but only for two months.



The demolition, carried out under Section 50 of the Maharashtra Land Revenue Act, may have followed procedure, but residents and activists call it a humanitarian crisis.



Right to shelter vs reality



Advocate Faiyaz Alam Shaikh, who has approached the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission, has termed the drive a violation of fundamental rights.



In his complaint, Shaikh argues the action breaches Article 21  the right to life and dignity, including shelter. He says thousands were displaced without visible arrangements for temporary shelter, sanitation, food, water or medical aid, with women, children, the elderly and the sick worst affected.



He also raises a key question: If authorities had tracked encroachments via satellite imagery since 2011, how were over 1,400 structures allowed to come up?



Gaps in the demolition story



Officials maintain the drive targeted post-2011 encroachments. Residents and activists claim older structures  some predating 2009  were also demolished.



A 2009 survey and 2010 notices had asked residents to submit documents, but the findings have not been made public.



Under existing resolutions, hutments from before 2011 may be eligible for protection or rehabilitation. If such structures were razed without verification, experts say, the action could be legally questionable.



For families now on the streets, these distinctions offer little comfort.



Bilal Khan, a social activist with the Ghar Banao, Ghar Bachao Andolan, said, Notices were issued a few months ago, after which the demolition was carried out. Since the suburban collector led the drive, provisions under the MRTP Act should have been followed. Authorities are required to verify documents before demolition. Instead, they appear to have relied on satellite imagery. To my knowledge, no proper verification was done. If it was, they should show the records.



Politics over people?



The demolition has quickly turned into a political flashpoint.



Maharashtra Guardian Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha praised the drive as action against land mafias and suggested the cleared land could be developed into projects such as an Adivasi Srushti or a science park, Shaikh said.



Critics argue such narratives risk painting all residents with the same brush. Social media posts have gone further, linking the settlement to local MLA Abu Asim Azmi and labelling it a land mafia hub.



A familiar story



Mumbai has seen this before: Encroachments grow over years  often with tacit acceptance or administrative oversight  only to be erased in a day.



The Mankhurd demolition has again exposed the fault lines between urban planning and survival. Authorities say they are reclaiming public land; residents ask why they were allowed to settle there in the first place.



Aftermath: nowhere to go



Three days on, the crisis remains unresolved.



Families continue to struggle for basic necessities. Access to water, sanitation and food is uncertain. Childrens education has stalled.



Women face heightened safety risks without secure shelter. The elderly and infirm remain the most vulnerable.



Shaikh has urged authorities to provide immediate relief  temporary shelter, food, water and medical aid  and conduct a transparent survey to determine eligibility for rehabilitation.



Between law and empathy



The Mankhurd demolition sits at the uneasy intersection of legality and empathy.



Yes, the land belonged to the government. Yes, encroachments are unlawful.



But when thousands are rendered homeless overnight, the question is not just whether the demolition was legal, but how it was carried out.



In a city powered by invisible labour  from construction workers to domestic help  Mankhurds residents are asking a simple question: If they were visible enough to be demolished, why were they never visible enough to be rehabilitated?




Police in Vithhalwadi have finally registered a case against Raju Patekar, who allegedly posed as a CBI officer and carried out multiple raids on hotels across Thane district over five years. The conman is also accused of recruiting more than 50 youths to assist in the operations.



The action came a day after Mumbai Mirror reported that police had let Patekar go after detaining him, as no case had been registered.



On Saturday, officials conducted a panchnama at multiple locations linked to Patekar, including his residence. Several fake identity cards and documents were seized.



In a twist, police recovered a photo of Patekars wife posing with an identity card allegedly identifying her as a Kerala Police officer. Complainants said Patekar introduced her as a CBI recruit and took her along on some of the raids.



A victim told police that Rani Baisane, a member of the states Child Welfare Committee, allegedly acted as a recruiter. We visited the department many times, and Rani maam questioned us like an interviewer, she said.



Responding, Baisane said, Patekar stays in the area where my office is located. He approached me with a different story, claiming he was working for a Delhi-based NGO and had a team. He also said he held a government-recognised social position. I later realised I had been misled and did not support him in any manner. I have sent a letter to Sachin Gore, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone IV, Thane, regarding these claims.



During the probe, officials also found photographs of Patekar posing with ministers and former Mahila Aayog members, which he allegedly used to build credibility and convince victims of his connections.



The scam mirrors the plot of the film Special 26. Patekar allegedly staged fake raids at hotels and businesses using a team of youngsters. Armed with a fake pistol and forged CBI ID, he conducted inspections in full public view, convincing victims they were witnessing genuine enforcement action.



He allegedly lured youths with promises of CBI jobs, collecting lakhs of rupees under the pretext of recruitment and training. Victims later said they were made to do household chores and take part in staged operations, believing it was part of undercover training.



Gore said, We have seized items allegedly used by the accused to project himself as a government / CBI officer, including a single-barrel air gun fitted with a fibre grip and six black walkie-talkies.



Police also seized fake identity materials, including eight gold-coloured Rajmudra badges, Kerala Police-style emblems bearing State Crime Record Bureau Kerala Police, and CBI-labelled symbols.



They recovered 11 ATM-sized plastic cards with embedded chips suspected to be fake IDs, six Airtel SIM cards, revenue stamps and various documents.




On April 1, a new world record was set. The hammer came down at SaffronArts Spring Auction in Mumbai and highlighted the brilliance of another Raja Ravi Varma. The painting Yashoda and Krishna fetched a whopping Rs 167.20 crore, breaking the artists previous auction record. It was the highest price ever achieved for a work of South Asian art at auction.



Indian art has followed an upward trajectory in recent years. In 2025, an MF Husain had gone for $13.7 million (over Rs 126 Cr) at Christies in New York. In September the same year, Sothebys London achieved a landmark sale for FN Souzas Houses in Hampstead, which hammered for 5.6 million (some Rs 70 Cr, at todays exchange rate). This transaction set a new benchmark for the artist and headlined a white-glove auction that signalled a massive surge in global demand for the Bombay Progressives. Earlier, in 2023, an Amrita Sher-Gil sold for Rs 61.8 Cr at another SaffronArt auction.



Dinesh Vazirani, CEO and co-founder of SaffronArt, frames whats happening as a convergence of mindset shift and economics. Indians are really looking at their culture and giving it the respect it deserves, he says. Indeed, while parts of the global art market in the US and UK have cooled following the post-pandemic peak, India has continued to register strong momentum at the top end of its auction segment, particularly in modern and post-independence masters. The question is can that value trickle down and, importantly, can it reach smaller galleries, and young artists creating in shared studios.



Crowding the pedestal



We need to differentiate between all works increasing in value versus what is actually happening, which is that very select works are increasing in value, says Mortimer Chatterjee, co-founder of Chatterjee and Lal at Kala Ghoda. He points out that the same two names, Husain and Ravi Varma, have dominated the top end for the last 25 years.



More to the point, auctions are secondary market events, Chatterjee explains. These works have already lived in private collections and belong to an established canon. Gallery exhibitions, India Art Fair, or the Kochi Biennale  those are platforms specifically for the primary market, where you will find younger artists. The cause-and-effect chain from auction prices to emerging artist visibility, he suggests, does not hold as directly as one might hope.



The varnish effect



Yet, theres a different kind of halo effect that comes out of record numbers. It puts Indian art into conversations in London and NYC galleries or top collector circles. It sparks curiosity about what else might be unfolding across Indias art landscape. On this aspect, Chatterjee agrees: One way to get Indian art visibility in the global sphere is through market pricing.



Siddharth Somaiya, Chairman of the Board of Studies at Dr Shantilal K Somaiya School of Art, speaks about a broader awakening of global curiosity about Indian culture. Everyone now wants to support places across the world which have generally been underrepresented but have a huge historical weight. The spotlight has been a long time coming, he says. In February, he collaborated with Harvard University for the India Conference, which featured emerging Indian art on the universitys platform for the first time. He also recalls the New Museum in New York, reaching out through collector Sunita Choraria to explore support for newer Indian artists. Aparajita Jain, Director, Colaba-based Nature Morte, sees it differently: The increased attention to Indian art can open doors for younger artists. But, currently, the attention tends to stay concentrated at the top unless its actively redirected.



Vazirani points to the Venice Biennale as an example of platforms making the right moves to spotlight coming-of-age artists like A Bala and Asim Waqif. That is an immense exposure for those young artists, he says. You will see over time that there will be very strong interest in their work.



Tara Lal of Chatterjee and Lal offers the example of Arshi Ahmadzai, born in 1988, whose works are shaped by her journey through India, Afghanistan and Germany  these were recently on display at his Kala Ghoda gallery. Shes an example of someone whos very much a rising star and generating a lot of discussion, she says.



Besides, Vikrant Bhise was recently named Emerging Artist of the Year at a 2026 awards event. He has drawn international attention for work rooted in Mumbais labour histories and caste realities, with major presentations at the Berlin Biennale and Sao Paulo Biennale. Also gaining recognition is Sahej Rahal, another Mumbai artist, whose speculative, myth-making practice spans installation, performance, and digital media. And then theres Amol K Patil, whose socially engaged installations and performances  seen at platforms such as documenta fifteen  draw on Mumbais working-class histories and urban memory.



An unfinished canvas



That sort of attention does edge up prices for younger artists. But as Jain notes, a lot more is required for a healthy ecosystem, beginning with sustained engagement with art. Already, she says, People are more curious, more willing to engage, and not just with established names.



Chatterjee believes some sort of state-funded mechanism that encourages artistic risk-taking would be helpful. In the UK, the Arts Council of England, for instance, distributes lottery money as grants that allow artists to make work outside commercial pressures. The absence of such a system here, he notes, hampers an artists ability to experiment and to create higher-risk works. He envisions an Arts Council of India, a neutral body disbursing grants on merit.



Somaiya also sees the need for more art schools, more museums, and more teachers and mentors within the ecosystem. But the more critical infrastructure, in his view, is still, the audience. Without art appreciation embedded in curricula, the collector base will stay narrow, and the ecosystem fragile, he suggests. But hes hopeful, too. Particularly because galleries here, he says, are already working with emerging artists through grants, education and curated opportunities. Theres a certain warmth in our ecosystem. Can we sustain that warmth at scale? I certainly hope so.




Cotonou, Benin (PANA) - Voters in Benin's are heading to the polls in a presidential election on Sunday that will give the West African country a new leader to replace outgoing President Patrice Talon, who has been in power since 2016 and completes his second term after the vote
Towards the end of last month, Mumbais sweetheart, eight-year-old Barkat Arora  old whose dance and educational content has earned her over 3.7 million followers suddenly found her Instagram account inaccessible. The account was fine when we went to sleep at night, and in the morning, it showed as logged out on our phone, says her mother, Dr Babita Arora, a practicing gynaecologist. The fourth grader, who dreams of becoming a Bollywood dancer and a scientist, balances school and science homework with her digital career brilliantly, but this disruption came without warning.



It was confusing because we couldnt understand whether it was hacked, disabled, or if something else had happened, Dr Arora adds. Barkat is not alone; in January 2026, researchers reported data leaks linked to 17.5 million Instagram accounts. Incidentally, this was the seventh time that Barkat had lost access to her own account. While Metas video verification restored it in four days previously, this time the wait stretched past 15 days. Still, shes luckier than most.



Users on Metas own support forums describe submitting appeals and waiting weeks with no communication yet, while others report months passing without any response after filing formal requests. Threads detailing waves of account disablements  with appeals that appear to go unanswered  have circulated across these communities. This is not confined to user complaints on social platforms. Reporting, including by The Guardian, has found businesses facing sudden suspensions with only standard, unresponsive replies or no meaningful resolution.



In the two years since she began posting, Barkat had built a large audience through viral dance videos  from Cham Cham, which crossed 68 million views, to an Indian take on Hips Dont Lie. When the account went dark, so did her primary connection to that audience. But for her family, the uncertainty has become familiar. Every time it happens, there is no clarity. You just keep trying different routes. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt, says Dr Arora. We get links, but they dont always work. Sometimes they say everything is fine on their end, but we still cant log in. The result is a parallel system of backup accounts and contingency plans  none of which guarantee continuity.



The financial fallout



This doesnt end at the mental impact of losing an account. A creator with two lakh followers can command Rs 1 lakh for a single brand deal in this ecosystem. Take the specific case of Shreya Jain (27), who goes by Sreyatater  she lost access to her account of 1.31 lakh followers in August 2025; it has yet to be restored. Dividing her time between Mumbai and Bangalore while working full-time in brand communications at an IT company, she creates fashion content ranging from finding affordable corsets to pre wedding outfit inspirations.



Shreya had eight brand deals in the pipeline when she lost control. Three were already shot and completed, and two scripts had been approved and were ready to be shot. It was a huge loss, she says. She has since paid Rs 70,000 in legal fees to her lawyer, who handles such Meta-related cases. Multiple legal notices have been sent to Metas offices in the US, but there has been no response so far. Without an account, there was no audience  and nowhere to deliver on paid work.



Then theres Alina Namazi (21), who built her audience on TikTok from her apartment in Mumbai, and later graduated from TikTok to Instagram. On New Years Eve in 2021, her account was disabled for impersonation. I was shocked  who was I impersonating? Myself? she says. She used her own face as her profile picture and had completed all verification steps. My content was completely PG-13, so I knew something was wrong. She would later go on to find out that hackers had mass reported her account, which caused this. It took her seven months to get it back, during which her brand deals fell by 70 percent. Previously, her deals helped with household expenses, which came to a standstill. Rebuilding proved uneven. It took months to regain even a fraction of her earlier following, and even after recovery, engagement did not fully return. When you arent posting regularly, that affects retention, she says  a reminder that loss continues even after you get your account back.



The automation trap



Cybersecurity expert Ritesh Bhatia confirms that these platforms rely on automated moderation with limited human escalation. Users are stuck in a loop of forms, appeals, and generic responses, he says. He adds that causes can range from mass reporting and phishing to system-level errors  but users are rarely told which one applies.



He takes the view that if a platform earns from creators, there must be accountability. Some people get access because they know someone... That is not a system  it is based purely on chance. In practice, recovery often depends on proximity  to contacts, verification status, or legal escalation.



Can you insure your audience?



As influencers evolve into high-value digital businesses, one might wonder why the insurance industry hasnt stepped in. Currently firms such as The Hartford, a US-based insurer, offer influencer insurance  but these are essentially adapted business policies, covering liability, defamation, copyright disputes and data breaches, along with equipment and limited business interruption. What they do not cover is the asset itself: the account, the audience, or the income lost when access disappears.



More ambitious ideas  including compensating creators for lost income during account suspensions or assigning a notional value to a following  have been discussed within the industry.



In theory, such models would work like business interruption insurance, stepping in when a creators primary distribution channel goes down. But none have scaled, and not without reason. As Akash Parwal, CEO of Square Insurance Brokers, puts it, With the rapid rise of the creator economy, influencers today command massive financial and social influence. However, insuring their accounts and even their followers remains a significant challenge.



The concept of audience insurance would ideally function like business interruption insurance, paying out when a primary distribution channel goes down. However, three structural hurdles remain:



- Ownership: Creators build the audience, but they dont own the platform, and platforms control the access.



- Volatile valuation: Followers fluctuate and algorithms change, making it hard to set a stable, auditable baseline for payouts.



- Opaque triggers: Takedowns driven by automated moderation or mass reporting sit in a grey zone that is hard to underwrite or contest.



Parwal notes that risk assessment is volatile because value depends on engagement. Insuring an influencer doesnt end at protecting a profile; its also about underwriting an entire digital ecosystem, he says.



As digital influence grows, insurers will need hybrid solutions because, in todays world, followers may be the most valuable asset to insure.



Built on sand



The core issue, according to Bhatia, is responsibility. If a platform is earning from creators, it cannot outsource safety entirely to automation. There has to be accountability and human intervention when livelihoods are involved. This time, Barkat was able to regain access through a support link from Meta. Shreya, however, remains hopeful (its been seven months). In that gap, more creators continue to build empires on infrastructure they do not control, building audiences that can vanish like breath on a mirror. There are those that say that in the digital age, your data is your DNA and your following is your legacy. But until this key issue is fixed, as every logged out creator eventually learns, on these platforms, there is no real legacy  you are merely a long-term guest in a house that doesnt recognise your face once the porch light goes out.




Back in 2018, the talented and thoughtful young filmmaker, photographer Divya Cowasji lost her beloved grand-aunt Dinoo and grandmother Minnie, and in quick succession practically the entire senior generation of my family. She found herself once bereft and burdened, as one of the inheritors of their beloved possessions and also the keeper of their stories and family archive, I felt like the repository of a lot of oral history and material memory, and needed somewhere to put down the love I felt for them and also tackle the pain of losing them.



Cowasji burrowed into her inherited belongings and conspired with her surviving (and now nonagenarian) grandfather Phiroze Illava to pour all those complicated feelings into an impressive and inspired suite of photographic storytelling that will be published in book form by the Marseille-based Chose Commune this October. Excerpts debuted as There Are No Love Letters Here at the Serendipity Arts Festival in Goa last year, where I encountered them for the first time and became instantly captivated. It was familiar visual cultural terrain  the interior lives of well-to-do Parsi cosmopolitans  but with all the elements charmingly deconstructed in both playful and profound ways. The work is fresh, frank, achingly empathetic in its approach and authorial voice, and I found every bit of it utterly irresistible.



Via email from her family home in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, which is also the setting for many of her artful recreations, Cowasji told me I have always held a deep fascination for the oral histories of people and the messiness of life. Even in death, the things we can learn about a person through the act of cleaning out their lives, is discomfiting and astounding to me in equal measure. I learned for instance that my most frugal Granny was in fact a hoarder. She had countless almost identical looking handbags, and in each of them a single comb and handkerchief.



When she exhibited the photograph reproduced on this page in Panjim, for which Cowasji utilised some of her grandmothers trove, three Parsi women came up to me and said they found the exact same thing in their mothers and grandmothers closets after their passing. In each handbag, a comb and handkerchief, with a tiny hand mirror. I had not accounted for how such a specific oddity would reveal something larger about a generation and community. There were several instances such as this, and through the making and dissemination of this work, I am learning new things about my family regularly - something I never anticipated. I also learnt recently that the experience of my family, settling in Mhow to pursue the establishing of distilleries and power houses, is in fact the lesser-known history of a majority of Parsis who settled in the smaller towns of India.



Like for many, I am sure, viewing Cowasjis imaginative re-embodiments of previous generations of her family turned into an emotional experience as my own late mother and grandmothers blurred into the minds eye. This is intentional, as the artist tells me, My Granpa Phiroze, who is my key collaborator in this work, always wanted me to pen down our family history in the hopes that it would inspire others to delve into the unique stories and anecdotes that surely exist in every family, and see the value in such documentation and preservation. I harbour no such aspirations, and generally shy away from assuming impact in any direct way, but I hope the vulnerability and honesty that went into this work is met with kindness and grace.



Cowasji says, In contending with an abundant family archive, I would be remiss to ignore what was missing from it. Who or what is kept out from it? Is this omission an oversight or intentional? What is the burden of ancestry? In Parsi families for instance, I think something a lot of us are forced to contend with is a legacy of madness. Is that not something I inherit too? Along with the triumphs that usually accompany family portraits, I was keen to also refocus on the scratchy bits of our heritage, and how, instead of brushing them under the carpet, one might learn to live within their contradictions.




The wali kukula, Sri Lankas jungle fowl, arrives before you register what youre seeing. Black lines, fine as a draftsmans hand, run across white fabricfeathers conjured in batik, wax resisting dye. A red sequinned comb, the birds only colour. The handkerchief dress lets it move as the model walks. Whatever you thought batik was, this isnt it.



At Colombo Fashion Week, now in its 23rd year and held April 14, Sonali Dharmawardena showed alongside BRICS designers, including Indias Rajesh Pratap Singh and Payal Pratap, and Sri Lankan talent. When Dharmawardena replaced repetitive motifs with abstract compositions, purists said she was abandoning tradition. As if it was something sacred, she says.



The reworking has a longer history. Batik reached Sri Lanka via Dutch colonial trade in the early 19th century, from Indonesia. Ajrakh travelled from Sindh to Kutch four centuries ago. Like batik, it moved through the 1970s as soft furnishings before designers reclaimed it. Batik followed a harder roadflourishing in the 1970s on tourism and government support, then shrinking after ethnic violence in 1983, contracting into wall hangings and floral sarongs.



Ajai Vir Singh, who founded CFW in 2003, sees the parallel. The craft and fashion ecosystem in India is far more vibrant; each craft has a market. The key lesson: creative intervention moves craft from tourist souvenir to fashion product. This is what we are attempting in Sri Lanka, says Singh. CFWs Batik Collective is a five-year project: emerging designers experiment with local batik workshops; international designers work with the same artisans.



Remaking the craft



At Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI in 2025, a generation of Ajrakh artisan-designers stepped onto the runway as authors, not executors. Sri Lankan designers working with batik are arriving at a similar moment.



Swanee Jayawardene founded Swanee Store in 1968, a painter in Sri Lankas modernist 43 Group; her granddaughter Yathra now leads. At Buddhi Batiks, a family business since 1970, the founders daughter Darshi Keerthisena became creative director in 2006.



Dharmawardena entered batik reluctantly after marrying into the family of Vipula Dharmawardenahis batik dressed the tusker at the Kandy Perahera, Sri Lankas most sacred Buddhist procession, and his work hangs in the Smithsonian. I hated the cliched motifs and colour stories, she says. Only after he died did she make memorial panels, with no training or rules. Im first an artist and then a fashion designer. Im an indisciplined artist. If I have to trace it, thats not art, thats craft. This season, the jungle fowl carried that conviction down the ramp. Annika Fernando, who stocks her work at PR, says: She took a story as simplistic and played on that as a motifa fun way of interpreting her style of batik.



If Dharmawardena pulls batik inward, Keerthisena sends it outward. She has taken the craft from a tourist souvenir to bridal wear. How can a bride wear batik? mothers told her. Its not good enough. This season she drew from Dumbara, a UNESCO-recognised weaving tradition, layering one craft over another. The grids and diamonds across indigo saris and sarongs read as a conversation between inherited forms.



For Nilusha Maddumage, concept comes before craft. Her low-waste Agara label uses batik only when the idea calls for it. This season, her collection looked like batik. It wasnt. With a custom brush and fabric paint, she made surfaces crackle and bleed like wax resist. Not a drop of wax. Audience and customers say it looks like batik, she says. Then they touch it.



Sri Lankan designers have contemporised batik really well, says Fazeena Rajabdeen, CFWs director and 12-year steward of its emerging designer programme. No one does it as well as we do.



Inherited, not invented



Unlike other countries in South Asia, the craft sector in Sri Lanka is declining, says Singh. First the 25-year civil war, then six years of economic unrest. This struggle is far worse than in India or Bangladesh or even Pakistan. The Bandaranaike government tried to revive local industry; the open economy that followed undid it. Dharmawardena is more direct: Unlike India, in Sri Lanka, we have let all of this gothe handlooms, Kandyan embroidery, batik among them.



What travels, what endures



Ena de Silva gave batik serious artistic contexther nature motifs and ceiling panels for Geoffrey Bawas Bentota Beach Hotel remain a reference point. Udayshanth Fernandos Paradise Road stripped the tropical out in the 1980s: monochrome, abstract, geometric. Bawa shopped there too.



His daughter Annika now runs PR, Colombos most discerning concept store. For over a decade, she has helped batik shape-shift. She is selective about who she represents. I look for authenticity, a unique viewpoint that doesnt look like a copy of someone elses thought process. She urges designers to always be 10 steps ahead of their own work, and let the imitators follow. The moment you see batik interpreted in a more contemporary artistic form, it becomes much easier to wear, especially internationallystyle it with boots and a jacket, and it suddenly feels less ethnic, less island, she says.



Rajesh and Payal brought curated selections to PR during CFW. Rajesh walked the full length of the ramp to acknowledge Udayshanth in the audience, his client of over 30 years. Payal visited Dharmawardenas store and left with a wrap skirt in her suitcase.




Builder's First Source LLC, a tree maintenance and removal company, allegedly failed to provide employees with all legally required meal and rest breaks. This resulted in allegations of the company paying employees inaccurate wages, thus providing inaccurate wages statements.

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SAN DIEGO, April 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Diego employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Builder's First Source LLC violated the California Labor Code. The Builders First Source LLC class action lawsuit, Case No. 26CU008344C, is currently pending in the San Diego Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here.

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According to the lawsuit filed, Builder's First Source LLC allegedly (a) failed to provide meal and rest periods, (b) failed to pay employees minimum and overtime wages, (c) failed to provide accurate itemized wage statements, (d) failed to reimburse for required expenses, (e) failed to pay sick wages, and (f) failed to provide wages when due, all in violation of the applicable Labor Code sections listed in California Labor Code Sections 201-203, 226, 226.7, 233, 246, 510, 512, 1194, 1197, 1197.1, 2802, and the applicable Wage Order(s), and thereby gives rise to civil penalties as a result of such alleged conduct.

The Complaint further alleges the wage statements failed to identify the accurate total hours worked each pay period. When the hours shown on the wage statements were added up, they did not equal the actual total hours worked during the pay period in violation of Cal. Lab. Code 226(a)(2). California Labor Code  226 provides that every employer shall furnish each of his or her employees with an accurate itemized wage statement in writing showing, among other things, gross wages earned and all applicable hourly rates in effect during the pay period and the corresponding amount of time worked at each hourly rate.

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SOURCE Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP
The Centre has increased export duties on petroleum products, raising the levy on high-speed diesel to Rs 55.5 per litre and on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) to Rs 42 per litre, according to a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Finance. The move, which comes into force "with immediate effect", is aimed ensuring domestic supply amid evolving global energy dynamics and not allowing exporters to take undue advantage due to price differences, officials said. "Satisfied that the Special Additional Excise Duty leviable... on High speed diesel oil, should be increased and that circumstances exist which render it necessary to take immediate action," the notification said. Changes are being made in the Eighth Schedule of the Finance Act, 2002. "For the entry... 'Rs. 24 per litre' shall be substituted," the notification said, revising the duty structure applicable to export of diesel. The government also raised the Road and Infrastructure Cess on high speed diesel, stating that it was "satisfied that the Road and Infrastructure Cess... on High speed diesel oil, should be increased," and that "the entry 'Rs. 36 per litre' shall be substituted." The revised structure effectively pushes the total export duty on high speed diesel to Rs 55.5 per litre, up from Rs 21.5 per litre earlier. Similarly, the duty on aviation turbine fuel (ATF) has been increased to Rs 42 per litre from Rs 29.5 per litre, as per the amended notification, which states that "for the entry... the entry 'Rs. 42 per litre' shall be substituted." At the same time, export duty on petrol remains unchanged at zero. Officials said the notifications were issued under powers granted by the Central Excise Act, 1944 and relevant provisions of the Finance Acts, and emphasised that the changes were necessary in the "public interest." All five notifications noted that "circumstances exist which render it necessary to take immediate action". (ANI)
The Indian pharmaceutical and healthcare sector is expected to see moderate revenue growth, with EBITDA margins remaining flat, in the March quarter, according to a brokerage report by HDFC Securities. "We project sales/EBITDA growth of 11%/6% YoY for our coverage universe," the brokerage added. The pharmaceutical companies are expected to see 10% YoY sales growth, driven by a 15% YoY increase in the India business. However, this growth will be offset by a 5% QoQ decline in the US formulations due to pricing pressures and the absence of gRevlimid sales. "EBITDA margins for the pharma segment are expected to come down (-110bps YoY), with an increase in input cost, price erosion in the US, absence of gRevlimid, steady R&D, and higher SG&A," said the report. The hospital business is projected to grow by 15% YoY during the reporting quarter, driven by steady occupancy and ARPOBs and bed capacity addition. The diagnostics segment is expected to post 15% YoY sales growth, driven by volume increases leading to moderate margin expansion. The retail pharmacy business is expected to see strong growth, with Medplus expected to see 22% YoY growth and Apollo HealthCo expected to see steady 20% YoY growth. "The US generics market is likely to decline QoQ due to the absence of gRevlimid sales and pricing pressures in the base business," said the report. However, there is expected to be some traction in key products such as gJynarque, gSpiriva, and gMyrbetriq. The Indian pharma market is expected to have seen steady growth of 12% in Jan/Feb'26, led by strong 16% growth in the chronic segment and ~9% growth in the acute segment. "We expect our coverage universe to see 15% YoY growth in India business on the back of traction in the speciality portfolio and chronic," the brokerage said in its report. The research report by HDFC Securities noted that margins will remain under check due to an increase in input costs, pricing pressures in the US business, absence of high margin gRevlimid, steady research and development, and higher selling, general, and administrative expenses. The Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organisation business is expected to sustain its margins as new capacities mature, while the hospital business could see some pressure on lower international payor mix and new bed additions. (ANI)
According to a stock exchange filing, "HUDCO has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with NBCC (India) Limited (NBCC), on 11th April, 2026."

The first MoU focuses on the redevelopment of a key property in the national capital. The filing said both companies will "collaborate and jointly work towards redevelopment of leasehold plot... admeasuring approx. 18830 sq mt. at Block No. 25, August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi."

It added that the work will include "techno-economic feasibility study, construction and project management, monetisation of built-up space, etc."

The second MoU is aimed at monetising assets under NBCC's projects. As per the filing, the two companies will "undertake asset monetisation activities for NBCC's self-sustainable model projects."

HUDCO will also support these projects financially. The company said, "With the permission of Government of India, HUDCO shall provide funds for ongoing and upcoming projects of NBCC's self-sustainable model."

NBCC, on the other hand, will handle execution and consultancy. The filing noted that "NBCC shall provide project management and consultancy services."

Both agreements are time-bound. The MoUs state that "this MoU shall remain valid for 2 years from the date of execution and shall be subject to annual review," with an option for either party to exit by giving one month's written notice in advance.

The company said the agreements are part of efforts to "reinforce cooperation and collaboration to leverage respective strengths" for project execution. (ANI)
Indian stock markets are likely to witness volatility when trading resumes on Monday, with analysts noting that investor sentiment could hinge on the disappointing negotiations between the US and Iran, which concluded on Sunday without reaching an agreement to end the war. US Vice President JD Vance stated that while substantive discussions took place during the talks, the lack of agreement is "bad news for Iran more than it's bad news for the United States of America". According to Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, the overall sentiment is "balanced but cautious," with the downside relatively contained but upside momentum constrained. Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) have been net sellers, with cumulative weekly outflows of over Rs. 20,700 crore, although they turned net buyers in Friday's session, he said. "A renewed escalation in tensions or a sharp rebound in oil prices could reintroduce downside risks. Conversely, continued moderation in crude prices, alongside supportive global cues, may prompt short-covering and lend near-term support to markets," Ponmudi R said. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Investments Limited, said that Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) selling has continued in April, with total outflows reaching Rs 1,90,046 crore. The energy crisis triggered by the West Asia conflict, potential impact on the Indian economy, and sustained rupee depreciation have kept FPIs on sell mode. Experts believe that if there's de-escalation in the conflict and crude prices decline significantly, India's macros won't be impacted materially. However, if the conflict prolongs, India's macros will be affected, making it unrealistic to expect FPIs to turn buyers. Domestic institutional investors have provided crucial support, with net inflows of Rs 21,600 crore, absorbing selling pressure and stabilizing indices near key support levels. Vijayakumar noted that strong mutual fund flows into the market, with equity mutual flows surging to Rs. 40,450 crore and monthly SIP inflows to Rs. 32,087 crore in March, bode well for the market. (ANI)
The Government of India is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia and undertaking coordinated measures to ensure preparedness across critical sectors, the Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has said. The government has notified the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution Order, 2026, providing a streamlined framework for laying and expanding pipelines. "The Order is expected to accelerate PNG network growth, enhance last-mile connectivity, and support the transition to cleaner fuels, thereby strengthening energy security and advancing India's gas-based economy," a statement by the Ministry. To address the impact of the geopolitical situation on LPG supply, the government has taken several measures. "No dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships," said the Ministry, adding that online LPG bookings have increased to about 98% across the industry. To prevent diversion, Delivery Authentication Code (DAC) based deliveries have increased to around 93%. "Domestic LPG cylinder deliveries remain normal," said the Ministry, highlighting that on 11.04.2026, more than 52.3 Lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered. The government has also taken steps to increase commercial LPG supply, with total allocation increased to about 70% of pre-crisis levels, including 10% reform-linked allocation. The government has also doubled the daily quantity of 5 Kg FTL cylinders in each State available for disbursal to migrant labourers. "These 5 Kg FTL cylinders will be at disposal of the State Government for supplying only to migrant labourers in their State with assistance of Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs)," said the Ministry. PSU OMCs have organised around 3300 awareness camps for 5 Kg FTL Cylinders, selling over 35,800 cylinders. To prioritize consumers, 100% supply is being made to domestic PNG and CNG transport. "Based on available inventory and scheduled LNG cargo arrivals, the overall gas allocation to fertilizer plants is being further enhanced by 5% to reach approximately 95% of their six-month average consumption, effective 09.04.2026," said the Ministry. CGD entities have been advised to prioritise PNG connections for commercial establishments, and States/UTs have been requested to expedite approvals for CGD network expansion. To encourage CBG development, the government has developed a model draft State CBG Policy, prioritizing States that opt for it for additional commercial LPG allocation. Since March 2026, over 4.24 lakh PNG connections have been gasified, with more than 4.66 lakh customers registering for new connections. (ANI)
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ --

2026 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator bring a fan favorite Easter Jeep Safari concept to life with retro inspired Rewind Special Editions.

The 2026 Jeep Wrangler Rewind special edition is a vibrant throwback to the bold, expressive era of the '80s and '90s

Rewind, the sixth of 12 limited-edition Jeep Wrangler models, marking the halfway point of the brand's yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve series, debuts with bold retro flair

The celebration extends to the Jeep Gladiator Rewind special edition, bringing the same retro design cues to the industry's only open-air pickup

Rooted in proven Willys capability, Wrangler and Gladiator Rewind special editions draw inspiration from the vehicles that built the Jeep reputation on and off the road, foundations that have defined Jeep capability for generations

Rewind special editions add retro exterior graphics, gold-accent wheels and tow hooks, off-road tires, steel rock rails and bespoke heated Nappa leather seats with 8-bitinspired embossing and more, all for just $1,900 over a comparably equipped model

When people hear Jeep Wrangler, the image that usually comes to mind is the brightly colored CJ 7s, YJs and TJs that once filled high school and college-town streets, but just as often, those same vehicles are remembered clawing over rocky trails, throwing dust on back roads and building their reputations on rugged terrain well beyond the city limits. Those nostalgic vehicles, and the carefree memories tied to them, inspired the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Rewind, the sixth release in the brand's industry-first and yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve campaign. That same retro spirit continues with the Jeep Gladiator Rewind, extending the throwback aesthetic to another iconic nameplate.

Originally unveiled as a one-off concept at the 2025 Easter Jeep Safari on real terrain with real enthusiasts, the Jeep Rewind quickly became one of the most talked about vehicles of the event. The enthusiastic response was so overwhelming that the Jeep brand decided to bring it into production for consumers, a fitting move for a concept that perfectly captures the spirit of the brand.

"Jeep owners have always had a deep emotional connection to their off-road vehicles, and the Jeep Rewind taps directly into that sense of freedom and first car nostalgia," said Bob Broderdorf, Jeep brand CEO. "Easter Jeep Safari has long served as our real-world test bed for future Jeep capability and design, giving us immediate, unfiltered feedback from the most passionate enthusiasts in our community. When we saw how strongly fans responded to the concept vehicle at last year's Easter Jeep Safari, we knew we had to bring it to life. The Wrangler and Gladiator Rewind special editions are the perfect example of how we're celebrating our heritage while delivering fresh, unexpected ideas that resonate with our community."

Retro Reimagining of Jeep Brand Freedom

Jeep brand designers, many of whom grew up in the '80s and '90s, approached Rewind as a nostalgia-soaked throwback. This is the generation that came of age surrounded by brightly colored Wranglers, bold graphics, and early gaming and digital design, influences that are once again shaping culture today, from fashion and footwear to music and art.

As those elements made a comeback, the Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Rewind became an opportunity to channel something personal. That nostalgia hits differently now, tugging at the heartstrings of first cars, first adventures and the sense of freedom that made the Jeep brand iconic. The design team leaned into the colors, patterns and playful details of their youth, taking cues from everything, from early digital visuals and arcade games to the bold, geometric designs once found on iconic 1990s food-court cups, while ensuring it was wrapped around authentic Jeep capability rooted in iconic Willys legacy.

Exterior highlights:

Multicolor exterior graphics inspired by the bold hues and patterns of the mixtape and roller skate era

Limited-run exterior color palette features vibrant, era-accurate shades

Gold accent wheels and tow hooks add a premium, retro-forward touch

Off-road tires and steel rock rails

Painted body-color fender flares

Limited body-color combinations available, including Bright White, Granite Crystal, Anvil, Gloss Black, Hydro Blue, Joose, Earl (Wrangler only) and Reign

Interior highlights:

Bespoke Nappa Leather seats with embossed patterns influenced by classic 8-bit arcade graphics

Fun, era-inspired accent stitching and color-matched painted interior details

Unique dot-matrix-inspired shift knob cap, paired with exclusive cupholder plaques for Wrangler and Gladiator, plus a swing-gate plaque and spare tire cover for Wrangler

All-weather slush mats

Additional standard content:

7-inch driver information display

Heated front seats and heated steering wheel

Remote start

Keyless Passive Entry

LED headlamps and fog lamps

Adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning

Locking rear differential and Off-Road+ mode

Trailer hitch and programmable auxiliary switches

The Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Rewind special editions are available to order in May and will be priced $1,900 on top of comparably equipped Willys models.

Jeep Brand

For nearly 85 years, Jeep has been a global leader in SUVs, delivering legendary off-road capability, advanced technology and exceptional versatility for those who seek fun and adventure. With a commitment to innovation, the Jeep brand offers a diverse lineup of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, hybrid technology and all-electric drivetrains. Built on a heritage of freedom, adventure, authenticity and passion, Jeep continues to set the standard for rugged and refined vehicles designed to conquer it all.

Follow Jeep and company news and video on:

Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Jeep brand: www.jeep.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeep

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeep

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/jeep

YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

SOURCE Stellantis
Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday dismissed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin's allegations that the Centre had asked the state to stop incentives for paddy cultivation, calling them "factually baseless" and a "deliberate distortion." Responding to Stalin's remarks, Sitharaman said in a post on X that the Centre had merely suggested that states align their bonus policies with national priorities, such as encouraging crop diversification and achieving self-sufficiency in pulses and oilseeds. She emphasised that the declaration of a bonus over and above the Minimum Support Price (MSP) remains the prerogative of state governments. Sitharaman accused Stalin of creating diversions to serve his "narrow, self-serving political interests" and urged him to adopt a positive approach and work in the national interest. "The farmers of Tamil Nadu deserve a government that works for their prosperity, not one that weaponises their anxieties for votes," she said. Backing the Finance Minister's statement, the Ministry of Finance said that the communication sent to states was "an advisory to states and was not directive." The ministry said a letter dated January 9, 2026, sent by the Department of Expenditure to all Chief Secretaries was meant "to align their bonus policy to promote pulses, oilseeds and millets, in line with the national priorities for nutritional security, Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) and sustainable agriculture." Sitharaman also underlined that the Centre had not curtailed the powers of states, saying, "The declaration of a bonus over and above the Minimum Support Price has been, and remains, entirely the prerogative of State Governments. No one has taken that power away." The Finance Ministry stressed that the communication reflected "a constructive & positive approach aimed at strengthening India's long-term food and crop security," adding that encouraging diversification was necessary to reduce overdependence on crops like wheat and paddy. Explaining the rationale, the ministry said that when states offer additional bonuses on these crops, "it further encourages their cultivation, leading to reduced acreage under pulses, oilseeds, and millets, greater environmental stress... and higher import dependence." The ministry also reiterated that the broader goal was to boost domestic production of key crops, noting that "expanding domestic production in pulses, edible oils, and oilseeds is essential... for farmer welfare" and to reduce reliance on imports. It added that the Centre's approach integrates MSP support, infrastructure, and crop diversification measures, and warned that "any attempt to portray it as an imposition or to deliberately misread its purpose is a distortion of the record." (ANI)
Actor Ravie Dubey found himself overwhelmed with emotions after a fan-driven tribute placed him on the iconic Times Square. Reacting to the gesture, the actor expressed gratitude after his glimpse as Lakshman from Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana' was featured on Times Square. "Wow... did you guys just put me on Times Square?! After all these years, I realize how blessed I am to have fans who have become family. I just saw this, and I'm honestly overwhelmed. Thank you for this love...it means everything. Jai Shri Ram," he wrote. https://www.instagram.com/p/DW_PKpXCJSi/ Speaking to ANI, Ravie opened up about portraying Lakshman and shared, "I am excited, with surrender if I can articulate it correctly. Every time I think about the film, every time I think about Ramayana, that's the one feeling I have in my heart: surrender." Earlier this month, a special teaser of the much-awaited 'Ramayana' was released, treating fans to Ranbir Kapoor as Maryada Purushottam 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. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DWnX5exDLX9/ 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. Besides Ranbir, the film stars Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, and Ravie 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)
One of Bollywood's most cherished on-screen pair, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol's 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' has found a place in The Academy's list of favourite romantic films. In a social media post, The Academy shared a list of favourites, showing DDLJ joining the likes of 'You, Me & Tuscany', 'The Holiday', and 'Eat Pray Love'. The nod quickly caught the attention of none other than Kajol, who posted a brief yet playful response to it. "I vote for DDLJ," Kajol wrote. https://x.com/itsKajolD/status/2042844248324878360 Directed by Aditya Chopra, 'DDLJ' was released in 1995 and went on to become one of India's biggest hits. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol in the lead roles. The story revolves around Raj and Simran, two characters who meet and fall in love during a trip to Europe. However, there are cultural and familial barriers to their relationship, leading to a classic tale of love, tradition, and the importance of family values. SRK and Kajol were recently present in London to unveil a bronze statue of their legendary characters. The bronze statue becomes the first-ever Indian film to be honoured with a statue in Leicester Square, London and joins iconic characters from historic films, including Harry Potter, Mary Poppins, Paddington, and Singin' in the Rain, as well as heroes like Batman and Wonder Woman. The bronze statue depicted Shah Rukh and Kajol in a signature pose from the film. And SRK-Kajol re-created that pose during the event. Speaking at the launch, Shah Rukh Khan said, "DDLJ was made with a pure heart. We wanted to tell a story about love, how it can bridge barriers and how the world would be a better place if it had a lot of love in it, and I think this is why DDLJ has had a lasting impact for over 30 years now! Personally, DDLJ is part of my identity, and it is humbling to see film, and Kajol and me, receiving so much love since it was released." Kajol, reflecting on what this honour means to her, said, "It's incredible to see Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge continue to receive so much love, even 30 years later. Watching the statue being unveiled in London felt like reliving a piece of our history - a story that has truly travelled across generations." (ANI)
Rapper Offset has been discharged from the hospital after he was shot earlier this week in Hollywood, Florida, according to Variety. The rapper shared a health update with fans, saying he is doing "good" while focusing on recovery after the incident. Offset took to his Instagram account on Friday to share a statement thanking fans and well-wishers for the support he received over the last few days. In the statement, Offset shared that he will stay strong and aims to come back "better." He wrote, "Thank you to everyone who's checked in on me and showed me love! I'm good....but I'm planning to be better!" The rapper also said that his attention is now on his family, healing, and returning to music. Reflecting on life's ups and downs, he added, "I'm focused on my family, my recovery, and getting back to the music...realizing that life is made up of quiet wins and loud losses... Life's a gamble and I'm still playing to win." https://www.instagram.com/p/DW9jrXbFIXB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== A spokesperson for Offset told Variety that the rapper has now been released from the hospital and is recovering well. The spokesperson said he is "up and walking" and thanked the doctors, nurses, and hospital staff for taking care of him. "We're incredibly grateful to the doctors, nurses and the entire hospital staff who took such great care of him," said the representative. According to Variety, Offset was shot near the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Monday. He was taken to the hospital, where his team earlier said he was stable and under close observation. Police said two people were detained after the incident, and the investigation is still ongoing. The same night, rapper Lil Tjay was arrested in connection with the case on a disorderly conduct charge. He was also booked for a traffic violation and was later released from jail the next day. After reports linked Lil Tjay to the shooting, his lawyer denied the claims. In a statement, attorney Dawn M. Florio said, "Lil Tjay has not been shot, nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting. Any reporting to the contrary is false." (ANI)
After the alleged leak of the Tamil film 'Jana Nayagan,' starring Thalapathy Vijay, a storm of accusations followed, with fingers quickly pointing at the Central Board of Film Certification. As speculation grew online, the board has now issued a clear statement denying all such claims, making it clear that reports linking the alleged leak to the board are "baseless and false." In a statement, the board said, "Reports alleging that the Tamil film 'Jana Nayagan' has been leaked from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) are baseless and false." The statement added, "Access to the content is password-protected, and the KDM remains solely with the producer/filmmaker. Without a valid KDM, the film cannot be accessed or viewed. The DCP (Digital Cinema Package) of 'Jana Nayagan' was handed over to the applicant in Mumbai on 17 March with due acknowledgement, and has remained with them since." The clarification was also shared through PIB Maharashtra's official X account. https://x.com/PIBMumbai/status/2042949095636316637?s=20 Meanwhile, 'Jana Nayagan', starring Thalapathy Vijay, has been in the spotlight after scenes from the film were reportedly circulated online. The issue drew reactions from several film personalities, including Chiranjeevi, Rajinikanth, and Kamal Haasan, who spoke against piracy. Earlier, the makers, KVN Productions, had also released an official statement asking people not to watch or share any leaked material. The production house said parts of the movie, and in some cases almost the full film, had been illegally circulated online. They also said strict legal action was being taken in the matter. 'Jana Nayagan' has already faced delays due to certification issues. The film was originally expected to be released during Pongal on January 9. Fans are now waiting for a fresh update on its release. (ANI)
Veteran British actor John Nolan, known for his roles in Christopher Nolan's 'Batman' films and the CBS series 'Person of Interest', has died at the age of 87. The cause of death has not been confirmed yet, as per The Hollywood Reporter. A respected figure in British theatre, Nolan began his acting journey in London and spent two years with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He later became part of the National Theatre ensemble under director Trevor Nunn, contributing to several notable productions. His early stage work included performances in Julius Caesar, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and The Relapse, reflecting his strong classical training. Nolan gained wider recognition on television with the BBC miniseries Daniel Deronda (1970), where he played the titular role. As per The Hollywood Reporter, the adaptation of George Eliot's novel was well-received and helped establish him as a leading television actor. Around the same time, he starred as scientist Geoff Hardcastle in the BBC drama Doomwatch and appeared in the ITV series Shabby Tiger. In cinema, Nolan collaborated multiple times with his nephew, filmmaker Christopher Nolan. He appeared as Wayne Enterprises board member Douglas Fredericks in Batman Begins (2005) and The Dark Knight Rises (2012), both starring Christian Bale. His film credits also included Following (1998) and Dunkirk (2017). On television, Nolan became familiar to global audiences through his role as the enigmatic John Greer in Person of Interest, created by his other nephew, Jonathan Nolan. Introduced in the show's second season in 2013, his character was a former MI6 agent leading a powerful AI-driven organisation. Nolan appeared in 28 episodes through the series' fifth and final season. Born John Francis Nolan on May 22, 1938, he was the younger brother of Brendan Nolan, father to Christopher and Jonathan Nolan. Over the decades, he appeared in films such as Bequest to the Nation (1973) and Terror (1978), as well as television shows like The Prisoner, The Sweeney, and Silent Witness. He also lent his voice to The Discovery Channel's in-flight programming, as per The Hollywood Reporter. Nolan is survived by his wife, actress Kim Hartman, their children Miranda and Tom, and grandchildren Dylan and Kara. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met filmmaker-director Madhur Bhandarkar at the Chief Minister's residence on Sunday. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on developing Uttarakhand as a leading destination for film production, attracting investment, and showcasing the state's cultural identity on the global stage, as per a CMO release. The Chief Minister said that Uttarakhand, with its unique natural beauty, diverse geography, rich cultural heritage, and peaceful environment, is an ideal location for filmmaking. The state government's clear objective is to make Uttarakhand the first choice for filmmakers from India and abroad and establish it as a strong film shooting hub. https://x.com/ukcmo/status/2043346747624485318 He further stated that under the state's modern and industry-friendly film policy, filmmakers are being offered attractive subsidies, tax exemptions, and various facilities. Additionally, a single-window system has been implemented to ensure that all shooting-related permissions are processed in a simple, transparent, and time-bound manner, making the filmmaking process more convenient. The Chief Minister highlighted that significant efforts have already been made to promote the film industry in Uttarakhand. Several Hindi films, regional films, TV serials, and web series have been successfully shot in the state, helping it emerge rapidly as a film production destination. Its scenic valleys, lakes, religious sites, and historical locations continue to attract filmmakers. He also mentioned that Uttarakhand has received the national award for "Most Film Friendly State," which reflects the success of the government's policies and initiatives. This achievement demonstrates the state's progress in creating a favourable environment for the film industry. The Chief Minister added that the infrastructure required for film shooting is being continuously strengthened. A comprehensive location bank has been developed across various districts, featuring mountains, lakes, forests, historical sites, and religious destinations, providing filmmakers with diverse and attractive options on a single platform. He emphasised that the growth of the film industry is creating new employment opportunities for local youth. The government is making special efforts to involve local artists, technicians, and young professionals in the filmmaking process. Training programs related to film and media are also being promoted to help youth build careers in this sector. Dhami further stated that work is underway towards the development of a film city in the state, which will enable the entire film production process to be carried out within Uttarakhand. Efforts are also being made to promote film festivals and cultural events to strengthen the state's identity at national and international levels. On this occasion, Madhur Bhandarkar praised Uttarakhand's natural beauty and conducive environment, stating that the state holds immense potential for film production. He also appreciated the government's efforts to support the film industry and expressed his interest in shooting future projects in Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that these initiatives in the film sector will not only strengthen the state's economy but also take tourism to new heights. He reiterated that the Uttarakhand government is fully committed to providing all possible support to filmmakers. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi is set to address an election rally in Shamsherganj in Murshidabad district of West Bengal on April 14 as part of the Congress party's campaign for the upcoming state elections. The rally is part of the party's ongoing outreach efforts in the state, where polling is scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes slated for May 4. Earlier on Saturday, Rahul Gandhi paid tribute to noted social reformer Jyotirao Phule on his birth anniversary. In a post on X, the Congress leader hailed Phule's lifelong commitment to safeguarding the rights and entitlements of marginalised communities, adding that his fight against discrimination and inequality showed the nation the path towards equality and justice. "On the birth anniversary of the great social reformer Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, I offer my humble salutations to him. He dedicated his entire life to protecting the rights and entitlements of the marginalised. His struggle against discrimination and inequality showed the nation the path to equality and justice. His ideals and thoughts will forever continue to inspire us to move forward towards social justice," Rahul Gandhi said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tribute to social reformer Mahatma Jyotirao Phule on his 200th birth anniversary, highlighting his contributions to social reform and education. "On the birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotirao Phule, paying tributes to a visionary social reformer who dedicated his life to the ideals of equality, justice and education. He was also a pioneer in championing the rights of women and the marginalised. Through his efforts, education became a powerful instrument of empowerment. This year, we mark the start of his 200th birth anniversary celebrations. May his thoughts continue to guide everyone in the pursuit of societal progress," PM Modi posted on X. Prime Minister Modi also paid floral tribute to Phule at Prerna Sthal in the Parliament premises, along with President Droupadi Murmu. Among other leaders, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, Union Ministers Arjun Ram Meghwal and JP Nadda, and former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh also paid tribute to Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. Mahatma Jyotirao Phule was a renowned Indian social activist, reformer and writer from Maharashtra. Born on April 11, 1827, in Satara, Maharashtra, he's best known for his tireless efforts to eradicate the caste system, promote women's education, and empower the oppressed. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday slammed the TMC over the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case, asserting that the BJP, once in power, will punish those responsible for wrongdoing against women. Addressing a campaign rally here, Shah alleged that the TMC government turned a blind eye to the atrocities of infiltrators. "The RG Kar incident has shamed Bengal in the eyes of the entire world. For years, the TMC goons exploited women in Sandeshkhali. These infiltrators kept exploiting women, but Mamata Banerjee turned a blind eye and sat quietly. Whoever has dared to dishonour women under Mamata Banerjee's patronage, the BJP government will put them behind bars," he said. He accused the Trinamool Congress government of corruption. "Who carried out the teacher recruitment scam? Who carried out the SSC scam? Who carried out the municipal corporation recruitment scam? Who ran the cattle smuggling business? Who carried out the MGNREGA scam? Who carried out the PM Awas scam? Mamata Didi, don't let your leaders think that they have devoured the money of Bengal's people and nothing will happen now," he said. Ratna Debnath, BJP candidate and mother of the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder victim, filed her nomination for the Panihati seat on Thursday. The nomination was filed in the presence of former Union Minister Smriti Irani. Speaking to ANI later, Smriti Irani called Ratna a symbol of women's resilience. "If TMC really wanted justice, why wasn't her daughter given justice? Why is this mother insulted even today when she is exercising her democratic right? The protectors of TMC's goons will have to answer for this." "She lost her daughter in a heinous crime. It is a matter of shame that TMC's goons not only harass her but also insult her," she alleged The Panihati Assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas has emerged as one of the most closely watched seats the assemby election, pitting BJP's Ratna Debnath against TMC candidate Tirthankar Ghosh, son of the five-term sitting MLA. Ratna Debnath said she chose to fight in this election for her daughter and for women "whose security is under threat under the TMC government". "Mamata Banerjee and her corrupt party leaders are responsible for my daughter's death. People welcome me when I reach out for votes and assure me of their support. I lost my daughter, but I want to serve the people and help them. I may not be a doctor like her, but as a representative, I want to continue her mission." West Bengal will go to polls on April 23 and 29, with the results set for May 4. (ANI)
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Saturday attended the 'Vyapar Rajasthan - 2026' programme in Jaipur, where he interacted with entrepreneurs from the automobile sector and highlighted the state government's focus on industrial growth, investment, and employment generation. Addressing the gathering, CM Sharma said the automobile sector plays a crucial role in accelerating economic development in Rajasthan and reiterated the government's commitment to making the state a leading industrial hub. "Our government is committed to transforming Rajasthan into a leading industrial hub and generating widespread employment through transparent policies, robust infrastructure, and an investor-friendly environment," he said. During his address, CM Bhajanlal Sharma also launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing it of practising appeasement and corruption-driven politics. He said, "Congress practices politics based on appeasement and corruption. When I tell them we have done so much work in two years versus five, they don't answer." Responding to criticism over his visits to Delhi, he defended his outreach, stating that such engagements are aimed at boosting development in Rajasthan. "They say, ' Why does the Chief Minister go to Delhi? wear glasses, you'll know... We will go wherever we have to for the development of workers, farmers and Rajasthan," he said. Taking a swipe at the opposition, he added, "We will bring development, we won't relax in hotels like you." In a post on X, the Rajasthan CM said, " Today, at the Vyapar Rajasthan - 2026 program organised in Jaipur, we participated and engaged in meaningful discussions with entrepreneurs from the automobile sector on the state's trade, investment, and industrial development." He said, "The role of the automobile sector is extremely important in accelerating economic development in Rajasthan. Our government is committed to transforming Rajasthan into a leading industrial hub and generating widespread employment through transparent policies, robust infrastructure, and an investor-friendly environment." (ANI)
Altadena Event also marks the start of L.A. Works' Earth Month of volunteer service opportunities

ALTADENA, Calif., April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, L.A. Works joined LA Climate Week, the Governor's Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve), and the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation to launch LA Climate Week with a volunteer-driven land restoration event in Eaton Canyon.

Pictured at Eaton Canyon (LR): Stephen Davalos, VP of External Affairs, L.A. Works; Josh Fryday, GO-Serve Director and California Chief Service Officer; Norma E. Garcia-Gonzalez, Director, L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation; and Daniel Thorman, LA Climate Week Co-Founder and Collidescope Foundation Executive Director.

Nearly 100 volunteers gathered in Altadena to support wildlife recovery efforts, including trail restoration, debris removal, and habitat rehabilitation in Eaton Canyon. At a time when communities can feel divided, volunteerism offers a way for people from all backgrounds to find common ground. By showing up, working side by side, and contributing to something larger than themselves, volunteers not only help restore natural spaces  they strengthen connection, understanding, and a shared sense of purpose.

While wildfire activity may no longer dominate headlines, recovery efforts remain ongoing across Los Angeles County. Projects like the Eaton Canyon restoration highlight the sustained commitment required to restore natural spaces and reduce future risk.

This year marks L.A. Works' 35th anniversary, reflecting decades of connecting Angelenos to volunteer opportunities that address critical community needs. Through partnerships with public agencies and nonprofit organizations, L.A. Works continues to expand access to service opportunities that support both immediate recovery efforts and long-term climate resilience.

"Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways we can come together," said Deborah Brutchey, Executive Director of L.A. Works. "When people show up to serve, whether they're restoring a trail, planting, or supporting their neighbors, they're building connection and finding common ground. That's what strengthens communities. During Earth Month, we encourage everyone to take some time, get outside, and be part of something positive. Even a few hours can make a real difference, for our environment and for each other."

Individuals and groups interested in participating in Earth Month activities can find upcoming volunteer opportunities at laworks.com/earth-month.

VIDEO: Photos and b-roll can be found here.

Photo Credit: LA County Parks and Recreation Department

ABOUT L.A. WORKS

Since 1991, L.A. Works has united Angelenos and inspired action for a more equitable LA. As the only nonprofit in Los Angeles that mobilizes tens of thousands of volunteers each year across a wide range of interconnected issues, L.A. Works organizes and recruits volunteers to directly impact vulnerable communities while strengthening the fabric of civil society. In 2025, L.A. Works volunteers gave more than 175,000 hours of service, which represents $7,024,500 in added capacity for nonprofits across Los Angeles County. More at www.laworks.com.

SOURCE L.A. Works
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has said that India wants peace in West Asia and lauded the government's engagement with leaders of the region saying "we cannot afford to be disengaged". He said India's interest lies in peaceful resolution of the conflict. "The impact of this war has reached even the Indian kitchen. Therefore, our interest lies in a peaceful resolution... This war has impacted our factories too... So no matter who brings about the peace, that doesn't concern us," he said. "We want peace... I am pleased that our government, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and the Petroleum Minister are in touch with the leaders in that region. We cannot afford to be disengaged... That engagement keeps us viable, and potentially, enables us to play a larger role that today we are not in a position to play," he added. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is on a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates. He will meet the leadership of the UAE to review close cooperation and deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri was on a two-day visit to Qatar from April 9. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday had a virtual call with Saudi Arabia's Commerce Minister Majid bin Abdullah Al Qassabi to review the evolving situation in West Asia, with both sides stressing the importance of maintaining supply chain continuity amid ongoing regional tensions. The ministers "took stock of the evolving situation in West Asia and reiterated the primacy of supply chain continuity," as the region deals with disruptions caused by the conflict. Both sides noted the strain conflict has put on regional supply chains and stressed the need for an early recovery through coordinated efforts to ensure smooth trade flows. Goyal highlighted India's steps to support exports to KSA and the Gulf region. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral trade and expressed optimism for early progress in the India-GCC FTA negotiations. The meeting underscored the shared commitment to further deepening the India-Saudi Arabia economic partnership. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday paid tribute to the Rajput ruler Maharana Sangaji on his birth anniversary, remembering his courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to protecting the nation, dharma and self-respect. In a post on X, the Chief Minister described Maharana Sanga as a symbol of struggle, resolve and valour, whose life continues to inspire generations. "Culture of struggle, the living tradition of resolve, and the living embodiment of battle, on the birth anniversary of the mighty Maharana Sangaji, salutations to him a millionfold!" CM said in his post. He further highlighted the extraordinary resilience of the warrior king, noting that despite suffering numerous injuries in battle, Maharana Sanga never wavered in his commitment to safeguarding his land and values."Despite bearing eighty grievous wounds on your body, your lifelong extraordinary struggle for the protection of the homeland, our dharma, and self-respect remains an inspiration for us all," he said. The CM also reflected on the enduring message of Maharana Sanga's life, emphasising the importance of standing firm for identity and honour."Your sacrificial life reminds us that one who stands firm for identity and honor, their consciousness is never defeated," he added. CM Yogi Adityanath also attended the Times Samman-2026 ceremony on Saturday and hailed the pivotal role of the BrahMos missile in 'Operation Sindoor. While addressing, he highlighted that the Brahmos missile, which was developed in Lucknow, executed the very first strike of the operation. "The BrahMos missile was developed in Lucknow. It executed the very first strike during 'Operation Sindoor', the event left many of the world's major powers visibly trembling," said CM Yogi. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister declared that the state is working towards the development of drone technology by fostering better coordination and aims to take these initiatives forward. "We have advanced our efforts in the defence sector; specifically, we are working towards the development of drone technology by fostering better coordination. We will take these new initiatives forward," said CM Yogi. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, at the New Year Fair in TT Nagar, on Saturday, emphasised how fairs provide employment opportunities to hundreds of people. While addressing the gathering at the New Year Fair, CM Yadav said that fairs are important as they allow people to earn a livelihood, with some people depending upon the opportunities that come with these fairs to earn their livelihood for the whole year. "How many people are getting employment from this fair. People are getting benefits in several ways. Fairs are important; they give opportunities. Several people participate in 2-3 fairs only every year and live on that livelihood for the entire year," he said. He further added, "On this occasion, when we talk about Swadeshi, fairs have their own importance in Swadeshi. Just as the water chestnut is available during the winter, the mango is available during the summer. We have such a wide variety of products. The Prime Minister is promoting Shri Anna (coarse grains); we too should give importance to Shri Anna." Earlier on Saturday, Yadav slammed the Congress after a woman councillor of the Congress party, Fauzia Sheikh Alim, allegedly refused to sing 'Vande Mataram' during proceedings of the Indore Municipal Corporation. Reacting to the incident, he questioned the party's top leadership, asking state Congress president Jitu Patwari and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to explain why such behaviour is being encouraged within the party. "A Congress councillor's refusal to sing Vande Mataram in the municipal corporation house proceedings was unfortunate, reflecting the character of a Congress representative. Congress State president Jitu Patwari and National president and leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi must explain why their members are encouraged to behave in this manner, insulting the sacrifices of patriots," CM Yadav told ANI. The Chief Minister further said that he was pained by the incident and also demanded accountability from the state Congress leadership. (ANI)
Puratchi Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (Puratchi ADMK), the newly formed political party, has filed a complaint against the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, over election campaign permission denial ahead of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Puratchi ADMK Founder President Pugalenthi, on Saturday, said that the complaint was filed under the Act of 1954. Puratchi ADMK has requested the Election Commission of India (ECI) to deny permission for election campaigning to Palaniswami in view of the potential riots that could be caused due to clashes between AIADMK and DMK. "We have filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India under the Act of 1954 because Edappadi did not grant permission for the election campaign. It is very likely that clashes could occur between the DMK and the AIADMK, which could lead to riots. We are requesting that the Election Commission stop him and deny permission for his campaign," he said. He further said that the party will appeal to the High Court with all the records and evidence already submitted to the ECI, if no action is taken. "If no action is taken, we will file a petition in the High Court... Let the court decide, as we have all the records and evidence--speeches, addresses, and submissions made to the Election Commission of India," he added. The complaint comes as Tamil Nadu nears its Assembly elections, scheduled to be conducted in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The main contest is expected between the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which includes the Indian National Congress, DMDK and VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by AIADMK with BJP and PMK as allies. Actor-turned-politician Vijay is also set to make his electoral debut with TVK, potentially turning the election into a three-cornered contest. In the 2021 polls, the DMK won 133 seats in the 2021 Assembly polls. Congress won 18, PMK won five, VCK won four, and others won eight seats. The Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), led by DMK, which consisted of Congress, won 159 seats collectively. While the NDA won 75 seats, the AIADMK emerged as the largest party in the alliance with 66 seats. (ANI)
Maulana Yasoob Abbas, General Secretary of All India Shia Personal Law Board leader (AISPLB), on Sunday reacted to the failure of talks between Iran and the United States held in Islamabad, which ended without any agreement even after 21 hours of negotiations. Speaking to ANI, Abbas said that the deal must be on equal terms. "Any agreement will be on equal terms, or there will be no agreement at all," he said. .He said Iran would not accept any unilateral conditions and insisted that any future agreement must be based on equality between both sides."Regarding the conditions, they won't be set by America; they will be set by Iran. Any agreement will be on equal terms, or there will be no agreement at all," Abbas said. He alleged that Iran was deliberately pressured through geopolitical strategies, but claimed the country remained firm despite years of conflict and sanctions."They were out to destroy Iran's civilisation, and then they came to the table for talks. This was all a game. America stopped the war only to increase its military strength," he said. Abbas further said Iran had consistently withstood external pressure and would not compromise on sovereignty or self-respect under any circumstances."Iran is ready for every attack. Iran has neither bent nor broken," he said, adding that sacrifices made in past conflicts had not weakened the country. "No compromise will be made if it involves surrendering to America or compromising self-respect," Abbas added. Reacting to claims that the United States had "already won," he questioned Washington's participation in the talks. "If America had won, why is it sitting at the table in Islamabad?" he said, adding that ongoing diplomatic engagement reflected the continuing relevance of negotiations. Abbas further claimed that Iran's strategic position, including control over key maritime routes, remained strong and that the country had not weakened despite long-standing international pressure. He added, "As for the Strait of Hormuz, America doesn't control it. It's completely under Iran's control and within its territorial waters. So, whatever happens in the Strait of Hormuz will be according to Iran's wishes, not America's." Meanwhile, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangi Mahali also expressed concern over the failure of the talks, saying the breakdown was "a matter of concern" for global peace. He urged international organisations, including the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to intervene and facilitate renewed dialogue between the two sides. Meanwhile, after hours of negotiations in Pakistan between the US and Iran, talks have reached a stalemate on Sunday as US Vice President JD Vance said that no agreement has been reached in talks with Iran. He said that while they would be returning to the US, the development is "bad news for Iran" more than it is for the United States. Addressing reporters from Islamabad, Vance said, "We've had a number of substance agreements with the Iranians- that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America." (ANI)
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's (TVK) General Secretary of Election Campaign Management, Aadhav Arjuna, on Sunday criticised the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), saying that it has turned Tamil Nadu into another Punjab, struggling with drug and liquor problems He said that the issue of drug circulation is widespread across the State. He also accused the DMK of increasing the liquor sales over the years. "Drug culture is going on all over Tamil Nadu. It looks like Punjab. In Villivakkam, drug sales are highest. Liquor consumption is also there. DMK increased liquor sales also. The women's community wants to throw this monarchical government and dynasty politics," he told ANI. He further underlined that actor-turned politician and TVK Chief Vijay-starrer 'Jana Narayan' was stopped from being released by the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and was later leaked, alleging that the incident is a clear indication that the BJP wants to threaten TVK. "DMK's own company, Red Giant, owned by Udhayanidhi Stalin and company, released the 'Parasakthi' movie. But our 'Jana Nayagan' movie was stopped by the BJP and the Censor Board. Our movie was also leaked. How can the movie be leaked? Everything is under the control of the Union Govt. The movie is leaked because they want to threaten us. This is the ongoing situation. We are struggling but always standing with the people," he said. Calling the BJP the "ideological enemy," TVK General Secretary of Election Campaign Management exuded confidence in the victory of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam in the upcoming Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. "In a press conference, we declared BJP is our ideological enemy, and the DMK is the political enemy. The TVK and DMK fight is ongoing. DMK had a very strong hold in Chennai, but now people find it negative because they don't want monarchy and dynasty politics," he noted. "People are supporting and welcoming us, all our candidates. In the last 15-20 days, I walked every street in Villivakkam. There is no drainage, drinking water, women's safety, or street lights. Definitely, a change will come. Not only in Villivakkam but all over Tamil Nadu, TVK will get a majority," he added. Tamil Nadu will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, covering a total of 234 constituencies in the State. Counting is scheduled for May 4. Vijay, who is making an electoral debut with his party, will look to turn the polls into a three-way contest between the Secular Progressive Alliance and the NDA, being the front-runners for victory. (ANI)
In a major anti-narcotics operation, Shimla district police arrested three persons and recovered 9.28 kilograms of opium along with Rs 12 lakh in cash during a naka operation in the Narkanda area. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, a team of the Detection Cell, Rampur, intercepted an Innova vehicle during a naka in Narkanda and, upon search conducted in the presence of independent witnesses, recovered 9.28 kilograms of opium and Rs 12 lakh in cash from the possession of three Nepalese nationals, who were immediately taken into custody. The arrested accused have been identified as N Bahadur alias Raju, son of Ravi Lal, aged 41 years, Chakra Bahadur, son of Purna Bahadur, aged 25 years, and Mohan Sahi, son of Chakra Bahadur Shahi, aged 44 years, all residents of different areas in Nepal. Police have registered a case under Sections 18 and 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Kumarsain, and further investigation is underway to trace backward linkages and uncover the larger drug trafficking network associated with the case. The superintendent of Shimla district police, Gaurav Singh, said that the Shimla police is taking strict action against those who are involved in drug trafficking. "This seizure of over 9 kilograms of opium marks a significant breakthrough in our ongoing drive against drug trafficking, and we are intensifying efforts to identify and dismantle the entire network behind it," Singh said, adding that strict action will continue against all those involved in the narcotics trade. Earlier on March 2, the Shimla District Police intensified their crackdown on drug trafficking under the 'Zero Tolerance Against Drug Abuse (Chitta)' mission, registering seven cases and arresting twelve individuals within a span of one week. As part of a sustained anti-narcotics campaign aimed at safeguarding the youth, the Shimla Police conducted special operations between February 21 and February 28, during which approximately 50 grams of heroin (commonly known as chitta) were seized across different parts of the district. The cases were registered at Police Stations Chirgaon, New Shimla, Baluganj, and Deha, reflecting coordinated enforcement across urban and rural jurisdictions. Shimla Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh stated, "Shimla Police are firmly committed to a zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse. Our continuous special drives are aimed at dismantling drug networks and protecting the youth of the district. We appeal to the public to cooperate and share any information related to drug trafficking. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential." (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday wrote a letter to Floor Leaders of all parties in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha requesting them for their support in the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill, saying that this moment stands above any party or individual. "After extensive deliberations, we have reached the conclusion that the time has now come to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in its true spirit across the country. It is imperative that the 2029 Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections are conducted with women's reservation in place," PM Modi wrote in the letter. PM Modi appealed to the parties to "demonstrate responsibility towards women and future generations" with the implementation of the Women's Reservation Bill. In the letter, he welcomed discussions in the Parliament, underlining that it would be a great achievement for women in Indian politics. "I am writing this letter so that we may all come together in one voice to pass this amendment. It would be great to have many Members of Parliament express their views on this subject in Parliament. This is a moment above any one party or individual. It is a moment to demonstrate responsibility towards women and our future generations. Since all political parties have expressed the desire to increase women's representation in politics for a long time, this is the right time to turn that aspiration into reality. This will be a great achievement for the nation's Nari Shakti and for 140 crore Indians. I have full confidence that we will all come together and achieve this historic feat in Parliament," he wrote. PM Modi emphasised that a society only progresses when women are given opportunities to progress, and this Bill will serve as an integral part to achieve the dream of a developed India. "Any society progresses only when women have the opportunity to progress, make decisions and, more importantly, to lead. For India to realise its vision of becoming a developed nation, it is essential that women play a greater and active role in this journey," the letter stated. The Prime Minister announced that the discussions on the Women's Reservation Bill will be held from April 16 (Thursday). "Your support for the amendment to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam will be the fulfilment of an important responsibility towards the women of our country. Let us further strengthen our great democratic traditions and take decisive steps toward a historic transformation," PM Modi appealed in the letter. (ANI)
The All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) on Sunday expelled Minu Bauri, who had recently been appointed as the President of the Purulia District Trinamool Mahila Congress, with immediate effect. The decision was taken with the approval of party chairperson Mamata Banerjee, according to an official statement. "Ms. Minu Bauri, who was appointed as the President of Purulia District Trinamool Mahila Congress is hereby expelled from All India Trinamool Congress with immediate effect. This has approval of Ms. Mamata Banerjee, Hon'ble Chairperson of All India Trinamool Congress," as per the official press release. This comes as the state of West Bengal prepares for crucial polling in two phases on April 23 and 29, with the results set for May 4. The upcoming elections follow the 2021 battle, where the TMC secured a landslide 213 seats. However, the BJP's growth from a minor player to 77 seats in the last cycle has set the stage for the current high-stakes confrontation. A day earlier, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee launched an attack over the BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' and opposed the Uniform Civil Code, stating that the TMC will revoke the bill once in majority. Addressing a gathering here ahead of the upcoming assembly polls, CM Banerjee claimed that "free and fair elections are not possible" under the BJP's rule. "They have spoken about UCC (Uniform Civil Code) in the manifesto...I will vehemently oppose this. They are in majority today so they will pass the Bill. When they won't be in majority tomorrow, we will revoke the Bill...Free and fair elections are not possible as long as they remain," she said. The TMC chief also accused the BJP of attempting to bring the Delimitation Bill to Parliament, amid the ongoing elections in the country, without a debate. She claimed that the party wants to "divide Bengal and conduct NRC." "Elections are going on and in the middle of that, they are bringing Delimitation Bill in Parliament. This was not even debated. The reason behind this is that they want to divide Bengal and conduct NRC here...I reiterate this, BJP will be gone one day very soon." (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in Tamil Nadu have exposed the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and have unveiled the vision of the National Democratic Alliance. In a post on X, PM Modi said that he will interact with party 'Karyakartas' in 'Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot Samvad' on April 13 to further strengthen the party's reach from the grassroots for the elections. "I'm very proud of our BJP Tamil Nadu Karyakartas, who have exposed the DMK's poor governance and elaborated on the NDA's developmental vision for the state," he said. "Will interact with our hardworking Karyakartas during the 'Mera Booth, Sabse Mazboot Samvad' on the 13th evening," PM Modi said. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi held 'Mera Booth Sabse Mazboot' interaction with BJP workers in poll-bound Keralam, Assam and Puducherry. Meanwhile, Union Minister and BJP Tamil Nadu election in-charge Piyush Goyal said a new government would be formed under the leadership of the AIADMK within the NDA alliance and that it would deliver governance similar to that of former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. He further alleged that key leaders, including Chief Minister MK Stalin, Udhayanidhi Stalin, Kanimozhi, and Sabareesan, dominate the DMK, and accused the Stalin family of being responsible for various "mafias." He also criticised DMK leader Senthil Balaji, calling him an "agent" of the ruling family and referring to his past legal issues, which drew slogans from party workers. Goyal said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is focused on development and claimed that the state government creates obstacles and fails to properly utilise central funds. He accused the DMK government of blocking development projects and attempting to gain financially from central schemes. "The Stalin family wants to give every contract to their family and friends. They don't want the metro because they have to do transparent and honest bidding for that. That is not acceptable to the Stalin family because there is no cut, no corruption in the central government projects. If by mistake anybody votes for DMK, you are voting for Udhayanidhi Stalin as Chief Minister. Don't make that mistake," he said. Tamil Nadu Assembly elections will go to the polls in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. (ANI)
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Amid speculation over the next Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary on Sunday visited Nitish Kumar's residence in Patna, while the people of the state wait for an announcement over their new leader. While no official announcement has been made, it is speculated that the next Chief Minister will be from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, disagreement has continued within the JD(U), ever since party workers protested Nitish Kumar's move to Rajya Sabha too. Certain members of the JD(U) have instead demanded Nishant Kumar, Nitish Kumar's son to take up the mantle. On Sunday morning, Janata Dal (United) workers put up posters around Patna calling for Nitish Kumar's son, Nishant Kumar, to be the "future CM of Bihar". "Nitish sevaks, we do not need a bulldozer, nor riots-unrest in Bihar. We need loknayak, it is time for him to come out of the shadow, we need youth leader Nishant Kumar," read the poster in Hindi, while having pictures of multiple party leaders. Nitish Kumar took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP on April 10. His ways of manoeuvring alliance politics have been crucial for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) being in power in Bihar. The move to the Rajya Sabha marks the fulfilment of Kumar's long-stated desire to serve in every legislative house in India (Bihar Assembly, Bihar Council, Lok Sabha, and finally, Rajya Sabha). This transition effectively hands the reins of the Bihar government over to the BJP, marking a significant structural shift in the state's power dynamics ahead of future elections. (ANI)
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has achieved a significant breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on cross-border drug trafficking along the India-Myanmar border with the arrest of a major Myanmar-based drug trafficker, Lalhmingsanga. The accused, identified as a key figure in an international narcotics network, was apprehended on Saturday by the NCB Field Office, Aizawl, following sustained surveillance and coordinated intelligence inputs. In a press release, NCB, Guwahati, stated that he is a resident of Khawmawi, Myanmar, and is believed to be the main supplier behind the seizure of 48 kg of crystal methamphetamine on 6 March 2025, a consignment considered one of the largest trafficked from Myanmar. "Investigations have revealed that the accused maintained extensive financial transactions with other members of the network and played a crucial role in logistics, including the procurement of vehicles used for drug transportation. This marks the sixth major arrest in the case following a detailed investigation," said the release. "Earlier, five other traffickers were apprehended from different locations. Among them, three accused--Joseph Lalhmangaihzuala, Munlamtuanga, and Zatinthluaii -- were arrested during the initial seizure and follow-up operations. The drug cartel operated across an international network stretching from Myanmar to Mizoram and further to Delhi. A key accused, Singmunlian (Lianpu), who was residing in Delhi with a refugee card, was arrested on 7 March 2025. Another key accused, Lalengzaua, identified as the main receiver and coordinator of the cartel in Delhi, was arrested on 8 August 2025," said the press release. It also stated that, the investigation has exposed a well-organised syndicate engaged in the smuggling and distribution of illicit narcotics across international borders, posing a serious threat to national security and public health. Over the past few years, the NCB has significantly intensified its operations in the North Eastern Region. In 2025 itself NCB has registered 48 NDPS cases and arrested 116 drug traffickers. The NCB seized Crystal Meth 48.61 kg, Methamphetamine 503.486 kg, Heroin 34.725 kg, Morphine or Opium 140.136 kg, Ganja 17.344 kg, CBCS 2503.2 kg, Codeine-based cough syrups 5013 bottles. "The total estimated value of the seized drugs in the illegal market is Rs 664.44 crore. The India-Myanmar border, characterised by porous terrain and challenging geography, has long been exploited by traffickers. However, the NCB has strengthened enforcement through advanced surveillance techniques, enhanced intelligence-sharing, and multi-agency coordination. To further bolster cooperation, eight State-Level Joint Coordination Committee Meetings have been conducted in the NER, involving State Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), intelligence agencies, and other enforcement bodies," said the NCB. (ANI)
National Mahila President of Vishva Hindu Raksha Parishad (VHRP) Yamuna Pathak on Sunday strongly condemned the recent surge of targeted violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. Speaking to ANI from Hyderabad, Pathak highlighted a "deliberate pattern of intimidation" and called out international organisations for what she described as a hypocritical stance on human rights and minority welfare. The latest wave of unrest centred on the districts of Rangapur and Kushtia, where mobs reportedly attacked Hindu households and businesses. Pathak noted with particular outrage that the violence erupted over the death of a Muslim youth, despite the victim's own family clearing the Hindu community of any involvement. "We strongly condemn the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, where mobs targeted innocent Hindu households and businesses in Rangapur and Kushtia over the death of a Muslim youth, even after his own family clarified that the Hindu community had no role in the murder," she said. She further termed the violence as deliberate and questioned global institutions over their silence on the issue."This is not just violence. It is a repeated and deliberate pattern of intimidation against a vulnerable minority," Pathak said. She also questioned the effectiveness of international human rights bodies, alleging selective attention towards minority issues. "If minorities are meant to be protected, then why are Hindus facing such discrimination and brutality? Where is a global outcry? And why is the United Nations Human Rights Council silent? Are they asleep, or is justice now selective?" she asked. She further added that discussions on minority welfare must include the safety and protection of Hindus as well."The world cannot keep speaking of minority welfare while ignoring the suffering of Hindus," she said. Meanwhile, Pathak on Saturday welcomed the special sitting of Parliament on the Women's Reservation Amendment Bill, saying the nationwide campaign by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the bill is a "consistent ideological commitment" to women-led nation-building. Pathak told ANI, "The nationwide campaign by the BJP for the Women's Reservation Bill clearly reflects a consistent ideological commitment to women-led nation building... This push for the Women's Reservation Bill is a natural extension of that vision, translating intent into a constitutional reality. It is also a political truth that no other political party has shown this level of conviction, clarity and nationwide commitment to women's reservation." (ANI)
CPI(M) state secretary M. V. Govindan on Sunday alleged that claims made by sections of the media and political parties suggesting that increased voter turnout indicates anti-incumbency and a decisive victory for the United Democratic Front (UDF) have "no factual basis." Addressing a press interaction, Govindan said such narratives were being built immediately after polling without examining the actual electoral data. "Some sections of the media and certain political parties began an aggressive campaign immediately after polling, claiming that the increase in voter turnout reflected anti-incumbency and that the UDF was heading towards a big victory. However, a factual examination shows that these claims have no real basis," he said. He cited voter roll revisions and polling figures to argue that there has been no unusual surge in voting. "Before the intensive revision, there were 2.84 crore voters on the rolls, which later came down to 2.17 crore. Of these, about 78.27% have voted, according to figures released by the Chief Electoral Officer," he said. Govindan further stated that in several constituencies, voter numbers have actually declined compared to the previous Assembly election. "In 94 constituencies, the number of voters actually decreased after the revision compared to 2021. In fact, in many constituencies, polling has gone down compared to the previous Assembly election," he said. He also pointed out that overall voting numbers have remained marginally lower than in the last election. "The total number of votes polled in 2021 was around 2.09 crore, whereas now it is slightly lower at 2.08 crore. So the narrative of an unusual increase in voting is completely baseless," he said. The CPI(M) leader also alleged that the election has witnessed large-scale inducement of voters by rival parties. "This election has also seen large-scale influence of money by both the UDF and the BJP, with cash, kits, sarees, and other materials being distributed among voters," he said, adding that in some instances, practices similar to direct cash-for-votes as seen in some parts of North India were also visible. He praised party workers for their campaign efforts, saying they had worked under difficult conditions. "Despite all this, LDF workers have carried out an intense and dedicated campaign, braving extreme heat and reaching out to people at the grassroots level," he said. He added, "I salute the lakhs of party workers who worked tirelessly day and night. I am confident that their efforts will reflect in the final results." Voting for assembly polls created a record on Thursday as Assam and Puducherry surpassed their highest-ever poll-participation by recording 85.38% and 89.83% voter turnout. The turnout was also high in Keralam at 78.03 per cent. A total of 296 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) in Assam and Keralam and the UT of Puducherry with a total electorate of over 5.31 crore went to polls earlier, along with the bye-elections in four assembly constituencies in Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura. (ANI)
Firefighting teams quickly responded to the incident and are currently working to extinguish the flames.

Further details of the fire and any casualties are awaited.

On March 25, a massive fire broke out at a bakery store in Madhya Pradesh's Indore, leading to the explosion of several LPG cylinders stored inside it, an official said.

Upon receiving information about the incident, the firefighters promptly arrived at the scene and extinguished the flames.

Fire Brigade Sub Inspector Charan Singh Rajput said that around 10-12 water tankers were deployed at the site and took nearly 2.5 hours to control the blaze.

"A fire incident occurred at a bakery store between 9 and 9:30 am and upon receiving information, fire tenders reached the spot to extinguish the flames. A total of 10-12 water tankers were deployed, and it took 2-2.5 hours to control the fire. There were approximately 40 gas cylinders present inside the store, with 8-10 exploded in the incident, however, no casualty was reported," Rajput told ANI. (ANI)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday criticised the law and order situation under Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, alleging prevalence of "anarchy, hooliganism, looting, appeasement, and riots" in the State. Addressing a public gathering in Purba Medinipur, he said that anarchy, violence, and unrest currently seen in the state were similar to conditions in Uttar Pradesh prior to 2017, before a double-engine BJP government was formed. "The kind of anarchy, hooliganism, looting, appeasement, and riots that are happening in Bengal today were also prevalent in UP before 2017," Adityanath said. Highlighting changes in Uttar Pradesh, the BJP leader said, "'Aaj UP mein no curfew, no danga. Aaj UP mein hai sab changa'(There are no riots in Uttar Pradesh anymore. There is no curfew, no riots. Everything is fine in UP)...Namaz is not offered on the streets anymore. Shouting doesn't emanate from mosques. There is a strict law for love jihad. Cow slaughter cannot happen. Every daughter, every businessman is safe. Every hand has work, every field has water... Even Congress and SP could not stop UP's development," asserting improvement in the state's law and order situation after the BJP was voted to power in the State. ". All the mafia that existed there has gone to hell. No mafia, no goons. Now every citizen is safe there..." he said. Adityanath said, "Today, the Mayor of Kolkata openly challenges you. He says that half the population of Bengal will speak Urdu. That means they want to eradicate the Bangla language. They want to wipe out the Bengali identity.... Tell these people that if they insist on Urdu, go to the place where Urdu is actually spoken..." In the 2021 Assembly polls, TMC secured a landslide 213 seats. Meanwhile, BJP's growth from a minor player to 77 seats in the last cycle has set the stage for the current high-stakes confrontation. West Bengal is set for two phases of assembly polls on April 23 and 29, with the results set for May 4. (ANI)
In a significant blow to narcotics trafficking networks, Assam Rifles, in a joint operation with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), acting on specific intelligence inputs, apprehended one individual from the general area of Teliamura in Khowai district, Tripura, on April 11, 2026. According to the release, during the operation, a pickup vehicle was intercepted, leading to the recovery of approximately 2,00,000 Yaba tablets valued at around 16 crores. The apprehended individual was identified as Raju Deb, aged 44, a resident of Jalilpur, West Tripura. The apprehended individual, along with the seized contraband and vehicle, has been handed over to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence for further investigation and legal proceedings. The operation underscores the continued resolve of Assam Rifles, in close coordination with DRI, to combat the menace of narcotics trafficking and maintain a secure environment in the region. Earlier on April 4, Assam Rifles Battalion, in coordination with the police, carried out a swift, intelligence-based operation in the general area of Meharpur in Silchar. During the operation, suspect movement was detected, and the vehicle attempted to evade the security forces, leading to a brief chase before being intercepted. The swift response by the joint team resulted in the recovery of 30 soap cases of heroin weighing approximately 349 grams, with an estimated market value of Rs 2.10 crore. Three individuals were apprehended in connection with the recovery. The recovered contraband, along with the apprehended individuals, has been handed over to the police for further investigation. Earlier in February, the Assam Rifles launched a joint operation with the Cachar Police based on information about the trafficking of drugs in the Cachar district. During the operation, the team apprehended one individual who was transporting heroin worth Rs 4.05 crore via Silchar Bypass near Maharpur late at night on February 17. The apprehended individual, along with the seized vehicle, has been handed over to the Cachar Police for further investigation, according to the Headquarters Inspector General, Assam Rifles (East). Assam Rifles has been at the forefront of anti-drug operations in the region, conducting regular operations to disrupt and dismantle narcotics networks. This seizure is a major turning point in the effort to combat drug trafficking. (ANI)
People's Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday said that the recent US-Iran talks should not be viewed as a failure but as the "beginning" of a longer diplomatic process, adding that such complex issues cannot be resolved overnight. She said the dialogue between the two sides reflects a continuing effort to address long-standing tensions and should be seen in that broader context. "I don't see it as a failure; it's a beginning. It's a complex issue that has been going on for years, for which such a large war was fought. If you think that negotiations on this matter will succeed overnight, that simply does not happen," she said. Mufti said Iran has demonstrated its commitment to its position while resisting external pressure. "I believe Iran has again shown its courage and commitment to its principles," she said. She further claimed that expectations from the negotiations were unrealistic. "America wanted Iran to hand over everything it gained in this war, at the cost of the lives of 150 children, its leaders, and its people, to America. How could that happen? That couldn't happen. I am pleased that Iran stood firm on its own terms, compelling the US to return empty-handed," she said. Expressing optimism over continued engagement, she said the process is still ongoing despite tough positions from both sides. "But the conversation hasn't ended yet. In the 15-day ceasefire they have announced, there will be more movement back and forth," she said. Mufti added that such negotiations typically involve intense bargaining from both sides. "Naturally, whenever any conversation starts, both sides take a very tough stance. Iran has also toughened its stance, and so has America," she said. She also alleged external attempts to derail the process. "And besides that, the illegitimate sidekick, whose name I don't want to mention, is trying to sabotage these talks," she said. "The people of America and the whole world want this conversation to be successful, so that the Strait of Hormuz opens up, because the whole world is currently stalled, oil prices are rising, gas prices are rising, and other businesses are at a standstill," she further added. She concluded, expressing hope for progress through continued dialogue. "So, I feel that at the right time, this conversation will show its true colours, and for that, we all must pray and have patience," she said. Mufti's remarks come as JD Vance departed from Islamabad, following a stalemate in the talks between Tehran and Washington, with the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear capacities being key points of contention. Meanwhile, Iran's Head of Centre for Public Diplomacy and Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, on Sunday, said that Iran's negotiators are employing all their capabilities, adding that the success of the efforts depends on the acceptance of Iran's legitimate rights and interests. Baqaei stated that Iran's significant losses have strengthened its resolve and that it utilizes all available resources to safeguard its national interests. As the situation evolves, Tasnim News Agency reported on Sunday, citing an informed source, that Iran has presented reasonable proposals during the negotiations held in Islamabad, and now it is up to the US to respond. (ANI)
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) on Sunday hit back at Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin over his "slave" remarks. Dismissing Udhayanidhi Stalin's remarks, Palaniswami said AIADMK cadres are proud followers of MG Ramachandran, the party's founder and former CM of Tamil Nadu and will not accept such labels. "MK Stalin and Udhayanidhi Stalin are focusing only on criticising me in their campaigns, rather than speaking about people's welfare or government schemes... Neither I nor my party cadres are slaves. While DMK may be a sewer, AIADMK cadres are proud followers of MG Ramachandran and will never accept such labels," he said. "AIADMK is strong, and DMK is unable to accept this strength, which is why they resort to criticism," he added. The response comes after Udhayanidhi Stalin described the AIADMK-led NDA alliance as a "slave team", while accusing former Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami of failing to stand up for Tamil Nadu's interests, particularly on issues like NEET. "This election is between the Delhi team and the Tamil Nadu team. Our leader is the captain, and we will win. The AIADMK-led NDA alliance is a slave team. The NEET examination was implemented during the AIADMK regime under his leadership. He (Edappadi Palaniswami) failed to raise his voice for Tamil Nadu's welfare. He is subservient to the Central Government," Stalin said. Tamil Nadu polls are scheduled to be conducted in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. The main electoral contest is expected between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA), which also includes Congress, DMDK, and the VCK, and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by AIADMK with the BJP and Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) as allies. Actor-turned-politician Vijay is set to make his electoral debut with TVK, attempting to turn the upcoming elections into a three-way contest. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Uttarakhand on Tuesday, marking his 27th visit to the state. Notably, this will be his 17th visit during the four-and-a-half-year tenure of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. During the visit, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway and also dedicate to the nation the country's first variable speed pumped storage plant of 1,000 MW capacity in Tehri. There is widespread enthusiasm among the people of Uttarakhand regarding his arrival, and the state government is making extensive preparations to ensure the inauguration ceremony is memorable, according to a release from Uttarakhand CMO. After becoming Prime Minister in May 2014, Narendra Modi made his first visit to Uttarakhand on September 11, 2015, when he reached Rishikesh. During that visit, he went to the Dayanand Saraswati Ashram and met spiritual guru Dayanand Giri, inquiring about his well-being. The Prime Minister also holds deep reverence for the major pilgrimage sites of Uttarakhand, including Kedarnath. Since assuming office, he has visited Kedarnath five times and has also travelled to Badrinath and Mukhba. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as a strong brand ambassador for pilgrimage and tourism in Uttarakhand. At a time when natural disasters had impacted travel to Kedarnath, his visit to the shrine helped send a message of safe pilgrimage to people across the country and the world. Following his visits, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number of devotees visiting Kedarnath. Similarly, after he visited Adi Kailash in Pithoragarh district, the region has witnessed a surge in pilgrim footfall. Last year in March, the Prime Minister visited Mukhba in Uttarkashi district, the winter abode of Goddess Ganga, promoting winter pilgrimage and boosting year-round tourism in the state, according to the release. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares a deep emotional and spiritual connection with Uttarakhand, adding that the state holds a special place in his heart. He noted that since Modi became Prime Minister, several major development projects have been approved for the state, with more than Rs 2 lakh crore worth of schemes already implemented on the ground. There has been a significant transformation in connectivity infrastructure, including projects such as the Char Dham All Weather Road, the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project, ropeway projects for Kedarnath and Hemkund Sahib, and the Dehradun-Delhi elevated road. Under PMGSY, road connectivity has expanded in remote rural areas, alongside improvements in air and rail services. Ropeway projects are also progressing rapidly, the release stated. During Chief Minister Dhami's tenure, the Prime Minister has visited Uttarakhand 16 times prior to this upcoming visit. On these occasions, the state government has presented him with replicas and symbolic items reflecting Uttarakhand's unique cultural and religious heritage, along with local products. Regarding the Tehri project, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the country's first variable speed pumped storage plant on April 14. With a total capacity of 1,000 MW, the plant has been developed by THDC as part of the 2,400 MW Tehri Hydro Power Complex. It will generate additional electricity by utilising the upper and lower reservoirs of the Tehri hydro project. This project is expected to become a milestone in India's energy journey. (ANI)
The Himachal Pradesh branch of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) strongly disagreed with the state government's plan to move the gynaecology outpatient department of Kamla Nehru Hospital in Shimla to the outpatient department complex of Indira Gandhi Medical College, saying it goes against the public's best interests and established healthcare standards. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Thakur, CPI(M) State Secretary Sanjay Chauhan expressed concern over the move, stating that it has triggered widespread public resentment across the state. He urged the government to immediately roll back the decision and continue operating the OPD from its existing premises. "The decision to shift the OPD will not only inconvenience patients but also violate the guidelines laid down for Maternal and Child Health (MCH) institutions by national and international agencies," Chauhan said. He further pointed out that IGMC is already facing space constraints, with overcrowding in its OPD and ward areas. Shifting additional services to the campus, he said, would further burden the infrastructure and lead to increased difficulties for patients. Describing the historical and functional significance of Kamla Nehru Hospital, Chauhan noted that the institution, formerly known as Lady Reading Hospital, was established in 1924 during the British era and has since evolved into the state's 'Premier Maternal and Child Health Centre.' The hospital currently caters to 300-400 women daily and has a capacity of around 300 beds, providing affordable and largely free healthcare services. The CPI(M) leader also recalled that previous attempts to shift the hospital had been shelved following public opposition, after which successive governments invested in its modernisation and expansion. He cited that a new building constructed at a cost of 22 crore in 2013 is already equipped with OPD, emergency operation theatres, and laboratory facilities. Chauhan further referred to ongoing and proposed expansion plans under the third phase, which include the construction of advanced facilities such as operating theatres, IVF centres, and private wards. Raising concerns over reports suggesting that the existing hospital site may be repurposed for constructing accommodation for legislators, he said such a move would hurt public sentiment and deprive women of accessible healthcare services. "Given the emotional and practical importance of this hospital for the people of Shimla and the state, the government must respect public sentiment and ensure that healthcare services are not disrupted," Chauhan added. The CPI(M) has demanded that the government not only withdraw the shifting decision but also expedite the planned modernisation and expansion of Kamla Nehru Hospital to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services in the state. (ANI)
This event is part of the Amaravati Quantum Valley initiative.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will inaugurate two distinct quantum computer testbeds on April 14 at SRM University and Medha Towers.

The launch of the Quantum Reference Facility in Amaravati marks the beginning of a new chapter in the technology era. Two separate quantum testing reference facilities--named 1S and 1Q--are being established at the SRM University campus in the capital region and Medha Towers in Gannavaram, respectively.

With this, Andhra Pradesh will become the first state in India to host a Quantum Test Reference Facility. This indigenously developed facility will enable testing and certification of quantum computer hardware, strengthening Amaravati's position as a Quantum Valley hub.

Qubitech is establishing the quantum reference testbeds at Medha Towers and SRM University, which will play a crucial role in the development of quantum hardware. These mini quantum computer testbeds operate at extremely low temperatures of -273C, enabling precise testing of quantum devices.

SRM University has also established an open-access reference facility to benefit researchers, students, experts, and companies involved in quantum hardware development.

Both quantum reference facilities in Amaravati are built entirely using indigenously developed technology and equipment.

At Medha Towers, Qubitech has developed the 1Q quantum computer testbed.

At SRM University, a 1S superconducting quantum testbed has been established.

Premier institutions such as the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), and DRDO have extended support in setting up these facilities.

The inauguration event, marking a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, will witness participation from the National Quantum Mission, IIT professors, quantum scientists, startup representatives, research scholars, and industry experts.

Additionally, arrangements are being made for over 1.5 lakh students from universities and colleges across Andhra Pradesh to attend the event virtually. (ANI)
President Droupadi Murmu will visit Gujarat and Maharashtra from April 13 to April 16, a statement from the President's Secretariat read The President will arrive in Gujarat for the first leg of her visit on April 13 and attend the first convocation ceremony of AIIMS Rajkot. The next day, she will head to Gandhinagar to grace the 'Samajik Samrasta Mahotsava' at Lok Bhavan on the occasion of the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar, according to a release. On the same day, the President will also grace the fifth convocation ceremony of Rashtriya Raksha University at Gandhinagar. On April 15, Droupadi Murmu will head to Maharashtra for the second leg of her visit, where she will grace the second convocation ceremony of AIIMS Nagpur. On the same day, she will grace the valediction ceremony of the 78th batch of Indian Revenue Service (Income Tax) Officer Trainees at the National Academy of Direct Taxes, Nagpur, the release stated. She will conclude her visit by attending the sixth convocation ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya at Wardha on April 16. Earlier on Wednesday, a youth delegation from Jammu and Kashmir, attending the Ministry of Home Affairs' "Watan Ko Jano" programme, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan. In an X post from Rastrapati Bhavan, it said, "A youth delegation from Jammu and Kashmir attending the programme 'Watan Ko Jano', organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, called on President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan." The 'Watan Ko Jano' programme, organised by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir under funding from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, is aimed at fostering national integration by exposing children of the age less than 18 years from government-run homes to the cultural, historical, and technological advancements of other parts of the country. The 'Watan Ko Jano' programme has been successful in promoting national integration, fostering unity among India's youth, and helping create a more inclusive, harmonious society, according to an official release from the Ministry of Home Affairs. (ANI)
The Jammu and Kashmir unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday held a meeting of its state office-bearers at its Trikuta Nagar headquarters, focusing on organisational strengthening and public outreach. Addressing the meeting, BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh called for greater ideological commitment and directed party leaders to ensure the completion of organisational structures down to the booth level. He emphasised the need for regular monthly meetings at all levels -- from booth to state -- to maintain momentum. Chugh also stressed enhanced public outreach through frequent visits by leaders to their designated areas, stating that the BJP functioned as a movement rooted in nationalist ideology rather than merely a political party. He cautioned against divisive forces and urged leaders to remain vigilant. J&K BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma underlined the importance of accountability and effective implementation of policies at the grassroots level. He called for the early completion of party structures, including morchas and cells, and highlighted the Centre's focus on welfare and women-led development. Union Minister Jitendra Singh lauded the party cadre for their organisational efforts, saying the BJP's functioning in the Union Territory was being closely observed across the country. He urged leaders to remain prepared for emerging challenges and to highlight the government's developmental initiatives. BJP general secretary (organisation) Ashok Koul reviewed district-wise organisational activities and said, "Nearly 258 mandal-level training programmes were nearing completion, after which district-level programmes would begin." MP Jugal Kishore Sharma described the political resolution presented at the meeting as a roadmap for future action, while former Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh emphasised the role of office-bearers in strengthening the party's connect with the public. The political resolution was presented by chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi, who assured that suggestions from party members would be incorporated. Several senior leaders, including Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma and Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana, were present at the meeting, along with state office-bearers, morcha presidents and district in-charges of the state. (ANI)
A delegation of Congress MLAs travelled to the national capital to meet the party's high command to push for ministerial representation and to raise long-pending demands regarding a cabinet reshuffle. Among those travelling are Ashok Pattan, Bangarapete MLA S.N. Narayanaswamy, Tiptur MLA K. Shadakshari, AR Krishnamurthy, Puttaranga Shetty, Belur Gopal Krishna and others. While speaking on this matter, senior MLA T.B. Jayachandra on Sunday said the delegation's outreach to the party high command is a "routine matter" aimed at discussing organisational issues and a possible cabinet reshuffle, asserting that there is no leadership question within the state unit. The delegation is also expected to meet senior party leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, KC Venugopal, Randeep Surjewala and other AICC leaders during their stay in the national capital. Karnataka Congress MLA T.B. Jayachandra said that his visit to Delhi is a routine political engagement aimed at meeting the party high command and discussing organisational matters. While speaking to ANI, he said, "It is a routine matter for me. I'm a state representative in Delhi... There are many MLAs also coming, and we wanted to meet the high command and convince for the reshuffle. That is the demand of the many senior MLAs... This government has provided an opportunity for three years; only two years left. That is why we all wanted to go and meet the High Command and to make a request before him..." "The leadership issue is not at all there before us. It is between the four walls of the CM, Deputy CM, the AICC President and Rahul Gandhi," he assured. Along the same lines, Karnataka Congress MLA S.N. Narayanaswamy said the delegation is meeting top AICC leaders to place their demand for a cabinet reshuffle. "We are going to meet Venugopal, Surjewala, Mallikarjun Kharge, and all Congress leaders. Our demands are a Cabinet reshuffle," he told ANI, adding that leadership change is not on the agenda either and is the prerogative of the high command. MLA K. Shadakshari too said that the delegation will attempt to meet the party leadership during their visit. "We are going to meet everyone from AICC. If we get an appointment, we will meet Rahul Gandhi," he told ANI. On arrival in Delhi, MLA AR Krishnamurthy said senior and multiple-term MLAs have collectively raised the demand for a reshuffle. "The members who won for the third, fourth, or fifth term want a cabinet reshuffle. We brought this to the notice of the Chief Minister too," he said, adding that discussions will be held with the central leadership in Delhi. He further clarified that there is no demand for a leadership change, stating that it is entirely for the high command to decide. On the same note, Karnataka Congress MLA Ashok Pattan said the delegation will meet senior party leaders and push for a cabinet reshuffle, claiming it is the main agenda of the visit. "We will try to meet Rahul Gandhi. We will meet Mallikarjun Kharge, Surjewala, and Venugopal. We have just one condition. Cabinet reshuffle," he told ANI. He added that the demand is linked to an earlier assurance within the party. "Surjewala told us that the Cabinet will be reshuffled after 2.5 years. It has already been three years. Our demand is to make us Ministers for at least the remaining two years," he added, while clarifying that leadership change is not part of the discussion. Earlier, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday hinted at a cabinet reshuffle in the state and said that there was "nothing wrong" with Congress leaders wanting ministerial or Chief Ministerial positions. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said, "When our Chief Minister has said that there is going to be a reshuffle, naturally, everyone would like to become a minister or CM. They may try. There is nothing wrong with it." The cabinet reshuffle comes amid the Congress government grappling with internal friction, particularly with supporters of Shivakumar demanding that he be appointed as the Chief Minister for the remaining little over 2 years of the government, citing the 2023 "power-sharing agreement". This leadership tussle has prompted repeated meetings between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar to prevent escalation, and both leaders have time and again said that the party high command will make a decision on the issue. (ANI)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the Central Observer for the election of the party's Legislative Party Leader in Bihar. Speaking to reporters, Chouhan said he would carry out the responsibility with honesty and dedication. He also stated that he identifies as a party worker and will complete any assigned task. "I am a party's worker, and as a worker, it is my duty to do whatever work I get with complete honesty and authenticity. I fulfil whatever responsibility the party gives me... I will go to Bihar on the 14th", he said. Meanwhile, political developments in Bihar have gained pace. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is set to chair a Cabinet meeting on April 14, which is likely to be crucial. Sources said the meeting may clear several important proposals. They also indicated that this could be the last meeting of the current Council of Ministers. According to sources, Nitish Kumar may step down after the Cabinet meeting. If this happens, Bihar could have a new Chief Minister as early as April 15. At the same time, Janata Dal (United) Working President and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha said that Nitish Kumar remains committed to the development of Bihar, even if he is not holding the post of Chief Minister. Jha said that the party fought the 2025-30 mandate under Nitish Kumar's leadership with the support of the NDA, and the new government would continue his policies. "As far as Bihar is concerned, we contested the 2025-30 election mandate under Nitish Kumar's leadership with the support of the NDA. The Prime Minister campaigned regularly, and the new government will continue Nitish Ji's policies and work under his guidance. Even if he is not Chief Minister, his focus remains on Bihar, travelling to Delhi only for Parliament sessions," he said. Nitish Kumar took oath as a Rajya Sabha MP on April 10. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a sharp attack on the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing it of corruption, appeasement politics and neglect of North Bengal, and said the BJP will form the next government in the state. Addressing a public rally in Siliguri, Modi said the people of West Bengal have seen "nothing but ruin" in the 15 years of TMC rule and are now ready for change. "The ruthless TMC government has completed 15 years in power. Over these 15 years, you have witnessed nothing but ruin. I see many young people here; my young friends, 15 years ago, you were likely studying in the first grade. In this election, you are going to cast your votes--votes that will determine the future of Bengal," he said. Assembly elections in the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting of votes scheduled for May 4. Stepping up his criticism, Modi described the TMC as "anti-North Bengal", "anti-tribal", and against women and youth development. "This is a crucial moment to evaluate the work and conduct of any administration; however, the TMC has not performed any constructive work--it has only committed misdeeds. The TMC is an anti-North Bengal party; it is a party hostile to women and the youth, and it is an anti-tribal party. That is why, this time, the slogan of "Change" is resounding across every corner of Bengal," he said. He also alleged that the TMC government cannot present its report card of the last 15 years. "The TMC is unable to provide an account of its 15 years in office because, having committed only nefarious acts rather than actual work, with what face could it possibly answer to you?" he said. The Prime Minister further accused the state government of discrimination against North Bengal in budget allocation. He claimed that around Rs 6,000 crore was allocated for madrasas, while development in North Bengal was neglected. "The budget of the ruthless TMC government is also an example of discrimination against North Bengal. This ruthless government allocated a budget of approximately Rs 6,000 crore for madrasas. But the Bengal government does not allocate enough budget for the development of such a vast part of North Bengal. The TMC is busy day and night appeasing its own special vote bank. When heavy rains wreaked havoc in many districts of North Bengal, there was chaos everywhere. At that time, the ruthless TMC government was celebrating in Kolkata. TMC is an anti-North Bengal party," he said. Recalling a roadshow held in Siliguri, Modi said public response exceeded expectations and reflected strong support. "Yesterday evening here in Siliguri, when I was leaving Bagdogra, some colleagues told me that they wanted to hold a small 500-700 metre roadshow. I said, brother, if you do a roadshow today and a public meeting tomorrow, where will the people come from? But instead of 500-700 metres, a 15-kilometre-long roadshow took place. What a remarkable thing your people have done. I was seeing that small children and young ones were showing such affection. I can never forget the love of the people of the country. It was an extraordinary sight," he said. He claimed that the mood in the state clearly points towards change and warned the ruling party of accountability after the results. "Yesterday I visited different parts of Bengal. What I saw there was the enthusiasm, energy, and excitement among the youth, mothers, sisters, and elderly people, as well as villagers, which was remarkable. People had come after facing great difficulties and had walked for miles. Bengal is now determined for change. This time, it is certain that the TMC will go," he said. "TMC people, listen carefully. After May 4th, the BJP government will be formed, and they will have to give an account of every moment of the past fifteen years. They will have to give an account of every penny," he added. Modi said the turnout at the rally reflects public anger against the ruling party. "I will live for you. I will keep struggling for you. Friends, and this sight today also gives me full confidence that it is going to shake the sleep of TMC. This rally in Siliguri has decided the farewell of TMC's so-called jungle raj. Across Bengal, only one slogan is echoing, only one slogan is being heard. The cruel TMC government has completed 15 years. In these 15 years, you have seen destruction. I can see many young people here... Friends, today I will one by one, place before you the entire list of TMC's sins and its dark deeds," he said. He also spoke about infrastructure and connectivity, saying the Centre sees the Siliguri Corridor as key to national security and development. "...For the BJP, the Siliguri Corridor is a corridor of nation, security, and prosperity. This project will greatly boost connectivity, trade, and tourism in Bengal and Sikkim... TMC obstructs every project of the central government," he said. (ANI)
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay, who is contesting from Perambur and Tiruchirappalli East constituencies, held an election campaign rally in Kanniyakumari on Sunday. He also rode a bicycle during his election campaign rally, drawing attention from supporters gathered along the route. Earlier on Sunday, before leaving from his residence in Neelankarai in Chennai, Vijay came out of his house and waved to party cadres assembled outside. The supporters, filled with excitement, shouted "Thalapathy! Thalapathy!" and ran alongside his vehicle. He travelled by car from his residence to Chennai airport, and along the entire route, large crowds of people had gathered to catch a glimpse of him. The Kanniyakumari constituency is set to witness a three-cornered contest, with AIADMK MLA Thalavai Sundaram defending his seat against DMK candidate Mahesh R and TVK candidate Madhavan S R, who is contesting for the first time under the party's banner. The seat has historically seen a pattern of alternation between AIADMK and DMK since 1989. With the Assembly elections fast approaching, TVK's Vijay on Saturday appealed to the party workers to "step out into the field, and undertake work while keeping a selfless camaraderie to help candidates". "At this moment, as election day rapidly approaches, I make one appeal. Polling booth convenors, members who have joined the TVK to journey alongside us as comrades, my dear friends and friends who hold immense love for the League--all of you, step into the field and undertake the work. Over the next ten days, at times convenient for you, in the mornings and evenings, go from house to house in the places where each of you reside, and meet our own people, the people of Tamil Nadu," Vijay wrote in a post on X. Calling on all state and district level leaders of the party, he said to "embrace everyone and carry out the election work. With a sense of selfless camaraderie, all of you go from house to house and meet the people. Explain that this election is not just for us, but for a grand change, an election for a generation." Tamil Nadu polls are scheduled to be conducted in a single phase on April 23, with counting scheduled for May 4. TVK is also looking to enter into the fray for the very first time, going against the established political presence of DMK, AIADMK and even the BJP. (ANI)
The Trump administration has revoked the permanent residency status of additional long-term Iranian residents in the United States who have familial ties to high-ranking current or former officials in Tehran. The State Department confirmed it has initiated action against Seyed Eissa Hashemi, a psychology educator based in the Los Angeles area, along with his wife and son. All three individuals are Iranian-born lawful permanent residents of the US. In a statement issued as negotiations to conclude the conflict with Iran commence in Pakistan, the department noted that the individuals were taken into custody by immigration officials and are currently "slated for deportation." According to the department, Hashemi is the son of Masoumeh Ebtekar, who gained prominence as a spokeswoman for the group involved in the 1979 takeover of the US Embassy in Tehran and later served as Iran's inaugural female vice president. This move follows similar enforcement action taken recently, when the State Department targeted foreign nationals accused of supporting Iran's regime. Following the termination of their Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status by an order from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, these individuals were taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Specifically, the Department of State identified Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of former Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Major General Qasem Soleimani, and her daughter as being taken into custody following the revocation of their green cards. Secretary Rubio described Afshar as an "outspoken supporter" of the Iranian regime, alleging she promoted propaganda and celebrated attacks on American military personnel while residing in the US. The statement further read: "Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter are now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement... she promoted Iranian regime propaganda, celebrated attacks against American soldiers and military facilities in the Middle East, praised the new Iranian Supreme Leader, denounced America as the 'Great Satan', and voiced her unflinching support for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, a designated terror organisation." Authorities alleged that Afshar maintained an affluent lifestyle in Los Angeles while disseminating this content. In addition to the actions against her and her daughter, Afshar's husband has been barred from entering the United States. These measures are part of a broader crackdown that included the termination of the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of the late Ali Larijani, and her husband, Seyed Kalantar Motamedi. Both have been barred from future entry into the country. The State Department expressed appreciation to the Department of Homeland Security and ICE for their coordination. Highlighting the administration's stance, Rubio stated on X: "The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes." (ANI)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Israel is open to entering into a "real" and enduring peace agreement with Lebanon, even as he intensified his criticism of Iran and its regional proxies, asserting that his government will continue military operations against what he termed a "terrorist regime". In a post on X, Netanyahu wrote, "Under my leadership, Israel will continue to fight against Iran's terrorist regime and its proxies, in contrast to Erdogan who aids them and even slaughters his Kurdish citizens." https://x.com/netanyahu/status/2043015066660884506?s=20 According to reports by Al Jazeera, Israel has agreed to begin formal negotiations with Lebanon next week following weeks of intense cross-border hostilities and a ground incursion into parts of Lebanese territory. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel seeks an enduring peace arrangement with Lebanon, while maintaining that such an agreement must ensure long-term security guarantees. In a video address, Netanyahu said Israel is open to a peace deal with Lebanon, but only if it is long-lasting and conditional upon the "dismantling" of Hezbollah's military capabilities. "Lebanon has approached us. In the past month, it has reached out several times to begin direct peace talks," said Netanyahu. "I have given my approval, but on two conditions: We want the dismantling of Hezbollah's weapons, and we want a real peace agreement that will last for generations," he added. Netanyahu's comments came as the first phase of in-person talks between the United States and Iran concluded in Islamabad late on Saturday night after several hours of negotiations involving multiple stakeholders, marking a significant development in ongoing diplomatic discussions aimed at de-escalating tensions in West Asia. Meanwhile, the Israeli military claimed that its forces targeted more than "200 Hezbollah sites" across Lebanon over the past 24 hours. Sharing the update in a post on X, the Israeli military further stated that its air force would continue to strike "Hezbollah infrastructure" located in southern Lebanon as part of its ongoing military campaign. Amidst this continued kinetic activity, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei on Saturday claimed that the ceasefire in Lebanon was part of an agreement in talks with the US, according to the Iranian state media, Press TV. Press TV also stated that the spokesperson's remarks were confirmed by the Pakistani side. Furthermore, the Iranian delegation is reportedly in touch with Hezbollah to make necessary decisions regarding the situation. These developments coincide with the commencement of trilateral ceasefire talks between the United States, Iran, and Pakistan in Islamabad. Al Jazeera reported that these represent the highest-level discussions between Washington and Tehran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. (ANI)
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence on Sunday detected the presence of 8 PLAN vessels, 2 PLA aircraft sorties, and 4 official ships operating around its territory. Sharing the details on X, the MND noted that while 2 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern part ADIZ, it monitored the situation and responded. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2043131992192028886?s=20 "2 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 4 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 out of 2 sorties entered Taiwan's southeastern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded," MND said. Earlier on Saturday, the MND detected the presence of 17 sorties of Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels and an official ship operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time). Of the 17, 15 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern parts of the ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "17 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 15 out of 17 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern part of the ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded." China's claim over Taiwan is a complex issue rooted in historical, political, and legal arguments. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a viewpoint embedded in national policy and upheld by domestic laws and international statements. Taiwan, however, maintains a distinct identity, functioning independently with its own government, military, and economy. Taiwan's status remains a significant point of international debate, testing the principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference in international law, as per the United Service Institution of India. China's claim to Taiwan originates from the Qing Dynasty's annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating the 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)
The US Central Command said that two of its ships have begun setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, and the claim was denied immediately by Iran, Al Jazeera reported. CENTCOM said that USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. "Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce," said Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, as quoted by the statement. https://x.com/CENTCOM/status/2043005033600479516?s=20 On Saturday, a spokesperson for the Iranian military's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters swiftly denied the US statement, as reported by Al Jazeera. "The claim by the CENTCOM commander regarding the approach and entry of American vessels into the Strait of Hormuz is strongly denied," Al Jazeera quoted the spokesperson as saying. "The initiative for the passage and movement of any vessel is in the hands of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran." The IRGC, in turn, vowed "a strong response" to any military ships passing through the strait, as per Al Jazeera. The passage through the strait serves as a bone of contention between the two warring nations, as Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, with just a few ships squeezing through daily. "The Strait of Hormuz is an international sea passage and an essential trade corridor that supports regional and global economic prosperity. Additional U.S. forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearance effort in the coming days," the CENTCOM statement added. The statements came as the US-Iran talks were underway. However, the talks did not yield much. After hours of negotiations in Pakistan between US and Iran, talks have reached a stalemate on Sunday as US Vice President JD Vance said that no agreement has been reached in talks with Iran. He said that while they would be returning to the US, the development is a "bad news for Iran" than it is for the United States. Addressing reporters from Islamabad, Vance said that during the negotiations that took place for 21 hours, several substantial discussions were held however, no conclusions were reached. "We've had a number of substance agreements with the Iranians- that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America." (ANI)
As the world looks at West Asia with a bated breath, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks on evolving regional situation with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Jaishankar on Saturday conveyed India's appreciation to Nahyan for ensuring the safety of the Indian diaspora in the region. In a post on X, he said, "A real pleasure to meet DPM & FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan of UAE in Abu Dhabi this evening. Our conversation focused on the evolving regional situation and its implications. Conveyed our deep appreciation for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the UAE. Confident that our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will advance further." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2043018364994621446?s=20 Jaishankar had earlier in the day interacted with the members of the Indian Community. In a post on X, he said, "Started my visit to the UAE interacting with the members of the Indian Community. Spoke about GOI's efforts towards their well - being and security amidst the West Asia conflict. Appreciated their contributions to the local society during these difficult times. As well as the support of the Government of the UAE in ensuring welfare of the Indian community." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2042972384257544301?s=20 In a similar vein, the Indian Embassy in the UAE earlier in the day organised a Consular Camp. "Taking consular support closer to our community. Embassy organised a Consular Camp at the Indian Social Centre, Al Ain providing essential consular services to the Indian nationals in the region." https://x.com/IndembAbuDhabi/status/2042997766490853758?s=20 Meanwhile, Jaishankar and Nahyan also reviewed the latest regional updates following the announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. They emphasised the importance of international efforts to establish sustainable peace and security in the region, as per a statement by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump has shared an article suggesting that the option of enforcing a naval blockade was available in context of Iran as peace talks ended in a stalemate in Islamabad after differences of opinion arose between the two parties on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear capacities. The US President shared the article in a post on Truth Social on Sunday. The article posted by outlet Just the News cited experts who said that Trump could "out-blockade" Iran's hold over the strait of Hormuz and recalled US military ops in Venezuela earlier this year as an example where with a naval blockade impacted the country's economy. The piece noted how the USS Gerald Ford carrier, which led the Venezuelan blockade is now in the Persian Gulf and has joined the USS Abraham Lincoln and other major naval assets. "It would be very easy for the US Navy to exert complete control over what does and does not go up and down the Strait now," the Lexington Institute's national security expert Rebecca Grant told Just the News. "I've heard about 10 ships have moved in the last 24 hours. One of them was a reflagged Russian tanker, and we know that cargos have gone out to China, to India, and we've seen some inbound traffic. If Iran gets intransigent, then absolutely, the US Navy can set up with great overwater surveillance ... and watch everything that goes in and out of that Strait and you'll have to ask the US Navy if you want to move past Kharg Island or past that narrow part by Oman," she said as per Just the News. Peace remains elusive as JD Vance departed from Islamabad after hitting a gridlock in talks with Iran. "We've had a number of substance agreements with the Iranians- that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America", Vance told reporters in Islamabad. Meanwhile, Iran's Head of Center for Public Diplomacy and Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, on Sunday, said that Iran's negotiators are employing all their capabilities, adding that the success of the efforts depends on the acceptance of Iran's legitimate rights and interests. Baqaei said that Iran's heavy losses have made its resolve stronger than ever and that it uses all its tools to secure its national interests. "Nothing can or should deter us from pursuing our great historical mission toward our beloved homeland and noble Iranian civilization. The Islamic Republic of Iran is determined to utilize all tools, including diplomacy, to secure national interests and protect the country's well-being," he said. "In the past 24 hours, discussions were held on various dimensions of the main negotiation topics, including the Strait of Hormuz, the nuclear issue, war reparations, lifting of sanctions, and the complete end to the war against Iran and in the region. The success of this diplomatic process depends on the seriousness and good faith of the opposing side, refraining from excessive demands and unlawful requests, and the acceptance of Iran's legitimate rights and interests," he added. Meanwhile, security situation continues to evolve in West Asia. Al Jazeera Breaking reported on Sunday that Israel intercepted drones launched from Lebanon. Smoke was also seen rising from Beirut suburbs on Sunday as per Reuters. As the situation develops, Tasnim News Agency said on Sunday citing an informed source that Iran has offered reasonable proposals in the negotiations held in Islamabad, adding that the ball is now in the US court. (ANI)
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Sunday said that the recent meeting with US officials was the longest round of negotiations they have had in the past year. Baqaei, who heads the Center for Public Diplomacy of Iran, noted in his interview to local media that on a number of issues, both parties reached understandings some key issues, however, their positions remained apart and ultimately they didn't reach an agreement. "I believe this round of negotiations was indeed the longest we've had this past year. Twenty-four or twenty-five hours--starting yesterday morning when indirect talks began with messages exchanged between the two sides through the Pakistani mediator. It continued non-stop until now," he said. Baqaei also noted that diplomacy is always a tool to secure and protect national interests. "Diplomacy never ends. Diplomacy is always a tool to secure and protect national interests and diplomats must fulfill their duties in any conditions, whether in wartime or peacetime. Well, there are several points we need to keep in mind. This round of talks came after forty-some days--forty days of imposed war, then a few days after the ceasefire. In an atmosphere filled with mistrust, suspicion and doubt," he said. Baghaei said that Iran should not have expected from the start that they could reach an agreement in a single session. "In any case, the American side, along with the Zionist regime, committed military aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran for the second time in nine months. So naturally, we shouldn't have expected from the start that we could reach an agreement in a single session. I don't think anyone had such expectations, despite what I mentioned, this was the longest meeting we've had this past year. Another point to consider was the complexity of the issues and the complexity of the circumstances," he said. Baghaei said that new topics were added to the negotiations this time, like the Strait of Hormuz issue or the region. "Some new topics were added to the negotiations this time, like the Strait of Hormuz issue or the region. Well, these have their own conditions, features and specifics. But I think that in any case, we must always pursue our national interests as diplomats and as a diplomatic apparatus. Use our various tools to protect rights and interests of the Iranian nation," he said. Baghaei added, "The talks continued throughout the night regarding a range of topics that were raised both in our ten-point proposal and points the other side had. On a number of issues, we reached understandings on two or three key issues, however, our positions remained apart and ultimately we didn't reach an agreement. These talks--this is the latest status I can report." Baghaei further said, "I really want to take this opportunity to thank the government and people of Pakistan. Shehbaz Sharif, the honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan. Mr. Asim Munir, the army chief, Ishaq Dar, the Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister made tremendous efforts. Pakistan's gracious hospitality in recent weeks and especially these past two or three days deserves appreciation. We thank them for their excellent hospitality." Baghaei said that diplomacy always stands alongside other components of government. "We are confident that contacts and consultations between the Islamic Republic of Iran, Pakistan and other friends in the region will continue. Diplomacy stands ready alongside other components of government, alongside our good people, alongside the defenders of the homeland for all kinds of cooperation and sacrifice to protect the interests and national security of the country," he said. The comments come as US President Donald Trump shared an article suggesting that the option of enforcing a naval blockade was available in context of Iran as peace talks ended in a stalemate in Islamabad after differences of opinion arose between the two parties on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear capacities. (ANI)
In yet another historic first, the City of Seattle has become the first city government in the United States to host a life-size statue of Swami Vivekananda at the Westlake Square Park in the center of downtown Seattle. The life-size bronze statue was jointly unveiled today by Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Consul General of India in Seattle, the Consulate said on Saturday. Sharing the details in an official statement, the Consulate said that this monument is the first installation of Swami Vivekananda, which is hosted by a city government anywhere in the United States. It is located at the prestigious "Westlake Square" in downtown Seattle, which is a unique melting spot in the center of the city that records over 400,000 daily visits and millions of visitors each month and is within walking distance of the Spheres (Amazon HQrs), Seattle Convention Center and Seattle Center Monorail. The unveiling ceremony was attended by several dignitaries from the Greater Seattle area, including Mayor of Seattle Katie Wilson; Mayor of Kent Dana Ralph; Mayor of Auburn Nancy Backus; Mayor of TukwilaTom McLeod; Mayor of Normandy Park Eric Zimmerman; and Mayor of Kirkland Kelly Curtis. A large number of community leaders from the Indian American diaspora and members of city councils of Bellevue, Bothell, Dupont and Redmond also joined in the ceremony, the Consulate said in the statement. Mayor Katie Wilson, in her speech, underscored that the installation of the Swami Vivekananda Monument (SVM) in Seattle reflects the city's inclusive spirit and further strengthens cultural ties between India and the diverse metropolitan tech hub in the US Pacific Northwest. The Swami Vivekananda Monument is a gift from the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) to the City of Seattle in recognition of the city's rich multicultural character and spirit of inclusivity and as such, it was befitting that the event was held on the occasion of the celebration of ICCR Day. The installation of SVM is part of India's broader cultural diplomacy initiative, facilitated through ICCR and aims to strengthen people-to-people ties between India and the US Pacific Northwest. Swami Vivekananda was a renowned philosopher and spiritual leader who introduced Vedanta and Yoga to the West. The installation in Seattle is sculpted by the prominent Indian sculptor Naresh Kumar Kumawat. With over 600 installations across more than 80 countries, his works serve as cultural icons of India across continents. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called upon President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during his visit to the UAE and expressed gratitude to him for deepening the ties between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi. He also thanked the leadership of the country for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community during the West Asia conflict. In a series of posts on X, EAM said that he called upon the UAE President and the UAE Deputy Prime Minister during the visit. "Deeply honoured to call on President of UAE HH @MohamedBinZayed in Abu Dhabi today. Conveyed warm greetings of Prime Minister @narendramodi and our gratitude for ensuring well-being of the Indian community during the West Asia conflict. Thank him for his guidance on further strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2043232675088273850?s=20 In another post on X he said, "Good to see HH @HamdanMohammed during the call. Conveyed the appreciation of our Government for ensuring the welfare of the Indian community in Dubai." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2043234766431076753?s=20 Jaishankar held talks on the evolving regional situation with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The External Affairs Minister on Saturday conveyed India's appreciation to Nahyan for ensuring the safety of the Indian diaspora in the region. In a post on X, he said, "A real pleasure to meet DPM & FM Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan of UAE in Abu Dhabi this evening. Our conversation focused on the evolving regional situation and its implications. Conveyed our deep appreciation for ensuring the well-being of the Indian community in the UAE. Confident that our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will advance further." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2043018364994621446?s=20 Jaishankar had earlier in the day interacted with the members of the Indian Community. In a post on X, he said, "Started my visit to the UAE, interacting with the members of the Indian Community. Spoke about GOI's efforts towards their well - being and security amidst the West Asia conflict. Appreciated their contributions to the local society during these difficult times. As well as the support of the Government of the UAE in ensuring the welfare of the Indian community." https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/2042972384257544301?s=20 In a similar vein, the Indian Embassy in the UAE earlier in the day organised a Consular Camp. "Taking consular support closer to our community. Embassy organised a Consular Camp at the Indian Social Centre, Al Ain, providing essential consular services to the Indian nationals in the region." https://x.com/IndembAbuDhabi/status/2042997766490853758?s=20 Meanwhile, Jaishankar and Nahyan also reviewed the latest regional updates following the announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. They emphasised the importance of international efforts to establish sustainable peace and security in the region, as per a statement by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (ANI)
Popularity of US President Donald Trump is waning with approval ratings at its lowest, according to former diplomat Mahesh Sachdev, who notes that with two-thirds of Americans not approving of a continuation of the war on Iran, Trump faces the risk of being impeached. In an interview with ANI, Sachdev said that Trump also faces a constitutional roadblock, as the US President now has to get approval of Congress for further continuation of the war. "The growth rate of the first quarter has fallen to 0.5 per cent, which is much lower than the previous 4.5 per cent. Furthermore, the President's approval ratings in the United States have fallen drastically and are currently at their lowest point. In particular, more than two-thirds of Americans do not approve of a continuation of the war," he said. Sachdev further noted that while the US Congress has a Republican majority, many Republicans and most Democrats are not in favour of continuing the war because midterm elections are only seven months away. "Trump also faces a constitutional difficulty. According to the American Constitution, the President has the power to wage wars outside the country, but within 60 days of initiating conflict, he must obtain Congressional approval. The war has already lasted 40 days, and with five days of the pause already passed, only about 15 days remain. If he wants to continue the war, he will need to go to Congress. While Congress has a Republican majority, many Republicans and most Democrats are not in favour of continuing the war because midterm elections are only seven months away," he said. Sachdev further said that if the conflict continues, Trump may be at risk of getting impeached. "Continued conflict may negatively impact Republican candidates. If the President loses his majority in both houses of Congress, there is a real danger that he may face impeachment, particularly regarding the Epstein files, where he and his associates have been mentioned multiple times. All these factors together mean Trump faces significant domestic and logistical challenges in prosecuting the war," he said. He further said that such factors may finally coalesce into a war of attrition. "These factors may finally coalesce into either a war of attrition, an undeclared ceasefire with low-intensity sporadic attacks, or a sudden declaration of victory followed by a withdrawal. Regarding weapon shipments to Iran, Trump has warned that nations doing so will face major problems," he said. Sachdev then said that there are credible reports and circumstantial evidence suggesting substantive Chinese involvement on the Iranian side. "There are credible reports and circumstantial evidence suggesting substantive Chinese involvement on the Iranian side. To understand the background, UN Security Council Resolution 2231, passed in 2015, imposed prohibitions on supplying Iran with weapons. While the prohibitions on weapons ended in 2020 and the restrictions on missiles ended in 2023, the resolution contained a "snapback" clause. Last year, the E3 countries--Britain, France, and Germany--requested a snapback, citing Iran's violation of IAEA norms. Technically, the sanctions on weapon and missile supplies are back in place," he said. The fomer diplomat further said that China may be supplying weapon systems, particularly air defence systems and missile fuel through third countries like North Korea. "There are reports that China may be supplying weapon systems, particularly air defense systems and missile fuel, through third countries like North Korea to avoid being seen as violating restrictions. Last week, President Trump suggested imposing 50 percent tariffs on exports from countries that provide weapons to Iran. China, for its part, has denied these reports. Interestingly, President Trump recently thanked China for playing a positive role in persuading Iran to come to the negotiating table," he said. "China is Iran's largest trading partner, with over 90 percent of Iranian crude exports going to China. They are also believed to supply the rocket fuel necessary for Iran's missile production," he added. Sachdev said that China would probably want to oblige the US in exchange for the lowering of technical and economic sanctions or a reduction in tariffs. "China's motivation to play a part in negotiations likely stems from the upcoming summit between President Trump and President Xi Jinping. Beijing would like to oblige the United States in exchange for the lowering of technical and economic sanctions or a reduction in tariffs. However, the failure of the negotiations in Islamabad and reports of continued Chinese support for Iranian air defences suggest that this conflict is entering a complicated new chapter," he said. Meanwhile, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on Sunday said that the recent meeting with US officials was the longest round of negotiations they have had in the past year. (ANI)
In an unusual disruption to routine life, major markets across Rawalpindi remained shut over the weekend, severely affecting residents' access to daily necessities. The closures were enforced due to heightened security measures linked to ongoing US-Iran discussions in Islamabad, as reported by Dawn. According to Dawn, typically, weekends see crowded bazaars and busy fruit and vegetable markets, but this time the city presented a deserted look. Key commercial areas, including Murree Road, Peshawar Road, and zones adjoining Islamabad, were completely shut. Even essential outlets such as milk shops, grocery stores, and tandoors remained closed in several localities, though a few inner-street shops operated sporadically. Traders claimed the closures were not voluntary. A shopkeeper from Chaklala Scheme-III stated that police personnel compelled them to shut down after opening briefly in the morning. The Rawalpindi Traders Association confirmed that authorities had instructed markets to remain closed on both Saturday and Sunday, a directive issued in coordination with the district administration and police. Residents bore the brunt of the restrictions. Many struggled to obtain basic food items, with some forced to search inner streets for bread and vegetables. Others resorted to cooking alternatives like pulses due to the unavailability of fresh produce and persistent low gas pressure in parts of the city. The disruption also extended to transportation, as reduced public transit led to increased reliance on private services, where fares surged significantly, as highlighted by Dawn. Meanwhile, authorities defended the measures, citing security concerns. Over 5,000 police personnel were deployed across the city, with more than 350 checkpoints established to monitor movement. Strict surveillance was maintained on entry and exit points, markets, and key roads to ensure the safety of foreign delegations. While officials termed the arrangements necessary, the sweeping shutdown has raised concerns about disproportionate restrictions and their impact on ordinary citizens, as reported by Dawn. (ANI)
Highlighting the deep-rooted ties and the welfare of the nearly 3.5 million-strong Indian diaspora, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday conveyed a special message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, thanking the Gulf nation for its support to the Indian community during a "very difficult period." The External Affairs Minister, who is on an official visit to the UAE, held a series of high-level meetings with the top leadership, including the President, the Crown Prince of Dubai Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, and Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The visit comes against the backdrop of the ongoing intense conflict in West Asia, with Jaishankar emphasising that India has "major stakes" in the stability and security of the region. Speaking on his engagements, Jaishankar told ANI, "I arrived in the UAE yesterday. This morning, I met with Sheikh Mohammed, the President of the UAE. I brought with me a message from Prime Minister Modi, and our conversation focused on our strategic relationship and its various initiatives, such as energy, economic trade, and the energy and trade relationship. The UAE is a major partner for us." Prior to his high-level political meetings, the EAM met with representatives of the Indian community to get direct feedback on their well-being. The EAM also met with the Crown Prince of Dubai, Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum--who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister. Jaishankar noted that the Crown Prince was present during the meeting with the President, where he conveyed the "gratitude of the Indian community" and their appreciation for the UAE government's approach. "One of the main points was our Indian community in the UAE. At the time of the recent war, their safety and well-being were a major issue. People in India were also concerned. As soon as I arrived yesterday, I met with representatives of the community. I shared their experiences and feelings with the President of the UAE," Jaishankar said. While the welfare of the Indian diaspora was a priority, the discussions also delved into the strategic depth of the bilateral partnership. "While the Indian community was first and foremost in our concern and therefore in my discussions as well, obviously, we discussed other aspects of our relationship," he added. Addressing the geopolitical climate, Jaishankar underscored India's commitment to peace in the West Asia, noting the high stakes involved for New Delhi. "We've had a very intense conflict in this region. Obviously, India has major stakes and a big interest in the stability and security of this region," he observed. The minister expressed satisfaction with the direct nature of the high-level engagement, which allowed for a comprehensive exchange of views. "I'm pleased to have an opportunity to come here, sit down directly, and express our interests and, incidentally, also share the feedback of the Indian community," he said Jaishankar further emphasised that the positive feedback from the Indian expatriate population was shared directly with the UAE authorities. "I conveyed to the government that the community was very appreciative of the manner in which they were looked after," he noted. Reflecting on the diplomatic intensity of the visit, Jaishankar said he had a "detailed discussion" with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah. "There's a lot of diplomacy going on these days, and the situation here is quite complex, so we discussed it openly," he said. Underlining India's regional interests, the EAM stated, "We've had a very intense conflict in this region. Obviously, India has major stakes and a big interest in the stability and security of this region. I'm pleased to have an opportunity to come here, sit down directly, and express our interests." The Minister concluded that the visit happened at the "right time," allowing for an open dialogue between the two strategic partners on issues ranging from energy security to the safety of the Indian diaspora. The visit reaffirms the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" between the two nations, with a specific focus on ensuring the safety and prosperity of the nearly 3.5 million-strong Indian community in the UAE, which remains a key pillar of India's West Asia policy. Expanding on these official engagements through a series of posts on X, the External Affairs Minister reaffirmed the honour of calling on the UAE President in Abu Dhabi. He expressed gratitude for the President's guidance on strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and for ensuring the well-being of Indian nationals during the West Asia conflict. In tandem with the Minister's visit, the Indian Embassy in the UAE bolstered its support by organising a Consular Camp at the Indian Social Centre in Al Ain. This initiative aimed to take essential consular services closer to the community, ensuring direct assistance for Indian nationals in the region. Following the announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, both Jaishankar and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised the vital importance of international efforts to establish sustainable peace and security across the region. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has pointed out the robustness of the India-UAE strategic partnership, noting that the ongoing dialogue between the two nations remains exceptionally transparent despite a complex regional environment. The Minister highlighted that his visit occurred at a vital time, facilitating a thorough review of various bilateral initiatives spanning energy and trade. Jaishankar is currently in Abu Dhabi, marking the final stage of his four-day, two-nation diplomatic mission to Mauritius and the UAE, spanning April 9 to 12. Following his participation in the 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius, EAM arrived in the UAE on Saturday, April 11. Speaking on the primary focus of his high-level discussions, the External Affairs Minister told ANI, "I arrived in the UAE yesterday. So this morning, I met with Sheikh Mohammed, the President of the UAE. I brought with me a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and our conversation focused on our strategic relationship and its various initiatives, such as energy, economic trade, and the energy and trade relationship. The UAE is a major partner for us, so we discussed that." Beyond the core economic pillars, the deliberations addressed the broader geopolitical challenges currently impacting the Gulf region. "We've had a very intense conflict in this region. Obviously, India has very major stakes and a big interest in the stability and security of this region. I'm very pleased to have an opportunity to come here, sit down directly, express our interests, and, incidentally, also share the feedback of the Indian community," Jaishankar observed. The welfare of the Indian diaspora remained a central priority throughout the diplomatic exchange, particularly following the recent regional hostilities. The minister stated, "I conveyed to him Prime Minister Narendra Modi's message and our appreciation for the manner in which the Indian community in the UAE was looked after during this very difficult period. Now, while the Indian community was first and foremost in our concern and therefore in my discussions as well, obviously, we discussed other aspects of our relationship." Jaishankar further explained that he acted as a bridge between the expatriate community and the UAE leadership to ensure their voices were heard at the highest levels. "As soon as I arrived yesterday, I met with representatives of the community. I shared their experiences and feelings with the President of the UAE. He also wanted me to share the feedback I received. I did that as well," he said, noting that "the community was very appreciative of the manner in which they were looked after." The diplomatic outreach extended to other key members of the leadership to reinforce the collective gratitude of the Indian government. "Today, when I called on the President, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, he was there, so I took the opportunity to also convey to him the gratitude of the Indian community, their sentiments, and their feedback as well," Jaishankar noted. Reflecting on the comprehensive nature of his visit, the External Affairs Minister pointed to his detailed consultations with the UAE's top diplomat. "Yesterday, I had a detailed discussion with the Foreign Minister, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. There's a lot of diplomacy going on these days, and the situation here is quite complex, so we discussed it openly. Overall, I'm happy that this visit happened at the right time and that the dialogue between strategic partners was as open as it usually is," he said. (ANI)
According to The Taipei Times, speaking at the "Shield of Democracy: The First Island Chain Social Resilience Cooperation Forum" in Taipei, Lin emphasised that the region stretching across the Taiwan Strait, East and South China seas, and key maritime passages should no longer be seen as fragmented zones.

Instead, he said it now represents a single, critical frontline in the defence of global democratic values.

The forum, organised by the Formosa Republican Association along with Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Drone Diplomacy Task Force, focused on strengthening cooperation among regional democracies, including Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and the United States.

Lin argued that China's actions, ranging from military intimidation and economic coercion to disinformation campaigns, are not isolated but part of a broader, coordinated strategy.

In response, he called for a "collective democratic shield" that integrates surveillance, joint operations, and shared resilience mechanisms.

He highlighted the importance of uncrewed systems such as drones, describing them as essential tools for both defence and civilian governance.

These technologies, he said, can support maritime security, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, and logistics, thereby strengthening preparedness in both peace and conflict scenarios.

Beyond hardware, Lin stated that robust supply chains and integrated systems linking research, production, training, and deployment are vital to ensuring effective deterrence, as highlighted by The Taipei Times.

Without such coordination, even advanced military capabilities could falter in times of crisis.

Lin clarified that the initiative's goal is to prevent war by demonstrating credible defensive strength, not to provoke conflict.

"Sustainable peace depends on deterrence," he noted, adding that stability is more likely when authoritarian regimes recognise the limits of their ambitions, as reported by The Taipei Times. (ANI)
US President Donald Trump on Sunday announced that the American Navy will henceforth block all maritime traffic entering the Strait of Hormuz. The President further stated that the military would interdict any vessel in international waters found to have paid transit tolls to Tehran. Outlining the decision in a post on Truth Social, Trump criticised the Iranian leadership for reneging on previous diplomatic commitments. "Iran promised to open the Strait of Hormuz, and they knowingly failed to do so. This caused anxiety, dislocation, and pain to many people and countries throughout the world," the President wrote. Addressing the reported military threats in the region, Trump dismissed Tehran's claims regarding its maritime capabilities. "They say they put mines in the water, even though all of their navy, and most of their 'mine droppers,' have been completely blown up," he asserted. This significant escalation in US naval policy follows the breakdown of high-stakes negotiations in Islamabad. Despite intensive discussions in the Pakistani capital aimed at securing a permanent end to the conflict, both sides were unable to reach an agreement by Sunday, leaving the existing two-week ceasefire in a precarious state. Earlier in the day, President Trump had shared an article from Just the News suggesting that a naval blockade was a viable strategic option following the stalemate in Pakistan. The piece cited national security experts who noted that the US Navy could "out-blockade" Iran, pointing to the presence of the USS Gerald Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln in the Persian Gulf as assets capable of exerting complete control over the waterway. The move towards a more aggressive maritime posture comes as US Vice President JD Vance departed Islamabad after talks hit a gridlock. "We've had a number of substance agreements with the Iranians--that is the good news. The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement. That is bad news for Iran, much more than it is bad news for the United States of America," Vance told reporters before his departure. In response to the diplomatic impasse, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei emphasised that Tehran remains determined to utilise all tools, including diplomacy, to protect its national interests. He stated that while the sessions covered the nuclear issue, war reparations, and the lifting of sanctions, the success of the process remained hindered by the "excessive demands" of the opposing side. Baqaei maintained that Iran's resolve remains unshaken despite heavy losses, asserting that the country would continue to pursue its historical mission. He added that any further progress depends on the acceptance of Iran's "legitimate rights and interests" as tensions continue to mount over the control of the world's most critical energy chokepoint. (ANI)
Iran's Consul General in Mumbai, Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh, has suggested that the United States is increasingly aligning its regional strategy with Israeli interests, leading to a stalemate in peace negotiations. Speaking on the current diplomatic friction, Motlagh told ANI, "An interesting point to note is that the United States appears to be operating on Israel's wavelength. If the United States were truly the decision-maker, given that it had accepted the conditions, we should now have witnessed progress in peace negotiations." The Envoy further claimed that external pressure has influenced Washington's ability to act independently in the negotiation process. "You can be certain that when the United States accepted our conditions, Israel exerted pressure on it, effectively insisting that the United States adopt Israel's demands. This implies the use of American forces in the service of Israel, the use of American taxpayers' money for Israel, and even the utilisation of the countries of the Persian Gulf in furtherance of Israeli interests," he added. According to the Consul General, this lack of autonomy has directly hindered diplomatic progress. "All this indicates that the United States is aligning itself with Israel, and it is for this reason that Israel obstructed the process and caused the negotiations to falter," he said. Linking these diplomatic hurdles to broader maritime and regional tensions, Motlagh highlighted the global repercussions of coercive policies. "All observed that in a waterway where the United States sought to overstep its bounds and violate the rights of the Iranian people through coercion and destruction, an attempt met with the resistance of the Iranian people, the repercussions were felt globally," the Envoy noted. The Iranian diplomat expressed regret over the current state of international disruption, attributing it to a combination of US actions and Israeli influence. "Unfortunately, the ill-considered actions of the United States, coupled with Israeli pressure upon it, have led to the current level of global disruption and complexity. This situation runs contrary to the intentions of Iranian policymakers," he observed. Looking ahead, Motlagh warned that the deadlock may persist unless there is a fundamental shift in Washington's stance. "With the rejection of Iran's conditions and the failure of the talks, I regret to say that this situation may continue. Nevertheless, one must wait and see whether a change in the American approach will occur, or whether it will persist in obstinacy and the imposition of its will." This sentiment of deep-seated friction was further echoed by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who expressed a profound lack of confidence in the negotiating partners following high-stakes diplomatic discussions in the Pakistani capital. In a post on social media platform X, Ghalibaf outlined Tehran's cautious stance, stating that he had emphasised before negotiations began that "we have the necessary good faith and will, but due to the experiences of the two previous wars, we have no trust in the opposing side." Reflecting on the outcome of the talks in Islamabad, he noted that the "opposing side ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations." Ghalibaf also expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for its role in facilitating the process and sent his regards to the people of the "friendly and brotherly country." Providing further context on the intensity of the engagement, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei revealed that the dialogue with US officials marked the longest round of negotiations over the past year, spanning roughly twenty-five hours of non-stop indirect messaging through Pakistani mediators. Baqaei described diplomacy as an essential tool to safeguard national interests, even when held in an atmosphere of "mistrust, suspicion, and doubt" following forty days of "imposed war" and a subsequent ceasefire. He pointed out that recent military aggressions by the American side and the "Zionist regime" made a comprehensive agreement in a single session unrealistic. According to the spokesperson, the agenda expanded to include highly sensitive topics such as the Strait of Hormuz. While some common ground was found on Iran's ten-point proposal, Baqaei noted that differences on two or three "key issues" stalled progress. These developments come at a critical juncture, following reports that US President Donald Trump shared an article suggesting a potential naval blockade against Iran. This escalation follows the stalemate in Islamabad, where both sides remained sharply divided over Tehran's nuclear programme and maritime control. (ANI)
Iran's Consul General in Mumbai, Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh, has lauded the constructive role of major global powers, particularly India, in seeking regional stability amidst escalating tensions. Highlighting New Delhi's steadfast commitment to diplomacy, the envoy noted that India, alongside China and Russia, has prioritised the restoration of global peace over military intervention. Speaking on the neutral stance maintained by these nations, Motlagh told ANI, "India, China, and Russia, by refraining from intervening in the conflict despite risks to their own interests, have demonstrated that they seek peace. They did not consider the American attack to be justified and did not support it, nor did they place themselves in a position to assist Iran militarily. Rather, they sought to promote peace and stabilise economic markets." The Consul General further emphasised that while these powers have acted as responsible global stakeholders, the path to de-escalation remains obstructed by a lack of reciprocity from Washington. "However, it appears that, thus far, they have not succeeded in persuading the United States. It is nevertheless expected of these three major powers that they exert influence to convince the United States to cease its warmongering and to pressure the usurping and coercive Israeli regime, which is a source of unethical conduct in the world," he added. Addressing the broader implications of the current unrest, the envoy warned that the normalisation of targeted violence by certain actors threatens international order. "Ironically, today it is the United States and Israel themselves that are proposing assassination as a solution. Until these issues are addressed, the world will unfortunately continue to grapple with unrestrained conflict and warmongering," he stated. The Iranian diplomat also expressed deep concern over recent military actions in Lebanon and the perceived double standards regarding nuclear capabilities. He criticised the breach of international norms, noting, "Unfortunately, as we have consistently witnessed, the US and Israel engage in breaches of agreements and violations of commitments, and their conduct runs contrary to their stated promises. Their behaviour is inconsistent with both law and ethics. I must emphasise that unethical conduct, as a result of the actions of the US and Israel, is regrettably becoming normalised and accepted." In a stinging critique of the current global security architecture, Motlagh pointed to the irony of nuclear-armed nations exerting pressure on others while engaging in direct hostilities. "The US, which possesses a substantial nuclear arsenal and is the only country to have used nuclear weapons twice against another nation, and a regime that unlawfully possesses nuclear weapons have both attacked a country such as ours... Yet, they tell us that we must not possess such capabilities," he asserted. Turning to the recent diplomatic efforts in Pakistan, the Consul General lamented the lack of progress, suggesting that the failure to uphold pre-agreed terms led to the current impasse. "Regarding the talks, they did not even adhere to their own conditions, and the ceasefire negotiations reached a deadlock," he remarked, as the region remains on edge following the collapse of the Islamabad dialogue. US Vice President JD Vance's departure from Islamabad confirmed the diplomatic gridlock after he hit a stalemate in talks with Iran. In the wake of his departure, Iran's Head of Centre for Public Diplomacy and Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated on Sunday that Tehran's negotiators had employed all available capabilities, but maintained that the success of such efforts remains contingent on the acceptance of Iran's "legitimate rights and interests." Reinforcing this stance, Baqaei asserted that Iran's heavy losses have only served to strengthen its resolve to secure national interests through all available means. As the situation develops, the Tasnim News Agency, citing an informed source, reported on Sunday that Iran had offered "reasonable proposals" during the negotiations in Islamabad, subsequently suggesting that the responsibility for a breakthrough now rests entirely with the United States. (ANI)
According to The Epoch Times, the cost of essential textile inputs has surged dramatically in recent weeks, doubling in some cases.

This sharp rise has left producers operating at a loss, with one industry insider noting that materials previously costing 1 million yuan now require double that amount.

Manufacturers say increased production only deepens their financial losses.

The crisis has been exacerbated by global geopolitical disruptions. The ongoing Iran conflict and the resulting closure of the Strait of Hormuz have severely affected energy markets.

Since February, shipping interruptions through this key route have driven up oil prices, directly impacting petrochemical-based textile inputs such as purified terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and polyester fibre.

A trader in Huzhou stated that the Middle East turmoil is having an immediate and unavoidable impact on China's textile industry.

Factories now find themselves trapped between escalating upstream costs and resistant downstream buyers unwilling to accept price hikes.

This imbalance has created a severe "middle squeeze," leaving many businesses unable to sustain operations.

Reports indicate that some companies have only weeks of inventory left and are considering halting production by mid-April.

Zhejiang's textile sector, heavily reliant on small and medium enterprises, is particularly vulnerable due to its thin profit margins and exposure to price volatility, as cited by The Epoch Times.

Manufacturers are hesitant to purchase expensive raw materials or accept new orders amid logistical uncertainties and fluctuating costs.

Some have even found it more profitable to resell raw materials than to produce finished goods.

The ongoing turmoil is also accelerating a broader shift in global supply chains, with garment production increasingly relocating to countries like Vietnam, as reported by The Epoch Times. (ANI)
TOKYO, Apr 12 (News On Japan) - The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will withdraw from Antarctic research vessel operations after nearly six decades, with private-sector entities expected to take over following the retirement of the icebreaker Shirase in fiscal 2034.

The review comes amid a combination of personnel shortages caused by understaffing within the Self-Defense Forces and an increase in mission demands due to changes in the security environment surrounding Japan, making it increasingly difficult to continue allocating personnel to Antarctic missions.

At a subcommittee meeting on Antarctic transport plans scheduled for the 16th, the Self-Defense Forces are expected to formally express their intention to withdraw.

The Maritime Self-Defense Force has supported Antarctic research operations for approximately 60 years since 1965, playing a central role in transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies to Japans Antarctic bases, particularly Syowa Station, while also conducting icebreaking missions and aerial logistics using onboard helicopters, making it a critical backbone of the countrys polar research program.

Source: FNN
TOKYO, Apr 12 (News On Japan) - A growing sense of fatigue with dating apps is prompting a shift back to face-to-face encounters, with a new presentation-style matchmaking format gaining attention as friends take on the role of introducing potential partners.

A segment exploring trending questions and news developments highlights a notable change in how young people are meeting, as the widespread use of smartphone-based matching apps begins to show signs of decline.

According to a recent survey by Japans Children and Families Agency, one in four married individuals under the age of 40 met their partner through a matching app, underscoring the platforms significant role in modern relationships.

However, globally, voices expressing exhaustion with app-based dating are growing, signaling a potential turning point in how people seek connections.

A new format drawing attention, particularly in Europe and the United States, is DATE MY MATE, which translates to date my friend.

At these events, participants do not present themselves; instead, their friends take the stage to introduce them in front of an audience, often using slides and humor within a roughly two-minute presentation.

Footage from an event held in London shows presenters enthusiastically introducing their friends, highlighting traits such as personality, background, and even unique skills, while engaging the crowd with a lively, almost party-like atmosphere.

In one example, a presenter described her close friend as beautiful and noted her Hawaiian roots, while another participant structured his talk around reasons you should date him, passionately outlining his friends appeal.

The format relies heavily on the presenters ability to communicate charm and credibility, as observers noted that the persuasiveness of a friend can significantly shape impressions.

Events are typically held in traditional pubs, where presenters incorporate humor and personal anecdotes to convey qualities that individuals might find difficult to express about themselves.

The concept has been expanding globally, with similar events now taking place in countries including Austria and the United States, and demand appears strong. Tickets for a London event reportedly sold out in just five minutes, with some participants going on to arrange actual dates afterward.

The renewed emphasis on in-person interaction may seem counter to recent trends favoring digital convenience, but organizers say the shift reflects deeper dissatisfaction with app-based dating.

A company running DATE MY MATE events in Austria explained that modern apps have become spaces where users compete over how to present themselves, often leading to unnatural self-expression, whereas having a friend present on ones behalf allows a more authentic personality to emerge.

Behind this shift is what many describe as matching app fatigue, as users grow tired of endless swiping and superficial interactions. In the United Kingdom, data suggests that usage rates for such apps are already declining.

While similar fatigue is beginning to appear in Japan, trend analyst Megumi Ushikubo notes that demand has not yet fallen to the same extent as in Western countries.

At the same time, the presentation-style format may resonate with Japanese users, who are often described as less inclined to promote themselves directly, making friend-led introductions a potentially natural fit.

As social dynamics evolve, the role of friends as intermediaries in romance may become more prominent, suggesting that the next phase of dating could blend traditional personal connections with new forms of organized, in-person interaction.

Source: FNN
OKINAWA, Apr 12 (News On Japan) - An event aimed at bringing the mysteries of the deep sea closer to the public was held in Nago City, where a researcher who has explored oceans around the world delivered a talk.

The event marked the 25th anniversary of the International Oceanographic Data and Information Center (GODAC) in Nago, with Ken Takai, a leading figure in marine research, speaking about the fascination of the deep sea.

Takai, director of the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technologys Department of Subsurface Geobiological Analysis and Research, highlighted the Okinawa Trough as the first location in Japan where deep-sea hydrothermal activity was discovered, describing it as a sacred site for researchers.

Perhaps the greatest discovery we have made in Okinawas hydrothermal systems is that electricity is being generated within these deep-sea vents, Takai said, adding that he hopes more researchers from Okinawa will take an active role in studying such phenomena.

Takai has participated in 29 missions aboard the manned submersible Shinkai 6500, conducting research and making discoveries in oceans across the globe.

Children who attended the talk appeared increasingly interested in pursuing careers exploring the mysteries of the deep sea, as the event succeeded in making the underwater world feel more accessible.

Source: OTV
AICHI, Apr 12 (News On Japan) - An estimated 800 junior high school third-year students and their parents gathered in Nagoya on April 12th to attend a seminar explaining the structure of high school entrance examinations and preparation strategies ahead of next years admissions cycle.

The event was organized by the cram school Noda Juku, drawing a large audience seeking guidance as competition intensifies.

With the introduction of effective tuition-free high school education set to begin in fiscal 2026, private high schools in Aichi Prefecture are seeing a surge in popularity, prompting shifts in application strategies among students and families.

During the seminar, speakers emphasized the importance of focusing on regular school tests to improve internal assessment scores, which play a key role in admissions decisions.

Students were also encouraged to maintain a positive mindset throughout the demanding preparation period, with advice highlighting that those who continue to improve until the end often value maintaining a smile even during difficult times.

Source:  ONE
April 11, 2026: In 2017, an American foreign service officer experienced a sudden, debilitating health incident. Doctors at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington ultimately diagnosed and treated the foreign service officer for a line-of-duty traumatic brain injury. He was never the same after the incident and years of painful recovery continued to the present. Since 1996, intelligence officers, diplomats, and military personnel have reported hundreds of cases of what is commonly known as Havana Syndrome. National Security Council officials admitted that the intelligence communitys approach had been flawed. They acknowledged that CIA leaders and analysts had resisted and ultimately ignored compelling intelligence that challenged their beliefs. From my perspective, the CIAs resistance in particular caused victims to suffer without care, unable to access government medical facilities.

The current American President was urged t0 address the problem by determining why earlier intelligence information was ignored and the victims denied care. The CIA must be made accountable for this situation. Meanwhile victims and their families must have access to the best available medical care.

A hostile foreign government was apparently responsible for causing the Havana Syndrome and must be called to account. Even today, none of the victims emerged unharmed. At least the victims know that they were right about the Havana Syndrome. It was real and they were permanently injured by what the government initially dismissed as nothing to worry about.

Meanwhile, Cuba continues to have other problems, like hunger, electricity blackouts and a total lack of public services. This is nothing new for Cuba. Its economy has been in free-fall since the Soviet Union collapsed 35 years ago, and essential cash and commodities, mainly oil, subsidies stopped. While expanding the tourism business helped avoid complete economic catastrophe, one of the major casualties has been the national railroad. Much cargo and most passenger service halted as the railroad system slowly disintegrated from lack of investment. That changed when China and Iran came forward to finance new rolling stock. 550 cargo wagons and 200 passenger cars came from Iran, and a hundred engines from China and supporting gear, especially new signaling and communications.

Earlier China and Iran signed loan deals with Cuba. This was not a new relationship. When the Russians moved out the Cubans reacted badly to the cutting of Soviet subsidies, China and Iran moved in. This has proved useful. Back in July 2003, satellite broadcasters transmitting television shows to Iran found their signals being jammed. The source of the jamming was quickly traced to Cuba. A satellite signal is very difficult to jam as it comes down from the satellite. But if you are close to the ground station that beams the signal up to the satellite, you can more easily interfere with that. At first it was thought that the Cuban government, using an old Soviet era electronic eavesdropping facility outside Havana, were doing the jamming as a favor to Iran which buys Cuban support with supplies of cut rate oil. The Chinese now ran the old Soviet facility and paid well. The Cuban government denied it had anything to do with the jamming and said it would find out where the jamming was coming from, and they did. Within a few weeks, the Cuban government reported that they had traced the jamming signal to a suburban compound owned by the Iranian embassy. The Cubans ordered the jamming to stop, and it did. But the Iranians stuck around and began to develop the kind of relationship that China already had. That's how you build, or rebuild, a railroad.
Morocco will host the fifth session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Global Implementation Support Symposium on April 13 in Marrakesh, underscoring the kingdoms growing role in global aviation governance, Transport and Logistics Minister Abdessamad Kayouh said.

Morocco was selected following a competitive process involving nearly 90 candidate countries, citing the countrys improved performance in civil aviation oversight, Kayouh told le360.

Moroccos compliance rate with international aviation safety standards has risen from 67% to nearly 87%, he said.

The summit is expected to bring together around 1,500 participants, including about 50 transport ministers, as well as aviation experts, aircraft manufacturers and industry executives.

Discussions will focus on the energy transition in air transport, including alternatives to conventional jet fuel as part of efforts to decarbonize the sector.

Morocco is exploring options such as sustainable aviation fuels, green hydrogen and green ammonia, Kayouh said.

The event comes as Morocco ramps up its aviation infrastructure and fleet expansion strategy. Under the countrys Airports 2030 policy, airport capacity is set to double to 80 million passengers by 2030, from about 40 million currently, positioning Morocco as a regional hub linking Africa, Europe and the Americas.

National carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is pursuing a parallel expansion plan in partnership with the state, aiming to grow its fleet to around 200 aircraft. In July 2023, RAM signed a program contract with the government targeting a fourfold increase in fleet size by 2037. The airline has since launched a tender for 188 aircraft, with results expected soon.

Separately, Kayouh said the government has allocated 648 million dirhams ($65 million) in direct support to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on the professional transport sector. The aid is set to benefit owners of more than 216,000 vehicles, covering freight transport, taxis, urban and intercity buses, tourist transport, rural mixed transport, employee transport, roadside assistance and school transport.
A high-level Ecuadorian delegation visited Dakhla to explore investment opportunities in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region and exame prospects for economic and trade cooperation with the Kingdom as a whole.

This visit is part of Ecuadors Economic Promotion Week in Morocco, organized to showcase the economic potential of the Latin American country across various sectors.

The delegation, led by the Undersecretary for Negotiations at the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade and Investments, Sanchez Icaza Cesar Janvier, held a meeting with the Wali of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region and Governor of Oued Eddahab Province, Ali Khalil. The meeting focused on development dynamics and progress achieved in several fields in the region.

The meeting provided opportunity to highlighted the regions main productive sectors, notably the blue economy, agriculture, tourism, renewable energies, as well as modern infrastructure, particularly the Dakhla Atlantic Port.

In a statement to the press, Cesar Janvier said that several issues related to investment, trade integration, and tourism were discussed, adding that Morocco and Ecuador share many similarities as two open countries committed to peace and respect for human rights, and possessing significant opportunities for joint development.

He further noted that several areas of common interest had been identified, which could serve as a lever for mutual growth in the short term, stressing that the Dakhla Atlantic Port project is of particular importance not only for Ecuador but also for South American countries, as it will constitute a strategic maritime corridor contributing to the strengthening of trade exchanges between both sides.

For his part, the Ambassador of Ecuador to Morocco, Diego Morejon Pazmino, highlighted the promising prospects for economic and investment cooperation between the two countries, calling for their optimal utilization.

The Ecuadorian delegation also held a meeting with the President of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab Regional Council, El Khattat Yanja, who noted, following the meeting, that both sides reviewed the development taking place in the region across various sectors, as well as ways to strengthen economic and political ties between the Kingdom and Ecuador through close cooperation.
It almost looks like an eternal story or an Australian boomerang approach, but the global oil market is once again being misread, very badly. Headlines speak of disruption, paralysis, and the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz. International tanker trackers all report traffic collapsing, while Gulf exporters are shutting in production. Every single visible metric indicates that the system is under extreme stress. And yet, there is still oil flowing. This time it is not open, not as usual able to be measured by markets, or in volumes that are immediately transparent. Still, flows are there, moving steadily and deliberately, in quantities large enough to reshape the current balance of the global market. The real mechanism is a paradox, built on Irans so-called dark fleet. It is still working as a shadow logistics system that evolved from a sanctions workaround and has become a strategic instrument of geopolitical power.

It should no longer be seen as a marginal phenomenon but has become one of the central pillars of how the global oil system functions under stress. The real uncomfortable truth of it all is that, for now, it is not only tolerated by the international system but also indirectly relied upon.

While the conventional flows in the Strait of Hormuz are effectively closed, the reality is that it has not been totally closed. The flows have been transformed. Instead of a global artery open to all, Hormuz has become a selectively controlled corridor. Yes, overall commercial traffic has collapsed, with a decline of more than 90 percent compared to normal levels. It should, however, be recognized that this collapse is uneven. It applies primarily to Western-linked shipping, major Gulf exporters, and vessels operating within regulated insurance and compliance frameworks. At present, there is a well-functioning parallel system in place that continues to operate beneath this visible collapse. Iranian-linked tankers, sanctioned vessels, and ships operating under opaque ownership structures are still clearly moving through the strait, often with tacit or explicit tolerance from Iranian naval forces. The ultimate result is a bifurcated maritime system: one visible, regulated, and largely immobilized; the other opaque, flexible, and still active.

For markets and pundits, this distinction should matter enormously. Because Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf producers are seeing exports constrained or rerouted at great cost, Iran has managed to sustain flows at strikingly resilient levels. Current estimates indicate that Iranian exports have remained in the range of 1.5 to 1.7 million bpd, which is surprisingly at pre-war levels. In March alone, more than 16 million barrels are estimated to have transited through Hormuz under these conditions. Again, markets need to realize that the chokepoint is not closed, but Iranian-controlled. Related: Europes Jet Fuel Shortage Arriving in Weeks

The current situation is not accidental at all, as Tehran has been setting it up over years of adapting to sanctions pressure, drawing on lessons learned from Russias post-Ukraine shadow-fleet operations. Even though it is hard to admit, Tehran has managed to set up a system that is sophisticated, decentralized, and remarkably difficult to disrupt without escalating into a full-scale maritime conflict. At its core, the dark fleet relies on ownership opacity, the manipulation or outright deactivation of AIS signals, and the extensive use of ship-to-ship transfers. At the same time, these tankers are transparent and shell companies, often in jurisdictions with limited transparency, and flagged in states with weak enforcement. As has been seen again in the last few weeks, all of these vessels routinely go dark during critical phases of their voyages. At the start of the conflict, it was reported that at least 40 vessels were observed disabling AIS signals, a number that has likely increased as operations intensified.

None of these vessels operates in isolation; they are part of a network in which Iranian ports, especially Kharg Island, serve as initial loading points. At the same time, the Persian/Arabian Gulf continues to function as a staging area, with multiple laden tankers serving as floating storage and logistical buffers. In contrast, the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asian waters serve as transfer zones. Most cargoes are frequently transferred between vessels before being delivered to end buyers, with China as the primary destination. By the time the oil reaches its final market, its origin has been effectively obscured. This is not a loose collection of opportunistic actors; it is a structured, resilient supply chain.

The most persistent misunderstanding in current market analysis is the scale of these operations. At present, the assumption is that a collapse in visible tanker traffic equates to a collapse in supply. This is at present incorrect, as available intelligence suggests that between 1.0 and 1.7 million bpd of Iranian crude continues to move. Most of these barrels are moving through the very chokepoint that is presumed to be closed. It is known that within the Gulf itself, at least 25 laden Iranian tankers have been operating as part of this shadow system. They have collectively handled tens of millions of barrels since the start of the conflict. Iran has also been able to build up a substantial floating storage buffer, with estimates suggesting as much as 140 million barrels of crude held at sea. They are currently serving as both a revenue stabilization mechanism and a strategic reserve that can be released into the market when conditions permit.

At the same time, Iran has been, beyond Hormuz, activating alternative export infrastructure, most notably the Jask terminal on the Gulf of Oman. Even though it is still limited, Jask provides critical redundancy, allowing exports to bypass the strait entirely. With its almost 1 million bpd capacity, Jask represents a significant hedge against a complete maritime closure. Both options form a hybrid export model that combines controlled chokepoint access, offshore storage, alternative routing, and shadow logistics. Even though it is not as efficient as traditional operations, the system is highly effective under conditions of geopolitical stress.

For all, including policymakers, the most uncomfortable question to be answered is: why has it not been stopped? The possible answer, however, lies in a fundamental contradiction at the heart of current policy. Even though the USA and allies want to constrain Irans revenues and limit its geopolitical influence, they also understand that removing Iranian oil from the market entirely would trigger a supply shock of potentially historic proportions. With 1520 percent of global oil and LNG flows already disrupted by the Hormuz crisis, the real risk in the market at present is further supply losses. The margin for additional losses is extremely thin. A full blockade of Iranian exports would not only drive prices sharply higher but would also almost certainly destabilize global economic conditions at a time of already heightened uncertainty.

We are at present looking at a form of strategic ambiguity. Enforcement actions are selective. Sanctions remain in place, but their application is uneven. Markets are even prevented from overheating by temporary waivers or tacit allowances. Reality at present is, maybe not to the liking of most people, that Irans dark fleet is being allowed to operate within certain limits. Policymakers and advisors in Washington and elsewhere see it as an instrument serving as a stabilizing function, keeping barrels flowing that the market cannot easily replace. This is not a sustainable equilibrium, but it is the one currently in place.

Mispricing, however, is clearly in sight, as financial markets continue to focus on the system's visible layer. Financials are tracking tanker movements through conventional channels, monitoring official export data, and responding to headlines about infrastructure damage and production cuts. They, however, fail to recognize or incorporate the scale and persistence of the shadow system operating alongside it.

A series of mispricings seems to be in the market, as supply disruptions are often overestimated in the short term, while longer-term risks are underestimated. In the short term, Irans dark fleet is mitigating risks, but the system sustaining these flows is fragile and opaque. Also, markets need to reassess the impact of the control that Iran has achieved. By effectively regulating access to Hormuz while maintaining its own exports, Iran has shifted from being a constrained producer to a gatekeeper of regional flows.

We could not be looking any longer at a temporary distortion but at the buildup of an outline of a new market structure. The old global oil system seems increasingly divided into two parallel layers: a transparent, regulated system governed by formal rules, and an opaque, politically mediated system in which flows are determined by access, relationships, and the ability to operate outside conventional constraints. Tehran is clearly dominating the second level but will not be alone for long. Russia has already developed similar capabilities, while it can be expected that others will follow too. This move could result in a system in which sanctions become less effective, and control over logistics becomes as important as control over production itself.

Even though it is currently highly effective, the dark fleet system remains inherently unstable. The vessels involved are often old and poorly maintained. The vessels have limited or no insurance coverage, and operational standards are inconsistent. Any risk, disaster, or collision could remove significant volumes from the market overnight, trigger environmental damage, and provoke a more aggressive enforcement response. It also operates at the behest of the powers in place. The system works because it exists in a grey zone. It is neither fully legal nor fully suppressed but tolerated because it is useful. That tolerance, however, is conditional.

While the Gulf conflict is often framed in terms of missiles, drones, and military escalation, attention should be increased for a more consequential struggle that is unfolding at sea. Attention is needed for the quiet, persistent movement of oil through networks that operate beyond the reach of conventional oversight. For Iran, its dark fleet is not a workaround but a strategic asset that not only generates revenue but also sustains exports, supporting its influence over a global system still deeply dependent on Gulf energy flows.

This also shows the fundamental shift in how energy markets function under geopolitical stress. The conventional link between production, transport, and pricing is being replaced by a complex, less transparent system controlled by movement rather than ownership.

This system is currently keeping the market afloat by cushioning the shock of disruption and preventing a more severe supply crisis. It also stores risk, as it makes clear that the more the global economy depends on flows that cannot be fully seen, measured, or controlled, the more vulnerable it becomes to sudden and unpredictable shocks.

By Cyril Widdershoven for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Fiscally stressed Colombia is facing multiple crises that possess the potential to derail a vulnerable economy. Oil and natural gas production is in freefall because of adverse regulatory reforms and frequent tax hikes. Declining revenue from Colombias oil patch is impacting a fragile economy and weak government finances. There are fears that recent oil shocks caused by Tehran's closing of the Strait of Hormuz will sharply impact Colombias hydrocarbon-dependent economy, potentially triggering energy and fiscal crises due to a growing reliance on importing natural gas.

There is considerable concern over how rapidly declining oil production is impacting Colombias petroleum-dependent economy. According to regulatory data for February 2026, the Andean country pumped an average of 734,924 barrels of crude oil per day. This was not only 1.5% lower than a month prior and 2.7% less year over year, but it is the lowest monthly output since July 2021. Indeed, the strife-torn country is pumping 23% less oil than it was a decade ago.



Source: National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH).

That multiyear low is well below the one million plus barrels per day that previous administrations, before President Gustavo Petro, Colombias first leftist president, considered fiscally viable. The marked production decline is sharply impacting the economy and government finances. You see, oil is Colombias single largest export, generating 17% of export earnings during 2025, and a major contributor to fiscal income. Those developments are weighing on a government budget that never fully recovered from the economic fallout triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

A marked ongoing decline in natural gas production is sparking considerable concern. While this fossil fuel is viewed as the transitional source of energy for the renewable energy revolution, Colombias natural gas industry has been hit hard by Petros push to wean the country off its hydrocarbon dependency. For February 2026, Colombia pumped an average of 695 million cubic feet of natural gas per day.



Source: National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH).

This volume, while nearly 2% greater than a month earlier, was a concerning 16% lower year over year. On an extremely concerning note, February 2026 natural gas output was a whopping 35% lower than a decade earlier. This ongoing decline in production is materially impacting Colombias hydrocarbon-dependent economy.

You see, natural gas is a vital fuel for Colombias economy, with it used in a range of essential applications across industries and households. The sharp decline in natural gas production and reserves forced a multi-pronged response to a steadily building energy crisis, which threatens to stall the economy. In response, Bogota is rapidly scaling up costly liquified petroleum gas (LPG) imports, which, despite boosting supply, creates major economic risk.

As a result, a fifth of natural gas consumed in Colombia is now imported, compared to less than 4% a year earlier. This is worrying because a decade earlier, Colombia lifted enough of the fuel, around 1.1 million cubic feet per day, to be self-sufficient. This reliance on expensive LPG shipments is impacting a fragile economy and weighing heavily on Bogotas shaky financial position. Those risks are magnified by the conflict in the Middle East after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, preventing a fifth of global hydrocarbon supply from navigating the waterway.

Tehrans strikes on vital oil and natural gas infrastructure in the Middle East, as it responded to U.S. and Israeli attacks, knocked out 17% of Qatars natural gas capacity for up to five years. The tiny Persian Gulf emirate is responsible for producing around a fifth of the worlds natural gas. There are fears that the loss of a substantial portion of Qatars productive capacity will cause prices to remain higher for a lengthy period.

In response to those events, energy prices spiked, delivering what the International Energy Agency (IEA) called the largest disruption of global oil markets to have ever occurred. Brent soared to over $144 per barrel, while natural gas surged to over $3.20 per million British Thermal Units (BTU), although energy prices plummeted after a two-week ceasefire was announced earlier this week.

The confluence of those events will cause natural gas prices to spiral ever higher at a crucial time for Colombias economy. A sharp drop in fiscal revenue, along with increased spending by Petro, is placing considerable pressure on government finances during what is an election year. This caused the budget deficit to blow out, hitting a very worrying 7.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) for 2025, the second highest on record, with the 2020 COVID pandemic the worst.

A combination of higher spending and falling fiscal revenue, along with Petros lack of fiscal discipline, will see the deficit worsen during 2026. Economists predict it will reach an eyewatering 8.1% of GDP, which will not only be an all-time high, but also sharply impact Colombias financial outlook and cost of debt. There is disquiet over whether oil shocks will cause that number to spiral even higher, placing further pressure on distressed government finances.

Recent spikes in energy costs have the potential to wreak havoc on Colombia, notably because of a growing dependence on natural gas imports. This will be a disaster for Bogota, which is battling an explosion in rural conflict, which is forcing greater spending on security and law enforcement. Indeed, the number of combatants in illegal armed groups is at the highest level since the 2016 peace deal with the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Leading industry association Naturgas believes natural gas prices will increase by 20 to 25% in some regions, notably the department of Antioquia, where the countrys second largest city, Medellin, is located. Such price spikes, along with higher diesel prices, will impact Colombias economically vital agricultural sector, which government data shows is responsible for 30% of exports and 6% of GDP. Natural gas is also a key energy source for the manufacturing sector, which produces 22% of exports and 11% of GDP.

Those numbers highlight the considerable impact higher natural gas prices will have on Colombias fragile economy, with the potential to significantly slow growth. The risks of diminished fiscal income and a softer economy are magnified by declining foreign investment in Colombias oil patch and weaker production, especially with petroleum responsible for 17% of export income and 2.4% of GDP. This will place even greater pressure on Bogotas already fragile finances, which will worsen unless government spending is curtailed and additional sources of revenue are identified.

By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com

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On Wednesday, the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, pausing the 42-day military campaign by the U.S. and Israel against multiple Iranian military and civilian targets. The Pakistan-brokered deal is, however, already being severely tested: whereas direct U.S. strikes on Iran have stopped, Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have continued fighting, with Israel maintaining that Lebanon is not part of the ceasefire, while Iran insists that continued Israeli strikes violate the agreement. Meanwhile, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains at a near-standstill despite the ceasefire being contingent on the immediate reopening of the critical maritime chokepoint.

The final outcome of the conflict currently hangs in the balance, with the lack of a discernible common ground for reaching long-lasting peace as well as mutual distrust between the warring sides making for a murky situation. As expected, Middle Eastern countries have borne the full brunt of the war, with a barrage of drones and missile strikes severely damaging military sites as well as critical civilian and economic infrastructure. Here are some of the most damaging effects of the war that Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies have to contend with.

#1. Disruption of Energy Exports & Shipping

Multiple, targeted attacks on commercial vessels by Iran led to the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz in early March, halting a massive portion of oil and LNG tankers and leading to the declaration of force majeure by many energy companies. StanChart estimates that the war has led to a reduction of global oil flows by ~8 million barrels of crude per day, with Saudi Arabia alone losing 700 kb/d in pipeline flows.

Related: Chinese Publication Claims U.S. Has Two Months of Rare Earths Left

The conflict has also resulted in skyrocketing logistics and insurance costs. War-risk insurance premiums for ships sailing in the Persian Gulf have surged by up to 1,000%, with some high-risk cases seeing rates spike up to 7.5%10% of vessel hull value per transit from 0.20%0.25% of a vessel's value before the war. This means that a tanker worth $150 million could face an insurance bill of up to $7.5 million for a single trip through the Strait of Hormuz, up from a few hundred thousand dollars.

#2. Destruction of Energy Infrastructure

The Iran conflict has severely impacted Middle Eastern energy infrastructure, with attacks targeting oil, gas, and industrial sites across the region, causing billions in potential damage and disrupting exports. Iranian missiles hit LNG facilities in Qatars Ras Laffan industrial hub, causing extensive damage to sites, including a Shell Plc (NYSE:SHEL) plant and forcing force majeure declarations.

Saudi Arabias Ras Tanura Oil Refinery, one of the world's largest refining complexes, was forced to temporarily halt operations after debris from drones caused fires in early March. An Iranian attack on the East-West Oil Pipeline (Petroline) in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday morning just hours after a fragile two-week ceasefire was announced, targeted a critical pumping station, dramatically cutting the kingdoms oil flows. The 1,200-km pipeline is a critical artery that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, operations at the United Arab Emirates Habshan natural gas processing facility were suspended following drone/missile attacks, while significant damage was reported at the Khalifa Port industrial zone, including Aluminum Plants. Operations at Irans Rumaila oilfield were halted for security reasons. Israel responded by targeting Irans South Pars gas field facilities, causing major production halts.

The war has also caused extensive damage to critical non-oil infrastructure across the region. Giant desalination plants, which provide up to 90% of fresh water for countries like Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait, have been damaged or targeted, while US-Israeli airstrikes have damaged bridges, railway lines (including near Qom and Kashan), and major highways, such as the route linking Tabriz to Tehran. Major regional transport hubs have sustained damage, including Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Kuwait International Airport, and the Bahrain International Airport. Thousands of civilian locations, including residential areas, schools, and hospitals in Iran, have been hit, with reports indicating over 20,000 buildings have sustained damage.

#3. Economic Recession and Reduced Investment

GCC countries are facing economic meltdowns, with severe hits to tourism and business confidence thanks to the ongoing conflict. Gulf nations now have to contend with slowed economic growth or recession risks, with Kuwait and Qatar potentially facing up to 14% contractions in GDP due to blocked oil exports and infrastructure attacks. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expected to see smaller but still significant GDP drops of approximately 5% and 3%, respectively, as they can partially reroute some oil flows. Regional stock exchanges have tumbled, with Dubai's market experiencing a 15% drop and markets in Abu Dhabi and Qatar falling by 5% to 10%. Meanwhile, the cost of insuring against default (credit default swap spreads) has risen sharply for Bahrain and Dubai.

The regional travel and tourism industry is losing an estimated 515 million ($600 million) per day, with total visitor spending losses for the region projected to reach between $34 billion and $56 billion in the current year. Overall, the conflict is projected to cost GCC nations nearly $200 billion in lost economic output due to contracting growth, reduced oil exports and sector disruptions, with regional oil revenue losses estimated at $1.1 billion per day.

#4. Security Threats and Soaring Casualty Rates

The United States Operation Epic Fury, aka the Second Iran War, has triggered a severe regional security crisis, with heavy casualties reported across multiple countries. Over 2,076 people were reported killed in Iran by mid-March, and more than 26,500 were injured by U.S.-Israeli strikes, while another ~1,500 people have been killed in Lebanon and over 4,600 were injured. Thirteen American soldiers have lost their lives, and hundreds of others have been injured in the war, while 26 Israeli soldiers have been killed and over 7,400 injured. Up to 3.2 million people have been internally displaced in Iran, and over 1 million in Lebanon.

Not surprisingly, there is an unfolding humanitarian crisis in the region, with the destruction of 442 health facilities in Iran, including the destruction of the Pasteur Institute and Tofigh Darou pharmaceutical facility, halting vaccine production and causing severe medical shortages. Access to humanitarian aid remains a challenge, with many aid convoys, particularly in southern areas, denied access. The conflict has disrupted essential supplies, including fuel and fertilizer, prompting warnings of a broader regional food security crisis.

#5. Long-Term Environmental Damage

The Iran war has caused severe and lasting environmental damage, including massive oil spills in the Persian Gulf, toxic smoke from burning refineries, and widespread contamination from pulverized debris. Soot and toxic chemicals from strikes on the Tehran Refinery and other fuel hubs mixed with atmospheric moisture fall as acidic rain. The inhalation of microscopic soot and pulverized building materials (including potential asbestos) from damaged residential and commercial areas in Iran and elsewhere poses long-term risks for lung disease, heart problems and cancer.

Meanwhile, the conflict has caused a massive spike in emissions, with estimates that the U.S. military alone released nearly 2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases in the first couple of days of the war. Destruction of buried pipes has led to wastewater discharges in several cities. These pollutants can leach into groundwater, potentially contaminating water resources for years. Heavy metals and toxic chemicals from munitions, as well as the release of highly reactive uranium hexafluoride from damaged enrichment plants like Natanz, can settle in the soil, making farmland unfit for agriculture for decades.



By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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The 40-day blockade of the Strait of Hormuz -- through which roughly 20 million barrels of oil and gas pass daily -- has prompted a global scramble for energy independence, accelerating demand for clean energy storage systems.

There is great uncertainty as to whether and to what extent the Strait of Hormuz is reopening the flow of global oil and gas trade against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire. What is certain, however, is that the global energy sector will see far-reaching consequences of the historic disruption for a long time to come. In fact, the global energy landscape may never be the same again.

On an average day, approximately one-fifth of the worlds oil and gas trade crosses through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea controlled by Iran. That flow of around 20 million barrels per day dropped to virtually zero a bit over a month ago when the United States and Israel started bombing Iran. As a result, oil and gas prices skyrocketed overnight on a global scale, with particularly severe consequences for Asia and for poor countries across the Global South that are more reliant on energy imports and less resilient to market shocks.

As a result, the world is shifting its energy priorities to place energy security and resilience as a matter of utmost urgency, even if it means undertaking difficult transitions away from long-entrenched trade relationships and expansive established energy infrastructure. In short, it is about to kick the global clean energy transition  and, by association, the global energy storage sector  into overdrive.

For years, clean energy has been sold as a moral imperative. Now it is simply an economic and geopolitical necessity, states a Forbes report from earlier this month. Its not about emissions. Its about resilience and price stability.

Related: Chinese Publication Claims U.S. Has Two Months of Rare Earths Left

The crisis has thrown the precarity of the current global energy trade into sharp relief, and international energy policy is already starting to shift in response. In the words of Forbes, the conflict in Iran has once again exposed the fragility of the global fossil fuel system: too much economic power concentrated in too few places, all of which must travel through the same maritimeand militarizedchokepoints. Many world leaders believe that the solution is to diversify the global energy mix and to shore up domestic energy independence. And for most, that will come in the form of expanded clean energy production capacity.

All of this is great news for China, which controls a massive portion of the worlds clean energy supply chains, from solar panels and wind turbines to batteries and electric vehicles. This leaves Chinese companies incredibly well positioned to continue to consolidate their dominance in global markets, as they are by far the cheapest producer and most accessible trade partner for many nations that have been left in the lurch by the effective blockade of Hormuz.

The volume of Chinese exports for energy storage systems was already sharply on the rise thanks to the massive energy needs of the AI boom, but this newest large-scale threat to global energy security is set to push the sector into overdrive. Compared to this time last year, the total export value of Chinese inverters, which are central components in energy storage systems, has climbed a whopping 57 percent.

The increasing demand for energy storage [systems] is mainly due to the development of artificial intelligence globally  But the Iran war may push it to a new high, Xu Jianzhong, a freight forwarder specialising in these types of exports, told the South China Morning Post earlier this week. The war in the Middle East will also lift overall costs, such as [prices for] raw materials.

Energy storage systems are integral to making an increasingly renewable-powered grid secure and stable. And we can expect variable energy sources like wind and solar to skyrocket in coming months and years thanks to their affordability and their potential to boost energy sovereignty, protecting todays net importers from enduring another energy crisis like the one were living through now.

Wind and solar cannot be embargoed, blockaded, or shut off by a foreign power, David Frykman, General Partner at Stockholm-based venture capital group Norrsken, recently wrote in an op-ed for Fortune. Every terawatt-hour of domestic renewable generation is a terawatt-hour that no adversary can weaponize.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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Many countries worldwide have been hit hard by the energy crisis that has emerged following the U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran and ensuing conflict, with severe oil and gas shortages driving energy prices sky high. But while some countries are suffering badly, China so far appears relatively untarnished, following several years of preparation aimed at boosting the Asian giants energy and national security and reducing reliance on foreign powers.

China has been stockpiling vast quantities of oil in recent years, with a 1.3-billion-barrel strategic crude reserve, enough for several months. It has also rapidly developed its renewable energy capacity, including solar, wind, and hydropower, in support of an eventual green transition.

This has led Chinas refined oil, diesel, and gasoline demand to fall for two consecutive years, thereby reducing the countrys reliance on oil imports and making experts believe that Chinas oil and gas demand may have peaked. China also dominates the mining and refining of a wide range of critical minerals and has become a major electric vehicle (EV) and battery producer.

In addition to preparing its energy sector for any shock that might come its way, China has also rapidly been building up its industry to strengthen its hold on global supply chains. This has been particularly important for Chinas economy over the last year, following the introduction of high U.S. tariffs on the import of Chinese goods by President Donald Trump. This has led China to become increasingly self-sufficient in recent years.

With the major Strait of Hormuz gateway between Asia and Europe largely shut off, greatly limiting the transport of oil and LNG, China has so far proved more resilient than many other countries in managing its energy. Chinas energy development in recent years means that it can now power many of its cars and trains with electricity, helping to reduce its dependence on oil.

Meanwhile, several other Asian countries, such as Vietnam and the Philippines, are battling with severe oil and fuel shortages due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, an issue that China is attempting to address. In March, China made a shipment of 260,000 barrels of diesel and 100,000 barrels of distillate fuels to the Philippines and Vietnam to help alleviate the shortages.

All of this is not to say that China is totally self-sufficient when it comes to energy, with Beijing still importing three-quarters of its oil demand, as well as much of its gas. In fact, Chinas oil imports increased last year, as it purchased high levels of discounted crude from Iran and Russia. However, it is thought that the government also stockpiled a significant proportion of its crude imports.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, when the world experienced major supply chain disruptions and Chinas relations with the United States worsened, the Chinese government established an official road map on how to weather the turbulent period, which it published in the Communist Partys Qiushi journal.

Despite pledging to reduce its reliance on coal, as part of its aims for a green transition, China has used coal as a stopgap to reduce reliance on oil imports. The government has increased the use of coal to produce petrochemicals, to provide an alternative to a dependence on oil imports, for example. The governments use of coal to make chemicals increased from 155 million tons in 2020 to 276 million tons in 2024. China aims to eventually shift reliance away from fossil fuels towards renewable alternatives, but, for now, its continued use of coal is helping the country to become more self-sufficient and to develop its industries.

One example in which China has become more resilient is in the production of nitrogen fertiliser. China contributes around one-third of the global supply of the fertiliser, roughly 80 percent of which is produced using coal. While global fertiliser prices have been edging upwards since the start of the Iran war, the price of Chinas domestic production of the fuel has remained stable.

In early April, Chinas President Xi Jinping called for the accelerated planning and construction of a new energy system, following the disruption of global energy supply chains because of the Middle East conflict. Xi stressed the importance of hydropower development and ecological protection, as well as the need to safely expand nuclear power.

Our pioneering development of wind and solar power has now proven to be forward-thinking. At the same time, coal-fired power remains the foundation of our energy and should continue to play a supporting role, Xi stated. The president called for a greener and more diversified, resilient new energy system.

China has spent several years preparing for the event of a global energy crisis and is well-positioned to weather several months of energy shortages and higher fuel prices. Now, President Xi is calling on the rest of the world to follow in its footsteps and rapidly diversify its energy mix to boost the worlds energy security.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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April 10, 2026: In recent South Asian crises, velocity matters more than military power. Velocity means how rapidly responsibility is assigned, actions are authorized, limited operations are executed, and a dominant understanding is enacted before diplomatic intervention. Rather than concentrating exclusively on military capability, velocity is about the speed of coordinated action. Countries that move swiftly to shape events gain advantages, even if their material strength is less.

Pakistans post-2025 defense reorganization, in line with the 27th amendment to its constitution, recognizes this. After last years Operation Sindoor, Pakistan adopted reforms that reduced decision cycle times for military action and communication.

While these changes do not alter the regional power balance or nuclear deterrence, they enable Pakistan to act and de-escalate quickly during the decisive early phase of a crisis, before external parties can intervene and define reasonable limits of escalation. Once major powers signal that further action risks instability, the political eagerness for continued military operations rapidly diminishes.

India, though militarily more powerful than Pakistan, with eight times its budget and a two to three times larger army, air force and navy, faces internal delays and lack of amalgamation. Its compartmented and serial approach to crises slows decisions and limits capabilities. As a result, Indian military actions, however effective, frequently take place after opportunities to shape the political attitudes have passed, unlike Pakistans rapid strategy.

This velocity gap helps explain a persistent pattern: Indian forces achieve tactical success, but political outcomes remain inconclusive or are subject to external influences. Pakistans new command arrangements are explicitly designed to widen this gap in future confrontations, particularly in limited and brief conflicts.

The main risk is not conventional defeat, but that Indias strengths are minimized before they can be a problem. Fast Pakistani decision-making and narrative control mean that, by the time India reacts, diplomatic interventions and insights are already set. This erodes Indias leverage, credibility, and operational freedom. India must act within the new, faster tempo or risk losing the advantage.

Operation Sindoor demonstrated how crisis consequences in limited wars are shaped less by battlefield dominance than by the sequencing of decision, operational, and narrative velocities. Between April 22 and May 10, 2025, the crisis unfolded through distinct phases in which timing, rather than intent or capability, proved decisive.

The crisis began with the Pakistani-aided terrorist attack at Pahalgam, India, on April 22, 2025. Indian intelligence quickly determined who was responsible, and political denunciations followed. The principal delay was in converting intelligence confidence into publicly usable acknowledgement necessary for military action.

Indian leaders appear to have agreed early on the need to respond, but permission required evidence capable of withstanding domestic and international analysis. Intelligence sufficient for internal confidence did not immediately meet the level required for public explanation in a nuclearized environment, even if past patterns were known to the international community.

This attribution bottleneck was compounded by prevailing institutional fragmentation rather than hesitation. In the Indian system, intelligence verification, diplomatic planning, inter-service military preparation, and political-legal evaluation is handled through specific bureaucratic networks with limited methods for harmonization. Even as political intent crystallized, the absence of integrated crisis processing slowed the evolution of executable options. Nearly two weeks elapsed before authorization was granted on May 7, narrowing the window for advantage as coercive signaling developed.

Once authorized, Indias operational tempo speeded up. On May 7, Indian forces launched limited, specific strikes. Both sides responded quickly, with India gaining a tactical edge through escalation-controlled operations.

Operational competence was not the binding restriction. The armed forces implemented political direction efficiently once authorization was granted. However, these gains coincided with intensifying diplomatic commitment and external pressure for de-escalation. Military effectiveness peaked as political and international constraints converged, limiting the translation of tactical success into diplomatic leverage.

Early international statements stressed restraint, and negotiation efforts framed the crisis primarily through escalation risk rather than attribution. As the Americans shifted from initial caution to more active engagement, the diplomatic emphasis moved toward rapid stabilization. This stabilization lens was reinforced when the American President described his intervention as having prevented nuclear conflict, elevating escalation risk as the dominant interpretive frame.

While formally neutral, this activism had asymmetric effects: It narrowed the window within which Indias conventional advantages could coerce further action, limiting potential damage to Pakistan. This created a stabilization dynamic that benefited the weaker conventional actor.

Narrative velocity diverged across phases of the crisis. Between April 22 and May 7, while India remained focused on attribution and authorization, Pakistan moved earlier in shaping external perceptions. In Washington, Pakistan pursued sustained outreach alongside public messaging. According to U.S. disclosure records and Foreign Agents Registration Act filings for April to May 2025, Pakistans hired American lobbying firms arranged more than 60 engagements with U.S. policymakers. India undertook only four comparable engagements using lobbyists.

The disparity is significant. Access does not automatically translate into influence. Rather, lobbying engagements provide early entry into political and media departments, shaping how events are initially framed. Pakistans outreach ensured that its emphasis on restraint and escalation risk was present during the opening phase of U.S. crisis assessment.

When Indian military operations began on May 7, Pakistans messaging moved in parallel with diplomatic engagement, reinforcing calls for rapid stabilization. Indias narrative response came later. By the time respected Indian messaging gained traction from May 7 to 10, third party interpretations were already leaning toward de-escalation. The American Presidents statements further reinforced the description of the ceasefire as an externally mediated outcome rather than as a consequence of Indian military dominance.

In the months following Operation Sindoor, Pakistan undertook institutional reforms explicitly shaped by how the crisis unfolded and by the strategic advantages accrued. These changes are best understood as a systematic effort to compress decision, operational, and narrative velocity in future crises. Sindoor demonstrated that Pakistan could absorb Indian strikes and avoid escalation, but it also exposed residual frictions during the opening phase. The announced changes from August 2025 onward, notably the creation of the chief of defense forces position, the Army Rocket Force Command, and Defense Forces Headquarters were designed to ensure that future crises would be managed faster than Sindoor, not merely survived.

Pakistan entered the Sindoor crisis with a baseline advantage in decision velocity derived from the militarys dominant role in security policy. However, formal decision-making still required coordination among service chiefs, the largely advisory chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and civilian authorities, imposing delays during the opening hours.

Post-Sindoor reforms directly addressed this bottleneck by abolishing the post of chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and creating the post of chief of defense forces. By vesting unified operational authority in a single military office, Pakistan collapsed multiple coordination layers into one decision channel. This sharply reduced the time required to translate political intent into military orders. The combination of informal military dominance and formal centralization under the chief of defense forces significantly compresses decision velocity, minimizing political contestation while removing bureaucratic sequencing. The result is faster clarity on intent and escalation limits during the first 24 to 48 hours.

Operational velocity in limited, short conflicts depends less on force generation than on the ability to execute limited, controlled effects quickly. Before Sindoor, Pakistans conventional long-range strike capabilities were dispersed across the services, complicating targeting decisions and increasing the risk of delays or disproportionate action.

The establishment of the Army Rocket Force Command addressed this problem by consolidating conventional missile and long-range strike assets  including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and armed drone swarms  under a single operational authority reporting directly to the chief of defense forces. This reorganization creates a critical first day advantage. Pakistan can now execute multi-domain strikes within hours of crisis onset without inter-service coordination delays. Target selection, proportionality assessments, and execution orders flow through one vertical chain, enabling faster targeting decisions, tighter escalation control, and quicker execution of demonstrative strikes designed for political effect rather than battlefield dominance.

Equally important has been the organizational decoupling of conventional strike forces from nuclear command and control, with nuclear forces placed under a separate national strategic command. This separation reduces ambiguity and self-deterrence in the early crisis phase, allowing Pakistan to deploy conventional capabilities rapidly without immediately invoking nuclear signaling. By linking this decoupling directly to reduced misperception, Pakistan ensures that its faster escalation path is perceived as safer and more controlled. This focus on ambiguity management enhances deterrence by clarifying intent and capability distinctions, thereby preempting instability concerns. The Army Rocket Force Command structure thus accelerates operational velocity while preserving escalation control, a combination particularly suited to short-duration crises designed to enable early action and early termination before adversaries can mobilize superior forces or before diplomatic intervention forecloses options.

For India, this creates a structural problem. Indias equivalent long-range strike capabilities, BrahMos missiles, Nirbhay cruise missiles, Heron armed drones, and standoff munitions, remain distributed across the Armys artillery divisions, the Air Forces strike squadrons, and the Navys missile systems. Employing these assets in a coordinated, proportional response requires service-level coordination that consumes 24 to 48 hours, precisely the window when short limited wars such as these are decided. This structural asymmetry means Pakistan can strike first, shape narratives around proportional response, and de-escalate before Indias distributed strike assets can be synchronized, even though India possesses superior individual systems.

Pakistan has historically enjoyed an advantage in narrative velocity due to centralized military control over strategic communication, established originally for domestic control. Post-Sindoor reforms sought to institutionalize and accelerate this advantage by creating the Defense Forces Headquarters that integrates operational planning, information operations, and strategic messaging under unified command.

Defense Forces Headquarters enables military action, diplomatic outreach, and information operations to be synchronized from the outset of a crisis rather than sequenced after events unfold. Messaging is shaped alongside operational planning, allowing Pakistan to frame itself as restrained and defensive before kinetic activity peaks. This early framing tends to persist, even when later military developments contradict it. The use of external lobbying and influence channels reflects the same logic, inserting Pakistans preferred framing into key political and media circuits during the decisive early phase when third-party positions are formed.

The establishment of the chief of defense forces position, the Army Rocket Force Command, and the Defense Forces Headquarters does not confer automatic military dominance on Pakistan. Rather, these reforms institutionalize speed at the precise moment when political outcomes are shaped. Informal military coherence has been converted into structured velocity across decision-making, operational execution, and narrative management. In crises where third-party intervention occurs early and often symmetrically, the ability to act, signal resolve, and calibrate de-escalation within the first 48 to 72 hours constitutes a structural advantage that superior capability alone cannot offset. Pakistans reforms alter tempo more than balance: that distinction is decisive.

Operation Sindoor reveals a more hazardous strategic environment not because Indias capabilities have diminished, but because delay is increasingly penalized. Two overlapping trends  the evolution of U.S. crisis diplomacy and Chinas tightening alignment with Pakistan  are compressing Indias decision window.

The United States now prioritizes rapid stabilization over extended strategic positioning in South Asian crises. Diplomatic engagement activates earlier, often before battlefield trajectories clarify. When Indias decision cycle extends, mediation dynamics begin shaping the political environment before Indias objectives are achieved. This does not necessarily reflect bias: It reflects a structural preference for stability in nuclearized crises. Yet stabilization under asymmetry produces asymmetric effects: It narrows the window within which conventional advantages can generate leverage.

Chinas role further compresses timelines. Even absent overt intervention, Beijings intelligence sharing, military coordination, and diplomatic posture influence crisis management. During Sindoor, Chinese intelligence, military, and political backing enhanced Pakistans preparedness while Beijing publicly adopted a stabilizing posture. This dual-track approach complicates Indias early calculations and reduces tolerance for hesitation.

These pressures expose a widening mismatch between Indias institutional tempo and the pace of external intervention. A crisis architecture optimized for calibrated linear escalation from sub-conventional to conventional to nuclear conflict over days now operates under simultaneous diplomatic activation, media amplification, and adversarial coordination within hours. Political outcomes are increasingly shaped within the first 24 to 48 hours through mediation dynamics and great-power positioning. What was survivable during slower crisis paths, such as Sindoor, now risks structural disadvantage. When external actors frame the crisis before Indias coercive signals mature, even superior capabilities struggle to translate into durable leverage.

This compression also highlights the need for anticipatory preparation rather than reactive sequencing. In future crises, external actors will not wait for attribution clarity before shaping diplomatic narratives. If Indias internal processes remain optimized for linear escalation management, it will repeatedly find itself operating within parameters defined by others rather than by its own calibrated objectives.

The implication is not reckless speed, but synchronized speed. Institutional caution that once preserved stability may now erode it.

Sindoor does not demand wholesale institutional redesign. It requires targeted interventions that compress time in the decisive opening phase while preserving civilian control and accountability. Three reforms, organized around decision, operational, and narrative velocity domains would create the greatest immediate impact.

Indias most consequential delay during Sindoor stemmed from converting intelligence confidence into publicly and diplomatically usable attribution. Political consensus appears to have formed early, but attribution, legal vetting, diplomatic preparation, escalation management, and inter-service planning operated through separate institutional channels with limited mechanisms for convergence. The constraint was structural fragmentation, not political hesitation.

In the absence of integrated crisis processing architecture, key functions matured at different speeds under different authorities. Even when intent crystallized, the system lacked a mechanism to synchronize processes in real time. The result was delayed authorization despite emerging political clarity.

Correcting this weakness requires procedural change enabled by structural adaptation. During the opening phase of a crisis, standing protocols should authorize intelligence validation, legal review, operational planning, and external messaging to proceed in parallel under centralized political supervision. Attribution would remain the threshold for execution, but preparation across domains would advance concurrently. This reform would compress authorization timelines from days to hours, ensuring that once the evidentiary standard is met, action and signaling occur immediately rather than sequentially.

The objective is not to dilute deliberation but to eliminate idle institutional latency between decision and preparation.

Sindoor demonstrated that once authorization is granted, Indian forces execute effectively. The constraint lies in translating political intent into synchronized multi-service action within the decisive first 24 hours.

First, India requires crisis-time centralization to compress the authorization to execution interval. Upon political approval, the chief of defense staff should be empowered, within clearly defined temporal and functional limits, to synchronize approved kinetic and non-kinetic operations across services. Activation should follow predefined decision thresholds, ensuring that authority is temporary, bounded, and politically controlled. This mechanism would preserve civilian oversight and peacetime autonomy while reducing inter-service coordination delays during the opening hours of a crisis.

Second, Pakistans Army Rocket Force Command creates a structural first day advantage that the crisis-time chief of defense staff authority alone cannot offset. By consolidating conventional missiles, cruise systems, armed drones, and long-range fires under unified operational control, Pakistan can execute limited strikes within hours of crisis onset. Indias equivalent assets remain distributed across the Army, Air Force, and Navy, requiring coordination that consumes precisely the 24 to 48-hour window in which outcomes are shaped.

India should therefore establish a Joint Strike Command consolidating crisis-time operational control of non-nuclear long-range strike systems, including BrahMos and Nirbhay missiles, armed drones, short-range ballistic platforms, and standoff munitions. Peacetime training and readiness would remain service-based, but employment authority during authorized crises would be centralized under the chief of defense staff and deployable by theater commanders.

The objective is not to augment capability, since India already fields superior long-range systems, but to align organizational velocity with material strength. Without structural alignment, India risks responding after Pakistan has already acted, signaled resolve, and influenced third-party perceptions. A unified strike architecture would also enhance deterrent signaling during the attribution phase by demonstrating credible readiness before execution.

Sindoor exposed Indias most visible velocity gap in the narrative domain, particularly in Washington. Pakistans extensive use of lobbying channels ensured early access to U.S. political and media decision channels, while India relied largely on formal diplomacy and subsequent clarification.

India does not require a propaganda apparatus. It requires a standing fused external access capability designed for rapid engagement with key foreign governments, legislatures, and media ecosystems during crises. The objective is presence and speed, not persuasion, operating under clear political guidance and transparency norms. Narratives that enter late rarely shape mediation dynamics, regardless of their factual strength.

Narrative velocity is not about louder messaging: It is about earlier positioning within the circuits where external actors assess escalation risk and determine meditation posture.

These reforms do not replace long-term transformation in jointness, intelligence integration, or doctrine. But Sindoor demonstrates that Indias most consequential disadvantages emerge early, before deeper reforms can take effect. By compressing decision, operational, and narrative velocity within the first 24 to 48 hours, India would significantly improve its ability to convert military capability into political leverage in an environment defined by rapid U.S. stabilization logic and intensifying ChinaPakistan collusion.

Operation Sindoor did not happen due to shortcomings of resolve or capability. It was a warning about time. India demonstrated military competence and escalation control, yet the crisis showed how delays in attribution, authorization, and narrative entry can erode political leverage in the opening phase of confrontation. In limited and compressed wars, outcomes are often shaped before battlefield advantages can fully mature.

That risk is growing. The reforms in Pakistans national security architecture impart even greater velocity. U.S. crisis diplomacy is increasingly transactional and oriented toward rapid stabilization, while Chinas deepening alignment with Pakistan further compresses Indias decision space. Early framings harden quickly, and external mediation arrives faster than before. The lesson of Sindoor is therefore not restraint versus escalation, but sequencing. States that can act, signal, and frame events in parallel gain disproportionate influence over how crises are interpreted and resolved.

For India, the primary challenge is not increased aggressiveness but greater timeliness. Decisions, operations, and narratives must converge within the first 24 to 48 hours, when political outcomes remain malleable. If India can compress timelines without compromising accountability, it will maintain strategic autonomy in future crises. Otherwise, even effective military action may occur too late to influence the outcome.
Mexican authorities disable 260-foot-long tunnel leading to the United States

Nogales, Sonora  Federal authorities have disabled a 260-foot long underground tunnel leading to the United States. During the operation, one person was arrested in relation to smuggling.

The unfinished tunnel was discovered inside the bedroom of a private home in Nogales, Sonora earlier this week. Evidence collected during ongoing surveillance of the house allowed authorities to obtain a search warrant.

The tunnel was found to be 260 feet long heading toward the U.S. border April 8, 2026.

The 79-meter-long underground tunnel that authorities said had no known exit has since been dismantled. One person was taken into custody during the April 8 search of the building.

Through fixed and mobile surveillance, authorities said they gathered sufficient evidence for a judge to grant an order to intervene at the residence.

Upon entering, personnel located a rudimentary excavation 4.5 meters (15 feet) deep and 79 meters (260 feet) long leading towards the border and with no known exit. One person was arrested at the scene, and 21 live rounds of ammunition were seized, the Secretaria de Marina reported.

According to the investigations, the detainee is linked to surveillance, smuggling and human trafficking activities for a criminal group.

The detainee was informed of his legal rights and, along with the seized items, was placed at the disposal of the corresponding Public Prosecutor.

The tunnel was found being dug through the floor of a bedroom inside a private house. April 8, 2026.

The Secretary of the Marina says they will continue with the investigations while the property remains sealed and placed under police custody.

One person was arrested from the house for smuggling during the search operation. April 8, 2026.

The search was the result of intelligence work and the strengthening of security in Sonora. Elements of the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), Attorney General of the Republic (FGR), Secretariat of National Defense (Defensa) and National Guard (GN), with support from the State Secretariat of Security, participated in the operation where they disabled a tunnel leading to the United States.
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Bruno No No No made two big moves in a career-best mile to capture the $40,000 Open Pace at Woodbine Mohawk Park, while Poseidon Seelster reached seven figures in earnings with a third-place finish in the same race on Saturday, April 11.

Saulsbrook Victor (Brett MacDonald) and Brue Hanover (James MacDonald) pushed forward early, landing first and second, respectively as the group entered the first turn. Bruno No No No, driven by Doug McNair, followed those two off the car and remained outside to drive on through the quarter in :26.1 and take over on the backstretch. Brue Hanover was back out before Bruno No No No cleared to the front, sprinting to the half in :53.2 to reach the engine.

Bruno No No No popped the pocket as they turned towards three-quarters in 1:21 and went after Brue Hanover with Poseidon Seelster (Bob McClure) on his back from fourth. Bruno No No No and Brue Hanover drew away from the rest as they locked horns down the stretch, and Bruno No No No drove clear late to win by 1-1/4 lengths in 1:48.1. Poseidon Seelster finished third and collected a $4,800 cheque, enough to put him over the $1 million earnings threshold.

Bruno No No No, coming off a New Holland Pacing Series final victory, won the second Open-level event of his career after scoring in the Open-2 in his 2026 debut. Trained by Dave Menary for Pollack Racing LLC of Venetia, Pa., the stallion is four-for-five to begin his four-year-old campaign. The son of All Bets Off-Winbak Alice has tallied 12 victories in 33 lifetime starts and $221,930 in earnings. Winning tickets returned $2.50.

Poseidon Seelster, a nine-year-old son of Sunshine Beach-Porsche Seelster, passed the million-dollar mark in his 163rd career start. The gelding has racked up 27 wins, 25 seconds, and 36 thirds, including victories in the 2024 New Holland Series final and a leg of the 2022 Borgata Pacing Series, and top-three finishes in the 2022 Canadian Pacing Derby, 2021 Graduate Series final, 2025 Gold Cup and Saucer, and 2024 and 2022 Camluck Classics. He earned a mark of 1:48.2 in a conditioned race at Mohawk in 2022, and he has won a Mohawk Open/Preferred five times in his career. Don Lindsey of Fergus, Ont. trains him and shares ownership with Paul Kleinpaste of Orangeville, Ont., William Alempijevic of Lexington, Ky. and Garth Bechtel of Meaford, Ont.

The Ontario-sired Spring Series continued with the first leg for three-year-old males as two pacing divisions and one trotting contest went forward for purses of $18,000.

Letr Sink Son won the first and faster pacing division. Sent away from post six by Travis Henry, he briefly acquired the lead before yielding to Count On Gord (James MacDonald), then sat the pocket to the quarter in :27.3 before swinging back to the top. Letr Sink Son carved out the middle fractions of :57.2 and 1:26 and led into the stretch with Count On Gord in pursuit and Rip The Page (Doug McNair) behind those two. Letr Sink Son was in troubled waters late as Count On Gord closed quickly, but Letr Sink Son found the line in time to win by a nose in 1:53.1. Rip The Page was third.

Letr Sink Son scored his first sophomore win in the second start of his campaign, and the son of Big Jim-Off The Shoulder is now three-for-10 lifetime with $31,256 in earnings. Boyd Wilson of Fergus, Ont. trains the gelding and co-owns him with Randy Wilson of Prince George, B.C. The winner returned $5.60.

Thirty Six Red raked in the dough in the other pacing split with a gate-to-wire performance. James MacDonald pointed him to the front, and the son of All Bets Off-Tantalizing Trish rattled off panels of :27.2, :56.4 and 1:25.1 with pressure only coming from longshot Saulsbook Rodeo (Daryl Thiessen) nearing three-quarters. Saulsbrook Rodeo stuck with the leader down the lane, but Thirty Six Red had plenty in reserve to fend him off by three-quarters of a length in 1:53.3. Dead Mans Chain (Karl Tomas) rounded out the top three.

Thirty Six Red, an Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots leg winner at two, took his first win in two starts this year. Trained by Paul Davies, he is now three-for-10 overall with a bankroll of $37,470. Davies of Arthur, Ont. partners in ownership with breeder Steve Fudge of Erin, Ont. The win price was $2.70.

Dream For Peace dominated the sole division for trotters in a six-length rout to win his seasonal debut. The Muscle Mass-Dream For Lindy colt was among four early leavers, and he watched Thor B Good (Jonathan Drury) cross over in front of him for the lead, then pushed on to the top past the quarter in :29.2. Dream For Peace was never threatened from there as he set down :59 and 1:28 middle splits and powered home in :28 to score in 1:56 for driver Billy Davis Jr. Thor B Good was second-best, followed by Fourth Gear (Trevor Henry).

Dream For Peace improved to two-for-six lifetime with $30,400 in the bank. The colt, who finished third in last years Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots Final, is trained by Shawn Steacy for owner-breeders Hudson Standardbred Stable Inc. of Hudson, Que. and Bridle Path Stables Ltd. of Ossining, N.Y. He paid $6.50 to win.

The Ontario-sired Spring Series for colts and geldings continues with the second preliminary leg on April 18 and concludes with the $40,000 (added) final on April 25.

To view Saturdays harness racing results, click the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.

(Standardbred Canada)
The Closing of the Frontier

The Anthropic Mythos announcement is the first time in my life Ive felt truly poor. Maybe because I grew up on the internet and it was the one permissionless place where you could have leverage and a shot at uncapped exploration and ambition. That is now changing with the gap between models that are publicly available vs those reserved for the already wealthy and pre-established.

In 1893, Frederick Jackson Turner argued that much that is distinctive about America was shaped by the existence of free land to the West where anyone could start over, and that this condition infused America with its characteristic liberty, egalitarianism, rejection of feudalistic hierarchy, self-sufficiency, and ambition.

Since the days when the fleet of Columbus sailed into the waters of the New World, America has been another name for opportunity... But never again will such gifts of free land offer themselves... each frontier did indeed furnish a new field of opportunity, a gate of escape from the bondage of the past... And now, four centuries from the discovery of America, at the end of a hundred years of life under the Constitution, the frontier has gone, and with its going has closed the first period of American history.  Frederick Jackson Turner, The Significance of the Frontier in American History, 1893

We are witnessing the closing of yet another frontier in history. Even though the American dream is nearly dead, the one somewhat accessible escape hatch that offered economic mobility and cherished individual agency was the wired. Perhaps you would never own a house, but when it came to technology, a poor person and the wealthiest person in the world had access to the same internet, the same phone, the same encryption protocols (my TLS connection wasnt using AES-ECB-quant-8 vs your AES-GCM-512).

A 16-year-old with no credentials and no capital could just do things. The world of bits offered the freedom to build without being drowned in arbitrary constraints, in a way that didnt require assembling vast capital or prestige or connections, where your creativity and work could speak for itself, and you had agency. This is a precious thing and we should seek to preserve it for as long as it is possible, because there is still much possibility left. Weve only just begun scratching the surface for what is possible to build and how best to harness the intelligence of powerful models.

I feel this most acutely in the cordoning off of frontier models from public access, though the logic also applies to the general replacement of labor and intelligence with capital. Rudolf Laine articulates this well in his essay, Capital, AGI and Ambition.

Those with significant capital when labour-replacing AI started have a permanent advantage. Upstarts will not defeat them, since capital now trivially converts into superhuman labour in any field.  Rudolf Laine, 2024

George Hotz more bluntly calls it neofeudalism.

This isnt like nuclear weapons, this is intelligence itself. A nuclear weapon can only destroy; intelligence is the greatest creative force in the world. If a small group of people have a monopoly on it, you are the permanent underclass in the same way animals are.  George Hotz, 2026

The Manhattan Project comparison the labs reach for again and again, has long been a pet peeve of mine. Nuclear non-proliferation worked, to the extent it did, because nukes are instruments of mass destruction and laws are written in blood. Intelligence is economically valuable in a wholly different way. Every country will pursue it as far as it can, and given the multipolar world we are back in, and our recent record with treaties and commitments, I do not believe there will be global alignment on risk reduction. Not before there is blood, at the very least.

Anthropic has mentioned that it does not plan to make Mythos generally available. However, its one thing to not release the model at all and keep it under full containment. Its also valid to have some embargo period after which youll release it for public use with some vetting.

Today were announcing Project Glasswing, a new initiative that brings together Amazon Web Services, Anthropic, Apple, Broadcom, Cisco, CrowdStrike, Google, JPMorganChase, the Linux Foundation, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Palo Alto Networks in an effort to secure the worlds most critical software.  Anthropic

But it is another thing entirely to share access only with enterprise partners such as Crowdstrike, Cisco, and Microsoft, which are known to have massive security incidents regularly. How dangerous from a safety standpoint would it be if the private capability gap grows exponentially (already happening with recursive self improvement) before the world has had any time to price it in, and there were to be a security breach at one of these labs, or their partners? Or what if a foreign lab drops close to an equivalent model with minimal access restrictions? Though the limited availability of compute has a sizable hand in the restriction calculus here as well.

Those are not the only organizations with security concerns. I am not arguing that the model should be made publicly available to anyone via API. But structurally speaking, a private company has built the most capable AI model in the world, and has decided unilaterally who gets access and is worth protecting. They and their established partners are now sitting on a zero day generator, accumulating private knowledge of exploits in everyone elses infrastructure: capabilities that once belonged to nation states and are now being privatized to a handful of well-connected organizations. These are state-scale capabilities without state-scale accountability. If you believe in democracy, we built three branches of the government for a reason. Anthropic is simultaneously the manufacturer, the regulator, and the appeals court, with no on-ramp even for someone willing to pay and undergo strong KYC.

API access may not be full ownership, but at least it is a programmable surface that doesnt foreclose possibility. Locking that down for safety and unapproved use certainly helps prevent abuse, but it also stifles innovation. Public access also forces latent capabilities into the open, which given how eval-aware models are (Mythos alignment report calls eval awareness a key challenge) and the constraints of artificial red-teaming, is better from a safety standpoint. Fail fast and fix, as opposed to accumulating a capabilities overhang that has never been tested in the real world. Its bad enough as is for the world to adjust and make sense of AI capabilities, when half the American population thinks AI is worthless because they are forced to use Copilot at work.

The reaction to AIs finding security vulnerabilities also feels overstated. Security is always an arms race. A decade ago fuzzers like American Fuzzy Lop looked like a gift to attackers, but many security-first projects instead built fuzzing into their CI pipelines and now catch most bugs before release. I wrote about this symmetry in my post on the death of security through obscurity. Here again, frontier model access will allow more people to build security systems that will help the world upskill its security. For too long, organizations have been cavalier about security and risked their customers data with poor security practices. The transition will be rough, but this is a period of great upheaval in many dimensions, so why would we expect security to get by unscathed?

And the people who would actually do rigorous safety research on these models cant get access to them. A couple weekends ago I was at the MATS research symposium. MATS is one of the most serious AI safety programs out there, and about two-thirds of the posters involved a Chinese open source model. Many experiments require white-box access, and these researchers cant get it anywhere else. Meanwhile, the mainstream AI safety position is that open source models are dangerous. Most projects were also restricted to tiny models due to compute limitations, leaving open whether their results would survive at frontier scale. Thank god for open source models, because if meaningful safety research depends on the benevolence of the labs, or on being hired by one, that would be disappointing.

You can generate your own electricity with a solar panel (think local models), but most people would rather pay a utility bill. And the power company doesnt decide, on the basis of pedigree, who is worthy of electricity. Intelligence should work similarly, where the capabilities you can access scale may scale with vetting and due process, but the presumption should be access. Add safety guardrails to restrict dangerous use; start by making them overly trigger-happy if you must, and calibrate over time. But the default should be to allow entry.

If you have government-level capabilities, time to start acting like a government. There should be due process, publicly disclosed criteria for who gets access and why, and a clear appeals mechanism that isnt email the trust and safety team and pray. And when you cut someone off, you should be required to say why, because getting your frontier model access revoked is akin to being unbanked. From an audit perspective, there should be FOIA-style obligations to show your work in safety-critical areas.

There is something special about training a model on all of humanitys data and then locking it up for the benefit of a few well-connected organizations that you have relationships with. Maybe youll notice another historical pattern here. Extract value from a population that cant meaningfully consent, concentrate the returns within a small inner circle, and then offer some version of charity to the people you extracted from as moral cover for the arrangement. The pattern repeats itself with labs promising post-AGI UBI or encouraging EA philanthropy while continuing to concentrate frontier capability. Not saying the intent is malicious, I think many are trying to do the best they can, Im simply noticing.

If we are lucky, none of this will matter. This might just be the mainframe era of AI, a waypoint on the way to personal computing. When the Apple II came out it was woefully underpowered compared to mainframes, and most adoption was driven by hobbyists and aesthetics. Compared to that gap, open source models already pack quite a punch, running 3-12 months behind the frontier depending on the dimension. So perhaps hardware supply chains will scale, a glut of chips and energy will become available, and intelligence will be too cheap to meter.

The city is cutting down twenty-year-old ficus trees in my neighborhood because they could fall on someone during a hurricane and the city doesnt want to get sued. San Francisco gets about one thunderstorm a year at best. I hope we dont snuff out the wired in a similar way.
April 12, 2026: the U.S. Navy is increasing its production of the Hammerhead anti-submarine mine system. This mine is designed to detect, classify, and engage submarines and can be deployed by unmanned underwater drones to deal with increasingly capable Russian and Chinese submarines. The Hammerhead system uses underwater sensors to monitor large areas for submarine activity. Each Hammerhead module consists of a tube with a mooring device at the bottom and a battery pack, above that is a signal processing and decision system followed by the torpedo with a sensor and communication system at the top of the module.

Once a target is detected and confirmed as a hostile submarine, the mine releases the torpedo capable of finding, following and sinking the submarine, or surface ship.

Hammerheads can be placed on shallow sea bottoms and left to monitor the surrounding area for threats. Ideal locations for Hammerheads are sea lanes enemy forces might use, or to guard friendly naval bases. The navy plans to use underwater drones to recharge batteries and update software. Larger underwater drones can be used to retrieve Hammerheads and bring them to a nearby naval base or ship for repairs, upgrades or replacement if a Hammerhead is too far gone for further use.

At the same time American naval strategists are seeking a solution to the problems presented by the potential widespread use of drones by and against naval forces. This is not a theoretical problem but a reality. In the Black Sea, Ukrainian drones forced the Russian Black Sea Fleet to withdraw to the eastern shore of the Black Sea. Sevastopol was no longer a safe place to be, and Russian ships could no longer launch their Kalibr cruise missiles without risking attack by Ukrainian drones. The presence and aggressive use of the drones means that Ukraines grain corridor has been kept open despite Russias threats to interfere. Beyond symbolic significance, the corridor holds critical economic importance for Ukraine and contributed over 5 percent of GDP growth in 2024 because of the grain shipments.

The aggressive and successful use of Ukrainian drones against the Russian Black Sea fleet was unprecedented in the history of naval warfare. Not only were these drones tactically successful but financially as well. For example, new frigates cost about $1.5 billion each. That much money can also pay for 5,000 drones. Destroyers cost twice as much as frigates. The frigates and destroyers are high seas ships that can travel all over the world. The drones operate in coastal waters although some of the larger drones can operate up to a thousand kilometers from where they were launched. These drones carry video cameras and satellite-based communications systems to collect information and, in peacetime, do so without fear of attack. Severe storms are another matter, but any storm damage will be broadcast as it is happening, at least until the video cameras or communications equipment is disabled.

Commercial cargo ships can carry hundreds of armed flying, surface water and underwater drones equipped with satellite communications so operators anywhere in the world can control them. These drones can be covertly launched at sea to carry out attacks on targets in the, area or move to a nearby harbor and remain tied to a dock until needed. The only maintenance is keeping the drone batteries charged. These drones are a radical new weapon for naval warfare and the war at sea will never be the same because of the success of Ukrainian drones in their victorious campaign against the Russian Black Sea Fleet, and launched from secretly parked cargo containers to attack any target.

Initially the Ukrainian water-going drones were Sea Baby, Mother, and MAGURA. At the end of 2023 Cossack Mother, top speed of 100 kilometers an hour, entered service. Manufacture of these drones is done in underground facilities to avoid Russian missile and guided bomb attacks.

Sea Baby carrying 850 kg of explosives was used in the mid-2023 Kerch Bridge attack. MAGURA carries 320 kg of explosives while Mamai carries 450 kg. These drones are no longer used just for delivering explosives against a target, they can also be used for reconnaissance when equipped with video cameras that broadcast what they see back to the drone operator. Some drones have been armed with small rocket launchers or surface-to-air missiles. Malyuk has a range of over 700 kilometers, which means they are suitable for operations on the high seas. Endurance is about 60 hours, and top speed is over 70 kilometers an hour. MAGURA has similar characteristics. Mamai was used in the long range attack at the distant naval base at Novorossiysk on Russias Black Sea eastern, which is a thousand kilometers from Crimea.

Ukraine has been developing subsurface drones since 2022 and in early 2023 the first one, the Toloka2 TK-150 entered service. This drone was 2.5 meters long and equipped with a sensor mast that remained above the surface for navigation and to identify targets. Toloka2 can also carry a small explosive warhead. More recently, Ukraine developed the larger Marichka drone that is 6 meters long and one meter in diameter.

Ukrainian naval drones and land based missiles destroyed over a third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet and forced the survivors to take shelter at Russian ports over a thousand kilometers from Crimea. While Russia still occupies Crimea, the area is under siege by Ukrainian naval drones and land based missiles. Soon Russia will no longer be able to supply Crimea because of this. The Kerch Strait bridge from Russia to Crimea is in bad shape and can only allow limited truck traffic. By the end of 2024 Russia had withdrawn all of its ships from Crimea and shut down its ship repair facilities. Ukraine has the means to demolish what is left of the bridge whenever they want to. This will happen when Ukraine decides to blockade Crimea and force the Russians to abandon the peninsula because they cannot supply it.
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Credit: Nvidia

We may have just received another glimpse of Nvidias N1 laptop and desktop CPU. As Wccftech reports, an X user named Ruby_Rapids posted a listing on the Chinese Goofish resale platform featuring an engineering-sample motherboard with the upcoming Nvidia SoC (System-on-Chip). If this listing is true, it could mean Nvidia plans to launch the chip relatively soonpotentially at Computex.

Based on the details the user shared, this appears to be an early engineering sample of the motherboard. It appears to be a laptop motherboard, though it could also be used in a tablet. Regardless, this aligns with previous reports that Nvidia N1 chips could power slimmer gaming laptops (among others).

Credit: Goofish

The N1 processor is the biggest chip on this motherboard. Its surrounded by eight RAM modules, making for a total of 128GB of memory. There are also two M.2 slots, an integrated Wi-Fi chip on the motherboard, and some ports for HDMI, USB-C, and a headphone jack. The big cut-out suggests this will use a blower-style fan, with the N1 under a heatsink as part of the cooling solution.

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This motherboard is listed for 9999 RMB (around $1,400 USD), but as Wccftech notes, this is likely a placeholder.

As weve previously reported, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has confirmed new chips with MediaTek are coming. Not only does this mean Nvidia will have a stake in PCs in a whole new way, but it could lead to slimmer, more powerful gaming laptops. Moreover, it's bringing the fight to Intel Core Ultra Series 3, AMD Ryzen AI 400, and Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite.

Outlook

We cant verify the accuracy of this motherboard listing, so take this story with a healthy dose of skepticism. But as I said in the intro, if this post is real, then perhaps it wont be long until Nvidia unleashes its SoC on the world. After all, Computex, running from June 2 to June 5, is just around the corner.

If Nvidia wants to announce its N1 chips, Computex is certainly the best time to do it. We'll be in Taipei covering the event, so make sure you bookmark our site and follow us on social media for all the latest news. If and when that happens, the already hot CPU chip war is about to get a whole lot hotter. Stay tuned for updates!
09 September 2025, USA, Cupertino: A device of the new iPhone 17 Pro is seen at the presentation at Apple headquarters. Photo: Andrej Sokolow/dpa (Photo by Andrej Sokolow/picture alliance via Getty Images)

April 16 update: this post, first published on April 13, was updated with further details of design changes and other updates coming to the iPhone 18 Pro.

Apples designs for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may include a different look to the trademark Dynamic Island cut-out, and adjustments to body materials, according to the latest leaks. There have also been reports of other design changes expected this September. More on those below.

MORE FROM FORBESApples 2026 Shake-Up: iPhone 18 Pro Leaks While iPhone Fold Steals The Show By David Phelan

A Shrunken Dynamic Island?

This is not the first time a smaller Dynamic Island has been suggested, but the latest report says that testing is going on now, which will lead to one of two designs adopted in due course.

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The leaker known as Digital Chat Station predicts that comments by Samsung of Apple designs may be followed by the design change.

Samsung's preemptive mockery of Apple's "small island" design raises the possibility that the iPhone 18 Pro series will also feature a small island, the leak said on Weibo.

For the record, I dont believe what Samsung says influences Apple, or vice versa. But the leaker has more to say.

Current supply chain feedback indicates A/B testing: one screen mold remains unchanged, while the other features a small island under the Face ID RX area, they went on.

So, either the Dynamic Island will be identical to the one on the iPhone 17 Pro, or it will shrink and a Face ID sensor will be hidden under the display.

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The leaker has a decent track record. The only note of caution Id strike is that mid-April seems very late in the day to be doing A/B testing, though its not impossible.

Refining The Rear Design And Materials

The same commenter made another report, referring to the rear of the phone.

In a follow-up post, the leaker also addressed the iPhone 18 Pro's rear design, MacRumors commented. He said that the rectangular plateau design introduced with the iPhone 17 Pro will carry over unchanged, but the back will see minor adjustments to the body materials and design details. This is likely a reference to previously rumored changes aimed at achieving a more uniform look between the aluminum unibody frame and glass cutout for wireless charging, the report went on.

How A Subtle Design Change Could Bring Longer Battery Life

There may be a different design change coming as well, in the form of a thicker chassis. While that often means a heavier phone, it can bring with it the benefit of space being used for a slightly bigger battery. A leak from the same Weibo user in recent months suggested the iPhone 17 Pro Max battery with 5,088mAh capacity could be replaced in the iPhone 18 Pro Max with something bigger, with capacity between 5,100 and 5,200mAh. This would mean longer battery life and a weigh increase of just 3g, its thought.

The Overall iPhone Design Will Be Largely Similar

The main design will look the same in the iPhone 18 Pro as they do in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, its thought. That means highly similar rear camera system, unchanged display sizes and so on.

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What may change is the two-tone look on the back of the phone. Currently, the glass panel and aluminum rear casing are noticeably different colors but its thought the two elements will be much more closely color-matched in the next iPhone.

This seems possible but I have a hesitation here: aluminum rarely looks like glass and vice versa. I think Apple will prefer a contrast to a not-quite-match. But lets see.

Apple iPhone 18 Pro Colors

One thing that almost never stays the same is the colors of the handsets, though the Pro models have previously stayed near-identical between generations. So, no more Cosmic Orange? Id take a bet that Apple will want to come up with a different eye-catching shade this year. Recent reports have suggested that, like the current Pro models, there wont be a black iPhone 18 Pro. And another rumor claims a deep red is being tested as the hero color this year.

Apple Modem

What does seem likely is that the iPhone 18 Pro will be the first flagship iPhone to use an Apple own-brand modem. The iPhone 16e, iPhone Air and iPhone 17e have all used an Apples modem instead of one from Qualcomm.

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It looks like the Apple C2 modem will be the modem on the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max and iPhone Fold. Its likely it will also feature in the iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e when they land, too.

Satellite Connectivity

Related to the modem, there have been rumors that there will be a different kind of connectivity on board as well. While it could be that it doesnt arrive in time for the iPhone 18 Pro, when it comes it will mean there will be support for 5G networks that operate through satellites rather than phone masts.





MORE FROM FORBESApple iPhone Fold Design And Size Revealed In First Leaked Photos By David Phelan

This article was originally published on Forbes.com
The World Travel Awards brand has been recognizing excellence in tourism across a range of categories since 1993. It also holds events around the globe as part of its Grand Tour ceremonies. As stated on its website, these galas are now considered "milestone events in the travel calendar, attended by the industry's key decision-makers, figureheads, influencers and media."

One coveted prize each year is the "Leading City Destination." In the Africa category, Cape Town, South Africa, has won "Leading City Destination" a whopping five years in a row  from 2021 through 2025. In the 2025 awards, it beat out competition from other vibrant South African cities like Durban and Johannesburg, known tourism hotspots like Luxor and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, and emerging destinations like Kigali in Rwanda.

Cape Town also earned a spot on Time Out's Best Cities in the World list for 2026. In this survey of more than 24,000 urban residents from all around the world, it came in sixth place. It was the only African city to make the top 10 and one of only four African cities to make the list at all. As these accolades keep accruing, we wanted to explore Cape Town's secret sauce more fully. What is it about this town at the southern tip of Africa that makes it such a travel-friendly place?

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Read more: The Most Horrifying Details About Almost All Hotel Rooms

Cape Town's beautiful location and endless sensory appeal

Cable car heading up Table Mountain with coastline in the background - muratart/Shutterstock

Maybe Cape Town's most distinctive quality as a travel destination is its position on the southern coast of Africa, surrounded by pristine ocean on one side and craggy mountains on the other. The city also has an agreeable Mediterranean climate  with around 300 sunny days per year and mild winters  making it easy for visitors to take it all in, no matter when they choose to visit.

Visitors to Cape Town will want to check out Table Mountain National Park, mostly located within city limits. At the 85-square-mile park, you can ride a cable car to the top of Table Mountain, visit the Cape of Good Hope (Africa's southwestern-most point), and explore stretches of coastline like Boulders Beach, the world's only beach where you can get up close and personal with African penguins.

Afterwards, you can explore Cape Town's cosmopolitan food and wine scene. This urban melting pot was an underrated food destination for some time, and now it is recognized as one of the world's culinary capitals. It also boasts proximity to the tourism-friendly wine region of the Cape Winelands, with cities like Paarl and Stellenbosch both under an hour away.

Cape Town's exceptional airport and affordability

A brightly lit network of streets and highways in Cape Town, South Africa - Arnold Petersen/Getty Images

Another aspect of Cape Town that makes it popular with tourists is its exceptional airport, which helps to make travel more efficient and less stressful. Cape Town International Airport earned the top spot in the world in a 2025 global airports study conducted by air passenger-rights service AirHelp. One Google reviewer wrote of the airport, "An absolutely flawless welcome to Cape Town. The airport is incredibly clean, modern, and brilliantly efficient. I was through immigration and had my bags in record time."

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Finally, Cape Town gets high marks from the travel industry when it comes to affordability. A study conducted by cruise operator Sail Croatia, and shared by Travel and Leisure, named Cape Town the world's most affordable luxury destination in 2026. According to the study, prices in Cape Town were lower for accommodation, food, and travel-related experiences compared to other luxury destinations. This is backed up by reviews on Tripadvisor, where luxury hotels in Cape Town are often praised for their affordability. Given everything else it has going for it, we won't be surprised if Cape Town continues its reign as Africa's most travel-friendly city.

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Read the original article on Islands.
Key Points

Hells Canyon reaches around 8,000 feet at its deepest point, 2,000 feet deeper than the Grand Canyon.

With fewer tourists, incredible wildlife viewing, and strong water flow for rafting, early summer is the best time to visit Hells Canyon.

To make the most of your journey to Hells Canyon, book a tour with a local rafting outfitter or tour company.

To get a clear picture of the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, we'll need to look at it by the numbers. For starters, it straddles two states: Oregon and Idaho. The entire area covers 652,488 acres, and its eponymous gorge, Hells Canyon, is the deepest river gorge in North America. Carved by the Snake River, Hells Canyon measures around 8,000 feet in some places, making the comparison to the most iconic gorge in the U.S., the Grand Canyon, a natural one. Not only is Hells Canyon about 2,000 feet deeper than the Colorado River-sculpted Grand Canyon, but it's also more remote and harder to access (though the journey is well worth it).

"The Grand Canyon gained fame over the decades, as it garnered more media attention long before people knew much about Hells Canyon," says Peter Grubb, the founder and president of Row Adventures, an Idaho-based company that has been operating rafting and hiking trips through Hells Canyon since the '80s. "Many fewer people raft Hells Canyon each year than the Grand Canyonpermits are tightly controlled by the U.S. Forest Service[and] hiking infrastructure is generally less developed and less used than in the Grand Canyon." He also adds that Hells Canyon is "less of a sheer-walled canyon," which means you can see "more stars and get more of a sense of scale and depth than much of the Grand Canyon."

Like the Grand Canyon, though, Hells Canyon has a deep connection to the Indigenous people who have long called this part of the country home. "The most spectacular thing about Saqanpa (Hells Canyon) is that it is located within the homelands of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce), who continue to have a relationship to the land and water for over 16,500 years," says Stacia Morfin (kuusnim qicxneweet or "Takes Care of Water"), CEO of Nez Perce Tourism. She adds that Hells Canyon is "a place of deep cultural, historical, and spiritual significance."

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Here's what you need to know before planning a trip to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.

What to Do

The Snake River flowing down Hells Canyon, seen from the top of Hells Canyon Dam.

Credit: iStockphoto/Getty Images

There are three main ways to see Hells Canyon: rafting trips, jet boat tours, and hikes. "Rafting trips range from three to six days, and five is a perfect length to explore the many special places the canyon offers, including riverside hikes, the rock art of native peoples, pioneer homesteads, [and] natural wonders," says Grubb.

While you can embark on a self-guided trip along the river, you'll need expert whitewater skillsand a permit. "Permits for visiting the canyon are issued by the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area," he explains. "People who sign up for a trip with an outfitter don't need to worry, as the outfitter handles all permitting."

Several companies provide jet boat tours through Hells Canyon. These typically day-long excursions, however, give "a cursory view of the canyon," according to Grubb. However, if you are interested in a jet boat experience that gives you a more in-depth understanding of Hells Canyon, you can book the Saqanpa Hells Canyon Jet Boat Tour with Nez Perce Tourism.

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"While visiting Saqanpa (Hells Canyon) with any company is insightful, only Nez Perce Tourism shares firsthand accounts of village sites of our family and legend stories told by Nimiipuu storytellers," says Ciarra Greene (Sapooq'is Wiit'as or "Thing That Causes Survival), the companys executive director. "Learning that Nimiipuu culture is embedded with ecological knowledge and advanced social structures, not only of the past, but continued today, is an experience not available anywhere else in the world."

Hells Canyon Area is also rich in hiking trails, and Grubb notes that hikers should plan trips between May and early June, "before the summer heat arrives." One of the most ancient and notable things to see in Hells Canyon is accessible by boat or on foot.

"Visiting 6,000-year-old petroglyphs at Buffalo Eddy is an experience we recommend not just once in a lifetime, but as a place to build a relationship with for reflection and visioning," says Greene. "Many of our guests who we share this experience with are able to see themselves, feel connected to something beyond themselves, and leave with an appreciation of their life journey."

You can reach the Buffalo Eddy petroglyphs via a short hike near the small city of Asotin, Washington (Hells Canyon is located primarily in Oregon and Idaho, but the surrounding national recreation area does include a small section in Washington). The petroglyphs on the Idaho side are only accessible by boat. But no matter what you're doing, whether hiking, boating, or rafting, keep a lookout for local wildlife.

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"Wildlife within Saqanpa (Hells Canyon) are relatives within the Nimiipuu way of life. Visitors may encounter bighorn sheep, elk, deer, black bear, eagles, hawks, and river species such as salmon, steelhead, bass, and sturgeon," says Morfin. "During our time on the river, we've come to notice that mid-afternoon is when the bighorn sheep reveal themselves to us. We ask visitors to approach these moments with respect, observe from a distance, and understand that you are entering a living system where all beings have a role and responsibility."

Before or after your Hells Canyon rafting, boating, or hiking adventure, be sure to spend a day in Lewiston, Idaho, the primary northern gateway to the recreational area. "One of the most important places to begin the journey into Saqanpa (Hells Canyon) is at simiinekem, the place where the waters come together, a place known today as Lewiston, Idaho," says Morfin. "Simiinekem, where the Clearwater and Snake Rivers meet, is a natural gathering point for Nimiipuu. It has always been a place of movement and connection."

Best Time to Visit

The Snake River in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.

Credit: Zack Frank/Adobe Stock

Your exact experience in Hells Canyon will be weather and season-dependent, so plan accordingly. "May, June, and September are the best months for the combination of good flows, fewer people, and more wildlife," says Grubb. "The fruit trees planted by homesteaders bear fruit, bringing black bears near the river to eat cherries, apricots, and plums, as well as berries. Because it's not so hot, other animals are still near the rivers edge more so than later in the summer."

As summer gets into full swing, Greene shares that the "warmer waters draw recreationists from around the world, seeking adventure, wildlife, fishing, and culture," and peak season for jet boat tours and rafting trips kicks off. "Guiding guests into Saqanpa in the summer allows us to facilitate a story [that] the canyon walls and ripples in the water share on their own, the opportunity for true personal connection to our homeland," she says.

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Come September, expect chillier weather, but sunny days and fewer visitors. "As our tour season dwindles, the canyon colors of oranges and reds line the calm waters; a true sight to observe as the canyon begins to shift back to her resting phase," Greene says.

How to Get There

Signage in the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.

Credit: Robert Appleby/Adobe Stock

Unlike major tourist destinations, Hells Canyon isn't a place you can (or should) visit without proper planning. "Cambridge, Idaho, is the best place for entering the river from the south, while Lewiston, Idaho, is the best access point from the north," says Grubb. If you go with the latterone of the more popular options and a gateway town to many boat tours of the canyonyour best bet is to fly into Washingtons Spokane International Airport (GEG). From there, it's about a two-hour drive to Lewiston, Idaho. Alternatively, you could fly into Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport (LWS), though you may be limited in flight options.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
by Anton Cebalo

The film The Matrix famously froze its simulation in the year 1999. It was chosen as the alleged peak of human civilization. What unknowns might the new millennium bring? Many were understandably anxious. It was a psychologically-heavy turning point.

But celebrations abounded. ABC News ran a special program that covered the new millennium festivities around the world. A global consortium was formed to commemorate the occasion. 2000 Today was made up of a diverse set of national channels from Venezuela to Egypt to Poland. It even had its own soundtrack titled A World Symphony for the New Millennium. There had never been before such a successful effort to create a globalized world through media, with the exception of maybe the song We Are the World in 1985.

Three world powersthe United States, Russia, and Chinaeach took a very different tone in addressing the momentous occasion.

For the United States, the new year was spoken of as if sitting atop the highest peak and gratitude from Americans was expected. At his 2000 State of the Union Address, President Bill Clinton tried to keep this optimism going with little room for acknowledging past tragedy. His opening statement was blunt in stating: We are fortunate to be alive at this moment in history. Never before had America enjoyed so much prosperity and social progress with so little internal crisis and so few external threats.

Russia, however, had an altogether different experience of the new millennium, one of shocking dysfunction.

In a surprise announcement, President Yeltsin gave an appearance on state television on New Years Eve and announced he was resigning. He apologized to the country for having completely failed. As if speaking from personal sorrow, he told Russians that the pain of every one of you was my pain, the pain of my heart.

I want to ask your forgiveness  for the dreams that have not come true, and for the things that seemed easy but turned out to be so excruciatingly difficult. I am asking your forgiveness for failing to justify the hopes of those who believed me when I said that we would leap from the grey, stagnating totalitarian past into a bright, prosperous and civilized future. I believed in that dream, I believed that we would cover the distance in one leap. We didnt. I was too naive in some things, and the problems turned out to be bigger than expected in other things. We ploughed ahead through mistakes and failures. Many people were traumatized by that time of upheavals.

The Russian new millennium would be welcomed the following day by Yeltsins replacement, Vladimir Putin.

The Chinese response to the year 2000 took a middle road. President Jiang Zemin told the United Nations that the world had undergone calamities and holocausts but also achieved splendid material and spiritual accomplishments. The message was pluralistic. The Cold War was over, but global hegemony by any one power should be prevented. President Zemin argued that the new millennium would not be ruled by any single civilization, development model, or set of values. China, too, wanted its place in the sun.

The tone was set by each of the world powers. In one, a triumph of unipolar Americanism; in the second, a paternalistic new order that was marred in elite mystery; and the third, a soft skepticism from a rising power that viewed its future as a peer competitor of the United States. Were still living in the emotional clash of all three visions of the future.

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Nerpa Travel is offering a ten-day, semi-guided adventure around Vietnam on small EV motorcycles, and you should go!

In April of 2024, the team at Nerpa and their friends from Lost.Travel set off to do something special  an electric motorcycle adventure around Vietnam on bikes manufactured in the same country. The goal was to create a ten-day, sort of self-guided route starting in the historic city of Hoi An and winding its way North into the mountains.

For 2026, Nerpa is offering this adventure to anyone interested. And that anyone is me!

As mentioned, the ride begins in Hoi An, a UNESCO site that doesn't have an airport. So, youll have to fly into Da Nang (DAD), about an hour away, or travel in from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City via a domestic flight or a sleeper bus. After that, youll be provided with a small, electric motorcycle that they claim is capable of traveling 200km on a single charge, given a route to follow on your smartphone, and set free to explore Vietnam.

Now You Can Get Lost In Vietnam On An Electric Motorcyle

The Nerpa program is ten days and nine nights in total, operating on a "one day on, one day off" rhythm. They provide a bed for the five nights that the group is together; however, for the remaining four nights, youre on your own. Its a taste of autonomy and an opportunity to do some individual exploration. The five nights of accommodations provided by Nerpa are in addition to a two-day cave expedition where youll be required to camp. Additionally, the Nerpa team will host a start and finish party, throw in some sweet swag, as well as transportation to Hanoi at the end of your adventure.

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But why electric motorcycles? According to Nerpa, they chose the EV platform because it's quiet, its local, and it works. Its the future of moving around without being a nuisance.

There isnt a lot of information about the bikes themselves, save for the claim that they can travel 200km (125 miles) on a charge. They look small, though, and charge via a standard wall socket. A charger is provided in the storage compartment on the bike, and their website suggests that with a kind smile, most cafes or food stops will let you charge whilst youre taking the load off. Their website also claims that the bikes can be fully charged in about 45 hours, suggesting that, generally, one minute of charging buys you 1km of riding.

But what happens if you run out of battery in the middle of nowhere? Well, according to Nerpa, you'll be able to see your battery percentage on the bike's display and realistically you'll never be more than 30 mins from somewhere that has a socket for you to plug into. But if you truly get stranded, a support vehicle can assist, just expect a bit of a wait.

Now You Can Get Lost In Vietnam On An Electric Motorcyle

Each EV motorcycle will be equipped with a phone mount, and a pre-planned route will be provided for you to follow on Google Maps. A support van will transport one small suitcase per person to the group hotels, but for the "off" days, youll be required to pack a small bag with the essentials.

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Nerpas ten-day electric motorcycle adventure around Vietnam will take place December 3-13, 2026 and will set you back 2495 (roughly $3,360). That price provides riders with the EV motorcycle, five nights in pre-planned hotels, 3rd party insurance, a helmet (though they suggest you bring your own if you're particular), as well as logistical and mechanical support, a vehicle orientation, and the aforementioned two-day cave expedition and jungle hike. Whats not included are your flights, personal travel insurance, and transportation to the start line in Hoi An.

Interested? I am! You can learn more about Nerpa Travels ten-day EV moto adventure in Vietnam here.

It's Electric!




An El Al Boeing 737 takes off from Ben-Gurion Airport, March 5, 2026. (photo credit: YOSSI ALONI/FLASH90)

El Al will resume flights to Boston, London Luton, Tivat (Montenegro), Krakow (Poland), Marseille (France), Sofia (Bulgaria), Paphos (Cyprus), Rhodes, and Thessaloniki (both in Greece).

El Al will resume flights to nine additional destinations from next week, the airline announced on its official social media on Sunday.

The new destinations are Boston, London Luton, Tivat (Montenegro), Krakow (Poland), Marseille (France), Sofia (Bulgaria), Paphos (Cyprus), Rhodes, and Thessaloniki (both in Greece).

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This will bring the total number of destinations El Al flies to approximately 40, the airline stated.

For other destinations, where flight operations have not yet been resumed, customers will be proactively contacted in order to check whether they still intend to fly, the airline stated.

Foreign airlines, including TUS, Etihad, to resume flights this week, IAI announces

Meanwhile, several foreign airlines will resume flight operations to and from Ben-Gurion Airport this week, the Israel Airports Authority announced on Sunday.

Bulgarian charter airline ALK Airlines, also known by the flight code VBB, resumed flight operations on Sunday with a daily flight on behalf of Greek-registered, Israeli-owned airline Bluebird Airways.

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TUS Airways, headquartered in Larnaca, Cyprus, will resume flights on Tuesday, IAI said.

Abu Dhabi's national flag carrier Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines will resume operations on Wednesday.

China's Hainan Airlines will resume flights on Thursday, while Moscow-based Red Wings Airlines, Georgian Airways, and Moldova's FlyOne will resume flights on Friday.

Arrangements are taking place for additional airlines, including the low-cost FlyDubai, to resume flights this week.

"We are working very hard to expand air activity and return the aviation industry to full operations," Transportation Minister Miri Regev said.

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"The return of foreign airlines will allow the Israeli public to fly to a wider variety of destinations, and we will continue to work to increase the supply of flights and the variety of destinations," she added.

"The return of foreign airlines reflects confidence in the Israeli aviation system and its ability to cope even in complex times," IAI Chairman Yiftach Ron Tal said.
In a market shaped by crossovers and SUVs, very few cars manage to stay recognizable and relevant for decades. The Toyota Prius is still one of those rare exceptions.

For years, it stood as the clearest symbol of fuel-conscious driving and mainstream hybrid technology in America.

The latest Prius has a far sharper look than the old car, and in bright colors it can draw the kind of attention no earlier generation ever chased. On paper, that should have helped the models appeal.

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But the first months of 2026 tell a much more complicated story.

Prius Still Has Style But Sales Have Slipped

Photo Courtesy: Toyota.

Toyota delivered 9,737 Prius models in the United States from January through March 2026. That was down 41.5% from 16,653 units in the same period a year earlier, which makes the drop too large to dismiss as a minor fluctuation.

That decline stands out even more because the current car is not suffering from a stale design problem. Toyotas latest Prius uses a 2.0 liter hybrid setup with up to 196 hp and up to 57 mpg combined, so the core product remains efficient, modern, and much more visually dramatic than the older generations most buyers remember.

In other words, this is not a case where the Prius simply stopped improving. The car still represents the same hybrid mission that made it famous, but the market around it has changed in ways that make its traditional strengths less unique than they once were.

Camry Has Become The Stronger Hybrid Pull

Photo Courtesy: Autorepublika.

Toyota says part of the answer is sitting inside its own showroom. A company spokesperson told The Drive that demand shifted toward the Camry, largely because of its strong fuel economy, and Toyota was able to scale back Prius production while increasing Camry output because the two cars share some components.

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The numbers back that up. Camry sales climbed to 78,255 units in the first quarter, up from 70,308 a year earlier, while the current North American Camry is now hybrid-only and uses a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder-based system with 225 hp in front-wheel-drive form or 232 hp with available all-wheel drive.

That makes the Camry a very compelling alternative for American buyers who want efficiency without giving up cabin space, trunk space, or a more traditional midsize sedan feel. The Prius still wins on fuel economy, but the Camry now delivers enough efficiency that many shoppers may see it as the more complete everyday choice. This is an inference based on Toyotas own explanation, the sales gap, and the two models current specs.

Production Costs Could Matter Even More Now

Photo Courtesy: Toyota.

There is also a manufacturing angle that makes this shift more important. Toyota says the Camry Hybrid is built in Georgetown, Kentucky, while the Prius has long been associated with production at Toyotas Tsutsumi plant in Japan.

That matters in a tariff-heavy environment. Reuters reported in May 2025 that Toyota expected U.S. tariffs to hit profits, with direct levy costs of 180 billion yen just for April and May, while currency pressure and import exposure were also weighing on the companys outlook.

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Toyota has not announced any plan to pull the Prius from the U.S. market, so it would be premature to treat this sales drop as an exit signal. Still, when Camry demand is rising, local production offers strategic advantages, and the Prius is losing volume this quickly, the business case becomes harder to ignore. Prius still carries a name that helped define the hybrid era, but in todays market that legacy alone may not be enough to guarantee the same place in Toyotas lineup.

This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.

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In Mexico, we say this is the time of women, and this is particularly true for both the Mexi
The center's work can help reverse that trend, Isaacs said.

"You have more Jews that experience joy, who can locate strength, form connections with other Jews across the country and around the world," Isaacs said. "In a world of rising antisemitism it's more and more important that Jewish communities are joyful, strong and connected."

Since forming, the center has helped congregations from Maine to California, Montana and Texas.

From Maine to Montana

Isaacs is also the rabbi at Beth Israel, a century-old synagogue down the road from Colby that is the only one within 20 miles of the college. The synagogue has grown along with the center, but the Center for Small Town Jewish Life's work stretches far beyond Maine, she said.

And congregations that have relied on the center said its contributions are vital in a country where the Jewish population has overwhelmingly been urban since the early days of immigration. In Helena, Montana, Rebecca Stanfel, the executive director of the Montana Jewish Project, said the center was instrumental in helping bring together the relatively small Jewish community in her vast state.

Linking far-flung faith communities together is critically important in a place like Montana, Stanfel said.

"In Helena, we have no choice but to rely on volunteers. And if we want to have something like a seder, High Holidays, it's got to come from the community," Stanfel said. "That is also a really important model for people outside rural America."

A plan to help
It hurt my heart. I had a tear in my eye when I saw it, he said. Its not supposed to be there. The black snake, as I call it now, shouldnt be laying there.

The peaceful gathering came on the heels of recent protests at the border construction site that resulted in scuffles with federal law enforcement officers and the arrest of two Oodham women.

This time, federal officers kept watch from a distance but did not intervene when the two groups met in ceremony at the boundary line.

There was no construction activity at the site Sunday morning, but work is progressing swiftly on Presidents Trumps promised wall.

The barrier can now be seen from Quitobaquito Springs itself, where an alarming drop in the water level has led to questions about the impact of groundwater pumping associated with the multi-billion-dollar construction project.

Lorraine Marquez Eilers great grandparents were among the last Oodham people to live at Quitobaquito, where they farmed until the early 1900s. She said they left because of the encroachment of too many people moving across their land.

Eiler said the water in the spring is as low now as she has ever seen it in her life  something she blames on drought and the construction work.

With their blasting and heavy loads and all the pumping of water every five miles, theyre disturbing the whole ground, Eiler said.

Gary Paul Nabhan is a Southern Arizona orchard keeper, agricultural ecologist and Franciscan brother who has studied and fought to protect Quitobaquito since the 1970s.
Some things are just expected to work, especially the brakes on a brand-new, six-figure luxury SUV. But a new class-action lawsuit alleges that for some 2023 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport owners, this low expectation isnt being met.

Owners are reporting premature and excessive wear of brake pads and rotors, leading to costly repairs well before they should be necessary.

Land Rovers reputation for rugged luxury is now facing a serious challenge in the courts. Specifically, owners are alleging a failure in the braking systems of certain top-end models.

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The legal action is taking place within the U.S. District Court located in New Jersey, putting pressure on the British marque. According to the filing, the issue is that the system generates excessive heat, causing brake pads, rotors, and other components to wear out at an accelerated rate. This allegedly leads to squealing, grinding, and vibrations when braking, and can ultimately result in brake failure if not addressed.

The plaintiffs argue these arent just normal wear-and-tear items. For Range Rover owners, the thrill of piloting these luxurious beasts is ruined by having to frequent the service bay. Were talking about brake replacements hitting wallets hard and way too soon.

Some 2023 Range Rover owners are reporting bills over two grand for new pads and rotors before their odometers even hit 17,000 miles.

It seems that premature brake wear is becoming a costly headache for some of these drivers. Just imagine shelling out nearly $2,500 for a brake job on your Autobiography after only a year of driving. Several owners of 2023 models are claiming similar experiences, with repair invoices coming as early as 11,000 miles.

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Warranty Coverage is an Issue

A major point of contention is warranty coverage. The lawsuit contends that Land Rover and its dealers have refused to cover the cost of these premature brake replacements, forcing owners to pay out-of-pocket for what the plaintiffs consider a manufacturing defect.

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The suit alleges that Land Rover is aware of the problem, citing multiple technical service bulletins sent to dealers regarding complaints of grinding, groaning, and squealing brakes.

When warranty disputes go to court, things can get messy. Land Rover, facing legal action from some of these unhappy customers, is leaning hard on the fine print. Theyre arguing that the new vehicle limited warranty includes mandatory arbitration, which everyone supposedly signed off on at the dealership.

The judge in the case wasnt initially convinced. He wants to see more evidence that these agreements are airtight before forcing the issue into arbitration. The automakers push to resolve the dispute outside of the courtroom is now expected.

What Happens Next?

Currently, the class-action lawsuit is limited to owners in California, Illinois, and New York. So, whats the status of that legal kerfuffle between Jaguar Land Rover and some disgruntled customers? Well, as of today, April 12, 2026, the suit is still grinding its way through the courts.

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Its a real nail-biter for owners who care about holding manufacturers accountable. For now, owners of 2023 Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models are left waiting to see if Land Rover will address what the lawsuit calls a significant and costly defect in their flagship SUVs.
Globally, tourism is no longer competing solely on natural and cultural assets, but increasingly on a new form of resource: data.

According to Dr Nguyen Tuan Anh, Director of the Institute for Tourism Economics, many advanced economies in Europe, as well as Singapore and South Korea, have already developed national tourism data platforms, smart destination management systems, and interconnected ecosystems linking governments, businesses, and travelers to fully leverage this resource.

Artificial intelligence plays a central role by analyzing customer demand, suggesting personalized itineraries, increasing spending and length of stay, while also helping authorities regulate visitor flows, prevent overcrowding, and protect resources.

In Vietnam, businesses are entering their own race to apply AI in tapping into this emerging resource.

Industry representatives note that AI-powered analysis of customer data, including search behavior and travel history, improves the accuracy of product recommendations, raising conversion rates by 15-20%.

AI also enables businesses to determine the right price based on customer demand, rather than competing purely on low prices with thin margins.

Pham Ha, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Green Tourism Association, said AI allows a single employee to handle workloads equivalent to three to five people. It also supports multilingual promotional content creation, including images and videos, and enables 24/7 customer service through chatbots.

He added that AI makes it possible to measure and optimize operations, from itineraries and transport to energy consumption, helping reduce emissions and waste.

However, digital transformation in tourism still faces significant barriers. Data remains fragmented, while connectivity, sharing, and exploitation are limited. Digital capacity varies across businesses, and most small and medium enterprises lack the resources and skilled personnel in technology, data, and AI.

Applying AI for rapid and sustainable growth

Speaking at the forum Vietnam Tourism - Applying AI for rapid and sustainable development held on April 9 in Hanoi, Vu The Binh, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, described 2025 as a breakthrough year, with 21.2 million international arrivals and 137 million domestic travelers, generating total revenue of VND1 trillion (US$41 billion).

However, these record figures have also placed significant pressure on infrastructure and the environment. To sustain rapid growth and enhance competitiveness, Vietnams tourism sector must transition from extensive expansion to a model grounded in technology, data, and smart governance.

If properly guided, digital transformation and AI can help protect resources, save energy, reduce costs and emissions, and improve destination management efficiency in a more sustainable direction.

Sharing this view, Pham Van Thuy, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, emphasized that in the digital era, AI adoption is no longer optional but an inevitable requirement.

To accelerate effective AI implementation, he called for stronger collaboration among government, businesses, communities, and international organizations, alongside a shift in mindset and greater willingness to adopt new technologies and abandon traditional practices.

He also stressed the central role of human resources, highlighting the need for continued investment in high-quality personnel capable of mastering and applying AI in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism will continue to study, propose, and refine mechanisms and policies to support businesses and localities in digital and green transformation, as well as in adopting AI.

Linh Trang
The Vietnamese agency has then issued technical guidelines to meet Australias import requirements, which have been made available on its official website.



Australias formal publication provides an important legal basis, marking the completion of the review, assessment and agreement on technical requirements for fresh Vietnamese pomelos. This represents a significant step forward in market access, creating favourable conditions for relevant agencies, localities and businesses to prepare for export activities in the coming time.



A ceremony to announce and ship the first batch of Vietnamese pomelos to Australia is expected to take place on April 13 in the Mekong Delta province of Dong Thap.



The department requested local authorities, enterprises and cooperatives as well as production, packaging and treatment facilities to thoroughly study Australias requirements and the technical guidance provided. Stakeholders were advised to proactively review and complete all necessary conditions, develop appropriate production processes and effectively implement pest control measures in line with the importing countrys regulations.



In addition, relevant entities were encouraged to strengthen coordination with plant quarantine authorities in technical guidance, inspection, supervision and pre-export quarantine procedures. All stages, from production and harvesting to treatment, packaging and transport, must be strictly controlled to ensure full compliance with Australias requirements.



The department also recommended that stakeholders develop appropriate production and export plans and be ready to meet all necessary conditions to commence shipments of Vietnamese pomelos to Australia at the earliest opportunity.



Effective implementation of these technical requirements will not only ensure compliance with Australian regulations but also enhance the quality, added value and reputation of Vietnamese pomelos in global markets, thereby supporting the sustainable development of the sector and expanding access to high-standard markets in the future./. VNA
The consignment, comprising two containers of around 14,000 durians, packed in 10kg and 18kg cartons, was sourced from growing areas in Bao Loc ward, Lam Dong province.

Jointly organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in coordination with NETACOM and technology partners, the shipment marks the debut of a modern, transparent, and fully digitalised agricultural management model that meets the most stringent international standards.

Under the green lane process, quality control begins at the cultivation stage, including soil sampling and monitoring, and continues through harvesting and processing, with traceability labels attached to trees and applied to fruit at the time of picking. It also allows plant quarantine procedures and the issuance of certificates of origin (C/O) directly in the localities where the orchards are located.

This helps ensure the highest quality of fresh produce, significantly reduces customs clearance time at border gates, and minimises the risk of congestion.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Do Phi Long, Director of the Anti-Counterfeit Stamp and Materials Centre under the Ministry of Public Securitys Department of Security Industry, for this batch of durians, each fruit will be affixed with a QR-code-based electronic traceability label acting as a digital ID, provided by the centre. Each label is encrypted, activated, and authenticated in connection with specific data of the shipment, from the growing area with the application of traceability labels on each fruit during harvesting to packaging.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the harvesting process was conducted under strict supervision, with traceability labels attached directly to the fruit stems at orchards participating in the pilot programme.

Nguyen Quang Tin, deputy head of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environments Department of Science and Technology, said traceability is not only a technical requirement of importing markets but also a commitment to the quality and credibility of Vietnamese agricultural exports.

The successful rollout of the model is expected to pave the way for broader application across other agro-forestry-aquaculture products, towards a more transparent, responsible and sustainable agricultural sector.

The shipment is scheduled to arrive at a logistics hub in Pingxiang city, China, on April 11, shortening the total time from harvest to border clearance to six days, compared to the usual 811 days under traditional procedures./.
At its core, every public policy must answer a simple question: after each unit of public spending, how much has peoples capacity to develop improved.

For ethnic policy, this question must be asked even more rigorously. It is not merely about supporting disadvantaged regions, but about ensuring equitable development, strengthening national unity and building a stable foundation for the countrys long-term future.

Following Phase I (2021-2025) of the National Target Program for socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas, Vietnam is entering a new institutional turning point: integrating three national target programs for the 2026-2035 period. This is a major policy direction, offering opportunities to reduce overlap, enhance coherence and better concentrate resources. Yet it also presents a critical test - without a shift in approach, integration may remain formal rather than substantive.

As the integration phase begins, the foremost requirement is to ensure that ethnic policy is not diluted within a broader framework.

Infrastructure has improved, but is not the core answer

Shifting from support to capacity-building is therefore not merely a technical adjustment in public policy, but a transformation in development thinking. Photo: Thach Thao

Initial results from the 2021-2025 period show substantial investment: 6,018 rural transport projects completed, 8,673 kilometers of roads upgraded, 442 electricity projects built, 1,787 community houses constructed, 183 commune health stations renovated, equipment provided to 118 health stations, and 629 school facilities developed.

These figures reflect significant efforts to narrow gaps in infrastructure and access to basic services between ethnic minority, mountainous regions and more developed areas.

However, improved infrastructure does not automatically translate into development breakthroughs. Persistent challenges remain - unmet targets, prolonged hardship in certain areas, and unresolved issues related to land for housing and production, livelihoods and human resource quality. Infrastructure is necessary, but it is not sufficient.

The core bottleneck lies in the policy approach, which still leans heavily toward compensating immediate shortages. While input support is necessary, if it continues as the dominant logic, it can lead to three consequences: fragmented resources, an implementation focus on procedures rather than outcomes, and beneficiaries positioned as passive recipients rather than active agents of development.

In such cases, policies may ease short-term difficulties but fail to build the capacity needed for long-term progress.

Why the shift toward capacity building is essential

The answer lies in the evolving development demands of ethnic minority and mountainous regions. Todays development gap is no longer defined simply by the absence of roads, electricity or schools. It increasingly depends on human capital quality, market participation, digital capability, production organization, access to credit, quality of healthcare and education, and resilience to climate and disaster risks.

In other words, if policy remains focused on input provision, disadvantaged regions may continue receiving support but remain trapped in a cycle of lagging behind. Conversely, policies that invest in people and strengthen internal capacity can deliver more sustainable outcomes.

A student progressing to higher education, a worker trained for market-relevant skills, a household supported with integrated access to credit, technology and markets, or a community capable of organizing cooperatives, engaging in e-commerce or developing community-based tourism - these are the true foundations of long-term development.

The shift from support to capacity building is therefore not merely a technical adjustment. It represents a transformation in development thinking: from addressing immediate shortages to enabling long-term advancement; from viewing people as beneficiaries to recognizing them as central actors; and from focusing on inputs to measuring real-life outcomes.

Integration: opportunity and challenge

The integration of three national target programs into a unified framework for 2026-2035 is organizationally sound. A well-designed integrated program can reduce resource fragmentation, minimize institutional overlap and enable more coordinated local implementation across infrastructure development, poverty reduction and rural transformation.

However, integration also carries a clear risk: the distinctiveness of ethnic policy may be diluted. Ethnic minority and mountainous areas are not simply low-income regions - they represent unique development spaces shaped by specific demographic, geographic, cultural and service-access conditions. Without clearly defined components, tailored criteria and targeted resource allocation, ethnic policy risks being absorbed into general priorities.

Institutional complexity further adds to the challenge. The three existing programs operate under different frameworks - new rural development relies on standardized criteria, sustainable poverty reduction is based on multidimensional poverty benchmarks, while ethnic policy is tied to specific classifications of regions, communities and deprivation levels. Merging these into a unified system is far from straightforward. If rushed, it could increase administrative burden without improving real-world outcomes.

What must be preserved in integration

First, a clearly defined component for ethnic minority and mountainous areas must be maintained. Integration should enhance coherence, not erase specificity. Core areas of poverty, border regions, particularly disadvantaged communes and vulnerable ethnic groups must remain priority targets for resource allocation.

Second, governance must shift decisively toward results-based management. Policy effectiveness cannot be measured solely by budget disbursement or the number of completed projects. It must be assessed through tangible changes - rising household incomes, improved employment stability, higher education attainment, better access to clean water, healthcare and digital services, and increased public satisfaction.

Third, a robust, integrated data system is essential. Fragmented data on poverty, ethnicity, land access, education, healthcare, water, credit and employment makes it difficult to target policies accurately or evaluate impact effectively. Modern governance requires data-driven decision-making, not reliance on administrative reports alone.

Measuring policy through real change in peoples lives

Ultimately, reforming ethnic policy means redefining how success is measured. Success is not the volume of investment, the number of documents issued or meetings held. It must be reflected in real improvements in peoples lives - greater opportunities for education, employment, production, market access and overall quality of life.

A modern ethnic policy must aim to build capacity. This may take the form of policy credit paired with financial guidance, vocational training aligned with market demand, production support integrated with technology transfer and market access, digital capacity building to ensure inclusion in the new economy, and strengthening local administrative capacity for effective implementation.

When people gain the capacity to develop independently, policy generates not only socio-economic benefits but also deeper political value - reducing dependency, enhancing initiative, strengthening trust in public policy and reinforcing national unity in a new phase of development.

The 2026-2030 period, therefore, should not be seen merely as the next stage of public investment in disadvantaged areas. It must be a phase of redefining how the State accompanies ethnic minority and mountainous regions - moving beyond short-term support to enabling sustainable, long-term growth.

Only then can ethnic policy truly become a driver of development, rather than simply a mechanism of assistance.



Dr. Ha Viet Quan
For three decades, Nguyen Thanh Khoa, a 58-year-old resident of Binh Loi Trung ward in Ho Chi Minh City, has quietly carried out a deeply meaningful mission: providing free burial services for the poor and elderly people who have no one to care for them.

Over time, his work has earned the trust and affection of many vulnerable individuals, who often place their final arrangements in his hands long before their passing.

Khoa has spent 30 years providing free burial services for the poor and elderly living alone in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ha Nguyen

Khoas journey began in 1996, when he served as Vice Chairman of the Red Cross in District 3. During his visits to local communities, he encountered elderly people living alone, struggling with illness, and facing the prospect of dying without family support.

Moved by these experiences, he established a support program with three key goals: healthcare assistance, daily meals, and funeral arrangements for those in need.

To improve healthcare access, he purchased health insurance for the elderly and connected with private clinics to secure free medical check-ups. For minor illnesses, doctors were invited to provide treatment at home, while more serious cases were referred to hospitals.

He also mobilized nearby households to share meals with elderly neighbors living alone. Each family would set aside a portion of food during daily cooking. In addition, Khoa and his team provided monthly financial support ranging from VND500,000 to VND1,000,000 (US$20-40).

Alongside these efforts, he took on the responsibility of arranging free funerals. Over time, the program expanded to include not only the elderly but also other individuals facing financial hardship.

When we do this work, we dont set any criteria, Khoa said. Anyone in need will receive support. In matters of funerals, people only reach out when they truly have no other option.

Khoa (in a red shirt) during one occasion organising a free burial for the poor. Photo: Provided by the individual

He explained that the service is divided into two forms. For cases where no formal funeral is held, his team covers all expenses, including the coffin, burial materials, funeral attire, incense, ceremonial staff, transport, cremation, and urn.

For families that organize funerals and receive condolence contributions, partial support is provided, covering items such as the coffin, preparation materials, hearse, and mourning attire. In these cases, families pay for cremation, often supported by state subsidies ranging from VND1,500,000 to VND3,000,000 (US$60-120).

A source of comfort in lifes final moments

To sustain the initiative, Khoa operates a funeral service business, using its revenue to fund free burials for those in need. On average, he supports around 10 cases each month, with costs ranging from VND15,000,000 to VND18,000,000 per case (US$600-730).

Over the years, his work has extended beyond individuals in need. Local authorities, organizations, and community groups now turn to him whenever there is a case requiring urgent support.

In an effort to expand the reach of his work, Khoa distributes vouchers for free coffins. These cards, given to elderly individuals living alone, include his contact details and serve as a form of reassurance.

Those who receive the voucher only need to contact us when needed, and we will take care of everything, he said.

Khoa affirms he will continue providing free burial services for the poor and elderly living alone in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ha Nguyen

He recalled that many elderly recipients expressed a sense of relief upon receiving the cards, knowing they would not face their final moments alone or without proper arrangements.

Some carefully laminate and keep the vouchers in their wallets, while others place enlarged copies by their bedside so that anyone present can contact Khoa when the time comes.

Witnessing this trust, he said, is deeply moving.

It shows that our work has become a source of comfort and support for them in their final days, he shared.

Determined to continue, Khoa hopes to turn the initiative into a lasting family tradition, ensuring that future generations will carry on the mission when he is no longer able to do so.

According to Pham Quoc Viet, Chairman of the Red Cross in Binh Loi Trung ward, Khoa has dedicated more than 30 years to providing free burial services for the poor and elderly.

He is currently supporting three elderly individuals in the ward for the rest of their lives, and across the former Binh Thanh district, around 20 people receive similar care.

In addition, he collaborates with the Red Cross and benefactors to maintain a free weekend meal program, serving food both on-site and delivering it to those unable to travel.

Ha Nguyen
He was welcomed at Noi Bai International Airport by Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Dang Xuan Phong, Deputy Foreign Minister Ngo Le Van, and Vietnamese Ambassador to Slovakia Pham Truong Giang.

Accompanying Fico are several senior Slovak officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Robert Kalinak, Deputy Prime Minister and Economic Minister Denisa Sakova, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Richard Takac, Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky, and Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova, among others.

Prime Minister Robert Fico, who has consistently supported the strengthening of bilateral ties, has made significant contributions to promoting cooperation between the two countries. He previously paid official visits to Vietnam in 2008 and 2016.

According to Ambassador Giang, the visit marks the first by a foreign government leader after Vietnam completed the restructuring of its state apparatus following the 14th National Party Congress. It also comes as the two countries mark more than 75 years of diplomatic relations since 1950. It also opens up opportunities for more substantive cooperation following previous high-level visits, based on the need to strengthen collaboration and high political trust between the two sides.

Key agenda items include discussions on upgrading bilateral ties, strengthening political trust, and promoting cooperation in areas such as trade and investment, defence and security, science and technology, renewable and nuclear energy, culture, tourism, education, labour, green and digital transition, and digital transformation.

The two sides will also discuss coordination in multilateral mechanisms and settlement of regional and international issues of mutual concern, with a focus on ASEANEU cooperation./. VNA
A similar case in Da Nang in 2023 also resulted in criminal convictions. Three individuals - Duong Quang Tuan (born 1984), Luong Huynh Minh Tri (born 1991), and Huynh Quang Huy (born 2001) - were sentenced to prison after assaulting railway crossing staff.

On the evening of February 19, 2023, after drinking, the group approached a railway crossing on Ha Huy Tap Street while the barrier was down for an oncoming train.

Following a warning from staff member Vo Thi Thuy Trinh, Tuan reacted aggressively, verbally abusing her and demanding the barrier be opened. He then entered the restricted area and repeatedly struck her.

He also chased and threatened another staff member, Dang Thi Minh Nguyet. Shortly after, Tri and Huy joined in, attacking Nguyen Van Chuyen, Nguyets husband, using hands, feet, and bricks.

At a trial on March 18, 2023, the court sentenced Tuan to four years in prison, Tri to two years, and Huy to two years and three months, all for disturbing public order.

Under Vietnamese law, road vehicles must give priority to trains at railway crossings. Ignoring signals or attempting to bypass barriers not only violates the law but also poses a direct threat to human life.

Authorities have emphasized that strict enforcement, including arrests and prosecution, is necessary to maintain public safety and deter repeat offenses.

On April 4, traffic police nationwide launched a coordinated campaign to strengthen inspections at railway crossings.

A total of 77 task forces, comprising 228 officers, were deployed, including 36 undercover personnel equipped with recording devices for enforcement purposes.

The operation identified 110 violations, including 13 cars, 89 motorcycles, and 8 bicycles, with total fines amounting to VND98,850,000 (US$4,000).

Localities with the highest number of violations included Hanoi with 23 cases, Ho Chi Minh City with 13, and Da Nang and Bac Ninh with 10 each.

Common violations included crossing when warning lights were active, bypassing barriers as they were being lowered, and stopping within railway safety zones.

Traffic authorities warned that even a moment of impatience can have life-threatening consequences. In the coming period, enforcement efforts will continue, with violations publicly disclosed to strengthen deterrence.

Ho Giap
The event was also attended by former Party and State leaders, along with representatives from central ministries and local authorities.

The project, with a total investment of over 147 trillion VND (about 5.6 billion USD), excluding site clearance costs, is developed by VinSpeed, a subsidiary of Vingroup.

The railway, scheduled for completion by the end of 2028, will span 120.2 km, passing through Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh. Once completed, it is expected to shorten travel time between Hanoi and Quang Ninh by five to seven times, to just around 23 minutes.

Designed as a fully electrified, double-track, 1,435 mm standard gauge line, it will support maximum speeds of up to 350kph, with sections in Hanoi capped at 120kph. The line will start at Co Loa Station in Hanoi and end at Ha Long Station in Quang Ninh, with intermediate stops at Gia Binh (Bac Ninh), Ninh Xa (Hai Phong), and Yen Tu (Quang Ninh), as well as a depot located at the Ha Long terminus.

The project is set to deploy the latest generation of high-speed trains, alongside advanced signalling and communications systems supplied by Germanys Siemens Mobility, which will also gradually transfer technology to VinSpeed during operations.

Addressing the ceremony, Michael Peter, CEO of Siemens Mobility, affirmed that the company would deliver world-proven high-speed rail technology that is highly efficient and safe. He also pledged long-term cooperation with Vingroup, including deep technology transfer, joint assembly, and maintenance, aimed at building a new high-speed rail ecosystem in Vietnam.

Bui Van Khang, Deputy Secretary of the Quang Ninh Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, described the project as a mega-project carrying high expectations. It reflects both the investors strong capacity and commitment, as well as the increasingly significant role of the private sector in developing the countrys critical infrastructure, he noted.

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung (fifth, left, front row) attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the HanoiQuang Ninh high-speed railway, Vietnams first inter-regional high-speed rail line (Photo: VNA)

The official stated that Quang Ninh is committed to closely collaborating with central ministries and the investor throughout implementation, with a focus on swiftly addressing emerging challenges, ensuring site clearance, resettlement, and all necessary conditions for the project to proceed on schedule and meet the highest quality standards.

As the first inter-regional high-speed railway in Vietnam, the line is expected to provide a strong boost to the northern key economic region, while marking a new phase of accelerated development and contributing to the countrys ambition to enhance national competitiveness, he added.

Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, said the projects groundbreaking underscores the groups determination to contribute to infrastructure development and gradually build a modern, internationally standardised transport system, thereby supporting socio-economic growth and improving quality of life./. VNA
News / Local

by Stephen Jakes

Heal Zimbabwe Trust has said the country is currently undergoing serious socio-economic and political challenges which have triggered mass popular protests and demonstrations across the country from war veterans to the ordinary citizens and from political parties to national institutions and it was concerned over the rise of violence committed by the state on its citizens."Once their grievances, collectively, are not addressed, there is potential for continued unrests. Between June and August 2016 over 15 demonstrations were conducted in Harare, Beitbridge, Kwekwe, Bulawayo, Mutare, Victoria Falls, Bindura and other smaller towns of Zimbabwe," the organisation said."Chief propagators of these social uprisings are ordinary citizens leading different social movements whose aim is to seek government audience to address their needs. While some of the protests have turned violently, many have been largely peaceful albeit brutal police reaction on each of them. The declining economic situation and political malaise are principally the root cause of these groups. War Veterans have also been coalescing against perpetual discrimination of their welfare by the government."Heal Zimbabwe said the country's crisis is, however, suddenly reaching a knocking point resulting from the government's response to the public expression."Law enforcement agencies are legally mandated to maintain law and order in the country and ensuring that citizens have constitutional rights (section 58 & 59) to "freedom of assembly and association, and the right to assemble or associate with others' and the right to demonstrate and to present petitions, but these rights must be exercised peacefully."1 Of significance to note is that in an attempt to promote national security, maintaining law and order, the law enforcement agencies has violently responded to citizens' freedom of expression and association using excessive force teargas, water cannons, baton sticks and sometimes unleashing dogs," said the organisation."Such mighty showing responses have resulted in members of the public fighting back to the police, for instance, by throwing stones, beating the police and burning vehicles and destroying properties."The trust said criminal cantons have also taken this chaotic opportunity to steal or loot shops, perpetuate violence and further widen the rift between members of the public and the law enforcement agencies."Political parties particularly those in Zanu PF and the MDC could also have obtained an opportunity to settle their political scores, emerging either from their internal factionalism or across the parties. It is within this context that police brutality has become a challenge to enhancing peace and order in the country. The coming on board of the Army as was the case last Friday, 26 August 2016 will not help the matter either. Rather it may send a wrong impression that the police have failed to protect citizens hence the need for a military intervention, But Zimbabwe is not at war," said the trust.
One of the UKs rarest coastal plants is being reintroduced to the wild in North Wales as part of a major conservation effort to restore its fragile habitat.

Fewer than 5,000 shore dock plants remain worldwide. Last week, more than 500 were replanted at Newborough on Anglesey, one of the species most important sites.

The work forms part of a wider programme to restore the coastal conditions the plant depends on, including a balance of freshwater and sandy, open ground. These habitats have declined over time, putting the species at risk.

Clare Sampson, project manager for Natur am Byth, said: In North Wales we are blessed with a beautiful landscape and a host of rare species that deserve to be enjoyed by future generations.

Through Natur am Byth we have been given the opportunity to make a difference, and it has been a privilege and a joy to boost the numbers of Shore dock at Newborough, with the aim of making a viable population for sustained growth.

Collaboration has been key to success, with great support from Newborough NRW staff, Shore dock expertise from Plantlife, and propagation from Chester Zoo. With such enthusiasts, the work will not stop at the end of the project, and we will continue to work together to ensure a legacy for the species.

The plants were grown from seed at Chester Zoo under controlled conditions before being returned to the wild.

Phil Esseen, Head of Plants at the zoo, said: Harvesting, growing and replanting the seeds requires special licenses. Chester Zoo has a license to grow Shore Dock, but the seedlings would never return and establish in the wild without projects like Natur am Byth.

We helped 500 plants grow from seed at the zoos on-site nursery, and they flourished, growing quite vigorously. They started in a polytunnel and have been kept off-show, partly because theres not much to see. We used sandy substrate to try to mimic as much as possible the normal conditions they would encounter on the coast. As long as the environment is right, its clear they can thrive, and we hope that they continue to do so now that they have been returned to their wild habitat.

Habitat restoration work at Newborough has included scrub clearance, grazing and improving freshwater conditions to support the species recovery.

Graham Williams, Senior Officer for land management at Natural Resources Wales, said: Tywyn Niwbwrch and Ynys Llanddwyn National Nature Reserve and forest is one of the finest coastal ecosystems in Wales and the UK.

Its complex mosaic of habitats supports a dazzling array of specialist and critically endangered species, some of which are only found here or in a handful of locations elsewhere. Caring for such an important Jewel in the Crown requires an often-innovative approach to ensure critical ecological processes are restored and then maintained to protect the integrity of the site and its wildlife.

Shore Dock is our rarest dock species and grows in particularly challenging and marginal habitat that is much impacted by its location deep within the forest. The planting out of docks grown from seed native to Niwbwrch is one of many interventions at our disposal that will enhance the fortunes of this rare species.

The programme also aims to support wider biodiversity, including insects and amphibians that rely on the same habitat.

Robbie Blackhall-Miles, Vascular Plants Officer for Plantlife, said: Shore Dock is assessed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as Vulnerable to extinction which gives it the same international threat status as Giant Pandas and Snow Leopards.

The project to supplement the population at Newborough will be impactful for this species on a global scale. With The British Isles being home to most of the worlds population, and Wales home to a significant proportion of that, it is important that the population at Newborough is maintained and managed to ensure its continued survival. This project will not only boost the species ability to persist at Newborough but also enable it to reproduce and colonise new sites in the future.

Conservationists say continued habitat management will be needed to ensure the plants establish and survive long term.

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A high level delegation from Ireland visited north east Wales to explore how further education is supporting bilingualism and strengthening language, culture and tradition for future generations.

Coleg Cambria welcomed representatives of the Committee of the Oireachtas (Irish Parliament) to Wrexham as part of a project focused on sharing evidence, experience and ideas around bilingual education in learning, services and the workplace.

The group toured facilities at Yale  including the state-of-the-art new CAMU language centre  and met senior leaders to learn how bilingual provision is embedded across the college. Senior staff outlined Cambrias regional reach across Wrexham, Llysfasi, Northop and Deeside, serving more than 20,000 learners each year.

Coleg Cambria Chief Executive Yana Williams said: We were delighted to welcome colleagues from Ireland and showcase the work taking place across the college. Visits like this allow us to learn from one another, reflect on our practices, and build relationships that can lead to future collaboration.

Further education has a powerful role in sustaining language, culture and opportunity, and it was inspiring to share our journey.

Discussions explored regional language trends and the importance of targeted educational interventions to increase confidence and everyday use among young people.

Central to the visit was Cambrias Cyfadran y Gymraeg (Welsh Language Department), unique within further education in Wales.

The department delivers community Welsh courses to around 1,500 people, alongside Cymraeg Gwaith (Work Welsh) provision supporting more than 2,000 learners and employers through workplace training, professional development and tailored language support.

Delegates also heard how Cambrias 20252030 Welsh Language Strategy focuses on promoting language, culture and heritage, increasing bilingual opportunities, supporting employers to create bilingual workplaces, and working in partnership to achieve shared goals.

The college outlined its workforce development programme, which includes weekly training, remission time, classroom support and financial incentives for bilingual teaching. More than 60 practitioners are currently engaged in training, with a growing number of learners choosing to complete work bilingually.

Llinos Roberts, Director of Welsh Language Development at Cambria, said: There are strong parallels between Wales and Ireland when it comes to nurturing our native languages. This visit was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate how we support Welsh through teaching, assessment, social activities and employer engagement.

By investing in staff development and creating practical opportunities for learners to use the language, were seeing real impact.

Denise McQuade, Consul General of Ireland, Cardiff, added: Cooperation on increasing the use of the Irish and Welsh languages is a priority under the Ireland-Wales Shared Statement 2030.

The visit of the Oireachtas Committee on the Irish Language, the Gaeltacht, and the Irish-speaking community provided a valuable opportunity to learn from Coleg Cambrias practical experience in promoting use of the Welsh language among its students and staff.

Visit http://www.cambria.ac.uk for the latest news and information from Coleg Cambria.

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The Welsh Ambulance Service is celebrating the first anniversary of its pledge to protect the wellbeing of future generations.

The Trusts wellbeing objectives were published a year ago today under the Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, which requires public bodies across Wales to work together to improve the long-term social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing of Wales.

The Trust has three wellbeing objectives focused on its role as an employer, a provider of care and as an anchor organisation committed to long-term sustainability.

These objectives were developed with staff and Trade Union partners  A socially responsible and inclusive employer, An innovative and sustainable organisation and a pro-active, accessible and equitable care provider.

Estelle Hitchon, Director of Partnerships and Engagement, said: A year ago, we set out our long-term commitment to delivering outstanding care while being a progressive and socially responsible employer.

I am particularly pleased that we developed our wellbeing objectives in partnership with our people and Trade Union partners.

Its so important that we get everyone involved in thinking long-term about the impact we make, both as a service and as individuals.

As one of Wales anchor organisations, with a presence across the nation, Im keen that we continue our journey to be as progressive and forward-thinking as possible.

During 2026 and into 2027, we will start work on reviewing and refreshing our long-term strategy, which is an ideal opportunity for us to think even more deeply about our wellbeing objectives and how we bring those fully to life over the coming years.

Derek Walker, Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, said: The Welsh Ambulance Services focus on people, sustainability and innovation reflects the kind of action the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act was designed to create.

Investing in prevention must remain a key priority if we are to reduce pressure on services and improve outcomes for people and it is one of the central recommendations in my Future Generations Report.

I look forward to seeing how this strong foundation translates into improved care, support and wellbeing for people in our communities today and for generations to come.

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Baywatch reboot stays in Venice Beach, CA! LA officials secure filming location with a $21.1M tax credit, dismissing relocation rumors.

AceShowbiz - The Baywatch reboots production will continue in Venice Beach, California, despite earlier reports suggesting it might relocate. Local officials have taken active steps to ensure that filming remains within Los Angeles County.

On Friday, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath convened a meeting at Fox Studios with city officials, production representatives, and agency leaders. The gathering aimed to address and resolve logistical challenges and government restrictions that had been affecting the shows filming schedule and location.

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park reassured the public that the series was never leaving Venice or Los Angeles, according to a report by ABC7 Los Angeles. This statement dismisses rumors and confirms a strong commitment to keeping the production rooted in the local community.

Additionally, the reboot's filming in Los Angeles was supported by Fox securing a significant $21.1 million California tax credit, which further incentivizes production to stay within the state. This financial backing plays an important role in the decision to continue shooting in Venice Beach and the surrounding Los Angeles area.

As Baywatch moves forward with its filming plans, the collaboration between government officials and production teams highlights their shared dedication to overcoming challenges and maintaining the shows presence in the iconic Venice Beach location.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 19-year-old Form Six student at St James Zongoro High School has appeared in court facing allegations of stealing more than US$3,000 from the school's administration office to purchase a vehicle.Martin Chitembwe was brought before the Mutare Magistrates' Court this week on charges of unlawful entry and theft. He denied the allegations before Provincial Magistrate Poterai Gwezhira and was remanded out of custody. The matter has been set down for trial on April 26.Prosecutor Joice Tinarwo told the court that Chitembwe allegedly gained access to the administration offices through deception.He is accused of misleading the deputy head, Marian Masango, into handing over office keys by claiming he had been sent by Reverend Bezel Matikiti.Once in possession of the keys, he allegedly unlocked both the main office and the clerk's office before taking US$3,202 from a drawer.The case reportedly came to light after police received information that the teenager had purchased a black Toyota Lexus.According to the State, Chitembwe initially confessed to the offence during police questioning, admitting that he used the stolen funds to buy the vehicle. However, he has since pleaded not guilty in court.Authorities recovered the vehicle and US$2,400 believed to be part of the stolen money.Chitembwe will return to court later this month for trial as investigations and legal proceedings continue.
The Testaments on Hulu: A new chapter in Gilead honors The Handmaid's Tale legacy while forging its own powerful, independent story.

AceShowbiz - The Testaments returns viewers to the haunting world of Gilead, offering a continuation of the story fans of The Handmaid's Tale have long followed. However, this new Hulu series takes a distinct path, balancing homage to its predecessor with a fresh narrative that stands on its own merits.

The challenge for the creative team behind The Testaments was clear from the start: how to honor the legacy of The Handmaid's Tale while crafting a story that could exist independently. This balancing act was especially crucial as they adapted Margaret Atwoods sequel novel into a television format. Central to both the book and the series is the presence of June Osborne, the iconic heroine portrayed by Emmy-winning actress Elisabeth Moss.

Moss was not only the face of The Handmaid's Tale but also deeply involved behind the scenes as an executive producer and director of ten episodes over the show's six seasons. It was a natural progression for her to maintain an executive producer role on The Testaments, but the series made a deliberate choice to shift her from a leading role to a supporting character. This strategic move was kept tightly under wraps until the show's premiere, surprising many fans.

Executive producer Warren Littlefield shared that there was a collective commitment to avoid making The Testaments simply a seventh season of The Handmaid's Tale. The goal was for the new series to have a unique identity, independent of Moss as the star. Initially, the project was tentatively considered as "The Handmaid's Tale: The Testaments," but the team ultimately decided that the sequel deserved to stand on its own, with its own vision and storytelling.

The journey to bring The Testaments to life began in 2018, when the original executive producers initiated discussions with Atwood about her forthcoming sequel novel. At that time, The Handmaid's Tale was only in its second season. The sequel book was published in 2019, and as revealed in an oral history by The Hollywood Reporter, Atwood provided a "no-kill list" of characters that had to survive the television adaptation to remain consistent with her sequels storyline.

Those key characters included June Osborne, Aunt Lydia (played again by Ann Dowd), and Junes daughters: Hannah/Agnes portrayed by Chase Infiniti, and Nichole. Within the series, Nichole is reimagined due to timeline adjustments, while the story itself moves forward only four years past The Handmaid's Tale, unlike the books 15-year leap.

This difference in timing led to notable changes. For instance, the character Daisy, played by Lucy Halliday, replaces the books Daisy (Nichole) but does not share a biological connection with June in the series. Instead, Daisy serves as a surrogate daughter figure and embodies a resilient spirit. The series dedicates its third episode to exploring Daisys backstory, revealing that June acts as her handler within the Mayday resistance. Daisy infiltrates Gilead as a spy, unknowingly attending the same school where Junes lost daughter Hannah/Agnes is now being raised.

Executive producer Littlefield explained how the team carefully crafted the universe of The Testaments over several years. This included the deliberate decision to exclude the iconic red cloak and other red elements so synonymous with The Handmaid's Tale throughout the first season of the new series. Instead, the show aims to develop its own aesthetic and narrative style that distinguishes it from its predecessor.

When asked about the decision to jump forward four years in the timeline, Littlefield outlined the reasoning behind the choice. The age of Hannah was a key factor, as the story needed to account for the time passed since June was last seen clutching her daughter in a desperate escape attempt in the first season of The Handmaid's Tale. After six seasons focusing on Junes journey, the new series shifts perspective to explore what became of Hannah, now known as Agnes.

Unlike the novels structure, which presents multiple points of view including Hannah/Agnes, Daisy, and Aunt Lydia, the show embraces this multi-perspective approach to extend the universe organically. This narrative shift allows for a broader exploration of Gilead through diverse lenses while maintaining the emotional core of the story.

One of the biggest creative hurdles was reimagining Daisys character. While her origins differ from the book, the essence of her relationship with June remains intact. Daisy's role as a spy and outsider infiltrating Gilead is crucial to the storytelling. This adaptation reflects the producers commitment to preserving Atwoods vision while tailoring the narrative for televisions needs.

Littlefield praised the collaborative relationship between the producers, Hulu, MGM, and Atwood, which allowed them the necessary time to develop The Testaments thoughtfully. This included a five-year plan for the Handmaids Tale universe that expanded to six years, providing a solid foundation for the sequels production. As The Handmaid's Tale concluded, the team was ready to transition smoothly into The Testaments, commencing production just eight weeks after the final season wrapped.

Regarding Elisabeth Mosss surprise return in the new series, the producers emphasized the importance of keeping her involvement minimal and strategic. They wanted to avoid simply extending The Handmaid's Tale into a seventh season and instead foster a new narrative that could thrive independently. Mosss role as June is portrayed as a supporting character, which was a necessary creative choice to allow the story to expand beyond her characters arc.

They enlisted Moss to help fill in Daisys backstory, acknowledging how integral June is to Daisys journey. However, the showrunners and Moss alike understood that the success of The Testaments depended on it being a series that could exist without June as the central figure, even as she remains a critical part of the storys fabric.

Looking ahead, the series is already planning for multiple seasons, with writers actively working on season two. This extended storytelling approach reflects the producers confidence in the rich potential of the Gilead universe and their desire to explore it from new perspectives.

The Testaments therefore represents both a continuation and a bold new chapter in the world Margaret Atwood created. It respects the legacy of The Handmaid's Tale while carving out a fresh space to tell stories of resistance, survival, and hope within a dark dystopian future.
Pacha New York opens June 20-21 with exclusive US shows by Michael Bibi & Black Coffee. The iconic venue is reborn. Don't miss the debut.

AceShowbiz - The team behind Pacha New York has officially announced the opening weekend dates and lineup for the much-anticipated club debut. The venue will launch over two nights, June 20 and 21, spotlighting top-tier electronic talent with English DJ Michael Bibi performing on the first night and South African DJ Black Coffee closing the weekend on June 21.

This opening marks an exciting new chapter for the venue, which was formerly known as the Brooklyn Mirage. After months of setbacks, including a canceled reopening last May and ongoing permitting difficulties that led to bankruptcy, the space has been revitalized under new management.

Michael Bibis appearance at Pacha New York will be his only U.S. show aside from his scheduled set at Chicagos ARC Music Festival in September. Similarly, Black Coffees Pacha date is the sole U.S. stop on his current summer itinerary, making these performances highly exclusive for American fans.

Earlier this year, in February, Dubai-based FIVE Holdings took over full operational control of the Brooklyn Mirage and The Great Hall complex, both part of the Avant Gardner campus. This takeover included the transformation of the Brooklyn Mirage into the only Pacha-branded club in the United States, aligning with the iconic Ibiza venues global reputation.

The Brooklyn Mirage had been plagued by difficulties leading up to this transition. After an extensive remodel, the club abruptly canceled all scheduled shows starting the night before its planned May 2023 reopening. These cancellations created frustration among fans and ticket holders, some of whom never received refunds for their purchases.

In response, Pacha New York sent an email on April 7 to approximately 30,000 people holding unused Brooklyn Mirage tickets or season passes. The communication offered the full value of those tickets as coupons redeemable at Pacha New York events. A source close to the club disclosed to Billboard that the total coupon value amounts to $3,107,654, which guests can use for food, drinks, and merchandise.

The message from the club emphasized a commitment to the New York dance community: "Before we look ahead, we want to speak directly to you, the community that has always been at the heartbeat of New York's dance culture. We know the last chapter left many of you frustrated While Pacha New York was not involved in these circumstances, we've made a conscious decision on making this right for you. We're offering 100% of your original ticket value as a coupon at Pacha New York."

This gesture aims to rebuild trust and signal a fresh start as Pacha New York prepares to welcome guests for its official opening weekend. The debut concerts featuring Michael Bibi and Black Coffee promise to deliver a high-energy, world-class clubbing experience that connects New York with one of the most renowned nightlife brands worldwide.

With the reopening, Pacha New York is positioning itself as a premier destination for electronic music lovers and nightlife enthusiasts in the city, reviving the spirit of the Brooklyn Mirage under a new identity and management.

Fans and prospective attendees can expect top-tier performances, a revitalized venue atmosphere, and ongoing events that celebrate the vibrant culture of dance music in New York.
A flawless horror anthology. Guillermo del Toro's acclaimed Netflix series delivers eight perfect episodes of curated terror.

AceShowbiz - Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities is a standout among horror anthologies on Netflix, praised for delivering a flawless eight-episode run with no weak entries. While many horror anthology series exist, this one is notable for its consistent quality across all episodes, distinguishing itself in a genre often marked by uneven storytelling.

Looking back at past horror anthology shows, many have been underrated despite their strong concepts and execution. Series like Monsterland and Fear Itself, though short-lived and less celebrated, offered compelling horror narratives that rival more famous franchises such as Tales from the Crypt and Masters of Horror. Into this lineage, Guillermo del Toro introduced his own vision in 2022, coinciding with the Halloween season, creating a series that captured the essence of the genre while pushing its boundaries.

The format of Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities pays homage to classic anthology traditions, with each episode introduced by del Toro himself, evoking the style of Rod Serlings iconic Twilight Zone introductions. Beyond this framing device, each episode dives into a unique, original story that varies widely in theme and style. The series ranges from Lovecraftian period pieces to visceral body horror, showcasing a remarkable breadth within just eight episodes.

One episode, "Lot 36," directed by Guillermo Navarro, begins as a tense crime thriller before morphing into something far more terrifying, highlighting the shows ability to blend genres effectively. Another episode, "The Autopsy," directed by David Prior (known for The Empty Man), is a clever, unsettling two-character story that combines ingenuity with horror. Ana Lily Amirpours "The Outside" offers a satirical yet gruesome critique of the beauty industry, foreshadowing themes explored later in films like The Substance.

The series also benefits from a diverse group of directors who bring fresh perspectives to the horror genre. Keith Thomas and Cathrine Hardwicke each offer new takes on HP Lovecrafts mythos, while Panos Cosmatos delivers the series most surreal and visually striking episode, "The Viewing." The tone shifts dramatically with Jennifer Kents "The Murmuring," a ghost story that doubles as a poignant meditation on grief, based on a short story written by del Toro himself. This variation in directorial style and tone is a key strength, keeping the audience engaged through unpredictability.

The anthology format itself suits the horror genre well, as it allows for concise, impactful storytelling without the challenges that serialized horror dramas often face. Shows like M. Night Shyamalans Servant have encountered difficulties maintaining atmosphere over multiple episodes or seasons. In contrast, anthology series like Guillermo del Toros Cabinet of Curiosities leverage shorter, self-contained episodes to sustain tension and creativity.

Despite the critical success of the first season, fans of Guillermo del Toros Cabinet of Curiosities are still waiting for news about a second season. No official announcements regarding renewal or cancellation have been made, leaving the shows future uncertain. This ambiguity is understandable given the considerable commitments of del Toro, who continues working on major film projects such as Frankenstein. Additionally, assembling another slate of prominent horror directors for a follow-up season would be a significant undertaking.

As a result, it may be some time before Guillermo del Toros Cabinet of Curiosities returns to Netflix. In the meantime, its debut season remains a definitive example of how horror anthologies can be executed with artistic vision, narrative variety, and directorial diversity, confirming the series as a modern classic within the genre.

For viewers interested in exploring the depth of Guillermo del Toros Cabinet of Curiosities, newsletters and curated content offer in-depth episode analysis, director spotlights, and recommendations to place the show in broader horror context. This continued engagement highlights the series impact on fans and critics alike.
A wealthy philanthropist & a Mexican dancer clash in Michel Franco's political drama Dreams, starring Jessica Chastain & Isaac Hernandez.

AceShowbiz - Dreams is a politically charged drama directed by Michel Franco that explores the complex and often toxic relationship between wealth, immigration, and power. The film centers on Jennifer, portrayed by Jessica Chastain, a wealthy socialite deeply involved in arts philanthropy, and Fernando, played by Isaac Hernandez, a talented Mexican ballet dancer who trained at an academy funded by Jennifers affluent family. Over its brisk ninety-minute runtime, Dreams attempts to dissect the parasitic dynamics between the privileged elite and undocumented immigrants, but it often struggles to transcend its blunt approach.

Michel Franco is known for his unflinching depictions of social conflict, particularly around class struggles. His previous film, New Order, portrayed a violent uprising from the perspective of the upper class, though it left viewers uncertain about its political stance. In contrast, Dreams takes a more straightforward approach, focusing sharply on the power imbalances between the characters. However, this clarity comes at the expense of deeper empathy, especially as the story unfolds primarily through Jennifers perspectivea white woman of immense wealth whose understanding of immigrant struggles feels superficial.

Jennifer and Fernandos relationship is marked by stark inequalitiesnot only in their age difference but also in their socioeconomic status. Their affair is highly charged with elements of dominance and submission, thriving on secret meetings and Jennifers ability to whisk away on her private jet to visit Fernando in Mexico City under the pretext of supporting the ballet academy. For Fernando, the risks are far greater. Having been deported from New York in 2013, he must covertly travel through dangerous routes in Texas and hitchhike to San Francisco just to see Jennifer, highlighting the precariousness of his existence.

The ambiguity of Fernandos motivationswhether driven by genuine affection, lust, or opportunismadds tension to their relationship. When Jennifers affection appears contingent on keeping Fernando hidden from her high-profile social circles, Fernando chooses to end the relationship. This breakup triggers a series of contrived plot developments, including Fernandos consideration for the lead role at the San Francisco Ballet, which underscores the films focus on power and control rather than authentic character growth.

Jennifers role as a philanthropist is complicated by the contradictions within her family. She manages the McCarthy Foundation alongside her brother Jake, played by Rupert Friend, funded by their father Michael (Marshall Bell). While Jennifer expresses concern for immigrant rights, her actions reveal a performative allyship masked by privilege. The foundations public mission to assist the underprivileged contrasts sharply with Jakes disdainful private remarks about immigrants who arent American. Jennifers reliance on voice-to-chat translation when speaking with Mexicans further exposes her detachment and unconscious biases.

Michel Franco presents these themes with a stark directness that some may find refreshing. Dreams is concise, moving linearly from one scene to another without extraneous subplots. Yet, this straightforwardness also limits the films nuance. Its social commentary is so overt that it risks feeling didactic rather than insightful. The storylinefeaturing a wealthy woman secretly controlling a deported immigrant loverdepicts an extreme scenario that is far removed from the typical experiences of undocumented immigrants, who rarely encounter such direct contact with the ultra-wealthy.

This disconnect means the film oscillates between feeling both exaggerated and narrowly focused. Franco intends to reveal the exploitative nature of relationships across class divides, but the setting and plot strain credibility. The films portrayal of privilege and desperation is effective in concept but lacks the subtlety required for a more penetrating critique.

While Dreams may not invite deep reflection, it does offer moments that highlight the disparities it seeks to criticize. Watching Jennifer flaunt her luxury in San Francisco and Mexico Cityadorned with Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent while being chauffeured in an Escaladejuxtaposed against Fernandos vulnerable, muddy journey through Texas, is a stark visual metaphor. However, these contrasts verge on crassness rather than complexity.

The films final sequences draw particular scrutiny. The culmination of events challenges the coherence of Francos message, leaving the audience to question whether the films harsh treatment of its subjects unintentionally reinforces the very inequalities it aims to condemn. Cinematographer Yves Capes passive camera work adds to a sense of detachment, observing the unfolding drama without urgency or emotional engagement.

Ultimately, Dreams grapples with the erosion of the American Dream as an ideal, portraying it as increasingly ironic and outdated. Yet, by depicting its characters with a cold cruelty, the film risks perpetuating the systemic violence it critiques instead of dismantling it. Its portrayal of the intersection between wealth, immigration, and power is blunt and confrontational, but it stops short of offering meaningful insight or empathy.

Dreams will be released theatrically on February 27th, 2026, inviting audiences to witness its provocative, if flawed, examination of contemporary social divides.

Jessica Chastain delivers a polished performance as Jennifer, embodying the contradictions of privilege and performative activism. Isaac Hernandez portrays Fernando with a blend of vulnerability and resilience, navigating a treacherous world shaped by systemic injustice. Meanwhile, Rupert Friend provides a grounded counterpoint as Jake, whose closed-mindedness highlights familial tensions around race and immigration.

With a runtime of 95 minutes, Dreams is a drama and romance hybrid that attempts to confront serious social issues but ultimately settles for a narrative that feels both contrived and overly simplistic. Despite its shortcomings, the film stands as a testament to Michel Francos ongoing interest in exploring the fraught intersections of class, power, and identity through cinema.
Discover the new cast and magic of the 2026 Harry Potter HBO reboot. Meet the trio and Hogwarts faculty in this fresh adaptation.

AceShowbiz - The highly anticipated Harry Potter reboot is steadily progressing towards its scheduled release in December 2026 on HBO. Early previews, including the official trailer and the documentary Finding Harry: The Craft Behind the Magic, have begun to unveil what fans can expect from the new adaptation. These initial looks not only highlight the recreated Wizarding World but also introduce viewers to the fresh cast embodying iconic characters from Hogwarts.

Replacing the original film actors is a significant challenge, yet the new ensemble appears to capture the essence of their roles effectively. This is especially true for the main trio: Dominic McLaughlin as Harry, Alastair Stout as Ron, and Arabella Stanton as Hermione. However, the magic of Hogwarts extends beyond these leading characters, relying heavily on the faculty who shape the schools atmosphere. So far, many of the Hogwarts staff have been revealed, showcasing a respectful and detailed approach to their casting and appearances.

John Lithgow takes on the role of Albus Dumbledore, following Richard Harris and Michael Gambons portrayals in the original films. His depiction closely aligns with the familiar image of the wise headmaster, featuring a long silver beard, half-moon glasses, wizard robes, and a signature hat. Lithgows Dumbledore looks both authoritative and sagacious, capturing the characters powerful presence as seen in the trailer and promotional images.

Paapa Essiedu steps into the complex role of Severus Snape, succeeding Alan Rickmans memorable performance. While Essiedus casting introduces a different physical interpretation from the books, he faithfully embodies the characters demeanor. Sporting shoulder-length black hair and the iconic all-black robes, Essiedus Snape projects the serious and intimidating aura fans expect.

Janet McTeer assumes the role of Minerva McGonagall, Hogwarts stern Transfiguration professor and Head of Gryffindor House. Following the late Maggie Smiths legendary performance, McTeers portrayal is marked by a commanding presence even in brief screen glimpses. Her dark, tied-back hair, glasses, and sharp expression mirror the characters classic look, as confirmed by both the trailer and the documentary.

Nick Frost portrays Rubeus Hagrid, a beloved character famously embodied by the late Robbie Coltrane. Frosts interpretation maintains the familiar elements of Hagrids appearance, including messy hair and a beard that echo the original. His towering stature remains consistent with the giant half-giant description from the books.

Luke Thallon is cast as Quirinus Quirrell, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor who plays a crucial role in the first season. Although his screen time in trailers and promotional content is limited, Thallons portrayal can be glimpsed in Finding Harry: The Craft Behind the Magic.

Warwick Davis returns as Filius Flitwick, the Charms professor, making him the sole actor reprising his role from the original Harry Potter films. Although not prominently featured in early promotional materials, a brief side view of Flitwick appears in scenes with Professor Sprout.

Sirine Saba plays Pomona Sprout, the Herbology teacher, who had limited screen time in the films but may have a larger role in the extended TV series. Sabas version features dark, curly hair instead of the grey locks seen in previous adaptations, and she appears without Sprouts characteristic hat in early visuals.

Richard Durden is cast as Cuthbert Binns, the History of Magic professor who, while absent from the films, is a staple in the Harry Potter books. His inclusion indicates the shows intention to offer a more faithful adaptation of the source material.

Paul Whitehouse will bring Argus Filch, the school caretaker, to life. While costume details have yet to be revealed on screen, concept art shown in Finding Harry portrays Filch with long grey hair and a tall stature, bearing a lantern and accompanied by his cat Mrs. Norris.

Lastly, the mischievous poltergeist Peeves, omitted from the films but popular in the books, is confirmed to appear in the HBO series. Although the actor portraying Peeves has not been announced, concept art previews show a character with dark hair, pointed ears, and a sly grin.

In addition to these revealed characters, other Hogwarts staff members have been cast but remain unseen. These include Louise Brealey as Madam Hooch and Brid Brennan as Madam Pomfrey. Their eventual appearance will further enrich the depiction of Hogwarts faculty.
Carrie Underwood addresses being booed on American Idol. Hear her unfazed response and why she stands by her judging decisions on the official podcast.

AceShowbiz - On the April 8 episode of the official American Idol podcast, judges Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan appeared alongside co-judge Lionel Richie to discuss key moments from season 24. One notable topic was the incident in March when Underwood was booed by fans during the show.

The boos came during Hollywood Week in Music City - Part 2, when Underwood questioned a contestants decision to perform an original song. Following that episode, she posted on X, "Boo me. I dont care," reflecting her refusal to be fazed by the negative audience reaction.

During the podcast, Underwood reiterated her stance, telling host Danielle Fishel, "I don't care. I can't lie, I'm a terrible liar. As a fan of the show, if there was ever somebody that kind of had an off night and everybody's like, 'Oh, my God that's so great,' I'm sitting at home being like, 'What? Liars!'"

Despite her relaxed attitude about the boos, Luke Bryan stepped in to defend his fellow judge. He acknowledged the challenges judges face on the show, saying, "Its tough to do as a judge. It takes a lot of confidence in yourself, and you dont want to say something thats going to tank them in the competition. Its just something that they need to be thinking about if they go forward."

In the moment when the audience started booing, Bryan had already spoken up, reminding the crowd that Underwood is highly qualified to judge, having won the show's fourth season. He said, "She only won this. She knows."

Currently, American Idol season 24 has narrowed down to 11 finalists. The next episode is scheduled to air on Monday, April 13, at 8 p.m. on ABC, with availability for streaming on Hulu the following day.

The podcast episode featuring discussion of the booing incident provides insight into the dynamic between the judges and their approach to criticism on the show.
Manuel Turizo's new album 'Apambichao' is here. Discover the bachata journey inspired by Colombian summers, led by the heartfelt single "Te Creo.

AceShowbiz - After achieving major success with his 2022 hit "La Bachata", which topped the Tropical Airplay, Latin Airplay, and Billboard Argentina Hot 100 charts, Manuel Turizo returned to the studio to develop a fresh collection of bachata tunes. This journey resulted in his fifth studio album, Apambichao, released on Thursday, April 9.

The albums inception began over a year ago with the creation of the lead track "Te Creo," a heartfelt bachata melody that Turizo saved early on. He describes the song as a guitar piece that lingered with him, inspiring a vibe he calls vacation music. "Little by little, you start compiling those energies," he shared in an interview with Billboard, emphasizing how the albums mood was shaped organically over time.

Apambichao draws heavy inspiration from Turizos summers in Covenas, a picturesque beach near his hometown of Monteria, Colombia. The album contains 13 tracks that mark a departure from his usual urban pop sound. Instead, Turizo explores a diverse range of genres, including bachata, merengue, reggae, afrohouse, corridos, musica popular (regional Colombian music), and boleros.

The 25-year-old Colombian artist explains that the album is a blend of many cultural influences rooted in his upbringing. "This has to do with my culture; it isn't something planned, but rather something genuine and organic, drawn from what exists within my mental archive," Turizo says. He points out that his musical influences come not from global pop icons like Rihanna, but from Latin American legends such as Diomedes Diaz, Kaleth Morales, and Juan Luis Guerra. These foundational sounds, alongside the flavors of traditional Colombian foods like suero, carimanolas, patacones, and arepas de huevo, shape the subconscious wellspring from which his music flows.

The albums title, Apambichao, is derived from pambiche, a slower tempo style of Dominican merengue. The title reflects the relaxed, vacation-like atmosphere Turizo intended to capture. "The mood I was feelingand the mindset I was living inwas literally just that: I wanted to go on vacation, enjoy life, and just kick back and relax," he explains. This sentiment is palpable throughout the album, which he describes as the soundtrack to an eternal summer and a time when he was simply having the best time of his life.

Apambichao also features notable collaborations with prominent Latin artists including Maluma, Xavi, Dei V, Luis Alfonso, Emilia, Dalmata, and the late vallenato icon Diomedes Diaz. These partnerships add further depth and diversity to the project, enriching its eclectic soundscape.

With Apambichao, Manuel Turizo embraces a vibrant mix of Latin musical traditions and personal influences, delivering an album that resonates with the carefree spirit of summer and the rich cultural tapestry of his Colombian roots. This collection invites listeners to experience a musical vacation full of rhythm, nostalgia, and joy.
Mitski's eighth album, 'Nothing's About To Happen to Me,' debuts at No. 10 on Billboard 200. Explore her record-breaking sales and global tour highlights.

AceShowbiz - Mitski continues to captivate audiences with her latest work from the album Nothing's About To Happen to Me, which was released in February. This marks her eighth studio album, and the momentum behind her career suggests she is far from slowing down.

The album made a strong impact upon release, debuting at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 chart with nearly 43,000 equivalent album units sold in its first week. This achievement represents Mitski's best sales week to date, highlighting her growing popularity that has been significantly boosted by her widespread presence on TikTok.

Mitski has been deeply engaged with her fans throughout this album cycle, embarking on a demanding tour schedule that has taken her to venues worldwide. Highlights include a six-night residency at The Shed, a multifaceted cultural center in New York, and performances at the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid LIVE. She has also played in iconic locations such as Hollywood High School and cities including Mexico City, Istanbul, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, London, Manila, Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

Earlier this year, Mitski made a notable return to late-night television with a performance of "I'll Change For You" on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, marking her first appearance on the program since 2016. On April 8, she appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live to perform "If I Leave," a track from her latest album.

During the Jimmy Kimmel Live performance, Mitski wore a striking faux leopard-skin coat paired with a knee-length string of beads, exuding calm and composure as her full band delivered a powerful musical backdrop. The Japan-born artists stage presence was both serene and commanding, capturing the attention of viewers.

Mitski is credited with writing all the songs and performing all vocals on Nothing's About To Happen to Me. The album was produced and engineered by Patrick Hyland and mastered by Bob Weston. It features live instrumentation from The Land touring band and elaborate ensemble arrangements. The orchestral parts were recorded at Sunset Sound and TTG Studios, arranged and conducted by Drew Erickson, and engineered by Michael Harris.

Looking ahead, Mitski will continue her tour with a scheduled concert in Istanbul on May 2. Fans can find more details and updates on her official website, as well as watch her recent late-night performances.
Explore the diverse faith journeys of #MomTok influencers as they navigate Mormon roots, challenge traditions, and redefine modern belief in this revealing s...

AceShowbiz - The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives features a cast of influencers with varying connections to the LDS Church, highlighting diverse approaches to faith and lifestyle within the Mormon community.

Despite the shows title, not all cast members are actively practicing members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), commonly known as the Mormon church. The series follows a group of #MomTok influencers who challenge traditional gender roles often associated with their religious upbringing.

During a September 2024 podcast appearance on "The Viall Files," Mayci Neeley shared, "Everyone has Mormon roots," while Mikayla Matthews and Jessi Ngatikaura revealed they are not affiliated with the church. Their varied religious standings offer a nuanced look into the complexities of faith within the Mormon community.

Taylor Frankie Paul was a practicing Mormon when the show premiered in 2024. Throughout season one, she expressed a desire to reconnect with her faith despite controversies, including a "soft-swinging" scandal involving other cast members and the birth of a child outside of marriage. Taylor is a mother to two children with her ex-husband Tate Paul and has a youngest son, Ever, with her ex-boyfriend Dakota Mortensen.

However, nearly two years later, Taylor announced on Instagram that she was "detaching" herself from the LDS church. She emphasized her ongoing belief in Christ, God, and the Bible, stating, "I believe we are loved whether we are praying in [a] church building or from a bathroom floor at home." She also spoke about receiving grace and love from people regardless of their religious certainty.

Demi Engemann described her upbringing as split between her mother, a church member, and her father, who was not. She called this contrast intriguing and noted that her natural inclination toward being a "free spirit" often put her at odds with her mothers strict religious expectations. As of 2024, Demi has distanced herself from LDS religious practices while maintaining a personal relationship with God.

On the other hand, Jennifer Affleck identifies as the most devout Mormon among the Hulu stars. She shared on the same podcast that despite her personal struggles and rebellion after high schoolincluding drinking and premarital sexher faith remains central to her life. Jennifers mother converted to Mormonism after immigrating to the United States, and Jennifer credits the religion with making her a better person and bringing her happiness.

Jessi Draper openly stated she is not a member of the LDS church, humorously rating herself "zero out of 10 on the Mormon scale." She referred to herself as the rebel of the cast and mentioned her mixed religious background, with a Mormon mother and a non-Mormon father, which gave her a unique perspective and upbringing.

Layla Taylor converted to the Mormon faith but admitted she is not "super active." She tries to attend church as much as possible, although she has openly shared that she engaged in premarital sex and occasionally drinks alcoholboth typically frowned upon in LDS culture. Layla stressed that her day-to-day relationship with God is what matters most to her. She also revealed having a new boyfriend in 2024 who is an active Mormon, but the couple separated months later.

Mayci Neeley remains an active church member and even teaches "primary" classes to children within the congregation. She holds a temple recommend, indicating she is deemed worthy to enter the temple, a sacred place in the LDS faith, underscoring her commitment to the churchs spiritual standards.

Mikayla Matthews, who was raised in the church, has not been active for about 10 years. She recounted growing up in California where her religious experience was less strict, including her mother, a church leader, cursing en route to services. After her parents divorce, she and her siblings moved to Utah with their mother but did not maintain their activity in the local church.

The diverse faith journeys of the The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives cast illustrate the varying interpretations and commitments to Mormonism among individuals connected to the church.
Discover how Taylor Ortega's New Jersey roots led to her starring role in Netflix's new comedy Big Mistakes, created by Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott.

AceShowbiz - Big Mistakes is a fresh Netflix comedy series created by Dan Levy and Rachel Sennott, featuring Taylor Ortega in her first starring role. Ortegas journey to landing this part is rooted deeply in her New Jersey background and her ability to channel both humor and frustration from her upbringing into her performance.

While filming Another Simple Favor in Italy, Ortega received an unexpected chance to audition for the series. The role seemed tailor-made for her: a character close to her age, from a similar New Jersey hometown, with a personality strikingly comparable to her own. Taking advantage of her time abroad, Ortega assembled a self-tape with the help of her castmates. She recalls, I was in Italy for a month, so I was doing a lot of tapes while I was there, and at one point I had to do a live Zoom audition and had Alex Newell as my reader. Sometimes you have a Tony winner at your disposal and you just have to beg them to help you. Despite the promising fit, she kept her expectations realistic, understanding that casting decisions often hinge on various factors beyond an actors control.

Ortega notes, The role seemed like such a one for one with me, but you do so many of these and you know that the creative teams already has an agenda, and that's fine. The audition apparently worked a little too well, as she nearly forgot about it. However, six months later, the producers requested another tape from her. Shortly after, she found herself in a chemistry test with Levy. The very next day, the creator of Big Mistakes called to inform her she was cast as his co-lead. Ortega was surprised to learn she was the first person to audition, explaining, When you're the first tape, you're like an opening act for all the other actors. Nobody's brain is like, let's pick her, but luckily I ended up being a good enough fit that it came back around.

Big Mistakes follows a pair of siblings who unintentionally get involved with a criminal enterprise. Ortega plays Morgan, a former New York City public school teacher who has recently experienced a downturn in her life. Morgan finds herself back in her hometown, living with a longtime boyfriend shes outgrown but hasn't admitted it yet. When Morgan steals a necklace during a shopping trip with her brother Nicky (played by Levy), they soon owe money to dangerous people. Though the show features crime elements and a fast-moving plot, at its core it explores the complex, loving-yet-contentious relationship between the siblings, reminiscent of the tone found in Levys previous hit, Schitts Creek.

Ortega shares that while she has never been involved with the mob, her personal experiences growing up in New Jersey bear resemblance to the shows atmosphere. She explains, My family, they all have really big personalities and even though they're not comedians, they're really funny. In New Jersey, humor and rage are a big part of the way that people communicate - I don't know anyone from there who's truly boring. Her parents were strict, but her father made a point of introducing her to auteur films at a young age, regardless of their mature content. Early influential viewings included Reservoir Dogs and Saturday Night Live. Ortega later attended Columbia University and immersed herself in New Yorks improv community, where she first crossed paths with co-creator Rachel Sennott.

Reflecting on improv, Ortega says, I feel like I talk about improv way too much, but I think it's one of the most perfect comedic forms of expression because it's impossible to monetize; you cannot commodify your talent and art in live improv, and that makes it really pure and fun. She highlights how improv teaches respect for others ideas since the art form depends on accepting and building on collaborators contributions.

Ortegas breakthrough came in 2022 with a recurring role on Paul Feigs mockumentary sitcom Welcome to Flatch, a show heavily reliant on improv and a confessional, straight-to-camera style. Since then, she has become a trusted player in Feigs projects, appearing in the 2024 film Jackpot and the 2025 movie Another Simple Favor. Shes also had roles on acclaimed shows such as What We Do in the Shadows and The Four Seasons. Ortega expresses gratitude for the trust placed in her by Feig and feels shes experiencing a similar rapport now with Levy.

Though she admits to a parasocial connection with Levy from years of binge-watching Schitts Creek, Ortega only met him formally during the chemistry test for Big Mistakes. Levy had written a specific scene for the audition where their characters are trapped in the back of a truck, screaming at each other. The actors chemistry was so strong that the scene was incorporated into the show. Ortega describes herself as a Gemini and a big talker who moves quickly in conversations, particularly in arguments where she tends to focus on facts and logic. This gave her a natural way to inhabit Morgans persona without needing to invent a new character.

Beyond the crime and comedy elements, Big Mistakes dedicates significant time to exploring its main characters relationships. Levys character, Nicky, is a pastor hiding his boyfriend from both family and ministry, while Ortegas Morgan is reluctantly engaged to her longtime boyfriend, played by Jack Innanen from Adults. Ortega draws from her own life experiences in portraying Morgans struggles. She shares, This might be a lesson that, as a queer person, I was gifted with learning sooner than other people, but it's so important to know that if you're finding yourself resenting the person you're with, it's time to go.

Ortega recalls her early twenties, when she dated men she wasnt suited for and couldnt be honest about her feelings. She jokes, I would be like, maybe tragedy will befall him, and then no one will be mad at me for leaving him because I will be in mourning. I should have just had the hard conversation, but at age 22 I just thought, surely he'll drown in the ocean and no one will ever have to be upset with me for one second.

Big Mistakes, which streams all episodes starting Thursday, marks Ortegas first lead role. Used previously to playing comic relief, she says this opportunity has encouraged her to seek more challenging projects, including theater. For now, she and the cast are hopeful the show resonates with viewers and earns a renewal for additional seasons. Ortega notes, Dan has a big picture for the show, from beginning to end, so we would love to do the version of the show that he's envisioned. So I hope that whoever finds this show really loves it - and I hope that it's many people who find it and love it.
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News / National

by Staff reporter

The internal crisis within the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has deepened after Mbuso Siso filed an urgent application at the Bulawayo High Court contesting his removal from the party's leadership.Siso, who claims to be the legitimate Interim Treasurer General, is challenging a decision by Sengezo Tshabangu, who announced a new leadership structure and replaced him with Kudakwashe Matibiri.In court papers dated April 8, 2026, Siso argues that his removal was unlawful, unconstitutional, and in violation of the party's internal rules. He is seeking a declaratory order nullifying the dismissal and barring Tshabangu from interfering with his duties or accessing party funds.Siso contends that, under the party's constitution, only the party president has authority to initiate disciplinary action against senior officials  and notes that the CCC currently has no sitting president. He further argues that any removal should be approved by a two-thirds majority of the National Council, a process he says was not followed.He also claims he was denied basic procedural fairness, stating he was not given notice of charges, a hearing, or an opportunity to respond before the decision was made.The application includes supporting documents such as the party constitution, correspondence with state institutions, and previous letters confirming Siso's role as a key party official.In his filing, Siso is asking the court to declare his removal null and void, affirm him as the lawful Interim Treasurer General, and block Tshabangu and his allies from acting as the party's leadership or dealing with its assets.He has also requested that the matter be treated as urgent, warning that failure to intervene could result in unauthorised access to party funds and further governance instability.Tshabangu has been given ten days to respond to the application, setting the stage for a legal showdown that could further shape the direction of the opposition party.
Joey Fatone reveals his frustration over Justin Timberlake's solo move in a new NSync docuseries. Hear the untold story of the boy band's pivotal split.

AceShowbiz - Joey Fatone recently shared candid insights about the moment he felt frustrated when Justin Timberlake decided to pursue a solo career, marking a pivotal shift for the iconic boy band NSync.

In the new docuseries Boy Band Confidential on Investigation Discovery, which is set to premiere on April 13 and 14, Fatone, 49, reflected on the timeline leading up to Timberlake's solo announcement. "We just did a stadium run, and then an arena tour," he recalled. Then came an unexpected development when Lance Bass got an opportunity to train as an astronaut and potentially go into space. It was shortly after that Justin expressed his desire to focus on solo projects.

Fatone admitted he was initially supportive of the idea. "At first, my brain's like, 'Cool, do it and have fun,'" he said, explaining that he viewed it as a chance for the group to take a break and explore individual interests. The band originally formed in 1995 with Timberlake, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Fatone, and Bass, rising to fame with hits like "Bye Bye Bye" and "Tearin' Up My Heart."

Despite their eventual split in 2007, confirmed by Bass, the group reunited briefly in 2023 for a single on the Trolls Band Together soundtrack and performed together once more in 2024. However, they have not toured collectively since 2002.

Fans continue to hope for a full reunion, and the members have acknowledged this enthusiasm over the years. Yet, when it came to Timberlake's departure, Fatone noted a lack of clear communication. "That was the weird thing about it. Nobody really had a conversation, per se," he said in the docuseries. "There was never a button, [and] there was never a goodbye. There was never anything."

While this absence of closure mostly didnt bother Fatone, he revealed the one time the situation felt awkward. It was during the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards, when Justin Timberlake performed solo for the first time and the rest of the group introduced him. "This is some bulls***," Fatone admitted. He felt sidelined as it seemed like the band was being pushed aside while still being expected to support Timberlake.

He further described a confusing experience on a red carpet event where the band initially planned to attend together, but ultimately not all members were present. Fatone suggested the record company was intentionally distancing the group to spotlight Timberlake's solo career. However, he clarified that his frustration was not directed at Timberlake's success itself.

Fatone emphasized, "It is totally fine. But talk to us. Have a conversation. Say, 'Hey, we're promoting Justin. He has an album out. We're not here for NSync right now.' If you would have had that conversation, it would have been a lot easier for me personally."

Despite the tension, Fatone does not blame Timberlake for the way things unfolded. "It must have been very difficult to leave," he said. "Somebody should have said something."

Meanwhile, rumors about an NSync biopic have surfaced. In 2025, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that producer Neal H. Moritz, known for the Fast & Furious franchise, was shopping a film project about the band. The plan involved meeting all five members to secure their participation, with Timberlake expected to serve as an executive producer.

However, the project faced obstacles. Sources explained that conflicting representatives for the band members complicated agreeing on the biopic details. A key sticking point was Timberlake wanting certain elements of control, such as being executive producer while the others would have lesser production roles. These power dynamics reportedly prevented the group from reaching a consensus.

As of September 2025, a source confirmed to Us Weekly that the film and any accompanying reunion tour were not moving forward. The project has undergone multiple iterations, including plans for both a scripted movie and a behind-the-scenes documentary style, but currently, nothing is proceeding.

The upcoming Boy Band Confidential series will provide viewers with a deeper look into the history and dynamics of NSync, airing Monday, April 13, and Tuesday, April 14, at 9 p.m. ET on Investigation Discovery, before streaming on HBO Max.

Fans of boy bands and pop music history will find the series insightful as it explores the bonds, challenges, and solo ambitions that shaped one of the most influential groups of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Explore Gilead's elite in The Testaments. Witness a privileged daughter's peril and a shocking act of rebellion in this chilling Handmaid's Tale sequel.

AceShowbiz - The Testaments returns viewers to the oppressive world of Gilead, focusing on Agnes, a teenage girl navigating life under a brutal theocratic regime. This Hulu sequel to The Handmaids Tale offers a chilling look at the vulnerabilities of even the most privileged daughters of Gileads elite.

The prologue sets a dark tone, revealing that not only Handmaids but also the daughters of powerful men are subject to the regimes cruelty. These young girls, described as "precious flowers," grow up in an environment where child marriage, rape, and female genital mutilation are normalized and enforced by religious doctrine and state power.

Interestingly, the first episode offers a surprising shift when a Guardiana male enforcer at a Maryland all-girls schoolis publicly punished. His arm is severed in a horrifying scene witnessed by the girls attending Aunt Lydia School. The students ferocious reaction, screaming for justice, reveals a hidden well of rage beneath their demure exteriors.

The episodes narrative is centered on Agnes MacKenzie, a student at Aunt Lydia School, who guides viewers through her life via the metaphor of a dollhouse that replicates her familys stately home. While Agnes initially appears naive and devoted to her Commander father and the Marthas who care for her, her perspective slowly reveals cracks in her understanding of Gileads reality. The dollhouse becomes a symbol of control and repression, especially when Agnes locks away and later destroys the doll representing her cruel stepmother, Paula.

Paula is portrayed as cold and unsympathetic, highlighting the emotional challenges Agnes faces at home. Despite these difficulties, Agnes displays typical teenage interests, such as longing for romantic experiences and navigating friendships with a best friend, Becka, and a mean girl, Shunammite. These moments of normalcy provide a stark contrast to the harshness of Gileads world.

The episode also explores the girls transition into womanhood, marked by strict color-coded uniforms that signal their societal roles. Younger students wear pale pink, while Agness age group, called Plums, wear plum-colored dresses. When a Plum girl reaches menarche, she is fitted for a green dress, signaling her eligibility for marriage and childbearingideals central to Gileads existence.

Aunt Lydia plays a central role as the headmistress of the school, maintaining her influence despite the regimes upheavals. The school and its students uphold her authority almost reverently, as seen in their ritual offerings to a bronze statue of her likeness.

The school is divided into groups beyond just Pinks and Plums, including the Pearl Girlsyoung converts from outside Gilead. The Plums distrust the Pearl Girls, viewing them as opportunistic and eager to curry favor with the Aunts. This distrust is tested when Agnes is assigned to mentor Daisy, a Canadian runaway.

Chase Infinitis performance as Agnes conveys a subtle wariness beneath her characters outward compliance. Through her expressive eyes and body language, Infiniti captures the tension of a girl who senses danger but is still trapped in routine and indoctrination. Agness narration, delivered in the past tense, leaves the timeline ambiguous.

The episodes climax centers on the brutal punishment of the Guardian, which shocks the characters. The girls enthusiastic cries for justice reveal a disturbing internalization of violence as necessary and righteous.

The trauma of witnessing such brutality is too much for Daisy, who flees and vomits. Agness attempt to comfort her is met with a desperate plea for secrecy, underscoring the pervasive fear of betrayal and punishment that governs every interaction.

Overall, The Testaments premiere sets a grim and gripping tone, exploring how rage and repression coexist in the lives of Gileads youth. It expands the universe of The Handmaids Tale by revealing new perspectives and deepening the understanding of how the regimes control extends even to its youngest members.
Shrinking renewed for Season 4! The entire cast returns after the emotional finale. Discover what's next for Jimmy and the crew.

AceShowbiz - Shrinking fans can breathe easy: the series is officially returning for a fourth season following the emotionally charged season three finale titled "And That's Our Time."

Despite the finales tone suggesting a possible conclusion to the story, co-creator Bill Lawrence confirms that the show will continue, bringing back the entire ensemble cast, including Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Brett Goldstein, and Cobie Smulders. The decision to extend the show beyond its originally planned three seasons came midway through season threes production, a move welcomed by both cast and creators.

Originally, Lawrence and the creative team pitched Shrinking with a clear three-season arc. The story was designed to explore profound themes across its run: the first season focusing on grief, the second on forgiveness, and the third on moving forward. The finale wrapped up the journey of Jason Segel's character, Jimmy, as he begins to find hope and happiness again after the death of his wife, notably preparing to pursue a new relationship with Sofi, played by Cobie Smulders.

Lawrence explains that while the third season finale felt like a natural conclusion, it was never intended as a permanent end. "This is the finale of that three-season story," he said. "And I hope people will appreciate that when we come back, whether theres a time jump or not, itll feel like were telling a completely different story."

The finale also saw most characters temporarily leaving Jimmys immediate circle: Gaby and Derrick No. 2 (played by Damon Wayans Jr.) set off for Barcelona with Liz (Christa Miller) and Derek (Ted McGinley); Brian (Michael Urie) and his husband Charlie (Devin Kawaoka) head to Tennessee; Sean (Luke Tennie) moves out of Jimmys pool house; and Jimmys daughter Alice (Lukita Maxwell) goes to college in Connecticut. Likewise, Paul, Jimmys surrogate father figure portrayed by Harrison Ford, and his wife Julie (Wendie Malick) relocate to Connecticut as well.

Despite these separations, Lawrence reassures fans that every major character, including Fords Paul, will return in season four and likely beyond. He teases a time jump when the group reunites, pointing out narrative details like Alices attendance at Wesleyan University and her visits to Pauls home as deliberate setups for future storylines.

Regarding the decision to continue the series, Lawrence shared that the team only decided to extend the show midway through writing the third season. With Apple TV+ on board and the full cast interested in continuing, the writers evaluated whether there were new stories worth telling. Fortunately, the rich ensemble, including recurring characters like Rachel Stubingtons Summer, Damon Wayans Jr.s Derrick, and Wendie Malicks Julie, presented many fresh narrative possibilities.

Lawrence emphasizes that the new seasons will not simply rehash old themes. "If Jimmy was still stuck in his grief, I wouldnt want to watch that again," he said. Instead, the show aims to explore new emotional territories and character growth, ensuring the storytelling remains fresh and engaging.

The creator also noted the shows penchant for planting Easter eggs and subtle clues within episodes, rewarding attentive viewers. For instance, some long-anticipated confrontations, like Gabys final reckoning with Louis, were carefully plotted in advance to unfold within the third season, underscoring the writers strategic planning for ongoing character arcs.

For fans concerned about the ensembles fate, Lawrence confirms the entire cast is returning, with roles intact and storylines evolving. The return of Harrison Ford, despite Pauls current residence in Connecticut, is assured. The show will explore the changes time has brought to characters lives and relationships, setting the stage for a new chapter in Shrinking.

As the series moves forward, viewers can expect a shift in narrative tone and structure, with the passage of time playing a critical role in shaping the characters journeys. Whether this includes a significant time jump or other changes in storytelling style, the upcoming season promises to deliver a fresh perspective while honoring the core elements that have defined Shrinking so far.

In summary, Shrinking is far from over. The show that deeply resonated with audiences through its exploration of grief, forgiveness, and healing will return with its full cast, including major stars like Jason Segel and Harrison Ford. The creative team is committed to evolving the story rather than repeating it, ensuring fans have new emotional and narrative experiences to look forward to in season four and possibly beyond.

For those wondering about the future of Jimmy and his circle, Lawrence is clear: "Theres still a bunch of stories to tell." With the return of the beloved cast and the promise of a refreshed storyline, Shrinking continues to be a compelling series to watch on Apple TV+.
Bruce Springsteen & Tom Morello reunite for a rare live performance of The Clash's "Clampdown," adding a potent political moment to the Land of Hope and Drea...

AceShowbiz - During the recent stop of the politically charged Land of Hope and Dreams Tour at L.A.'s Kia Forum, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band delivered a memorable surprise to fans. Four songs into their set, they performed the Clash's "Clampdown" for the first time since 2014.

This marked only the seventh time the band has played "Clampdown" live, with all previous performances taking place in April and May of 2014. At that time, Tom Morello was touring with the E Street Band, filling in for Steve Van Zandt, who was occupied filming the television series Lilyhammer. Now back on tour, Morello shared lead vocal duties with Springsteen as they powered through the classic 1979 track.

During the performance, when Springsteen sang the line "in these days of evil presidents," the music paused briefly to underline the lyrics significance, adding a poignant political edge to the moment.

The inclusion of "Clampdown" was the only change in the setlist compared to the band's previous concert in Portland, Oregon. Similarly, during the tour opener in Minneapolis, the only unique addition was a cover of Princes "Purple Rain" as a tribute.

Besides "Clampdown," the only other Clash song regularly featured in Springsteen's live shows is "London Calling." He previously performed it at the 2003 Grammys alongside artists like Dave Grohl, Elvis Costello, Steve Van Zandt, Pete Thomas, and Tony Kanal to honor Joe Strummer. He also played it three times in 2009.

The 2014 "Clampdown" performances came during the "Stump the Band" phase of the tour, where Springsteen responded to audience requests from signs, surprising fans with covers ranging from the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive" to Van Halen's "Jump" and even Lordes "Royals."

With the reappearance of "Clampdown" in 2026, Springsteen and the E Street Band continue to blend powerful social commentary with their dynamic live shows, keeping their setlist fresh and resonant for audiences nationwide.
Mr. Johnson's romance heats up! William Stanford Davis teases the return of Miss Carroll in Abbott Elementary Season 6. Will their charming connection continue?

AceShowbiz - Abbott Elementary fans can look forward to more developments in Mr. Johnsons romantic life as actor William Stanford Davis teases a surprise return of his characters love interest in the upcoming sixth season. The hit ABC comedy introduced a new custodian character, Miss Carroll, played by Khandi Alexander, during the fifth season. Their on-screen romance quickly became a highlight, and there is strong indication that this storyline will continue.

Khandi Alexander joined the cast in January 2026 as Miss Carroll, a fellow custodian working at the mall where the school temporarily relocated after a furnace breakdown. Initially, the characters had a rough start, but a charming romantic connection blossomed between Miss Carroll and Mr. Johnson, providing a fresh narrative thread for the show.

In a candid interview with ScreenRants Tatiana Hullender, William Stanford Davis expressed optimism about Alexanders character returning next season. He shared, Im pretty sure the producers will bring Miss Carroll back for a couple of episodes next season. However, Davis also admitted he often receives information last among the cast, so the final plans remain somewhat uncertain.

The secrecy surrounding the romantic subplot was evident during production. Davis revealed producers kept the storyline under wraps to surprise even him when he first read the script. He recalled, We want it to be a surprise for you when you read the script. This approach helped maintain authentic reactions and kept the romance fresh for viewers.

Discussing the initial introduction of Miss Carroll, Davis said, After the first episode she was introduced, we didnt know if they were bringing her back or not. I kind of had a feeling that they werent going to let it go. Despite not having all the details, he remained hopeful and eager for the relationship to continue developing.

When he finally read the script revealing the romantic storyline, Davis was impressed with the writing. He described it as touching and humorous, emphasizing that comedy is what he values most in the series. I just wanted it to be super funny, and it was, he said, praising the balance of heartfelt moments and humor that Abbott Elementary consistently delivers.

The opportunity to work with Khandi Alexander was a highlight for Davis. He called her an amazing actress and shared that he had been a fan of her previous work in projects like The Corner, Whats Love Got to Do With It, and Scandal. Alexanders extensive film and television credits also include Theres Something About Mary, Fahrenheit 451, ER, CSI: Miami, and Treme.

On set, Alexanders professionalism and preparedness impressed Davis. He recounted how she offered him acting tips to enhance their scenes together, saying, You should do it this way because its going to be funnier. Following her advice led to more natural and entertaining interactions, making their performances resonate strongly with audiences.

Originally joining Abbott Elementary in a recurring capacity, William Stanford Davis was promoted to series regular starting season two. His portrayal of Mr. Johnson has earned him critical acclaim, including a SAG Award, a Peabody Award, and an NAACP Image Award. Alongside Davis, the show stars creator and executive producer Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Lisa Ann Walter, and Chris Perfetti.

While Abbott Elementary typically centers on the teachers, Mr. Johnsons role as the school custodian brings a unique flavor to the show. His quirky, conspiracy theory-tinged personality often steals scenes, and the recent romance with Miss Carroll has offered a deeper glimpse into his personal life, adding new layers to his character.

Davis appears confident that this romantic storyline will continue to unfold in season six, which is scheduled to air during the 2026-2027 television season. Fans can catch new episodes of Abbott Elementary on ABC, airing Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET.

The show, which premiered in 2021, is a mockumentary-style comedy that follows a passionate group of teachers at a struggling Philadelphia public school. It highlights their dedication to overcoming challenges such as underfunding and bureaucracy while striving to make a positive impact on their students lives.

Created and written by Quinta Brunson, who also stars in the series, Abbott Elementary has been praised for its blend of humor and heart. The series has been recognized with numerous awards and remains a beloved part of ABCs comedy lineup.

As the show enters its sixth season, the continued development of Mr. Johnsons character and his unexpected romance with Miss Carroll promises to offer fans more laughs and touching moments. With the strong chemistry between William Stanford Davis and Khandi Alexander, viewers can anticipate engaging storylines that enrich the already dynamic ensemble cast.

In summary, the forthcoming season will likely revisit the charming relationship between Mr. Johnson and Miss Carroll, much to the delight of Abbott Elementary fans eager to see more of these characters personal lives. The combination of humor, surprise, and heartfelt storytelling continues to define the series as it progresses.
Indie filmmaker Cooper Raiff snuck into awards events to pitch Lili Reinhart's Emmy-worthy performance in 'Hal & Harper' to voters.

AceShowbiz - Cooper Raiff, the indie filmmaker behind Hal & Harper, took an unconventional route this awards season to promote his co-star Lili Reinhart for Emmy consideration. Alongside Reinhart, Raiff discreetly entered a high-profile event for the Oscar-nominated biopic Song Sung Blue, starring Kate Hudson, to pitch his show directly to voters from various awards entities.

"We don't have the money to put on a big screening and after party," Raiff explained during a Zoom interview. "So we kind of snuck in and were like, 'Hey, have you seen the show Hal & Harper?'" He described the strategy of mingling with influential attendees by following social cuesapproaching people who had just conversed with stars like Hugh Jackman or Kate Hudsonand gradually building buzz around the show and Reinharts performance. "Then we did a couple more events and the people we met the first time would come up and be like, 'Oh my God, she's incredible.'"

This grassroots campaigning is a testament to the resourcefulness required in the indie film world, especially when lacking the extensive budgets typical of major studios. Raiff, 29, rose quickly in independent cinema with his early films Shithouse and Cha Cha Real Smooth, the latter securing a $15 million sale to Apple TV+ following its Sundance 2022 debut. However, after shelving plans for a subsequent feature, Raiff pivoted to television with Hal & Harper, an eight-episode limited series exploring the complex relationship between the titular siblings portrayed by Raiff and Reinhart.

Though initially attached to FX, Raiff ultimately self-financed the project and assembled a notable supporting cast including Mark Ruffalo and Betty Gilpin. After premiering at Sundance, the series was acquired by Mubi, which distributed it over the summer to critical praise. Yet, as Raiff acknowledges, Mubis platform is not traditionally aligned with Emmy campaigning, which often demands visible presence on the awards circuit.

Recognizing this challenge, Raiff took it upon himself to champion Reinharts Emmy prospects. "I don't watch the Oscars or the Emmys, but I know people watch because things win awards or get nominated," he said. He cited the example of the film Sentimental Value, which gained wider recognition only after an awards campaign sparked conversation. "I want to say yes to everything I can to get the show in front of people and get Lilis performance in front of people. I just think its a monumental performance."

Raiffs immersion in awards campaigning has also given him insight into navigating the film industry as an indie creator during turbulent times. He holds filmmaker Ryan Coogler as an idol, particularly admiring Cooglers debut Fruitvale Station. Raiff was struck by Cooglers description of his Oscar-winning film Sinners as a "croissant," a metaphor for a work that is easy to consume but underpinned by intricate craft and effort.

"I'm working on a movie now and trying to lean more into making a croissant," Raiff shared. "I want to figure out how to make a living in this industry, raise a family, and keep making movies I believe in. Because Coogler really believes in Sinnersits a great moviebut it is a croissant. Fruitvale Station is not a croissant." This suggests Raiff is reflecting on his earlier films in light of this approach.

Regarding Hal & Harper, Raiff recalled advice from Lena Dunham, a vocal supporter of the series, who likened it to the Ingmar Bergman classic Fanny and Alexander. Raiffs reaction was less optimistic: "I watched it and was like, Were doomed. Its amazing but it bores even me; no ones going to be like, Hey, who wants the next Fanny and Alexander?"

Nevertheless, Raiffs work maintains connections to mainstream indie success. Cha Cha Real Smooth won the Sundance Audience Award and was the largest sale at its festival year. However, Raiff noted the shifting marketplace: "If we made Cha Cha now, it wouldnt have that sale. Its just not that moment right now. Now all they care about is awards. Thats where my head is: If I want to make a movie the way I want, I have to win an Academy Award. I have to package it and say, This person will win an Academy Award if you buy this and market it the right way."

He added, "Is it the worst thing in the world that to get something seen, it has to win an Oscar? No." Raiff is currently making a film inspired by the 80s and 90s, shot on film, centered on a road trip"I know how to sell it," he said confidently.

Television, however, operates differently, and Hal & Harper occupies a unique niche. Emmy recognition often follows strong narratives, and Reinharts journey adds a compelling dimension. After starring in over 100 episodes of the teen series Riverdale, she showcased new emotional depth in this smaller, character-driven project. Her work earned her the Best Actress award at Series Mania, Europes largest TV festival, in competition with Amanda Seyfried for Long Bright River.

Reflecting on the role, Reinhart told The Hollywood Reporter, "That was the most proud I feel of any work Ive done as an actor. Im an indie girl at heart. People wouldnt know that because I was on a CW show for seven years." Raiff praised her, saying, "It just takes a very emotionally deep, wise person who can dance around some messed up stuff effortlesslyand she was that."

Raiff also hopes the show gains recognition for its deliberate departure from conventional television pacing. "When we were trying to sell it, I was constantly told, Theres too much silence, looking in characters eyes. It was like, They want this if the show is like 80 percent less of staring at someone in the bathtub. And Im like, Well, thats the reason why I watch movies. I watch movies to see the character in the bathtub, staring off and flashing to something. Thats what I care about.

Hal & Harper is currently streaming on Mubi, offering audiences an intimate look at sibling dynamics through a distinctly indie lens.
Discover the small-town charm of Netflix's hit romantic drama Virgin River. Follow Mel and Jack's journey in this enduring fan-favorite series.

AceShowbiz - Virgin River stands as one of Netflixs most enduring original series, with the potential to continue captivating audiences for many years. While Netflix is widely known for blockbuster franchises like Stranger Things, Wednesday, and One Piece, which feature large budgets and star-studded casts, Virgin River offers a different kind of success story. Its a smaller-scale, small-town romantic drama that debuted in 2019 and quickly built a devoted fan base despite receiving mixed reviews.

The show stars Alexandra Breckenridge as Mel, a midwife seeking a fresh start, and Martin Henderson as Jack, a US Marine veteran. Their relationship forms the emotional core of the series as Mel navigates the challenges of her new life in the Northern California town of Virgin River, confronting personal struggles that follow her there.

Unlike Netflixs big-budget hits, Virgin River feels more akin to a CW drama at first glance. However, its appeal lies in the depth and development of its ensemble cast. Alongside Mel and Jack, characters such as Jacks friend Preacher, his ex Charmaine, the towns mayor Hope McCrea, and Hopes friend Connie have all become integral to the storytelling. This expanded focus on the community enriches the narrative and keeps viewers invested in the lives of Virgin Rivers residents.

One key factor behind Virgin Rivers longevity is its source material. The show is adapted from a prolific series of novels by Robyn Carr, who has penned over 20 books in the Virgin River series alone. This extensive literary foundation ensures a wealth of stories available for adaptation, giving the show a natural path for continued seasons.

Currently, Virgin River has released seven seasons, and Netflix has already confirmed an eighth season renewal. This milestone has made it the longest-running live-action scripted series on the platform, surpassing notable predecessors like Grace and Frankie and Orange Is the New Black. The series ability to maintain a strong audience despite modest production values underscores its unique position in Netflixs lineup.

Besides the ample source material, the shows small-town setting contributes to its potential for longevity. The relatively modest production costs compared to large-scale Netflix blockbusters mean the series is sustainable from a budgetary perspective. Moreover, the shows existing formula of focusing on relationships and community drama provides a successful template for future seasons to follow.

Adding to the hopeful outlook for fans, producer Rena Roth is developing another Robyn Carr adaptation titled Thunder Point. This new series is connected to the world of Virgin River, offering a complementary storyline that expands the universe. Unlike Carrs usual female-centered narratives, Thunder Point shifts focus to a male protagonist, Hank Cooper, who is introduced in the 19th Virgin River novel, Sunrise Point. This link provides a natural bridge for Netflix viewers and fans of Virgin River to explore related stories.

The development of Thunder Point suggests that Netflix is invested not only in continuing Virgin River but also in building a broader franchise rooted in Robyn Carrs novels. This approach could lead to multiple interconnected series, reinforcing Netflixs portfolio of small-town romance dramas.

While Virgin River may lack the high-profile marketing or blockbuster status of Netflixs other hits, its consistent fan engagement and deep source material make it a strong contender for a multi-season future stretching well beyond two decades. The shows blend of heartfelt storytelling, character-driven drama, and a relatable setting fills a niche that resonates with a loyal audience.

In summary, Virgin River exemplifies how a modestly budgeted series, grounded in rich literary roots and bolstered by a dedicated cast and production team, can evolve into Netflixs longest-running original live-action scripted series. With seven seasons aired and an eighth on the horizon, plus a linked spinoff in development, the series is positioned to remain a beloved fixture in Netflixs catalog for years to come.

Fans and industry watchers alike should keep an eye on how Virgin River continues to grow its community of viewers and expand its storytelling universe. Its success story highlights the potential for streaming platforms to cultivate enduring franchises beyond the typical blockbuster model.
RHOBH Italy trip erupts! Erika Jayne confronts Dorit Kemsley over chronic lateness in a tearful, explosive fight. "We don't like it," Erika declares.

AceShowbiz - The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills delivered a dramatic and emotional episode on April 2, featuring a highly charged confrontation between Erika Jayne and Dorit Kemsley that ended in tears and raised tensions among the cast. The episode unfolded during the women's trip to Italy, where longstanding frustrations erupted into a fierce argument centered around Dorit's repeated lateness and the group's honesty with one another.

During the heated exchange, Erika Jayne did not hold back, telling Dorit Kemsley exactly how she and others felt about her tardiness. I don't owe you anything other than the truth, which is we don't like it, Erika stated emphatically. I'll say it because these motherf***ers won't. We don't like it. How about that? Her bluntness cut through the tension, making clear the annoyance simmering beneath the surface for some time.

The argument stemmed from a previous altercation involving Erika, Dorit, and Kyle Richards, another core cast member, where issues of honesty and trust were already causing friction. Dorit demanded transparency, accusing Kyle of speaking behind her back. But before the group could fully address that, Erika interjected with her own grievances. You clearly need everybody to come to you and say, 'You know what, I'm mad you kept us.' I'm mad, actually, that we sat down at this table, Dorit, and we had to sit here and wait for you, she said pointedly. Where were you?

Dorit Kemsley responded by defending her actions, noting she was on the phone with her children12-year-old son Jagger and 10-year-old daughter Phoenix. However, Erika quickly challenged her, questioning the priority Dorit placed on her kids over everyone else's time. Great, how long does that take? We all have kids. Why would you keep us all waiting? Because your kids are more important than everybody else's kids? Erika demanded, suggesting a simple text could have alleviated the situation. Send us a text and say, 'Hey, I'm checking on my kids, I'll be down in five.' ... You don't think you need to do that?

As the confrontation escalated, Erika Jayne made it clear she would not be silenced. However loud you talk, I'm going to scream louder, she declared. She also criticized Dorit's repeated apologies, saying they don't f***ing land, and pointed out that while everyone felt irritated by Dorit's lateness, no one else had the courage to voice it. So go down the line and you all speak up. Don't be cowardly lions, she challenged her fellow cast members. The tension was palpable as Rachel Zoe tried to interject, mentioning that Dorit was going through a f*** ton, but Erika quickly shut that down.

The conversation then turned more personal and intense as Erika Jayne recounted her own struggles in a pointed rebuttal to Dorit's claims. When Dorit questioned if Erika was truly going through a f*** ton, Erika was visibly stunned and fired back with raw emotion. Are you kidding? What the f*** do you think it is? My husband went to prison. The f*** are you talking about? I'm going to trial, she said, referencing her legal battles and the criminal conviction of her estranged husband, Tom Girardi.

Erika's husband was convicted of wire fraud in 2024 and sentenced to seven years in prison. While Erika has not been charged with any crime, the trustee overseeing Tom Girardi's bankruptcy case has sued her for $25 million. The trial concerning this lawsuit is scheduled to take place later this year, adding significant stress to her life.

Despite Dorit's apparent lack of awareness about Erika's situation, Kyle Richards reminded her that the controversy is all over the news. Erika accused Dorit of not caring earlier, which Dorit denied. The tension escalated further when Dorit attempted to silence Erika during the argument, resorting to harsh language. When I said you need to work and you need to contribute, I didn't mean you need to be a c***, Dorit said, shocking the group.

Erika Jayne responded confidently, Dorit, I'm the one who brought the word c*** to this group, you're late. I can be a c*** if I want to Dorit. What are you? The verbal sparring continued with Dorit repeating the insult, and Erika fired back, Dorit, you're an assh*** and you're a c***. Do you think this is good for you? The entire last season and this season, you think this is good for you?

The argument took an emotional turn when Dorit abruptly left the table, prompting Erika to question her sudden departure. Dorit, you lay everybody out. All of a sudden, it's you and I and you walk away, Erika said, her frustration evident. The situation visibly affected Erika, who began to get emotional as Kyle Richards comforted her, both women shedding tears. This isn't fun to be like this with your friends, Kyle said quietly. Erika added, These two have protected me and helped me, and the three of us are very tight. I don't like to see them fighting.

Later, in a confessional, Erika Jayne reflected on the painful state of her friendship with Dorit Kemsley. I hate this. I hate feeling this way. I don't give out my heart or my friendship easily, she shared. I care for her, but I don't know where Dorit and my friendship stand. I've never really felt this angry or this hurt by her before. This admission underscored the deep emotional impact of their ongoing conflicts on Erika.

The April 2 episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills continued to highlight the complex dynamics and raw emotions among its cast members, especially as they navigate personal struggles alongside their public lives. Erika Jayne's confrontation with Dorit Kemsley over honesty, respect, and accountability was a focal point that revealed cracks in friendships and the personal toll of their reality TV lives.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs on Bravo every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET and is available for streaming the following day on Peacock.
No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont reveals early onset Parkinson's diagnosis ahead of the band's Las Vegas Sphere residency. Hear his heartfelt message.

AceShowbiz - Tom Dumont, the longtime guitarist for No Doubt, has publicly revealed that he has been diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease. This announcement comes less than a month ahead of the band's highly anticipated Las Vegas Sphere residency.

In a heartfelt video posted on social media, Dumont reflected on the preparation for the upcoming shows, describing the experience as "very fun." He shared that revisiting old footage, photographs, and songs for rehearsals, as well as working on the video production for the residency, has made him feel grateful for his life as a musician. He expressed appreciation for the support from family, friends, listeners, and fans who have attended their performances over the years.

Dumont joined No Doubt in 1988 and has been an integral part of the band since. However, he then shifted focus to discuss his health challenges. He explained that several years ago, he began experiencing symptoms that led him to consult a doctor and a neurologist. After undergoing extensive testing, he was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease. "It's been a struggle, it's a struggle every day," he admitted in the video.

Despite this diagnosis, Dumont remains optimistic and committed to performing. He assured fans that he is still able to play guitar and has been doing well in managing his condition. He also mentioned plans to share further videos detailing his diagnosis and the symptoms he experiences, hoping to raise awareness and reduce stigma around health issues.

He highlighted the importance of awareness in supporting prevention and research, inspired by others who have openly discussed their own health journeys on social media. "I think it helps erase some of the stigma and it raises awareness obviously, and awareness is really important for prevention and for research," he said.

Looking ahead, Dumont expressed his excitement for the upcoming Sphere shows, which are set to begin on May 6. He closed his message with enthusiasm, saying, "I'm really excited about the shows, can't wait to see everybody."

The news of Dumonts diagnosis adds a poignant note to the band's reunion, but his determination to continue performing underscores his dedication to music and his fans.
Jonah Hill's new film Outcome satirizes Ye's antisemitism with biting irony, exploring controversy's complex impact on celebrity.

AceShowbiz - Outcome is Jonah Hills latest Apple TV film that has sparked conversation with a sharp jab at Yes antisemitism, even as Hill recently praised the rapper as one of the greatest artists alive. The films blend of satire and commentary highlights the complexities surrounding Yes public controversies and ongoing celebrity status.

In a striking scene from Outcome, Hill plays Ira Slitz, a crisis PR agent who delivers a biting line: Turns out that hating Jews doesn't negatively affect a person's career. In fact, it can even help. As this dialogue unfolds, the camera zooms in on a portrait of Ye hanging prominently on a conference room wall, delivering a pointed visual punchline.

This moment directly references Yes unusual 2023 Instagram post claiming that watching Jonah Hill in 21 Jump Street had somehow cured his antisemitism and made him like Jewish people again. The irony of Hill both roasting and praising Ye has attracted significant attention.

Hill recently told Zane Lowe in an interview that despite Yes antisemitic remarks, he considers the rapper probably the greatest artist to ever live regardless of genre. Hill explained that the joke in Outcome isnt intended to be cruel but to underscore the absurdity of the situation. Youre gonna put the 21 Jump Street poster up there and say you dont hate Jews anymore? Thats pretty wild, Hill said, describing his comedic approach to the scene.

Despite Yes repeated antisemitic comments over the years, including wishing death con 3 on Jewish people, praising Adolf Hitler, and spreading conspiracy theories, he recently sold out back-to-back shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Hill pointed out the contradiction this represents in a separate interview with SiriusXM, emphasizing how a Jew-hating tour can still fill a massive venue.

The films settinga reputation crisismirrors these real-life tensions. Keanu Reeves stars as an A-list actor facing a public scandal, while Hill directs and acts in the film. The conference room walls inside the movie also display photos of other celebrities like Bill and Hillary Clinton, Kim Kardashian, and Kevin Spacey, but the focus on Yes image during the antisemitism joke makes it clear who Hill wanted to highlight most prominently.

Yes controversial history has led to lost sponsorships, social media bans, and even a ban from entering the United Kingdom for a festival appearance. He has issued multiple apologies, including a Wall Street Journal ad, social media statements, and a message in Hebrew, though the film suggests these apologies have not fully resolved the issues or public perception.

Hill has made it clear that despite the joke, he holds no genuine hatred toward Ye. Rather, he hopes the rapper will eventually heal from his controversies and make amends with the Jewish community, reinforcing that the satire is meant to highlight complicated realities rather than personal animosity.

Now streaming on Apple TV, Outcome has sparked important discussions about celebrity accountability and the paradoxes of modern fame, where significant public backlash can coexist with continued commercial success. Hills deft handling of this delicate topic through humor and critique exemplifies how art can reflect and challenge social issues.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Families in Zimbabwe's remote Binga District are resorting to extreme and improvised methods to preserve the bodies of deceased relatives due to a long-standing breakdown of mortuary services at Binga District Hospital.Residents say the facility's mortuary has been largely non-functional for years, mainly due to persistent electricity outages and unrepaired refrigeration equipment. As a result, grieving families are using wet sand, banana leaves and even fertiliser to slow decomposition while preparing for burial.The crisis has now reached Parliament, where Fanuel Cumanzala has formally asked the Minister of Health and Child Care to outline concrete plans to address the situation. However, the inquiry has reportedly gone unanswered since early March.Community members describe the situation as distressing and undignified. Some families are forced to bury loved ones almost immediately, unable to wait for relatives to travel from distant areas such as Bulawayo. Others attempt to preserve bodies for days using traditional or improvised methods, often with limited success.The lack of access to functioning mortuary facilities has also highlighted broader challenges at the hospital, including stalled rehabilitation efforts and concerns about healthcare infrastructure in the region.The situation underscores the growing gap between policy discussions at national level and the harsh realities faced by rural communities, where basic services remain unreliable or unavailable.
Will this horror show make you break up? Stars reveal how its chilling finale could change your view on love, loss, and moving on.

AceShowbiz - Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen has stirred strong reactions, with stars Camila Morrone and Adam DiMarco revealing how its chilling finale might inspire viewers to rethink their relationshipspossibly even prompting breakups.

The Netflix horror series, created by Haley Z. Boston, centers on a couple whose relationship ends in tragedy and transformation. Morrones character Rachel meets a violent death but returns as an immortal entity, doomed to witness the curse that doomed her. Meanwhile, DiMarcos character Nicky is left grappling with the devastating consequences of his actions as a mass murderer.

Despite the gore and heartbreak, Boston has described the series as fundamentally a breakup story with a hopeful core. Both Morrone and DiMarco echo this sentiment, emphasizing that the story highlights personal growth and the possibility of finding true love or healing after a painful separation.

"Rachel is going to go out there and get the kind of love she deserves. Or maybe she's on her own," Morrone explained. "I like the redemption and the walking away from something that wasn't right for her." DiMarco added, "Hopefully, this show makes people take a look at their own relationships, and either makes them feel like they want to double down or fold."

The finale leaves Rachel driving away from the scene of tragedy, alive in an immortal form, smiling and hopeful about what lies ahead despite her death. Morrone and DiMarco shared insights with The Hollywood Reporter about their experiences filming the series, their characters journeys, and what might lie ahead if a second season is developed.

"I think Rachel has a real motivation now to go out there and help people," Morrone said when asked about Rachel's future possibilities.

Morrone was filming in Spain on the set of another series when she received the audition notice for Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen. She recalled the challenge of switching from her previous role as a confident Colombian arms dealer to embodying Rachel, a paranoid and anxious introvert.

"I saw the creative team involvedthe Duffers, Weronika Tofilska, and Haley Bostonand knew I had to audition," Morrone said. Her process involved multiple readings and a chemistry test with DiMarco, which sealed the casting decision.

DiMarco described his audition as similarly intense, drawn immediately to the gripping script. He explained how the material felt less like homework and more like a page-turner he couldnt put down.

"My favorite Rachel? That was easyCami," he said when asked about chemistry, joking about how they helped each other through the audition stages.
The Testaments premieres on Hulu. Follow Agnes & Daisy's journey in Gilead. New cast, new story.

AceShowbiz - The Testaments held its world premiere at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles on March 31, drawing attention to its fresh cast and compelling storyline. Among the stars walking the purple carpet were Chase Infiniti, Ann Dowd, and Lucy Halliday, who gathered to celebrate the Hulu series that continues the story begun in The Handmaid's Tale.

The new drama picks up four years after the finale of the original series, focusing on the lives of Agnes and Daisy, played by Infiniti and Halliday respectively, as they come of age in the oppressive world of Gilead. This marks a significant step for Chase Infiniti, who after a breakthrough performance in One Battle After Another, now takes on a leading role in a high-profile ensemble cast.

Reflecting on her previous work, Infiniti told The Hollywood Reporter that the experience on One Battle After Another was instrumental in preparing her for the collaborative environment on The Testaments. "The thing that One Battle really prepared me for was, honestly, getting to work with an incredible group of girls," she said. "I feel very fortunate that One Battle taught me how to work in an ensemble and form connections with other actors. And I hope that the connection we built on this show can transcend the screen as well."

Returning as showrunner for The Testaments is Bruce Miller, the creator of The Handmaid's Tale. Miller revealed that one of the reasons he chose Infiniti for the lead part was her unpredictable nature, reminiscent of the original star, Elisabeth Moss. "She was unpredictable. I didn't know what she was going to do - not in a scary way, but I just didn't have any idea what she was going to say, if she was going to go left or right," Miller explained. "And as a person, she's that way too. She's delightful, but you don't know if she's going to say if she wants chocolate or vanilla ice cream, and no matter how much I get to know her, I don't think I'm going to know, which is wonderful. It was the same thing with Elisabeth Moss; she's not volatile, but she is unpredictable."

The premiere event was marked by a striking visual tribute to the show's themes, as two dozen young women dressed in the distinctive purple uniforms of Gilead's wife-training school walked solemnly down the carpet. Each carried a small pie before boarding a bus with curtained windows, setting a somber yet evocative tone for the evening.

Onscreen, the relationship between Agnes and Daisy is central to the plot, and Halliday emphasized how their offscreen friendship enhanced their performances. "Working with Chase was fantastic, and that friendship wasn't hard to manifest," she shared. "The second I met Chase, we had such an immediate connection. I landed the same day she landed in Toronto and we straightaway went to get dinner, and I think having that relationship offscreen really allowed for the frictious dynamic you see onscreen. We could really push each other and we weren't afraid that we were going to offend this person or they were going to hate us at the end of it because we knew that we had that real friendship to fall back on."

One of the most iconic figures returning to Gilead is Aunt Lydia, portrayed once again by Ann Dowd. Now the head of the school where Agnes and Daisy study, Aunt Lydia has undergone significant change since her last appearance in The Handmaid's Tale. "It felt wonderful to come back. It's a different Gilead," Dowd said. "Lydia had time between The Handmaid's Tale and the beginning of The Testaments to really change and accept that she had to change who she is, so we see a different side of Lydia - a different, softer and gentler person dealing with younger girls, still the girls that she loves who have always defined her life."

Dowd also shared a lighthearted moment regarding her interactions with the new aunts on the show, played by Mabel Lee, Ava Foote, and Zarrin Darnell Martin. When asked if she offered them any guidance, she simply quipped, "Always follow the rules!"

The premiere of The Testaments is set for April 8, with Hulu releasing three episodes initially. Fans of The Handmaid's Tale can look forward to a continuation that not only expands the universe of Gilead but also introduces complex new characters and dynamics, anchored by Chase Infiniti's compelling lead performance.

With Bruce Miller at the helm again, and a talented cast bringing this story to life, The Testaments promises to delve deeper into the chilling and powerful world that has captivated audiences, while exploring themes of resistance, loyalty, and survival through fresh perspectives.
Rohit Pawar Claims 'Big Party' in Maharashtra May Target Its Own Allies 2

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Sunday claimed that a major party within Maharashtras ruling Mahayuti alliance could soon attempt to engineer defections within its own ranks, rather than targeting the Opposition.

In a post on social media, Pawar said there was credible information suggesting that by the end of next month, a big party in power may shift its focus towards its own allies, in an apparent reference to the BJP.

The Mahayuti government in Maharashtra is led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and comprises the BJP, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and the NCP faction headed by Sunetra Pawar.

Pawars remarks come amid speculation about alleged efforts to poach Opposition leaders, including reports of a supposed Operation Tiger by the Shiv Sena aimed at inducing defections from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had earlier dismissed such reports as baseless and sensational.

However, Pawar maintained that the real threat may lie within the ruling alliance itself. While the BJP may project unwavering support for its allies today, the situation could change, leaving partners feeling betrayed, he said.

He cautioned smaller allies to remain vigilant to avoid becoming targets of internal political manoeuvring.

The NCP (SP) leader also alleged that recent controversies, including the case involving self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, were not accidental but part of a larger, orchestrated narrative, calling it just the beginning.

Kharat, based in Nashik, has been arrested in multiple cases, including allegations of sexual assault. His photographs with several political leaders have surfaced in recent days, sparking a political controversy in the state.
As the administration's trap is closing on the Iranian government (at least the fourth level of it, which is all that has not been eliminated by the IAF and U.S. forces) Irishmen are blockading major roads and streets in Ireland. Only the Guinness tankers are being let through.

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Ostensibly, the dispute is over the rising cost of fuel, which will bankrupt farmers and truckers. However, if youve been paying attention, the rebellion goes deeper, to the high taxes, third-world immigration, and the highhandedness of the government.

Under the guise of the idiotic net-zero policies, the Irish government has been using the tax revenues which will destroy agriculture and transport to destroy their own people. Fuel costs could go down by 50% if the high taxes on them were eliminated, but then how to provide housing and other generous benefits to the immigrants who are destroying what had been a high-trust, low-crime Irish culture?

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But the madman, of course, is our president, who, unlike his predecessors, was unwilling to allow the fanatical rulers of Iran to continue nuclear weapons development and directly and through proxies threaten the entire world.

Peter Hague wins the meme of the week for me:

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Decades from now international relations students will be studying a form of the mad man theory of deterrence where you deliver threats while standing next to a man dressed as the Easter Bunny, to convince adversaries youre utterly off your rocker and capable of anything.

If Irans leaders thought Trump was bluffing, they'd certainly have reason to change their view as he made clear days after his Easter statement on the White House balcony:

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@realDonaldTrump The Fake News Media has lost total credibility, not that they had any to begin with. Because of their massive Trump Derangement Syndrome (Sometimes referred to as TDS!), they love saying that Iran is "winning" when, in fact, everyone knows that they are LOSING, and LOSING BIG! Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft apparatus is nonexistent, Radar is dead, their Missile and Drone Factories have been largely obliterated along with the Missiles and Drones themselves and, most importantly, their longtime "Leaders" are no longer with us, praise be to Allah! The only thing they have going is the threat that a ship may "bunk" into one of their sea mines which, by the way, all 28 of their mine dropper boats are also lying at the bottom of the sea. We're now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz as a favor to Countries all over the World, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and many others. Incredibly, they don't have the Courage or Will to do this work themselves. Very interestingly, however, empty Oil carrying ships from many Nations are all heading to the United States of America to LOAD UP with Oil. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

As for the proxies Iran counted on to provide their ring of fire -- they, too, have been unavailing.

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@hahussain If you havent noticed, the Houthis have parted ways with Iran. Saudi Arabia has successfully bought them. Their contribution in 5 weeks of war on Iran was less than 5 missiles on Israel. Advertisement Hamas is crushed, can only issue statements thereafter. The Iraqi militias cost their politicians a lot of popular support and credit. Now the anti Iran faction in government is emerging on top. Only in Lebanon Hezbollah remains stronger than the Iran regime is in Iran. This is why Tehran is insisting on adding Lebanon to the ceasefire to keep its its property.

In fact, just as Iran demanded that the ceasefire must include Lebanon, in 24 hours, Israel completed 200 devastating strikes on Hezballah in Lebanon.

This weekend, Vice President JD Vance, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff are meeting with a 70-man team from Iran. Theres the General Committee, chaired by Qalibaf, president of the Shura council, a political committee, chaired by Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, a Military Committee chaired by Ahmadinejad, an economic committee chaired by Hemmati, president of the central bank, and a legal and human rights committee. Whats not represented? The army and the terrorist Revolutionary Guard.

There are growing reports of internal divisions in Iran, between the psychotic fanatical and the sociopathic fanatical forces. Indeed, some have suggested the team consists of so many -- 70 -- people because they all fear mere participation in these talks will end in their assassinations and want to be out of the country so as not to be targeted.

Going into the meeting, Iran was clearly counting on its control over passage on the Strait of Hormuz to save it.

Wisely, Greg Gutfeld didnt think that would work:

Iran is like a desperate hostage taker. You hear theyre in control, they have the Straits of Hormuz. Thats their hostage. Theyre holed up in a bank demanding three large pizzas, a helicopter, and a personal phone call from Sydney Sweeney! Its all a face-saving exercise. Thats what this theater is right now.

As the talks began, the president announced operation Opening and Clearing the Strait of Hormuz, which certainly knocked the wind out of the Iranian delegations puffery.

David Wurmser explained why that bluff will be unavailing:

All along the only victory that Iran has had was both closing the straits of Hormuz and asserting the fact of sovereignty over it by being the one who has to agree to allow a ship to pass through. It was also Irans path economic survival. With about 140 ships on average passing through the streets a day and two million dollars being charged per ship by Iran, that translates into over $100 billion a year. That is how much the Iranian economy has lost in this war. This was their compensation for it. All of a sudden, the United States without coordination with Iran opens a passage during the Straits. This stripped Iran first of a economic necessity, because it is difficult to imagine them economically surviving a loss permanently of 100 to 150,000,000,000 to their GDP, and annulled its sovereignty over the Straits, and of its only claim to have gained a victory over what had been the status quo ante in Feb 2026. Namely its Ace card has just been stripped from its hands in all respects. So they really only have one of two choices. The first is to accept it and admit now that they have not achieved anything in the war that they can point to and to accept the fact that they will lose over 100 billion in revenue per year from this, Or second, they will have to violate the cease-fire to shut the straits, in which case they bear the onus of the collapse of the cease-fire. Basically President Trump has trapped them.

There was a lot of chatter that reopening the strait was difficult because Iran didnt know where all the mines were located, and no one had any minesweepers available. Almost as soon as the chatter was repeated by bien pensants everywhere, it became clear that it was an apparent effort to stall compliance with our demand. Trump announced wed begun clearing out the mines, and U.S. warships crossed the Strait without notification to Iran, permission to do so, or payment of tolls.

Almost simultaneously with the passage of our ships, we learned that sanctioned Iranian cargo ships Behnavazz and Betha had picked up loads of sodium perchlorate in China and were heading home, the suggestion being that the country still has some solid-fuel missile factories somewhere that were not destroyed. Whether or not that assumption is correct, I doubt theyll make landfall in Iran because the USS Bush, USS Ford, and USS Boxer are due to converge in the Middle East just as the ceasefire ends.
So you say you want a revolution? Well, take a look at whats happening in Ireland right now. Tens of thousands of farmers, truckers, and other fed-up normies are taking to the streets of Dublin to protest fuel taxes, mass immigration, and poverty-inducing climate change policies. For the most part, corporate news propagandists in both Europe and North America are intentionally ignoring the combustible situation. Just when I had begun to think that all the fighting Irish had moved to America, the Old Country has started to show signs of life. Perhaps there are still a few irascible pugilists willing to bash heads and take on the globalist empire after all.

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Speaking of irascible pugilists, Irish slugger Conor McGregor issued a bit of an ultimatum to the ruling class after the government mobilized the military and sent tanks to intimidate the protesters: One wrong move by government here, and you will see, at the very least, 250k Irish people descend on the capital in a blink. They must step down, there is no other way. Declaring war against ordinary Irishmen isnt a good look for an Irish Deep State that cant be bothered to guard its borders from hordes of invading foreigners. While McGregor and his compatriots are out feeding protesters in the streets, the Irish government is hiking taxes on those who can least afford to pay them. One wrong move could spark a revolution.

Perhaps thats why  after an initial show of force  Irelands globalist government appears to be trying to settle things down. Reports on the ground say that police officers have remained friendly with protesters. Some have suggested that Irish authorities are wary of following in the footsteps of Canadas former prime minister, Justin Trudeau, when he exercised martial law powers to seize the bank accounts of and jail Freedom Convoy truckers protesting coercive COVID vaccination mandates. On the other hand, a lot of the Irish protesters have also described a sense that many of the law enforcement officers patrolling the streets appear to be on their side. If thats the case, then Irelands political class may be worried about the effectiveness of siccing the military on a broadly-backed citizen uprising.

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Although few people saw the present brouhaha coming, Ireland makes a natural ground zero in the war between Big Government globalists (aka, the international rules-based order club of World Economic Forum totalitarians) and ordinary citizens willing to defend their nations sovereignty and their own personal freedoms. For two decades, the globalists have been taking over Ireland and stripping it for parts. As a country that once took pride in its meaningful traditions, customs, family loyalties, and Catholic heritage, Ireland has been one of the globalists favorite targets for conquest. If the multicultural atheists could convert Ireland into another globalist outpost devoid of religious or civilizational allegiances, they knew that they would collect a valuable scalp in their war against the West. Sadly, the globalists have been largely successful. By transforming a conservative, staunchly pro-life, Catholic nation into a woke re-education zone embracing abortion, trans surgeries for children, open borders, Islamic supremacy, and the fetishization of diversity, the World Economic Forums Borg hive mind gutted one of the most culturally rich nations on the planet and mounted Irelands head on globalisms wall of slaughtered states.

Two months ago, free speech defenders Lorcan Price and Graham Linehan testified before the House Judiciary Committee concerning the mass censorship operation being run through the expanding Big Tech enclave in Dublin. There are over 32,000 NGOs in Ireland receiving billions of dollars in U.S. and E.U. grants meant to help shape public opinion. These organizations  one for every 155 Irishmen  represent the information warfare army that supports Europes globalist policies. Over 70% of Irish legislation is copy-and-pasted from bureaucratic edicts originating in the European Union. These laws include special incentives for illegal immigrants who arrive on Irelands shores. They also include hate speech laws that have been used to criminally prosecute Irish citizens who object to foreigners raping and murdering their children. The NGO-E.U. takeover of the Irish political system this century has drastically reshaped the country.

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Once Christian Ireland now has constitutional protections for gay marriage and abortion up to a babys birth. Two years ago, Irelands globalist cabal nearly succeeded in removing all mentions of women from the national constitution, as well as nearly redefining family as a durable relationship. The Irish government continues to attack Irelands Catholic history, going so far as to depict Catholic saints as pagan goddesses in shameless acts of historical revisionism. Globalists continue to rename historic institutions due to ludicrous accusations that Irish clergymen and scholars had ties to slavery and white supremacy. As Irish writer Roger Berkeley sorrowfully observes, Ireland shows what happens when elites, bureaucracies, and ideology override national identity.

Wherever they conquer, modern globalists prefer to implement blunt-force divide and conquer tactics that pit parts of society against each other. Women versus men. Young people versus families. Green energy fanatics versus small businesses. Islamic supremacists versus Christians. Multiculturalism versus Western civilization. Non-whites versus whites. Globalists succeed wherever they are able to stir up so much domestic strife that nobody pays attention to the cultural, economic, and political agendas being enforced upon the invaded countries. After targeting Ireland for destruction and subverting its traditional culture, globalists appeared to have taken over the island for good.

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However, when an outside force conquers a nation, theres always an inherent risk that forced subjugation sparks a rebellion. When those being gradually enslaved begin to believe that they have nothing else to lose, the ruling class has real problems. Despite the corporate news medias best attempts to cover up what is going on in Ireland, the current protests against climate change taxes and mass immigration suggest that the natives are growing restless. What happens next isnt entirely clear.

What is clear is that ordinary people in nations across the West are becoming aware of the information war that has long been waged against them. For decades, they have been conditioned to believe false things: Diversity is our strength. Islam is a religion of peace. Trans-women are real women. Sex is a social construct. Man-made climate change is killing the planet. New taxes will save the planet. Christianity is hate speech. Hate speech is a violent crime. Free speech requires government-moderated censorship. National sovereignty is fascist. Families promote white supremacy. Merit is white supremacy. Math, home ownership, mowed lawns, and punctuality are all forms of white supremacy. Equal rights require Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity. Unelected bureaucrats protect democracy. NATO must protect non-NATO Ukraine. Et cetera ad infinitum.

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Perhaps globalisms lies have become too numerous for the average Westerner to ignore. Or perhaps globalists hubris has grown too grating for the average Westerner to tolerate. Either way, there is a growing movement of people dedicated to defending Western civilization from the pernicious cancer of godless, multicultural, woke, and totalitarian globalism. Because globalists control the corporate news media, these people are disparaged as populists. In truth, they are Western citizens committed to national self-determination, the preservation of individual rights, and protections for personal liberty.

Globalists call the will of the people populism and the will of bureaucrats democracy. But when enough people decide to fight back against the bureaucrats, the spirit of revolution hangs in the air. Perhaps thats what were seeing right now in Ireland  a fresh reminder of Thomas Jeffersons observation that no country can preserve its liberties if its rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance. After all, the tree of liberty must be refreshed ... with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.

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Theres a reason Al Capone spent a few years in Alcatraz for tax evasion: Money is harder to hide than bodies. Any thug can take a few bucks from someone weaker. But when used, money leaves a trail. The key to criminal success is making ill gotten booty look as though its not ill gotten. Thats way easier said than done.

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This brings me to the Democrat partys current woes. It is a political organization in the same sense that Tony Soprano was a garbage collector. In both cases, their organizations are or were merely tools to fleece the public. But as noted above, stolen money must be laundered to be useful. One cant attract the attention of the taxman while spending money one shouldnt have without acquiring an unwashed roommate with flexible sexual preferences, that is. The cash from a criminal enterprise must appear legit, or its worthless.

In the Netflix series Ozark, white-collar criminal Marty Byrde solves that problem by maintaining the appearance of middle-class normalcy, while methodically laundering money for a vicious drug enterprise, the Navarro Cartel. In the program, Marty funnels truckloads of cash through front companies, casinos, and foreign accounts, until its origin is a complete mystery  as in, cant be tied to drug-trafficking. Only then can the cartel use it for boats, planes, mansions, and payoffs without attracting the unwanted attention of law enforcement.

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If you substitute Democrat party for Navarro Cartel, Ozark could be the story of the donkey partys approach to financial solvency.

Tulsi Gabbard recently learned that hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars were being sent to Ukraine as green energy grants. But the money didnt build windmills or solar farms. The Ukrainians planned to send it back to America and launder it through a maze of NGOs, eventually to land back in the control of the Democrat party. The Dems would then use our hard earned money to fund Joe Bidens re-election campaign, and probably the First Sons ho and blow habit. That Hunter Biden (D-Hazelden) was pals with the Ukrainians was just a coincidence  wink, wink.

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Weve also recently learned (or is it leared?) that Somalian scam artists in Minnesota profited from taxpayer grants for medical care, daycare, and childrens meals  none of which was ever provided. The Trump administration is still trying to tally up the losses, but it could exceed 9 billion bucks! And heres the kicker: Those same Somalian criminals were making campaign contributions to Minnesota A.G. Keith Ellison (D-Nation of Islam), who was caught on tape promising to run legal interference for the crooks. (For more on Ellisons favors for contributions enterprise, read this.) The Minnesota branch of the Democrat cartel uses a slightly different approach to money-laundering from the Marty Byrde system, but it works fairly well for a while, if you have a state attorney general in your pocket on your side. However, the scheme starts to look kinda juvenile when a twenty-ish podcaster starts knocking on doors with a camera and asking questions.

The list of suspicious Democrat interactions with money goes on and on:

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DOGE uncovered a mountain of government grants from USAID funding non-profits that secretly funneled campaign contributions back to Democrat party operatives. It was the classic Marty Byrde scheme  which was designed to fool humans, not A.I. engines, much to their chagrin.

San Fran Nan (D-Tent City) amassed something north of a quarter of a billion bucks of personal wealth by outperforming the worlds best investors. Supposedly, theres no link between her wealth and the fact that she and her husband made it while trading on companies that she regulated.

Robert Menendez (D-Boardwalk Empire) was convicted after investigators discovered gold bars hidden in his sock drawer, with no accompanying 1099 forms. He should have taken notes watching Ozark. Instead, hes spending a few years behind bars, learning group showering etiquette.

Ilhan Omar (D-Northern Somalia)s net worth surged 3,500 percent in one year, to over 30 million bucks. On a salary of $174K per year, the math seems suspicious to me.

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Hanging Chad Land) has been indicted for embezzling 5 million dollars of FEMA funding and laundering it through family members, for use on bling and campaign expenses. She screwed up when she started sporting jewelry she couldnt afford on a government paycheck. A criminals downfall is always her spending.

Power Forward Communities went from an almost empty bank account to a 2-billion-dollar grant just after making Stacy Abrams (D-Federation of Planets) one of its leaders. I wonder how much of our money she got as her taste.

And of course, the financial shenanigans of the Clintons (D-Epstein Island) and Bidens (D-La-la Land) are too numerous to cover in any article shorter than War and Peace.

Can we finally admit the obvious? The Democrat party isnt a political organization competing to represent the American people. It is a crime syndicate, using a political party to loot Americans on a scale that makes the Sinaloa Cartel look like pikers.

Our country has amassed an astronomical $39T of debt. (I had to use a T because the required number of zeros didnt fit on one line.) Given what weve learned in the last year, would it surprise anyone if much of that mountain of cash landed in the hands of Democrat party launderers operators: foundations, non-profits, NGOs, politicians, propagandists, and such?

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Suddenly, it makes perfect sense that the Dems freaked out when DOGE started following the money  something they didnt think anyone would or could do. But Elon Musk and his merry band of A.I. jocks turned out to be adept at unraveling the maze of money transfers that took taxpayer funds and illegally transferred much of it back to campaign and personal coffers, after siphoning off an appropriate taste processing fee, of course.

For as long as I can remember, the Dems have had an almost insurmountable funding advantage over Republicans  which theyve used to mobilize radicals and gaslight voters. But for the first time in decades, the Dems are going into a campaign season with less cash than their opponents, and a mountain of debt left in the wake of the Kamala Harris train wreck. Is it possible their financial woes are tied to the exposure of their NGO money-laundering complex?

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If so, it makes perfect sense that Donald Trump gaining control over federal law enforcement caused the radical left to fly into a blind panic, resisting everything he does. He isnt just a political neophyte who ran for office to do the unthinkable  serve Americans. Hes also someone who has never benefited from the Washington graft. The syndicate cant blackmail him, and that terrifies them more than the wrath of voters. Its better to get booted out of office than marched into prison. Just ask Bob (D- LSCI Allenwood).

John Green is a political refugee who escaped Minnesota, writes for The American Free News Network, and is a state content writer for Convention of States Action. He is an engineer with 40+ years of experience in systems and organizational development. He can be reached at [email protected].
To hear the talking heads tell it, we are all looking forward to the day when Iran holds free and fair elections again. Once Israel and the United States have completed the process of vaporizing the theocratic despots who have subjugated the Persians for these past 47 years, we cant wait to see the country ruled by a popularly-elected government at last.

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It sounds beautiful, doesnt it?

Perhaps we should take a moment to consider that dream. Contrary to popular belief, elections dont guarantee freedom, prosperity, tolerance, or happiness. Too often, what guarantees those societal advances is completely different, and free and fair elections undermine them at least as often as they help.

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Even if theyre fair and honest  making sure only legitimate citizens vote, making sure they only vote once, dying a finger in purple ink so they cant vote twice, etc.  an election is still going to put people in charge of a government. And we must never forget that most of the evil done in the world is done by governments.

Iran has had an elected parliament for years (even though their ayatollahs have held the lions share of the power), and that government has murdered tens of thousands of its own people in cold blood in just the past three months.

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Theyre not alone. In recent decades, the people of the United Kingdom, Germany, and France had free and fair elections, and elected governments that allowed their countries to import millions of unassimilable rapists and killers, who have irrevocably damaged their once-safe cities and countrysides.

For the past ten years, the people of Canada have had free and fair elections, electing governments that have, by official policy, catapulted euthanasia into the position of a leading cause of death in Canada.

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In the 2000s, the people of the Gaza Strip were allowed to hold free and fair elections. Whom did they choose? The homicidal maniacs of Hamas.

In the 1930s, the people of the Weimar Republic of Germany had free and fair elections. They voted for Nazis; they freely elected Adolf Hitler.

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This may sound like an attack on elections. Its not. But it is a call to recognize that elections are a tool, not a solution in themselves.

Elections are a method of choosing which people to put in government. You still have to choose what to allow that government to do, no matter who wins.

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First and foremost, you must limit the government. Here in the United States, at our Founding, we were blessed with the greatest generation in the history of the world. Our states sent their best and brightest to a Constitutional Convention in 1787, and they thoughtfully, cautiously, meticulously laid out a form of government that would limit the power of both the elected officials and the bureaucracy.

Our Framers first divided the national (federal) government into three branches, then severely limited what any of the branches could do, either alone or together. The Framers left the existing colonial governments  the states  in place, unchanged, as a powerful counter against national power: by giving the states a near-veto power over federal decisions, through the appointment of the upper house of the federal Legislature. (Many have forgotten that for our first 120 years, the state legislatures appointed all U.S. senators. No bill could be passed, no judge, ambassador, or Cabinet officer could be appointed, without the approval of the state governments hand-picked repre sentatives in the Senate.)

And on top of all these limitations, the Framers added a Bill of Rights  the first ten amendments  just to make it clear as crystal that there are many things that the national government simply cannot do, under any circumstances, no matter how popular it is, no matter how many phones and pens they may accumulate, no matter how huge their elective mandate.

What our Founding Fathers understood  and what too many have forgotten in the centuries since  is that its not elections that matter, but the power granted to the people who end up getting elected. Has the country constitutionally secured the rights of the people? Has the country constitutionally tied the hands of that government sufficiently, so that even if the very worst people do somehow end up getting elected, they have been denied the power to act as tyrannically as they would desire?

Here in the United States, over this past century, we have seen political candidates  and even an entire political party  repeatedly make promises that are blatantly illegal under any reading of the federal or state constitutions. The courts take much too long to catch up, but they often end up eventually overturning such attempts. How much better it would be if the public didnt vote for such tyrants in the first place, but such is the risk with elections.

Everything depends on the quality of the walls that have been put up around the government  the limitations on both the candidates who win and the bureaucrats they appoint.

Today we see thrilled anticipation for the Iranian elections that we hope will soon be around the corner, but how much thrilled anticipation have we seen for the development of a constitution that protects the Iranian people from yet another dictatorship, this time popularly elected by a frustrated, hurried, and perhaps too trusting electorate?

No matter whether Iran gets a republic or a monarchy or a military dictatorship, it still needs protections against the powerlust to which all politicians and bureaucrats are susceptible.

Iran was a free and decent, modern and Western-facing nation once, not that long ago, and it can be again. But its constitutions, not elections, that will pave the way.

Before a single vote is cast, Iran will need a constitution that protects the public from the imposition of sharia law, from the oppression of crippling taxes, and from the particularly third-world problem of corrupt licensing by favoritism.

Before a single vote is cast, there must be legal limitations on all those entrusted with power, to respect the reasonable public practice of all religions, and the enforcement of real punishment of both public and private violators of such freedom.

Theres a reason why churches and synagogues are routinely attacked and burned all over Africa today: Even when their governments claim to be liberal, they dont enforce it. Iran used to have Muslims and Sikhs, Hindus and Zoroastrians, Buddhists and Bahais, Jews and Christians, all living peacefully together. They could again. But it will require constitutional commitment.

The country has been tyrannically ruled by an apocalyptic death cult, the Twelvers, for 47 years. Even after this war is finished, there will still be Twelvers among the electorate; there are sure to be Twelvers who will seek election to the new government and jobs in the new bureaucracy. There will be politicians who use taqiyya to justify lying to their constituents in order to win.

Their new constitution must be written to assume that some of the worst of the worst will often win elections and hold public office. When that happens, how well will their hands be tied, how well will their powers be limited, so that they cannot repeat the tyranny of the past 47 years, and render this entire war a tragic waste?

Its a difficult task. It has been hard even for us, and our nation was birthed by thoughtful, churchgoing devotees of the Scottish Enlightenment. Imagine how hard it will be for a tribal people, educated in madrassahs and force-fed sharia law from the cradle.

The rebirth of Persia, once such a noble and free nation, is a wonderful opportunity. It would be such a terrible waste if we rush them into ill thought out elections without first laying the constitutional groundwork for a secular, stable, safe, free, and capitalist society.

Before we pray for an election with purple fingers, pray first for a constitution with walls and teeth.

John F. Di Leo is a Chicagoland-based international transportation manager, trade compliance trainer, consultant and public speaker. Read his book on the surprisingly numerous varieties of vote fraud (The Tales of Little Pavel), his biting political satires on the Biden-Harris years (Evening Soup with Basement Joe, Volumes I, II, and III), and his collection of essays on public policy in the 2020s, Current Events and the Issues of Our Age, all available in eBook or paperback, exclusively on Amazon.

Image: Chickenonline via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
See also: California's Gov. Gavin Newsom and his AG, Rob Bonta, attempt to claim the mantle of 'fraud fighters'

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Do Democrats even hear themselves?

According to Townhall:

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California Governor Gavin Newsom is seeking to take credit for leading the charge against fraud in his state after Attorney General Rob Bonta held a press conference Thursday outlining efforts to investigate hospice fraud. However, after years of investigation, those efforts have resulted in just five arrests, a minuscule number compared to the scale of alleged fraud uncovered by others.

Yes, surely Gavin Newsom can take his rightful place beside historys other great reformers. Such as Tiger Woods, who has aggressively and consistently led the fight against driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Or Bill Clinton, who, almost alone, selflessly gave it his all to combat sexual harassment and rape culture.

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Fraud is omnipresent.

We all know that now. Much of our taxes are used to pay for illegals, illegal activity, and, ultimately, laundered and/or recycled to benefit the Democrat party. (That fact in itself means that our elections are grossly tainted.)

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Gaslighting and projection are also ubiquitous.

And lying is the lifeblood of most politicians and has been here for a very long time.

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But the kind of lies we have seen lately is virtually peerless in nature. They are neither extreme exaggerations nor little white lies. They are not lies of omission nor made out of concern for the feelings of others. They arent even good, old-fashioned bald-faced lies. They are monumental, in-your-face, could not possibly be any less true or any more opposite of reality lies. Lies that tell you that you did not see what you saw, do not know what you know, and that reality isnt real. They are colossal, mother-of-all-lies lies.

So, somehow Gavin Slick Newsom led the charge against fraud in California. And Tampon Timmy Walz implies that he has been anti-fraud all along, and others have been late to the fraud-fighting party.

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Bill Clinton essentially stated that whether or not he was lying depended on what the definition of is is. That seems almost quaint now. If he were in keeping with the tactics of todays Democrats, he would have boldly asserted, No one in the history of the world has ever fought longer and harder against sexual harassment, impropriety, infidelity, misogyny, and imbalance of power dynamics than I have.

We need more Nick Shirleys who expose this rampant fraud. And fewer corrupt asshats who think well believe anything. How do we achieve this goal? Strongly support the Nick Shirleys. And dont vote for  or tolerate  the asshats.

Image: Gage Skidmore, via Flickr // CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed
Last Thursday, Pope Leo XIV inexplicably met with President Obama's highly partisan top strategist, David Axelrod, in a longer-than-scheduled meeting at the Vatican.

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Speculation at the time was that the pope was discussing an Obama visit to the Vatican, as the former president had said he'd like to have. Much was made of all three players being from Chicago and loving the White Sox.

But Axelrod's name is strongly associated with partisan politics and the Democrat establishment, so it definitely looked as though the pope was going political and attempting to send President Trump a message beyond his current public criticisms.

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Knowing this, I was skeptical this was about an Obama photo op to best Trump, who certainly isn't going to be meeting the pope any time soon, and speculated that more likely, the pair would be discussing political action and communication strategies to knock out Trump and help elect Democrats.

Surprise, surprise, all of a sudden, CBS's 60 Minutes, a news outlet famous for following its Democrat talking points, has made this announcement:

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For the first time, three of America's most influential cardinals and archbishops agreed to a joint interview, sharing their candid take on war in Iran, immigration, and the future of the Catholic Church. Sunday on 60 Minutes. https://t.co/mEN4CWeXMW pic.twitter.com/7iXl6MTR1P  60 Minutes (@60Minutes) April 11, 2026

Surprise indeed. These are three of the most woke cardinals in the Church, the most consistently left-wing of all of them, the most predictable in their Trump-hate. All three are supposedly close to Pope Leo, but based on election patterns, not particularly influential with the faithful. Powerful, sure, but influential? Don't think so. Better to ask Bishop Robert Barron whether the idea is to find an influential churchman. CBS, though, is hyping them as the most influential of all the cardinals.

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Intriguingly, all three have been named in Church sexual abuse scandals affiliated with the godawful Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, who was laicized by Pope Francis when news came out that he was sexually assaulting the seminarians. All three have been accused of knowing about the wrongdoing and of having roles in covering it up.

It's known that Cardinal McElroy has denied any such role, and Cardinal Tobin has said he knew about the bad stuff but didn't believe it. Tobin, recall, was the Catholic prelate caught living it up with a sexy young Italian actor in yet another Church scandal, and who has held gay-friendly Masses.

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Cupich, who is famous for hiding his pectoral cross as he blessed the Democrat National Convention while a 'free abortion' truck cranked out its carnage, has been accused of having his advancement to cardinal attributed to McCarrick. He says he has no knowledge of that.

Let's just say 60 Minutes is unlikely to ask any tough questions about those matters. More likely, they will give these cardinals a soapbox to preach their loathing of President Trump, their opposition to immigration enforcement, their hate for Trump's Iran action, scolding Catholics who disagree with them as bad Catholics on what Church teaching calls a prudential matter, either obliquely or maybe directly.

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They may even have a harsh message for President Trump and, through politicking, look for a way to humiliate him. The idea would win Catholics back over to voting for Democrats. Which would certainly mesh with what Axelrod is after.

For Axelrod, it's a crisis for Democrats that they have lost so much of the Catholic vote. Catholics were in the Democrats' minds, their property, their captive vote.

While the timelines are unclear between what Axelrod was plotting with the pope and how long it took to make this news segment, it seems as though the hand of Axelrod, who certainly would have the cellphone numbers of some of those 60 Minutes operatives, might just be part of this pope-Democrat agenda. It may even be possible that Axelrod engineered this with 60 Minutes in exchange for his facetime with the pope. Wouldn't it be interesting if 60 Minutes asked about that one?

Maybe I'm paranoid here, and the cardinals will be temperate in their remarks, but the optics here kind of point to this kind of plotting.

Image: Screenshot from X video
This morning, I wrote about Trumps response to Irans refusal to give up its nuclear program and to open the Strait of Hormuz. In the essay, I wrote about the effect that Trumps planned blockade of the Strait would have on the various countries (especially China) that are dependent on that oil.

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However, I also wrote about what effect the Straits closureand the war with Iranwould have on the Gulf states. In that context, I said,

As for the Gulf States that require the Strait of Hormuz to bring their oil to market, I suspect that they are being pressured (a) to provide more support to the U.S. during that and (b) to sign on to the Abraham Accords. (The UAE and Bahrain have already signed on to the Accords; Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman have not.) Once they have entered into the Accords, they can begin building pipelines so that their oil goes through Israel, making the Strait irrelevant. Advertisement

When youre in the business of trying to read the tea leaves, its nice to know that youre probably heading in the right direction. Thats exactly what happened when I opened Clarice Feldmans Facebook feed and found that she had linked to a long tweet by Yehoshua Meiri, who identifies himself as a Haaretz correspondent. In other words, hes an Israeli journalist with connections.

The tweet Meiri put out earlier today is just wild, because (if true) what it says is that Saudi Arabia is desperate to see Iran brought to heel. To that end, when Trump indicated that he might just walk away from the war, Saudi Arabia allegedly made some very big promises:

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**           :    **



        ,  .             ,      .     - (@YehoshuaMeiri) April 12, 2026

X translates the tweet as follows:

**Urgent Phone Call with Saudi Crown Prince Changed the Course of Trumps Speech: Only a Temporary Ceasefire** Advertisement What began as preparations for an announcement of a U.S. withdrawal from the Iranian arena ended in a surprise. President Donald Trump intended to declare a full ceasefire and an end to the fighting against Iran, in exchange for the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, a charged phone call with the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, changed the plan at the last moment. According to White House sources, bin Salman pleaded with Trump not to halt the operation: "This is a historic opportunity  we must finish the job and weaken the Iranian regime to the end." In exchange for continuing the fighting, Saudi Arabia offered an unprecedented package of economic and strategic incentives. Advertisement Among the standout items: Transfer of 100 billion dollars directly to fund American war expenses. Advertisement Full and immediate normalization with Israel following the defeat of the regime in Tehran. Laying a direct oil pipeline from Saudi Arabia to the port of Ashdod, which will turn Israel into a central energy hub. Investment of nearly a trillion dollars in the American economy alongside the purchase of American weapons in the amount of half a trillion dollars. Establishment of a new regional defense alliance  a kind of "Middle Eastern NATO"  that will include Israel, Saudi Arabia, and additional moderate countries under an American umbrella. It was also agreed to establish a joint naval force to control the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. Funding for strategic American bases in Israel, and a joint reconstruction fund for Iran for the "day after" as a secular and moderate state. In the end, Trump announced only a temporary ceasefire, and not a final end to the fighting. Senior diplomatic figures described the move as a "historic turning point" that marks the beginning of a new regional order.

If true, this is a staggeringly good offer, not only in terms of the war and Americas economic well-being. Its also a way to end once and for all the decades of war centered on Israel, wars that have seen the small Jewish nation at constant risk of extermination, that have destabilized the region, and that have led to a frightening rise of antisemitism across the world.

Its also a good deal for the worlds Arab masses, because this means their nations will have to address their own problems, rather than using Israel as the perpetual scapegoat. Im not surprised that the alleged offer (because it is not confirmed) came from Prince Mohamed bin Salman. I have been saying for years that he is a true reformer.

Yes, bin Salman is a Muslim who will still cut off someones head or hands, but hes also been working to modernize Saudi Arabia, whether its been making textbooks less antisemitic or allowing women to drive. It probably helps that hes reputed to have a real friendship with Jared Kushner, an orthodox Jew.

Whats also significant is that this offer comes from the worlds preeminent Islamic nation, home to Mecca, the holiest city in Islam. Thats true whether one is Sunni or Shia.

All Muslims pray to Mecca, Mohameds birthplace and the site of the Kaaba, a large cube inside the Grand Mosque that holds a sacred stone. Its a place every Muslim hopes to visit at least once in his or her lifetime. This fact means that Saudi Arabia has enormous religious prestige in a region in which religion is paramount.

By the way, I sincerely doubt that Trump intended just to walk away from Iran, leaving it free to rebuild its nuclear power and continue its control over the Strait of Hormuz. If he had indeed made noises about that, it might have been a way to encourage the prince to make precisely the offer he is alleged to have made.

As I see it, Trump has a couple of months to square away the whole Middle East and start getting his ducks in a row for the November midterms. And you know what? I think he can do it!

Image created using AI.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The City of Harare is facing mounting scrutiny amid calls for an investigation following the demolition of an allegedly illegal structure linked to Ward 16 councillor Denford Ngadziore.The structure, reportedly erected without proper approvals, was razed after a public outcry, with Jacob Mafume stepping in to order its removal.The incident has sparked wider concerns over potential abuse of office by local officials, with critics questioning how the development was allowed to proceed in the first place. The matter gained further traction after intervention by political figures, including Tendai Chirau.Mafume defended the demolition, stating he would not tolerate illegal or unsuitable developments, describing the structure as "ugly" and inappropriate for the Mabelreign area.Ngadziore has not publicly responded to the allegations, as pressure mounts for authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the construction.
Taking a page from their very successful Cesar Chavez playbook, Democrats have effectively taken Eric Swalwell out of the race for California governor based on a cavalcade of sudden sexual harassment and predation allegations, everything from his sending pictures of his privates to unwilling interns, to rape allegations by female staffers who were intoxicated and incapable of giving consent, along with video of the married Swalwell being 'serviced' by hookers in his home. Swalwell also reportedly retaliated against those who complained, threatening and firing them from their jobs and up until now getting away with it. Democrats knew about this for years, but only now has the Cesar Chavez hammer come out of the woodwork to dislodge him the race.

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Oh, sure, Swalwell says the charges are false and he's not dropping out of the race, but just look at him:

Hear it directly from me. These allegations are flat false. And I will fight them. pic.twitter.com/bQSlCquD1U Advertisement April 11, 2026

Disheveled, dirty, greasy and badly in need of a shower. He looks like a guy in the dock.

Does that look like a guy who's going to win this demolition derby? He may hang on and draw a few hundred thousand votes to spite those Democrats who want someone else in the governor's chair. One thing that looks pretty unlikely is that Republicans did this -- if they did, it would be dismissed in the press as "a conspiracy theorry," not revealed in press outlets such as the San Francisco Chronicle.

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The theory out there is that this is a typical Democrat playbook trick to thin the crowded Democrat herd in the crowded California gubernatorial race, where two Republicans lead in the top-two primary for the general election, and Democrats are split between several candidates. Ugly rival Katie Porter has been accused of orchestrating this, which she has denied, so nobody really knows for sure how this happened.

But even more mysterious is 'why' -- two factors leap out that give one pause as to why this happened:

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One, Swalwell was polling above the other Democrats in the race.

Swalwell was outperforming every other Democrat and was the closest to Hilton.



So my question is: why? pic.twitter.com/McOIVtMITy  Gina Milan (@ginamilan_) April 11, 2026

Why would they thin from the top of the herd instead of the bottom where many are polling in single digits?

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Here is the other strange factor -- big dollar donations were rolling in up until the day of the revelations.

Arguing against the theory that there was a high-level Democratic Party op to get Swalwell out of the race at this moment: independent expenditure committees for Swalwell that were funded with 7-figure donations in recent days from powerful Democratic players. (Nobody told them.) pic.twitter.com/XwJzIEA9uJ Advertisement April 11, 2026

You can bet that whoever made them is probably pretty steamed right now, and may well tell Swalwell to fight on, making it a good civil war where they all go down and a Republican, either Steve Hilton or Chad Bianco, wins the race, and if the pair of them take the top two slots in early June, there is no doubt it will be a Republican.

But there's another problem for the Democrats way back there in the background that is bound to get louder as time goes on.

People are asking why if Swalwell with all his vileness is unfit to be governor of California, why is he occupying a seat in Congress?

Democrats such as Adam Schiff, Hakeem Jeffries, Nancy Pelosi and other leading lights of that repulsive party have all loudly called on Swalwell to drop out, but not said a word about getting him out of Congress. Why, exactly, should an accused rapist sit in Congress? They threw George Santos out for a lot less.

Rep. Anna Luna, a Florida Republican, has filed a motion for Congress to expel him.

Thus far, no Democrats have joined her.

Which goes to show how cynical this move is, despite Swalwell deserving everything that is coming to him. Why was he chosen as the Democrat to pitch over the side? They clearly don't care that he's a sex predator, they care to virtue-signal about 'metoo' despite their devotion to this idea being, to say the least, selective. They knew what Swalwell was about, and as Jonathan Turley writes, he was their useful 'monster' but they didn't speak up until now and until it seemed as though it would help their party thin the herd in California as a working theory.

Its because theyve all known for years.



Its been an open secret.



And I dont say that as a guess. https://t.co/OWBlHg6iDC  Yashar Ali  (@yashar) April 11, 2026

Cynical, indeed. This could get ugly fast as Democrat-on-Democrat infighting carries on in the next six weeks.

Let's hope they end up a puddle of muck after a bumfight like this one and all the truth eventually comes out about the disgusting doings in that party.

Image: Screenshot from X video
Four women have now charged Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell with varying instances of sexual wrongdoing, including rape. Swalwell has denied the charges, but my bias against him makes me ready to believe them. Swalwell, after all, radiates creepiness, and who can forget Fang Fang?

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Still, I have no sympathy for the women who have now come forward. If you read the media reports, they strike me as people who covered up for Swalwell when he was in power and have now volunteered to help out because the Democrats need him to drop out of the California gubernatorial race. (Monica Showalter details the partys unsavory machinations, which dont extend to forcing him out of Congress, something youd think theyd want to do with an accused rapist.) For that reason, it seems that these women may simultaneously be enablers and operatives rather than classic victims.

Heres what we know:

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The most serious claims come from an unnamed woman who began to work in Swalwells San Francisco office in 2019, when she was 21. The 45-year-old Swalwell, who was and is married, was soon sending her Snapchat pictures of his genitals and asking her to send him nude pictures of herself. He later tried to kiss her. Then, in true Bill Clinton style (although seated in a car, not the Oval Office), he unzipped his pants and asked for oral sex. She complied.

Not long after, Swalwell took her out for drinks, at which point she got blind drunk and woke up naked in his hotel bed. She had no memory of what had happened but felt as if shed had sex. She later claimed to be bruised and bloody.

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But she said nothing.

In April 2024, this alleged rape victim went out for drinks with her alleged rapist, at which time she again became blind drunk. Three days later, she texted a friend that Swalwell had sexually assaulted her, explaining to her friend that she blacked out, but remembered telling him to stop, which he ignored. In the same text messages, she told her friend about the 2019 experience when she blacked out, and he had sex with her. She apparently told the story to others, too.

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A few things: One, this woman has a drinking problem. Two, blacked out and passed out arent the same. While she later may not have remembered what happened, that doesnt mean Swalwell forced himself on an unconscious woman (although the second time, he does seem to have forced himself on an unwilling woman, which, if true, is textbook rape).

Three, again, she said nothing. In speaking with the San Francisco Chronicle, the woman basically said that her career mattered more than getting justice against a predator:

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The woman said she largely kept quiet about Swalwells behavior for years out of fear she would suffer personal and professional consequences. He was the foundation of my career. I had nothing to fall back on or anyone to vouch for my skills outside of my colleagues in that office and Eric himself, she told the Chronicle. I knew if I came forward, it would define me and undermine my credibility. Advertisement

Clearly, when she says she kept quiet for years out of fear, shes speaking of the 2019 encounter. Yet five years later, there she was again, going off with Swalwell, getting drunk, and waking up in bed after having blacked out. Thats just weird.

Still, when the Democrat party needed her, she was there with an accusation ready-made to help the party oust Swalwell from the California gubernatorial race. Presumably, Democrats were worried that too many Democrats were running in Californias open primary, splitting the vote and paving the way for a Republican.

Three more women had their own tales of Swalwells sexual improprietiesand, again, Im willing to believe them. One woman said she ended up super drunk in his hotel room and blacked out. However, she remembered that early in the evening, he kissed her and touched her leg without her consent.

If he was doing that while she was still sober enough to object, why did she continue drinking with him, to the point where she was dead drunk in his hotel room? This woman, too, told family and friends about what happened, but she said nothing.

(You can read details of all these interactions here.)

Here are some things that trouble me: This is not the 1950s or before, when women were cast from their homes or permanently shamed if they were raped. This is not the Muslim world, where women are executed if theyre raped, or forced to marry their rapist. Instead, all these things happened in the post-#MeToo, believe all women era, when coming forward was brave and powerful.

And in each case, these women said nothing until it was politically convenient for them to say something.

Swalwell is an awful human being, and I wouldnt put it past him, even as he loudly proclaims his fealty to womens issues, to abuse women who are drawn to power, especially women with incapacitating drinking problems.

But I cant get past the fact that, in todays day and age, all these women let him get away with it. I cant help but think that they either viewed the interactions as consensual, in which case there was never sexual assault, or, even after feeling as if they had been assaulted, they had no intention of destroying their access to someone who was, for quite some time, at the very heart of Democrat political power in America.

And thats why, even if its true that Eric Swalwell sexually assaulted the women, its hard for me to view them as victims in the classic sense of the word. I know I sound like a censorious old woman, but weve seen Democrats destroy way too many young men over the years based on the most bizarre and unbelievable claims of sexual assault.

My breaking point on this issue was the case against Brock Smith, the Stanford freshman, whose life was destroyed when an older woman crashed a frat party, got blind drunk, and ended up rutting with him on the street. At some point, she passed out, but he was too drunk to realize. We have no idea who consented to what, but she was automatically denominated the victim, and he was tried as a predator. '

What they both were was drunk and stupid. Ever since then, stories like these have angered me, maybe because I was worried my son would be falsely charged while he was in college.

And one more thing: My mother and your mother were right when they told us that women who drink too much end up in trouble.

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Clarice Feldman noted that some Irish people are fighting back against their leftist government. As she writes,

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Ostensibly, the dispute is over the rising cost of fuel, which will bankrupt farmers and truckers. However, if youve been paying attention, the rebellion goes deeper, to the high taxes, third-world immigration, and the highhandedness of the government.

The footage from the protests is stirring, but Im not optimistic. In Canada, an Anglosphere country, we all remember what Trudeaus government did to the trucker protests. Likewise, farmers led stirring protests in Belgium and the Netherlands for years against policies that were destroying farming and elevating Third World immigrants.

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Still, they ended up gaining only minimal ground. The Dutch protesters eventually formed a party that won some elections in Parliament, but without any resulting policy changes. Their wins were symbolic, nothing more. As for the Belgians, they got a temporary easing of the policies they protested, rather than an end to them.

The reality is that, in Europe as in Canada, decades of leftism (the welfare state; intense educational indoctrination), the wholesale importation of a scary, aggressive population with ideas antithetical to Western values, and the governments monopoly over guns have resulted in Canadians and Europeans without any connection to their warrior roots. They are pacified, with neither the will nor the ability to fight.

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The question is whether the Irish Celts, a group once renowned for their fighting spirit, have the same problem. ChatGPT nicely summarizes the overarching issues driving the protests:

What Triggered Them A sharp rise in fuel prices appears to be the immediate catalyst. Reports describe diesel prices jumping more than 20%, with protesters saying existing government relief measures were not enough.

What Protesters Are Demanding While the movement is decentralized, recurring demands include: Lower fuel prices Fuel tax cuts or suspension of carbon-related charges Government intervention or price caps More support for transport-dependent industries Relief from broader cost-of-living pressures

How They Are Protesting Methods reported include: Tractor and truck convoys Road blockades Blocking fuel depots and Irelands only refinery Slow-moving traffic disruptions in cities and on motorways



As in the Netherlands and Belgium, farmers are leading the way, since they rely on heavy equipment dependent on fossil fuel, and are being destroyed by Irelands green energy policies.

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But of course, theres more than just the economy at issue here. Among the surge of immigrants that have entered Ireland in the past two decades, many of the Muslim blocs are proving incompatible with Western life. (Think of it as matter versus antimatter in the same space.) Ireland is a very leftist country. Its antisemitic and pro-Islamic:

As of 2022, Islam was the fastest-growing non-Christian religion in Ireland, with 1.6% of the population identifying as Muslim. As weve seen across Europe, these Muslim immigrants, unlike the enervated Europeans, take their faith seriously. And again, that was in 2022. Advertisement There hasnt been a census since then, but Irelands open-to-Islam immigration policy suggests that there are a lot more than approximately 82,000 Muslims in Ireland today (as there were in 2022). Indeed, the best estimates are that the actual Muslim population has increased by .4% (or a factor of 25%) in just 2 years.

As always, the immigrants are concentrated in major urban areas. The Irish people have periodically protested whats happening to their country, but the protests havent gone anywhere. The government is unimpressed by the threat from an unarmed population.

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Still, the farmers did rise up, and the images of their fight have captured attention on social media, even as mainstream outlets try as much as possible to relegate it to minor news:

'These protests have really caught the imagination... There is massive support for these protests!'



Northern Ireland reporter Dougie Beattie reports on nationwide demonstrations protesting rising fuel costs in Ireland. pic.twitter.com/K05o7Hlcxn  GB News (@GBNEWS) April 10, 2026 SHOCKING: THOUSANDS of Irish Patriots in MASSIVE tractor convoys are FLOODING Dublin streetsthe protests are exploding to UNPRECEDENTED LEVELS.



THIS IS WHAT REAL RESISTANCE LOOKS LIKE



KEEP FIGHTING, IRELAND  pic.twitter.com/qPIWCZaVxR  Liz Churchill (@liz_churchill10) April 11, 2026 SHOCKING: THOUSANDS of Irish Patriots in MASSIVE tractor convoys are FLOODING Dublin streetsthe protests are exploding to UNPRECEDENTED LEVELS.



THIS IS WHAT REAL RESISTANCE LOOKS LIKE



KEEP FIGHTING, IRELAND  pic.twitter.com/qPIWCZaVxR  Liz Churchill (@liz_churchill10) April 11, 2026

Its heartening, but Im not optimistic. Why not? Because the Irish establishment can be summed up in a single photo. This is the Minister of Defence:

This is a real picture of Irelands current Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee.



She is in charge of Irelands military right now.



The Irish military is expected to side with this woman over the people of Ireland right now.



I pray for a full-scale revolt by the Irish military. pic.twitter.com/8D5DKuyCG5  Cillian (@CilComLFC) April 11, 2026

Do not let McEntees bizarre appearance fool you. This is the kind of person who will bow before Islam but go scorched earth on her own people. And, indeed, shes already called out the military to help out the police. Some Irish people are pushing back, but my money is on the totalitarian government and military for the win.
Only the most naive could have been surprised when JD Vance returned from Pakistan without a deal. While there was a possibility that the Iranians would agree to the U.S. terms (but only with their fingers tightly crossed behind their backs), the greater likelihood, given their ridiculous counteroffer and the fact that they instantly reneged on the agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz, was that they were just buying time.

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The question is, now what? The answer, according to Trump, is that hes going to force the rest of the world to ally with the U.S. in the fight.

Heres JD Vances complete statement:

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Here is the full remarks from Vice President JD Vance, announcing that the U.S.-Iran talks ended without an agreement.



Contributed by @AZ_Intel_. pic.twitter.com/NC9mrk9OYG  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 12, 2026

In other words, the Iranian Ph.D. guys brought nothing to the table except for intransigence. The guys practiced in the ways of the real world (businessmen and military officers) said no to their pie-in-the-sky demands that were, essentially, asking for Americas surrender in a war that has seen most of Irans military and government reduced to dust and rubble. Although I know the mullahs dont speak Yiddish, they certainly understand the meaning of the word chutzpah.

Trump, however, has bigger chutzpah than those guys do. He summed up the negotiations and his response in a two-part Truth. The message is very long, but its sufficiently important that Im reprinting the whole thing here:

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Iran promised to open the Strait of Hormuz, and they knowingly failed to do so. This caused anxiety, dislocation, and pain to many people and Countries throughout the World. They say they put mines in the water, even though all of their Navy, and most of their mine droppers, have been completely blown up. They may have done so, but what ship owner would want to take the chance? There is great dishonor and permanent harm to the reputation of Iran, and whats left of their Leaders, but we are beyond all of that. As they promised, they better begin the process of getting this INTERNATIONAL WATERWAY OPEN AND FAST! Every Law in the book is being violated by them. I have been fully debriefed by Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner, on the meeting that took place in Islamabad through the kind and very competent leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, of Pakistan. They are very extraordinary men, and continuously thank me for saving 30 to 50 million lives in what would have been a horrendous War with India. I always appreciate hearing that  The amount of Humanity spoken of is incomprehensible. The meeting with Iran began early in the morning, and lasted throughout the night  Close to 20 hours. I could go into great detail, and talk about much that has been gotten but, there is only one thing that matters  IRAN IS UNWILLING TO GIVE UP ITS NUCLEAR AMBITIONS! In many ways, the points that were agreed to are better than us continuing our Military Operations to conclusion, but all of those points dont matter compared to allowing Nuclear Power to be in the hands of such volatile, difficult, unpredictable people. My three Representatives, as all of this time went by, became, not surprisingly, very friendly and respectful of Irans Representatives, Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, Abbas Araghchi, and Ali Bagheri, but that doesnt matter because they were very unyielding as to the single most important issue and, as I have always said, right from the beginning, and many years ago, IRAN WILL NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON! Advertisement So, there you have it, the meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, NUCLEAR, was not. Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz. At some point, we will reach an ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO IN, ALL BEING ALLOWED TO GO OUT basis, but Iran has not allowed that to happen by merely saying, There may be a mine out there somewhere, that nobody knows about but them. THIS IS WORLD EXTORTION, and Leaders of Countries, especially the United States of America, will never be extorted. I have also instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas. We will also begin destroying the mines the Iranians laid in the Straits. Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL! Iran knows, better than anyone, how to END this situation which has already devastated their Country. Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft and Radar are useless, Khomeini, and most of their Leaders, are dead, all because of their Nuclear ambition. The Blockade will begin shortly. Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade. Iran will not be allowed to profit off this Illegal Act of EXTORTION. They want money and, more importantly, they want Nuclear. Additionally and, at an appropriate moment, we are fully LOCKED AND LOADED, and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran! President DONALD J. TRUMP

In sum, the meeting went badly, with Iran failing to concede on the two key points: Ending its nuclear ambitions and allowing full and free traffic on the Strait of Hormuz. But fear not, for Trump has a plan.

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The plan begins with Trump putting pressure on the rest of the world to get on board with fully defenestrating the Mullahs tyrannical, terrorist regime. Through a blockade, America, not Iran, controls the Strait of Hormuz. Those countries that have attempted to buy their way into Irans good graces while undercutting America (as France has allegedly done) are out of luck. Or, as Trump said, No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas.

In addition, the U.S. will continue its work destroying mines in the Strait. It was always obvious that the U.S. could do this, but for strategic reasons, Trump chose not to. When Trump is good and readywhen he has the world at his backhe will reopen the Strait.

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And, of course, Trump has warned again that, if Iran continues in its intransigence, we are fully LOCKED AND LOADED, and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran! Put another way, if Iran and the world continue to be stubborn, Trump will attack Kharg Island, destroying the hub of Irans oil refineries. And yes, it will involve troops on the ground, but weve seen what our military can and will do. It will be a short fight.

At the end of it, even the most fanatic militaries in the world will not fight without pay. Between a boycott and Kharg Islands destruction, the Mullahs and the IRGC will be done for.

As of now, Trump has not just Iran, but the whole world by the short hairs. Democrats and Vichy Republicans will insist that the whole world will instantly be without fossil fuel, leading to total civilizational collapse, but thats not true. (Well ignore that these screaming most loudly are the same people whove spent decades trying to destroy fossil fuels.)

Heres the reality: Over the 5 1/2 weeks of war, the world has already shifted away from the Strait of Hormuz to get its oil from other sources. The Chinese, who have lost Venezuela and Iran as suppliers, are getting their oil from Russia and Brazil. Theyve almost gotten their supplies back to normal. Their problem, though, is that for multiple reasons, theyre paying a premium for the new oil. Add in their pre-existing economic problems, and China is not in a happy place.

The U.S. has also massively increased its oil exports, especially to Asian countriesthe same countries that live in, and do not like, Chinas shadow.

***

UPDATE: General Flynn posted this not long after I published my essay:

***

Europe, meanwhile, is getting oil from the North Sea, the U.S. (yay!), Africa, and Latin America. While it would like access to the Gulf, itll manage.

As for the Gulf States that require the Strait of Hormuz to bring their oil to market, I suspect that they are being pressured (a) to provide more support to the U.S. during that and (b) to sign on to the Abraham Accords. (The UAE and Bahrain have already signed on to the Accords; Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman have not.) Once they have entered into the Accords, they can begin building pipelines so that their oil goes through Israel, making the Strait irrelevant.

For decades, Iran has been a carbuncle on the worlds derriere. It has fomented terrorism across the world, directly and through proxies, and has been relentless in its quest to go nuclear. Unlike North Korea, which has drawn into itself as a hermit state, Iran has made clear that its apocalyptic version of Shia Islam imposes upon it the obligation to bring about the Armageddon that will reveal the hidden 12th Imam and lead the world to a glorious Islamic caliphate.

Donald Trump has said, Count America out. He is a man of rare courage and vision. However, hes surrounded by quislings, Vichy governments, cowards, and collaborators. Realizing that he cannot appeal to their moral decency and survival instincts to join the fight, hes bullying them into it.

And along the way, Trump is completely reshaping the new world order, one in which whats good for America is going to be good for the rest of the world, too. Americas days of suicidal self-sacrifice for an ungrateful world are over.

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American Pie star Shannon Elizabeth has lived in South Africa since 2016  and she recently revealed there was one pivotal moment that confirmed her decision to leave the U.S.

When I first went out there, and I came back, I was living in New York at the time, the actor, 52, told Fox News Digital. And I remember this moment of standing at a crosswalk. Everybodys looking down at their phones, or theyre on their phones. The crosswalk changes, and everybody just starts rushing each way. Nobodys paying attention except to whatever is in their hand at that moment.

She recalled, I just had this feeling come over me of feeling like I had just been to Africa, and the problems there felt so real  and they are real.

Elizabeth said she felt that daily life in New York did not feel as crucial as the war thats happening with wildlife and the people in need in South Africa.

And it just felt like my phone and the work I was doing here just werent as important at the time, she said. I just felt like I needed to be closer to the issues. I needed to go over there and try to figure out what I could do, that I wasnt making a difference here. Thats when I decided Im going to move.

Former actor Shannon Elizabeth left the US to live in South Africa in 2016 (WireImage for Edelman Public Relations)

Elizabeth played the mysterious exchange student Nadia in the raunchy 1999 hit comedy, which launched her to fame in the early aughts. She went on to land roles in Scary Movie in 2000, Love Actually in 2003 and That 70s Show.

While the Texas native kept up with her acting career, she also launched a dog and cat rescue called Animal Avengers in 2001. After running the organization for over a decade in Los Angeles, her activism and interest in endangered animals led her to travel abroad starting in 2015.

Shannon Elizabeth starred as Nadia in 1999 comedy American Pie (Universal Pictures)

I just wanted to understand what I could do to help, Elizabeth told the outlet. I love the U.S., but I also love exploring. I love other countries. I love other cultures and learning. And I think for a long time, I was immersed here. I knew what it was like here, and I just wanted a change. I just wanted something different and to feel like I was doing something more important than just working on myself.

Elizabeth now lives in Cape Town and works as the president of the Shannon Elizabeth Foundation, which she founded, and runs the foundations Khusela Endangered Wildlife Sanctuary.
Rosemary Adaser was separated from her brother aged six and sent to institutions in Dublin and Kilkenny. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian (Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian)

A twin sister and brother were separated from their parents in Irelands mother and baby home scandal  but only one of them can be compensated without being penalised.

Rosemary Adaser, 70, of Ealing, west London, was among tens of thousands of children placed in abusive institutions for being born out of marriage in Ireland.

But if Adaser accepts compensation under the Irish mother and baby institutions payment scheme, which opened in 2024, she faces losing at least 1,000 a month in housing benefit.

A legal loophole means because the compensation she is due is from a foreign government, normal capital disregard provisions do not apply, and any payments can be treated as cash savings for means-testing benefits and social care.

Rosemarys brother, Anthony Adaser, still lives in Ireland, so has been compensated without facing penalties. He says the unfairness of the disparity is galling, robbing his sister of the peace of mind his settlement has given him in retirement.

On 13 March, the prime minister, Keir Starmer, said the Westminster government would introduce Philomenas law, which would protect survivors from penalties.

However, no legislative timetable is in place. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) issued guidance to local authorities on 2 April that any compensation payments should be disregarded indefinitely as capital for income-related benefits including pension credit, universal credit and housing benefit. But the DWP is not in direct contact with survivors or their lawyers, who say elderly people have been left to fight individual battles with local authorities.

Adaser said: This is just another institutional abuse. I raised my family without any recourse to benefits. Now, when Im unable to work, the governments inaction is killing me off.

Survivors are terrified to show their faces in case their benefits are cut and are dying without their due. Im too terrified to apply for compensation, because I need housing benefit to stay independent, and Im terrified of being institutionalised again.

With the compensation, Id be able to make it safe for me to continue living in my home.

The twins were born in an unmarried mothers home in Belfast, the children of a Ghanaian doctor and an Irish hospital receptionist.

In a climate of stigma in theocratic 1950s Ireland, the twins were institutionalised and separated at six years old, reuniting when they were 12.

Related: Irelands mother-and-baby homes are a stain on the Catholic church - but this latest refusal to atone is a new low | Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

Adaser faced relentless degradation at every level, including abuse, neglect and forced labour in institutions in Dublin and Kilkenny.

I thought the N-word was a pet name, until an older girl slapped me across the face and said, Look up the meaning. This is not about me saying I had it worse  in an institution where are you are beaten up before breakfast, it doesnt matter what the colour of your skin is. But everywhere I went I was noticed, and whereas my peers could leave institutions and blend in with Irish society, I couldnt.

At 16, Adaser was sent to a mother and baby home after she became pregnant and her own son was taken from her, before being reunited with her in adulthood. She escaped being sent to a Magdalene laundry after a progressive Irish couple, Bryan and Mary Rothery, took her in, saved her life and encouraged her to leave Ireland, where she faced a colour bar in employment and housing. She moved to London in 1976.

She said: The 70s was a very hard time for Irish people [in the UK] but nobody believed I was Irish, so I was able to avoid all that. I immersed myself in Black politics and had a ball in 70s London.

I will always thank the British people. They took in thousands of defeated, battered girls and allowed us to make our lives here.

Adaser, a retired housing director, now wants to meet the prime minister.

Her lawyer, Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, urged ministers to implement Philomenas law without delay, adding: How much longer are elderly, distressed survivors expected to wait?

The DWP has said it is carefully considering the situation.

 This article was amended on 16 April 2026. After publication, the Department for Work and Pensions clarified that the guidance issued to local authorities this month states that compensation payments from the Irish mother and baby institutions payment scheme should be disregarded indefinitely as capital for income-related benefits on an ex-statutory basis until legislation is in place.
BBC star confirms Celebrity Traitors asked him to be on show

A huge BBC star has confirmed that Celebrity Traitors asked him to take part in the next series of the show.

Peter Capaldi was speaking to Victoria Derbyshire on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg when the host asked him if he would ever take part in a celebrity version of a television show.

Laughing as he looked away from the set, Capaldi said hed been contacted about the next series.

In March, presenter Claudia Winkleman confirmed that the Celebrity Traitors 2026 cast is now complete.
Arti Shah said she will keep showing her son that being different is a good thing as she celebrated winning an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Paddington.

Shah and puppeteer James Hameed, who together bring the bear to life on the stage in Paddington The Musical at the Savoy Theatre, hailed the shows reminders of kindness as they collected the award for best actor in a musical.

Hameed controls Paddingtons expressions and delivers his voice, while Shah embodies the character on stage.

James Hameed and Arti Shah (PA) (Ian West)

During her acceptance speech on Sunday, Shah, who has also appeared in Star Wars films, told her son: Mummy is gonna keep making you proud and I am gonna keep showing you that being different is a good thing.

Her son appeared overjoyed at his mention and hid under his seat at the Royal Albert Hall, smiling before he climbed back on and shouted happily.

Shah has previously spoken out on social media about her anxiety surrounding bullies and her height at her sons school.

Hameed hailed his father as his very own Paddington and reminded the audience that Paddington teaches people to be welcoming, inquisitive and most importantly, kind.

Hameed said: I want to start by thanking my dad, my very own Paddington, who came to this country to have his own dream of building a life in this wonderful city of London.

His father waved his hands and cheered loudly as his son held his award.
An Earthset captured by the crew of Artemis II - NASA /AFP

People often ask me what Ive learnt after several decades of global travel writing. And after warning them about toilets in rural Azerbaijan, I tell them this: no matter how far away you go, how remote the country, how isolated the lake, port or city, you inevitably discover that at some point in the last 400 years the British were here before, to variously seize, buy, map, ravish or simply bombard the place into submission before they got bored and went off to beat up the French again.

Consider the evidence. In 1762 Britain sailed a fleet from Madras to Manila, captured the capital of Spains Pacific empire, and demanded a ransom of $4m. The Spanish archbishop in charge paid a quarter of it, before the British got distracted and ambled away. In 1868 we invaded Ethiopia with 13,000 soldiers, 26,000 camp followers and 44 Indian elephants, marched 400 miles into the highlands and stormed the emperors fortress. The emperor shot himself with a pistol that Queen Victoria had given him as a gift.

We occupied Iceland in 1940, where a local greeted our troops by sticking a cigarette in a soldiers rifle barrel. In 1903 we invaded Tibet after promising not to attack. At one point we took Java, fell in love with it, returned it with regrets, and founded Singapore as consolation. Soon after this we captured Buenos Aires, got chased out by women pouring boiling oil from rooftops, and pretended the whole thing never happened.

My favourite is maybe the day we seized Belle-Ile, a French island off the coast of Brittany. Because the French were so weary of our punchiness, they simply shrugged, and told us to keep it. Then we swapped it for Menorca. In total, according to the historian Stuart Laycock, Britain has invaded 171 of the worlds 193 countries. We have been, by a considerable margin, the most relentlessly adventuring, aggressively outgoing nation in human history.

And now, as the world watched Artemis II successfully return from its lunar mission, a recent YouGov poll revealed that 57 per cent of Britons believe returning to the Moon is of little or no importance. And the indifference is personal. Even with a guaranteed safe return home, a whopping 49 per cent would refuse to take a lunar trip. The most popular reason? Not interested. One respondent offered a more specific objection: There are no pubs on the moon.

NASA astronauts Victor Glover and Christina Koch sitting on a Navy MH-60 Seahawk after they and fellow crewmates were extracted from their Orion spacecraft after splashdown - Newscom / Alamy Live News

One wonders what Francis Drake would make of this. Probably not much, as he skewered another Spaniard. Likewise Captain Cook, who casually discovered continents when he wasnt charting archipelagos.

In particular, I wince to think how Ernest Shackleton would react. Here is a man whose ship was crushed by pack ice, who kept 28 men alive on a desolate Antarctic island, then sailed 800 miles across a polar ocean in a boat the size of a car, then climbed over unmapped mountains in South Georgia to reach help. He didnt lose a single soul. Almost half of us wont go to the Moon with a guaranteed return to our sofas. Shackleton crossed the Southern Ocean facing a near-guaranteed death, and went anyway.

Its easy to give in to despair at our newly slothful ways, but I wont. Because I refuse to believe the bold, bullish, buccaneering, Montevideo-bombarding Britain of Raleigh and Speke, Burton and Raffles, Mallory and Scott, has entirely disappeared.

It is merely, slumbering in its tomb, waiting for the moment to return. We are just in a funk, but it wont last forever. Someday soon a young Briton will gaze at the heavens and think: sod the Moon, Im going to the stars, and Ill bring my own gin and tonic.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe's proposed Constitution Amendment (No. 3) Bill is set to enter the next legislative phase, with Parliament preparing to scrutinise the draft law following the conclusion of nationwide public hearings.The consultations were conducted in line with Section 141 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which requires Parliament to ensure public participation and stakeholder engagement in the law-making process.Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi confirmed that the Bill will soon be tabled for debate once the constitutionally mandated 90-day period has elapsed."Consultations are still ongoing and Parliament is still receiving written submissions even though oral hearings were concluded. The relevant committees are now collating the data and producing a report on the consultations," he said.Minister Ziyambi explained that the process will move to the second reading stage after May 18, where he will outline the objectives, rationale and provisions of the Bill before Members of Parliament.Following this, parliamentary committees will present reports based on public input, after which debate will be opened to all legislators. The Bill will then proceed to the committee stage, where MPs will analyse it clause by clause, making amendments where necessary.Once deliberations are complete, the proposed law will be subjected to a vote requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. If approved, it will move to the Senate for a similar process before being finalised.The Bill proposes sweeping changes to Zimbabwe's governance framework. Among the key provisions are extending the presidential term from five to seven years, and introducing a system where the President is elected by a joint sitting of Parliament rather than through a direct public vote.Other proposed changes include the establishment of a new Zimbabwe Electoral Delimitation Commission, transferring oversight of the voters' roll to the Registrar-General, and granting the President authority to appoint an additional 10 senators.The developments mark a significant step in Zimbabwe's ongoing constitutional reform process, with the outcome of parliamentary debate expected to shape the country's political landscape in the years ahead.
Around 1.6 million people who moved to the UK under Boris Johnson and his successors between 2021 and 2024 are set to be given indefinite leave to remain - Dan Kitwood/AFP

The immigration Boriswave will cost every British household 20,000, according to analysis by Reform UK.

Around 1.6 million people who moved to the UK under Boris Johnson and his successors between 2021 and 2024 are set to be given indefinite leave to remain.

In a new report, Reform said the cost of NHS care, benefits and new infrastructure to cope with the increased population would reach 622.5bn in real terms until 2085  a sum it claimed would bankrupt the British taxpayer and represent a 20,000 liability for every household in the UK.

The figure is three times the annual budget for the NHS, and 10 times the defence budget.

Zia Yusuf, Reforms home affairs spokesman, said: We are standing on the edge of a fiscal disaster. The Boriswave is a legacy of Tory incompetence and Labours open border ideology.

Reform UK will stop the rot, protect the taxpayer and ensure that British households arent forced to pick up the 20,000 tab for a decade of failed Westminster policy.

Boris Johnson and his Tory successors issued 3.8m long-term visas, resulting in a net migration influx of 2.6 million people - Matt Dunham/PA Images

Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, has pledged to reduce the bill by increasing the time it takes for migrants already in Britain to qualify for permanent settlement.

But she is set to make concessions following a rebellion led by Angela Rayner, which means the UK could be hit by the multi-billion-pound cost outlined by Reform.

Mr Yusuf added: The British people voted for Brexit to take back control of our borders, yet the Tories opened the floodgates and left a fiscal time bomb under the desks as they left.

This wasnt just mass migration  it was the deliberate importation of unprecedented numbers of low-wage, high-dependency people that is about to bankrupt the British taxpayer.

Mr Johnson brought in more liberal immigration policies to help deal with workforce shortages in the wake of the Covid pandemic.

Between 2021 and 2024, annual net immigration averaged more than double the previous decade, and hit a record high of 944,000 in the year ending March 2023.

Mr Johnson and his Tory successors issued 3.8m long-term visas, resulting in a net migration influx of 2.6 million people.

Of these, between 1.6 and 2.2 million will become eligible for indefinite leave to remain, giving them full access to the welfare state.

In its new report, The Cost of the Boriswave, compiled by Amar Johal, the policy director, Reform claimed the increased levels of immigration meant a looming fiscal disaster and accused the Conservatives of inflicting a historic betrayal despite four consecutive manifesto promises to reduce immigration.

The report said the cost of the 2021-2025 cohort expected to receive indefinite leave to remain will be 622.5bn in real terms until 2085.

This comprises welfare such as Universal Credit, child benefit and disability benefits, the cost of NHS care, education, social care and childcare, plus the capital costs of providing the infrastructure required to deal with the increased population including roads, hospitals, housing and sanitation.

The analysis suggested the composition of the Boriswave differed from previous cohorts, with only one in six arrivals coming as workers on work visas.

The party said if Sir Keir Starmer backed down to his backbenchers and did not reform indefinite leave to remain, the costs would be unavoidable.

Reform said it would abolish indefinite leave to remain and replace it with a five-year renewable visa, set much higher salary thresholds before people are allowed in, terminate welfare payments to foreign nationals and leave the European Convention on Human Rights.
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The Republican Party of California voted on Sunday not to issue an endorsement in the upcoming governors race as two GOP candidates duke it out for the top spot and seek to potentially claim a slot in the November election.

Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host and populist conservative, had won Donald Trumps endorsement one week ago Sunday. Trump wrote in a Truth Social post that Hilton would receive federal help in making the state of California better than ever before, a signal that he was promising the state a close alliance with the administration if Hilton won.

But even with Hilton outpacing his closest Republican rival in polling and securing the presidents support, he was unable to gather enough delegates to the state party convention on his side before Sundays vote. As a result, both Hilton and Sheriff Chad Bianco failed to win the partys endorsement.

Its a blow that will hinder Hilton as he argues that Republicans should consolidate behind his campaign. Hes leading every other challenger in most polling, but Bianco remains highly competitive and neither candidate is running away with the vote ahead of the June nonpartisan primary. Two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election.

Though Trumps endorsement was only issued a week ago, if Hilton fails to pull ahead in the weeks to come, it could well be a sign that Donald Trumps ability to decide Republican Party primary races with his endorsement has been lessened, or lost entirely.

Steve Hilton and his opponent Chad Bianco both walked out of this weekends GOP convention in California without the partys endorsement for governor (John Phillips/Getty Images for TechCrunch)

He and Bianco are bost being boosted by the collapse of the Democratic field, which has stunned political observers nationwide.

Rep. Katie Porter was widely viewed as having torpedoed her campaign after getting angry and lashing out at a reporter over questions about her campaign strategy, an incident that occurred amid other reports of her allegedly abusive behavior towards staff.

Meanwhile, Rep. Eric Swalwell is facing calls to drop out from former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Democrats who withdrew their endorsements this weekend after a former staffer came forward and alleged to CNN that she was raped by the congressman. The House is likely to debate his expulsion this coming week.

Swalwell firmly denied the accusation in a statement put out on X.

Eric Swalwells campaign and congressional career are on the ropes after a former staffer accused him of rape (AP)

In years past, Republicans have harbored no illusions about the power of Trumps support. Candidates for various races often make pilgrimages to the presidents Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where they make their respective cases for his endorsement. One famous Apprentice-like scene played out in 2022 as candidates for the Republican nomination for Senate in Ohio met with Trump and pitched him one by one on their respective credentials. That race famously ended in J.D. Vance winning the endorsement and later the seat itself after the president boosted him to victory in the Republican primary.

With Trump back in the White House and his approval rating hitting record lows over issues including the war in Iran and persistently high consumer prices, the strength of Trumps endorsement could well be afflicted by a level of voter fatigue not seen in past cycles.

The strength of Donald Trumps endorsement is being tested in 2026 in multiple Republican Party primaries (AP)

In Louisiana, Trumps endorsement is being put to the test, which will illuminate whether that is true. The president has endorsed against sitting Republican senator Bill Cassidy, in favor of Julia Letlow, a Republican member of the House. Polling does not yet show a clear picture of the race, with surveys commissioned by the two candidates showing significantly different results.

In Texas, both Sen. John Cornyn and Republican state attorney general Ken Paxton have publicly sought the presidents endorsement, while Senate GOP leadership has repeatedly begged him to stay out of it. As a result, the president has indicated his favor towards both men, who are now competing in a May runoff.
It was Christmas Day in April for Aidan OBrien, who may have seen Derby favourite Pierre Bonnard finish well beaten on his return but still claimed the P.W. McGrath Memorial Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown.

Endorsement set the early pace with Pierre Bonnard appearing to travel kindly for Ryan Moore, who was riding the son of Camelot for the first time having been injured when he was making his mark in Group company at the back-end of last season.

However, the warning signs were there three furlongs from home when Moore started to niggle away at his mount with minimal response and Pierre Bonnard would finish well held, as Christmas Day delivered an unexpected gift for his team, confirming the form of his Eyrefield Stakes at this track in October.

He finished half a length clear of long-time front-runner Endorsement at odds of 11-1, with Donnacha OBriens A Boy Named Susie back in third.

The race kind of broke into two halves a little bit. It was a little bit of a stop-start race, but we were very happy, said OBrien.

Wayne (Lordan, rider of Christmas Day) was very happy with his horse, he gave him a lovely ride. Ronan (Whelan, on Endorsement) was the same.

Ryan said he would have preferred to be handier and in a little bit more of a rhythm. He ended up where he ended up and he said he was in on the bad ground, but he was very happy with the horse.

He said he had two blows. We thought that that would happen.

I was just worried coming here that all the horses were going to need it very badly and they all are having a blow or two, probably more than usual, but were delighted.

The winner is a smart horse. He won a Group race around here with Jack (Cleary) and then we were going to a Group One with him next time in France and he got a temperature and didnt get to go.

Wayne said a mile and a quarter, he will stay further but he has pace and he quickened up. Hes very straightforward, he travels, he quickens. Hes by Camelot and hes a lovely horse.

Hes just one of those horses that is very uncomplicated. Hes kind of floating along under the radar the whole time.

Ryans horse will leave the run well behind him, hes a horse that is going to get a mile and a half well. Were still happy to have got the run in to him.

On these horses coming back for the Derby Trial here month he added: Obviously they mightnt all come back, but Ryans horse definitely will come back. The plan was to come back here.

I was a little bit worried during the week should we give him a little bit more time and then hed end up going to the Derby with only one run.

We just felt if he was going to the Derby he needed two runs, win lose or draw. Hes had his first run now, well see him the next day and well be able to assess him properly and then if he is to go to the Derby his preparation should have been fine.

Obviously there are loads of trials coming up and we always try to split them up for Ryan to get a sit on them all individually and go from there.

Paddy Power made Christmas Day a 16-1 chance for the Derby, with Pierre Bonnard retaining favouritism but eased to 6-1 from 7-2.
Deep-fried food is set to be entirely removed from school menus across England, while sugary treats will face strict limitations, under a comprehensive overhaul of standards designed to combat childhood obesity and widespread tooth decay.

The proposed changes, unveiled by the Government, aim to significantly improve the nutritional quality of meals served to pupils.

Under the new guidelines, desserts such as ice cream and waffles, alongside baked goods like puddings and cakes, will be restricted to once a week and must contain a minimum of 50 per cent fruit.

Schools will also be prohibited from offering unhealthy "grab and go" options, including sausage rolls and pizza, on a daily basis. Instead, fruit will be required for the majority of the week, replacing less healthy alternatives.

Sample menus provided suggest a shift towards more wholesome main courses, featuring dishes such as cottage pie with root-and-veg mash, Mexican-style burritos, jerk chicken with rice and peas, and spaghetti bolognese.

Desserts will be limited to once a week (Alamy/PA) (Alamy/PA)

Each meal must be accompanied by at least one portion of vegetables and salad. Sides cooked using fat or oil, such as chips and hash browns, will be limited to no more than twice a week.

While deep-fried items are banned, breadcrumb-coated or batter-coated options like fish and chips will still be permitted once a week.

A "phased" introduction is planned for secondary schools, allowing two portions of desserts or sweet treats weekly from September next year, reducing to one by 2028.

These new standards, the first update since 2014, have been developed with input from health experts and nutritionists. They seek to boost fibre intake by ensuring a greater provision of fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains, applying to all breakfasts and lunches served in schools.

To enhance compliance, each school will be required to publish its menus online. The proposals are now open for a nine-week public consultation, which began on Monday.

The reforms come as statistics reveal that approximately one in three children leave primary school overweight or obese, and tooth decay remains the leading cause of hospital admissions for youngsters aged five to nine.

The Prime Minister, speaking ahead of a visit to a school breakfast club in Greater Manchester, stated: "Were improving the quality of food served in schools so parents can count on their children getting healthy meals. This is about easing the cost of living today and supporting better health for the future."

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson hailed the proposals as "the most ambitious overhaul of school food in a generation" and described them as "long overdue".

Bridget Phillipson said the move was long overdue (Getty)

She added: "Every child deserves to have delicious, nutritious food at school that gives them the energy to concentrate, learn and thrive  meals that children will actually recognise and enjoy, backed by robust compliance so that good standards on paper become good food on the plate."

The changes have garnered support from prominent figures, including actress Dame Emma Thompson, Leon co-founder Henry Dimbleby, and chef Tom Kerridge.

Dame Emma, a campaigner for the Food Foundation charity, expressed her delight: "I am absolutely thrilled that the Government is changing the school food standards to make sure that every child has delicious, nutritious school food that they deserve.

School meals are a golden opportunity to support childrens health, learning and wellbeing  and getting this right means children across the country can truly thrive. This is a landmark moment for families, for the NHS, and for the future of our young people."

Henry Dimbleby, who previously served as government food tsar, cautioned that the standards would only succeed "if the Government sticks to the timetable set out today  and if schools and caterers are backed to deliver, and held to it."

He believes that "done right it will boost childrens health, their academic outcomes and their chances of success in later life."

Chef and campaigner Jamie Oliver also welcomed the move, calling school food "the UKs most important restaurant chain" and a "massive opportunity to improve health at scale."

He added: "My Good School Food Awards prove that world-class meals are possible right now, and every child deserves that same quality. So, Im delighted this Government is now updating and enforcing these standards."

Jamie Oliver has welcomed the overhaul (Joe Giddens/PA) (PA Archive)

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer is set to promote the plans, alongside the expansion of free breakfast clubs, during a visit to Greater Manchester on Monday.

His visit coincides with the doubling of breakfast clubs across the region, with 33 new clubs launching this week to provide 10,000 more children with a free morning meal.

The Labour leader will meet local residents to discuss the pressures they face, particularly concerning rising energy prices due to the Iran war and the broader cost-of-living crisis.

Sir Keir stated: "I know what its like to grow up in a family that works hard but still feels the squeeze when the bills come in. Right now, that pressure is being felt more than ever, with global events pushing up the cost of everyday essentials, especially food. Im not waiting to act.

Were expanding free breakfast clubs in places like Greater Manchester because theyre a proven way to help families save up to 450 a year, while giving parents back precious time in the morning."
Some of Eric Swalwells more prominent supporters, and the powerful labour unions, have stopped endorsing him - Rich Pedroncelli/AP Photo

A leading US Democratic candidate for governor of California has been accused of raping a former employee.

Eric Swalwell, a member of congress since 2013, has denied the allegations of sexual assault by a former congressional staffer.

The 45-year-old has also been accused of sexual assault and harassment by three other women, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN. Mr Swalwell denies all the allegations made against him.

The claims threaten to derail what had, until recently, been a campaign to become governor of California. Mr Swalwell was among the leading Democrats in the race to replace Gavin Newsom, the outgoing governor.

But within hours of the allegations being published, his most prominent supporters, including Adam Schiff, the US senator, and the powerful labour unions, dropped their endorsements and called for his exit from the race.

Mr Swalwell has pledged to fight the allegations with everything I have - Rich Pedroncelli/AP Photo

A woman who previously worked in Mr Swalwells district office accused him of raping her in 2024 following a night of heavy drinking, leaving her bruised and bleeding, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

I was pushing him off of me, saying no, she told CNN. He didnt stop.

She said the alleged incident took place after she had stopped working for Mr Swalwell.

She also claimed it was the second time he had non-consensual sex with her, alleging that in 2019, while she was still working for him, she woke up naked in a hotel room with him after a night of drinking, with no memory of what had taken place.

Mr Swalwell denied the allegations on Friday, writing on X: These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything I have.

He later added: I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that Im a saint. I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past. But those mistakes are between me and my wife and to her, I apologise deeply for putting her in this position.

I also apologise to you if, in any way, you have doubted your support for me. But I think you know who I am.

Three other women make allegations

Three other women have also alleged various forms of misconduct, including sending unsolicited, explicit messages and nude photographs.

One woman said she connected with Mr Swalwell through her interest in the Democratic Party and later met him at a bar, where she alleged he kissed her and touched her leg without consent.

Another woman alleges she ended up in a hotel room with Mr Swalwell after a night out, with no memory of what happened - Bloomberg/Senate Television

She claimed she later ended up in a hotel room with him after a night out, but had no memory of what took place.

Another accuser, Ally Sammarco, a social media creator, alleged that Mr Swalwell sent her unsolicited nude images after initial contact online.

I truly never thought he would respond  I had like 1,000 followers at the time, she told CNN. And he actually responded.

Mr Swalwell has denied these allegations. His lawyers sent cease-and-desist letters to two of the women on Thursday, describing their claims as false and ordering them to retract their statements or face legal action.

The allegations surfaced at a critical stage of the campaign to lead the nations most populous state. Voters will receive mail ballots next month, before the June 2 election.

The political fallout has been swift.

High-profile Democrats withdrawn endorsements

Mr Newsom, a likely 2028 presidential candidate, who has avoided engaging in the contest to replace him, said in a statement: As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously.

Nancy Pelosi, the former house speaker, said the serious allegations must be investigated and that she had spoken to Mr Swalwell suggesting it be done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.

High-profile Democrats, including Ruben Gallego, withdrew their endorsements on Friday.

Earlier this week, Mr Gallego had defended Mr Swalwell, when there were indications that allegations might become public.

I regret having come to his defence on social media prior to knowing all the information, he wrote on X. I am equally as shocked and upset about what has transpired.

Jimmy Gomez, a Democratic representative, who helped run Mr Swalwells campaign, said that he was immediately stepping down from that role.

The congressman should leave the race now so there can be full accountability without doubt, distraction, or delay, Mr Gomez said on social media.

Labour unions, including the California Service Employees International Union and the California Teachers Association, said that they were suspending their support. The California Federation of Labour Unions said that it was acting urgently on next steps.

A spokesman for Hakeem Jeffries, the house Democratic leader, said the allegations required a serious and thorough investigation.
Farage under increasing pressure to sack Tice over allegations he failed to pay tax

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is coming under increasing pressure to sack his deputy leader Richard Tice amid fury over his tax affairs.

Mr Tice, who is the partys business spokesperson and jointly owns it with Mr Farage, has been accused of failing to pay tens of thousands of pounds in tax on dividends that were paid to him and his offshore trust.

Allegations in The Sunday Times suggested that he received at least 91,000 in excess payments as a result of the failure.

Labour Treasury minister Torsten Bell said: We already knew Richard Tice aggressively avoided tax.

Now were told his company just plain failed to pay tax that was legally due. For someone supposedly in public service he goes to extreme lengths to avoid paying his fair share towards public services.

Nigel Farage is under pressure to sack his deputy Richard Tice (Getty)

Tax expert Dan Neidle said that Mr Tices company broke the law.

He went on: There was no ability to choose for different people to pay tax, months later than it should be paid. The law is the law. Its not optional.

He noted: Mr Tice, owns a property company, Quidnet Reit [real estate investment trust]. From 2020 to 2022, it paid Tice and his trust 600k in dividends. Quidnet should have paid 120k of tax on those dividends. It didnt.

Reits and their investors dont get to choose how and when tax is paid. The law required that the Reit pay tax on its dividends immediately, rather than waiting up to 21 months until its shareholders file and pay tax. The tax is still due.

The allegations have echoes of the scandal which forced Angela Rayner to quit as deputy prime minister over failing to pay around 30,000 in stamp duty on a new flat in Brighton because of confusion over her sons trust.

Tice has rejected the allegations as a smear (Getty)

The row led to a very public spat with Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey, who said on X that Mr Tices actions were morally completely indefensible.

He added: Farage should sack Richard Tice immediately.

But Mr Tice claimed that the allegations were a smear and highlighted how Sir Ed had been the post office minister who had allowed postmasters to be wrongly prosecuted and subsequently took 275,000 from the legal firm which pushed for their wrongful imprisonment.

The Reform leadership continued to stand by Mr Tice with the partys homes affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf defending him on the Sunday broadcast round.

Mr Yusuf claimed the allegations on avoiding tax were a non-story.

Richard Tice has not committed tax evasion nor tax avoidance, that would be the first point I make.

And the second point I would make is that whats also seems clear to me, and Im obviously not a tax lawyer, but it is clear to me that any tax that would have not been paid or underpaid by the company paying the dividend in this case would have been overpaid by Richard himself in the form of income tax.

Asked about another controversy around a Reform competition to pay peoples energy bills, which is being reviewed by the police, he said: I think the people making such a report should be embarrassed, look it was only a few weeks ago, remember, during the Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election that, you know, people reported Reform to the police for some imprint on a leaflet.

And, you know, the police looked at it and said, this is nonsense, threw it out.
First time buyers in England have collectively paid an estimated 307 million extra in stamp duty since a temporary relief measure ended in April 2025, according to calculations from a property website.

Rightmove estimated that an average of 4,618 more has been paid per buyer.

The total estimated first time buyer stamp duty bill over the past year was 408 million, versus 101 million the previous year.

A stamp duty holiday ended from April 2025 and the nil rate threshold for first time buyers was reduced from 425,000 to 300,000.

Rightmove analysed first time buyer property purchases since April 1 2025.

London alone accounts for just over half (53%) of the estimated 408 million paid since the threshold fell to 300,000, with the South East contributing around a quarter (23%), according to its estimates.

In contrast, regions such as the North East and East Midlands contribute only small proportions (0.3% and 1% respectively), with more homes there priced below 300,000, therefore remaining stamp duty free, the report said.

Rightmove, which used its own data for the research, estimated the stamp duty total based on sales of typical first time buyer properties between April 1 2025 and March 31 2026.

Home buyers are also dealing with cost pressures from mortgage rates having jumped following the conflict in the Middle East.

Colleen Babcock, property expert at Rightmove said: First time buyers are already facing significant challenges, from higher mortgage costs to rising rents while they save.

Nathan Emerson, chief executive of property professionals body Propertymark, said: These figures underline the increasing strain on first time buyers, with higher stamp duty costs adding to already significant affordability challenges.

The reduction in the threshold has not only raised upfront costs but also reduced the availability of suitable homes, particularly in higher value areas.
Talk about a couple of spoiled dogs! Like just about every Golden Retriever on the planet, Pearl and Poppi love being in the water, so their pawrents decided to build them their very own pool. They're in the process of building a saltwater plunge pool, and while it's not swim-ready yet, that didn't stop Pearl from checking it out.

Pearl, Poppi, and their mom, Liz, were inspecting the pool and the work that's been done on it so far. It was very windy in Nashville, Tennessee, where they live, when the video was taken, causing Pearl to "accidentally" fall into the pool, even after Mom told her no. In one of the comments, Liz said, "Pearl claims the wind blew her in LOL!" Sounds like something a guilty kid would say, too!

The look on Pearl's face when she was getting blow-dried said it all...she had absolutely zero regrets for disobeying mom and taking a plunge in the new pool!

Liz shared a bit more about the pool in the caption, "Do you think she is proud of herself? She hasnt been happier to be blow-dried in her life. We are halfway through putting in an in-ground fiberglass pool! Next up is pavers, saltwater, and cleaning it all up!"

Related: Country Music Stars Golden Retrievers Get In the Pool Every Morning Even He Says No

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Funny Reactions to Pearl Hopping in the Pool

Like us, viewers enjoyed watching Pearl do her thing without worrying about the consequences, and many pawrents joked that they now had to get their dog a pool. Like @dj_n_effect, who shared, "My golden just handed me a shovel and told me to start building him a pool." That's why we're glad our dog wasn't around to see this video!

Another Golden Retriever, @goldenboiyoshi, admitted, "I have no chill around water. Pearl definitely was blown in by the wind!"

Even though Liz told Pearl, "not today", @nisswatthegolden shared, "Today sounds good LOL!" @yourbudnash added, "Hahaha Pearl!!! Shes just testing the waters!"

We can't wait to see what the pool looks like when it's finished, and we're looking forward to Pearl and Poppi's pool adventures this summer!

This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Apr 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Cyclone Vaianu has caused extensive flooding in the North Island but Auckland has so far been spared - Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

A powerful cyclone has hit New Zealand, causing large waves, extensive flooding and power outages across the countrys North Island.

Cyclone Vaianu turned roads into rivers, brought down trees and forced hundreds of people to evacuate their homes.

Flooding and fallen trees forced the closure of major roads.

Trees were brought down and homes evacuated in Whakatane, New Zealand - Mike Scott/New Zealand Herald via Getty Images

The cyclone brought winds exceeding 80mph, torrential rain and heavy sea swells.

Surfers and windsurfers took advantage of the wild weather, riding huge waves.

It was pumping, absolutely pumping, one surfer told Radio New Zealand.

The cyclone struck the North Island close to the town of Maketu, with the national weather provider, MetService, describing it as a life-threatening system.

The combination of damaging winds, heavy rain and coastal inundation makes this a multi-hazard, potentially life-threatening event, the service said.

More than 90 regional flights across the North Island were cancelled. International flights were operating as normal, although some delays were expected.

Flooding was extensive in Whitianga, a town on the Coromandel Peninsula - Marika Khabaz/Radio New Zealand

Several regions declared a state of emergency, including Waikato, the Coromandel Peninsula, Northland, Hawkes Bay and the Bay of Plenty.

But the cyclone was likely to spare Auckland, the countrys biggest city, according to Mark Mitchell, the emergency management minister.

Its moved more to the fringes and more to the east, which means that we havent quite seen the intensity that we had prepared for or that we thought we were going to get hit with. So that is good news, he said.

Large ocean swells caused by the cyclone could combine with high tides to cause coastal flooding, he warned. Waves exceeding 20ft high were recorded along some parts of the coast.

Waves exceeding 20ft high were recorded along some parts of the coast - Sylvie Whinray/New Zealand Herald via Getty Images

The cyclone knocked out electricity to around 10,000 homes. Mandatory evacuations were ordered for 270 properties, with the New Zealand army deployed to help people move.

Mandatory evacuations have been coordinated across multiple homes, with the residents being looked after by friends and families. Civil defence centres are available across the region, to receive displaced people, if required, said Julian Snowball, a civil defence official in Waikato.

The authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from floodwaters.

Conditions were expected to ease as the cyclone moved down through the North Island and then south-east, towards the remote Chatham Islands, about 430 miles out in the Pacific Ocean.

Things do improve from tonight and tomorrow, but at the moment this is still a life-threatening weather system, said Heather Keats, MetServices head of weather news.

The storm has brought back traumatic memories of Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, which killed 11 people and displaced thousands in one of New Zealands biggest natural disasters this century.
Viktor Orban has argued that Hungarys biggest threat is the Ukraine war and he alone can keep the peace. Photograph: Balint Szentgallay/NurPhoto/Shutterstock (Photograph: Balint Szentgallay/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)

Hungarians are heading to the ballot boxes to vote in a landmark parliamentary election that could oust Viktor Orban after 16 years in power and potentially reshape the central European countrys relations with the EU, Moscow and Washington.

During the campaign, Orban  the EUs longest-serving leader  has trailed in the polls as he faces an unprecedented challenge from Peter Magyar, a former elite member of Orbans Fidesz party.

The challenge to Orbans power has sent rightwing leaders from around the globe scrambling to rally behind him. This week, JD Vance turned up in Budapest for a two-day visit, the US vice-president telling reporters that his aim was to help Orban win.

Donald Trump has also repeatedly endorsed Orban, most recently on Friday when he vowed on social media that he would bring US economic might to the country if Orban was re-elected. Months earlier, leaders including Italys Giorgia Meloni and Israels Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear that they were backing Orban.

Related: Hungary elections: what is at stake and who is likely to win?

The result is an election that has played out on the global and domestic stages, as Orban has argued the countrys biggest threat is the war in Ukraine and he alone is capable of keeping the peace, while Magyar has focused on domestic issues with pledges to crack down on corruption, repair the strained relationship with the EU and funnel funds into the countrys crumbling public services.

By midday on Sunday, turnout had climbed to a record 37.98%, according to the countrys national election office, meaning about 876,000 more voters had cast their ballots compared with the 2022 elections.

The two leading candidates voted at separate polling stations in Budapest early on Sunday, with Magyar, 45, telling reporters that Hungarians were writing history as they chose between east or west, propaganda or honest public discourse, corruption or clean public life.

Orban, 62, who has swept the last four elections, said the country needed to stay united in order to resist approaching crises. He told reporters he had come to win.

After Magyar and his centre-right Tisza party crisscrossed the country, holding as many as six rallies a day, most polls put his party in the lead. Analysts expressed caution, however, as undecided voters and Hungarians abroad could still sway the result, as could alleged vote buying.

For many in Hungary, Sundays vote will be a test of how deeply Orbans political system is embedded, after the rightwing populist leader spent more than a decade working to transform Hungary into a petri dish for illiberalism, rewriting election laws to his partys benefit, manoeuvring to put loyalists in control of an estimated 80% of the countrys media and clamping down on dissenting voices.

The result will be closely watched by the Maga movement and the global far right, many of whom have long cited Orban as an inspiration and sought to follow his playbook.

Related: Even if Victor Orban is ousted on Sunday, Hungarys return to liberal democracy is not guaranteed | Gabriela Greilinger and Cas Mudde

Questions have swirled over Orbans government and its relationship with Moscow amid allegations of Russian interference in the election, as well as audio that appeared to suggest a minister had shared confidential EU information with the Russian government.

Orbans government has cited the leaks  including a transcript in which Orban reportedly told Vladimir Putin I am at your service  as evidence of foreign interference.

Analysts have pointed to three possible outcomes of the election: a Magyar majority that Orban accepts; a Magyar majority that Orban does not accept; or an Orban majority.

If Magyar wins, many will be watching to see whether he gains a simple majority or a super-majority  a win of least two-thirds of the 199 seats in Hungarys parliament. A super-majority would allow Magyar and his party to amend the constitution and laws, allowing them to reverse some of the changes made by Orban and Fidesz and potentially unlock EU funds.

In the lead-up to the election, most polls had pointed to a big win for Magyar and his Tisza party, said Zoltan Kesz, a former member of Fidesz. If we were talking about a normal democracy, I would say they could have a super-majority in parliament because of the polls that were seeing, he said. But this is not a normal democracy.

Fideszs transformation of Hungarys electoral system and gerrymandering of its 106 voting districts will require Tisza to gain an estimated 5% more votes than Orbans party to achieve even a simple majority.

At a Friday night rally for Orban in Szekesfehervar, a city of about 100,000 people in central Hungary, hundreds of people turned up, eagerly waving flags and cheering, as cameras panned over the city where the first kings of Hungary were crowned and buried.

Im so happy to be here, gushed Cecilia, 78. Hes the best leader in the world. Sunday was set to be the fifth time since 2010 she had voted for Orban. Viktor Orban will win, of course, with a super-majority, she said.

Others were more circumspect. Sandor, 69, said: When it comes to polls, it depends on who does them, but the situation does seem tense. Im worried for him [Orban]. He seems tired.

Scattered among the crowd were also a handful of Magyar supporters. I was curious to hear the prime minister speak, said Richard, 27. What he had heard, he said, hinted at a fundamental difference between the two leading parties. For 16 years, Fidesz has been campaigning on hatred and fear, he said. While Tisza has been trying to express hope at all of their events.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Supreme Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed an application by Fawcett Security to place Vubachikwe Mine under corporate rescue, ruling that the move constituted an abuse of court process.The judgment brings to an end a protracted legal dispute that spanned more than two years and has been welcomed by Duration Gold, the mine's owners, as a decisive affirmation of judicial integrity.The case originated from a 2024 application by Fawcett Security, then chaired by Andy Laing, which sought to place the mine under corporate rescue over an alleged outstanding debt. However, Duration Gold maintained that the debt was relatively minor and had already been provided for through Forbes & Thompson, the company under which Vubachikwe operates.Duration Gold spokesperson Robert Mukondiwa said it was "perplexing" that a creditor would reject payment and instead pursue litigation."This was not a case of inability to pay, but rather a refusal to accept payment," he said.The High Court of Zimbabwe had initially dismissed the matter after Fawcett's lawyers conceded procedural flaws, including failure to properly serve all affected parties. Fawcett subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court, which upheld the dismissal and criticised the continued litigation as an abuse of process.Duration Gold credited its legal representative, Tawanda Zhuwarara, for a disciplined handling of the case, describing his approach as "meticulous" and firmly grounded in law.The dispute had far-reaching implications, temporarily delaying expansion and recapitalisation plans at the mine. However, Mukondiwa said the ruling now clears the way for renewed investment and operational recovery."With legal certainty restored, Duration Gold can now move decisively to invest, recapitalise and enhance production at Vubachikwe Mine without let or hindrance," he said.The case also exposed allegations of a broader scheme to take control of the mine. Allan Dolan, managing director of Forbes & Thompson and a key shareholder in Duration Gold, previously alleged that the corporate rescue application was part of a coordinated attempt to engineer a hostile takeover.According to court filings, the alleged plot involved UK-based businessman Benjamin Turney, former chief executive of Kavango Resources Plc, working alongside former senior mine managers and other parties to pressure existing shareholders into selling the asset at a reduced value.Fawcett Security's refusal to accept payment of the US$181 067 debt, despite funds being made available, was cited by mine owners as evidence of ulterior motives. They argued that if debt recovery had been the primary objective, the creditor would have accepted settlement or enforced its secured interest.The mine further maintained that it was solvent, citing shareholder-backed repayment arrangements and payments exceeding US$1.6 million to creditors over a 12-month period. It also disputed claims that it owed significant sums to authorities such as the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, instead asserting that it was owed a tax refund.Vubachikwe Mine, which had been placed under care and maintenance following an illegal strike in November 2022, warned that corporate rescue would have jeopardised investor confidence and placed a complex gold mining operation in inexperienced hands.With the legal battle now settled, the mine is considering legal action to recover losses incurred during the dispute, while positioning itself for renewed operations and growth.
Hungary is voting to elect its leader and all 199 members of its parliament.

And if the polls are correct, Prime Minister Viktor Orban is on his way out.

After 16 years in power, Hungary's hardman leader - and his self-styled brand of "illiberal democracy" - will supposedly be toast.

This is a huge moment for Hungary and for Europe as a whole. The bloc's problem child may soon be a problem solved.

Orban initially rose to prominence in 1989 as an anti-Communist, student activist and figurehead of Hungary's nascent pro-democracy movement. From anti-Soviet liberal to pro-Kremlin, right-wing nationalist, his political transformation has been astonishing.

He is the EU's most pro-Russia leader, and has consistently stymied the bloc's efforts to punish the Kremlin over its invasion of Ukraine. His Fidesz party is running on an anti-Ukraine platform, which portrays Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the principal threat to Hungary's security. Orban claims his opponents will allow Kyiv and Brussels to drag the country into war with Russia.

"We always win. We always win," he told me at a rally this week, when I asked if he was worried he'll lose. But the Fidesz message doesn't seem to be landing in Budapest, at least.

At a mass anti-Fidesz protest-concert in the city's Heroes' Square on Friday evening, tens of thousands of people chanted "Russians go home", a reference to Hungary's failed uprising against Soviet occupation in 1956.

"I think if Fidesz stays in power we will be kicked out of the EU very soon and also from NATO, because we are spying for Russia," one protester told me.

The run-up to the election has seen Orban's government accused of treason, following allegations that it's been sharing confidential EU information with Moscow.

Support for Orban has traditionally come from rural areas, but even there, sentiment seems to be shifting. A stagnating economy, rising food prices, failing public services, and persistent accusations of corruption are fuelling an appetite for change.

The man promising change is Peter Magyar, a former Orban insider turned critic. He says he'll restore democratic checks and balances, unlock frozen EU funds, and pivot Hungary back towards the West.

He's not every Hungarian's cup of tea. A centre-right conservative, he opposes EU migration quotas and would retain the border fence that was controversially constructed under Orban.

But he's managed to unite the opposition through a savvy social media strategy and a tireless campaign schedule that has crisscrossed the country. As such, many view his Tisza party as the first real chance to finally unseat Orban and Fidesz.

Winning a majority won't be easy, though. After various changes to the constitution under Orban, Hungary's electoral system is now heavily skewed in favour of Fidesz.

Rivals accuse him of gerrymandering - redrawing the electoral map to suit his support base. In two of his re-elections, Fidesz won a two-thirds supermajority despite getting less than half the popular vote.

A Tisza victory is still considered the most likely scenario, but anything less than a clear win could get messy.

In the event of a narrow margin of victory for Tisza, "the legal process after the elections will be a lengthy one," predicts Robert Laszlo, an election specialist at Political Capital. Fidesz would challenge a close result "all ways they can", he believes.

Read more:

Trump exempts Hungary from US sanctions on Russian energy

Why JD Vance is in Hungary backing Putin-ally Orban

Whatever the final result, the consequences of this election will be felt beyond Hungary's borders. It's seen as a referendum on right-wing populism.
Hungarian voters on Sunday ousted long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orban after 16 years in power, rejecting the authoritarian policies and global far-right movement that he embodied in favour of a pro-European challenger in a bombshell election result with global repercussions.

It was a stunning blow for Orban  a close ally of both US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin  who quickly conceded defeat after what he called a "painful" election result. US Vice President JD Vance had made a visit to Hungary just days earlier, meant to help push Orban over the finish line.

Election victor Peter Magyar, a former Orban loyalist who campaigned against corruption and on everyday issues like health care and public transport, has pledged to rebuild Hungary's relationships with the European Union and NATO  ties that frayed under Orban. European leaders quickly congratulated Magyar.

His victory was expected to transform political dynamics within the EU, where Orban had upended the bloc by frequently vetoing key decisions, prompting concerns he sought to break it up from the inside.

It will also reverberate among far-right movements around the world, which have viewed Orban as a beacon for how nationalist populism can be used to wage culture wars and leverage state power to undermine opponents.

With 97.35 percent of precincts counted, Magyars Tisza party secured 138 seats in the 199-seat parliament on 53.6 percent of the vote, giving them the two-thirds majority in parliament required to make major changes in legislation.

I congratulated the victorious party, Orban told followers. We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition.

In a speech to tens of thousands of jubilant supporters at a victory party along the Danube River, Magyar said his voters had rewritten Hungarian history.

Tonight, truth prevailed over lies. Today, we won because Hungarians didnt ask what their homeland could do for them  they asked what they could do for their homeland. You found the answer. And you followed through, he said.

On the streets of Budapest, drivers blared car horns and cranked up anti-government songs while people marching in the streets chanted and screamed.

Many revellers chanted Ruszkik haza! or Russians go home!  a phrase used widely during Hungarys 1956 anti-Soviet revolution, and which had gained increasing currency amid Orbans drift towards Moscow.

Turnout in the election was nearly 80%, according to the National Election Office, a record number in any vote in Hungarys post-Communist history.

Orban, the EUs longest-serving leader and one of its biggest antagonists, travelled a long road from his early days as a liberal, anti-Soviet firebrand to the Russia-friendly nationalist admired today by the global far-right.

The EU will be waiting to see how Magyar changes Hungary's approach to Ukraine. Orban repeatedly frustrated EU efforts to support the neighbouring country in its war against Russias full-scale invasion, while cultivating close ties to Putin and refusing to end Hungarys dependence on Russian energy imports.

Read moreHow Orban benefits from Hungary's tailor-made election system

Recent revelations have shown a top member of Orban's government frequently shared the contents of EU discussions with Moscow, raising accusations that Hungary was acting on Russias behalf within the bloc.

Members of Trumps Make America Great Again movement are among those who see Orban's government and his Fidesz political party as shining examples of conservative, anti-globalist politics in action, while he is reviled by advocates of liberal democracy and the rule of law.

In Budapest, Marcell Mehringer, 21, said he was voting primarily so that Hungary will finally be a so-called European country, and so that young people, and really everyone, will do their fundamental civic duty to unite this nation a bit and to break down these boundaries borne of hatred.

During his 16 years as prime minister, Orban launched harsh crackdowns on minority rights and media freedoms, subverted many of Hungary's institutions and been accused of siphoning large sums of money into the coffers of his allied business elite, an allegation he denies.

He also heavily strained Hungary's relationship with the EU. Although Hungary is one of the smaller EU countries, with a population of 9.5 million, Orban has repeatedly used his veto to block decisions that require unanimity.

Most recently, he blocked a 90-billion ($104 billion) EU loan to Ukraine, prompting his partners to accuse him of hijacking the critical aid.

Magyar, 45, rapidly rose to become Orban's most serious challenger.

A former insider within Orban's Fidesz, Magyar broke with the party in 2024 and quickly formed Tisza. Since then, he has toured Hungary relentlessly, holding rallies in settlements big and small in a campaign blitz that recently had him visiting up to six towns daily.

In an interview with The Associated Press earlier this month, Magyar said the election will be a referendum on whether Hungary continues on its drift towards Russia under Orban, or can retake its place among the democratic societies of Europe.

Tisza is a member of the European People's Party, the mainstream, centre-right political family with leaders governing 12 of the EU's 27 nations.

Magyar faced a tough fight. Orban's control of Hungary's public media, which he has transformed into a mouthpiece for his party, and vast swathes of the private media market give him an advantage in spreading his message.

The unilateral transformation of Hungary's electoral system and gerrymandering of its 106 voting districts by Fidesz also will require Tisza to gain an estimated 5% more votes than Orbans party to achieve a simple majority.

Additionally, hundreds of thousands of ethnic Hungarians in neighbouring countries had the right to vote in Hungarian elections and traditionally have voted overwhelmingly for Orban's party.

Russian secret services have plotted to interfere and tip the election in Orban's favour, according to numerous media reports including by The Washington Post. The prime minister, however, accused neighbouring Ukraine, as well as Hungary's allies in the EU, of seeking to interfere in the vote to install a pro-Ukraine government.

(FRANCE 24 with AP)
Peter Magyar has claimed a historic victory in Hungarys elections, ousting Trump and Putin ally Viktor Orban after 16 years in power.

Hungarians took to the polls on Sunday in what Mr Magyars Tisza party called a now or never moment to topple Europes longest-serving leader.

Just two hours after polls closed, Mr Magyar posted on Facebook that Mr Orban had congratulated me on the phone on our victory, with 45.7 per cent of the count predicting Tisza were projected to win 135 mandates in the 199-seat parliament.

Speaking to supporters in Budapest, Mr Orban said the result was painful and vowed: "We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition as well."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has congratulated Mr Magyar on his victor, hailing a historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy.

Pollsters predicted a record voter turnout, with Hungarian television showing long queues outside some voting stations in Budapest.

(Viktor Orban has conceded defeat after 16 years in power)

Mr Orban, who has been in power for 16 years, is known as a conservative anti-globalist whose ties to Vladimir Putin and the Trump administration have seen become a global figure in far-right politics.

His opponent Mr Magyar, a former Orban loyalist, has quickly gained popularity through campaigning on frustrations over altering public health care and transportation sectors and what he describes as rampant government corruption.

Queues of voters were pictured outside polling stations across the country as record numbers of Hungarians cast their ballots.

An end to Mr Orbans period in government has significant implications not only for Hungary, but for the European Union, Ukraine and beyond.

It would likely spell an end to Hungary's adversarial role inside the EU, possibly opening the way for a 90 billion euro ($105 billion) loan to war-battered Ukraine blocked by Mr Orban.

Defeat for Mr Orban could also mean the eventual release of EU funds to Hungary that the bloc had suspended due to what Brussels said was Orban's erosion of democratic standards.

Orban salutes his supporters as his 16-year tenure comes to an end (REUTERS)

Mr Orban's exit would also deprive Russian President Vladimir Putin of his main ally in the EU and send shockwaves through Western right-wing circles, including the White House.

In Hungary, a Tisza victory could open the way for reforms that the party says would aim to combat corruption and restore the independence of the judiciary and other institutions.

Mr Orban, a eurosceptic, carved out a model of an "illiberal democracy" seen as a blueprint by Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement and its admirers in Europe.

But many Hungarians have grown increasingly weary of Mr Orban, 62, after three years of economic stagnation and soaring living costs as well as reports of oligarchs close to the government amassing more wealth.

Tisza's leader Magyar appears to have successfully tapped into this frustration.

Casting his vote for Tisza in the Hungarian capital, Mihaly Bacsi, 27, said the country needed change.

"We need an improvement in public mood, there is too much tension in many areas and the current government only fuels these sentiments," he said., a eurosceptic, carved out a model of an "illiberal democracy" seen as a blueprint by Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement and its admirers in Europe.

But many Hungarians have grown increasingly weary of Mr Orban, 62, after three years of economic stagnation and soaring living costs as well as reports of oligarchs close to the government amassing more wealth.

Tisza's leader Magyar appears to have successfully tapped into this frustration.

Casting his vote for Tisza in the Hungarian capital, Mihaly Bacsi, 27, said the country needed change.

"We need an improvement in public mood, there is too much tension in many areas and the current government only fuels these sentiments," he said.

Ahead of the vote, opinion polls showed Mr Orban's Fidesz party trailing Mr Magyar's upstart centre-right opposition Tisza party by 7-9 percentage points, with Tisza at around 38-41 per cent. Pollsters predicted record voter turnout of well over 70 per cent.
Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban has conceded defeat to the pro-EU Tisza party in a pivotal election set to herald in a new era of relations between Hungary and Europe.

Opponent and Tisza leader Peter Magyar said that Orban had phoned him to congratulate the party for winning the election on Sunday, 12 April.

Accusations of voter fraud were launched by both sides on election day but Orbans team in the nationalist Fidesz party said it will respect the results of the election.

Orban, a staunch ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin, has drawn widespread criticism across Europe for his support for the invasion of Ukraine.

Tisza party supporters took to the streets of Budapest to celebrate a historic victory alongside the newly elected Magyar.
Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban has conceded defeat in parliamentary elections to his rival (AFP via Getty Images)

Nationalist leader Viktor Orban has conceded defeat in Hungary's general election to his rival Peter Magyar, ending his 16-year-term as prime minister.

Magyar, 45, who leads the pro-European, centre-right Tisza Party, has served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) since 2024 and is now prime minister-elect in a remarkable turnaround.

He took to Facebook to share that Orban, a key ally of Vladimir Putin, had conceded his election loss and "congratulated us on our victory" over the phone.

In his statement, Magyar added: "Thank you Hungary!"

Tonight, thousands of young Hungarians are celebrating the election result while filling the streets near the nations parliament at Kossuth Lajos square in Budapest.

Several young people have been spotted carrying floating zebra balloons, regarded as a symbol of alleged irregularities under Orbans regime.

In a speech to his supporters, Orban solemnly declared: "The result of the election is clear and painful. We don't have the weight of governing the country so we have to rebuild our communities.

Peter Magyar, leader of the pro-European conservative TISZA party, has won Hungarys national election (AFP via Getty Images)

"We never give up, this is one thing people know about us, we never give up. The days ahead of us are for us to heal our wounds."

A record 66% off Hungarians turned out to vote in the general election, with an estimated 900,000 additional voters having their say compared to the last election in 2022.

Orbans supporters were seen weeping at the result, while Magyar's Magyar's Tisza party allies were filled with jubilation.

Prime Minister Sir Keir said on X: Congratulations @MagyarPeterMP on your election victory. This is an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy.

I look forward to working with you for the security and prosperity of both our countries.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey wrote on X: Trump, Putin, Farage your boy took a hell of a beating.

European leaders, many of whom have clashed with Orbans hard-line politics in the past, were quick to congratulate the new prime minister-elect.

German chancellor Friedrich Merz wrote on X: "The Hungarian people have decided. My heartfelt congratulations on your electoral success, dear [Peter Magyar].

"I am looking forward to working with you. Lets join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe."

French president Emmanuel Macron also took to X, where he wrote: "I just held a meeting with Peter Magyar to congratulate him on his victory in Hungary! France salutes a victory of democratic participation, of the Hungarian people's attachment to the values of the European Union, and for Hungary in Europe.

"Together, let us advance a more sovereign Europe, for the security of our continent, our competitiveness, and our democracy."

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, said: "Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger."
President Trump has announced an immediate and total naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by the US navy - Graeme Sloan/Shutterstock

The spectacle of US and Iranian negotiators holding face-to-face talks for the first time in 47 years was in itself a remarkable event. It was hardly surprising given their long-standing hostility that the two countries failed to reach an agreement about terms for permanent peace in the Gulf.

But the consequences were immediate. President Trump announced an immediate and total naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by the US navy. Since reopening the waterway was a key US demand this seems a perverse response and one certain to push up the price of oil  which is what Mr Trump and other world leaders were anxious to avoid.

His aim is to prevent Tehran profiting from setting tolls for ships wanting to use the Strait or picking and choosing which ones can. Vessels bound for China or India are being allowed through by Iran while others are stopped. Mr Trump called this world extortion and so it is. But a total blockade will cripple not just Iran but the Gulf states as well. The US may be self-sufficient in energy but that is not true of many other countries. The Gulf is also critical to the production of fertilisers so the knock on impact on food prices will be considerable.

A vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast Musandam, an exclave of Oman separated by the UAE, on April 12 - REUTERS

What is not clear is whether the breakdown of talks in Islamabad marks the end of the process or its beginning. JD Vance, the US vice-president, left the Pakistani capital saying Iran had rejected a final and best offer. For their part, the Iranians said the conditions were unacceptable and no more meetings were planned. But Mr Vance did not say the rupture was permanent, and claimed the talks were substantive, while the president said they went well.

Moreover, the Pakistani mediators believe the door has not been closed to future negotiations. Reaching an agreement after a single negotiating session, albeit one that went on for 21 hours, was never likely between two sides so suspicious of one anothers intentions.

What were the stumbling blocks? The Americans wanted the Strait of Hormuz reopened, for Iran to end its uranium enrichment programme and to stop supporting and arming anti-Israeli proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas. These conditions are the least to which Iran should sign up. They have no right to block shipping in the Strait or to demand tolls for passing through. Tehrans extremist theocrats cannot be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. And its funding of terrorists and militia groups has destabilised the Middle East for four decades and has to stop.

If those are considered unacceptable by Tehran then the war will continue, even if it is only prosecuted by Israel which continues to attack Hezbollah in Lebanon. Tellingly, Israel was not consulted about the decision to announce a two-week ceasefire and was not invited to Islamabad. Given Israels poor relations with Pakistan that is hardly surprising, but Benjamin Netanyahu and his ministers will be concerned that they might be frozen out of any deal.

JD Vance shakes hand with Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistans prime minister, ahead of peace talks in Islamabad on April 11 - Jacquelyn Martin/Reuters

The US seems to have dropped any demands for regime change and is no longer calling on Iranians to rise up against their autocratic rulers. Mr Trump has already declared victory because of the damage inflicted on Irans military and the removal of its top leadership. Regardless of what happens, we win, he said.

However, he has twice declared the nuclear processing plants obliterated, yet they evidently remain extant or at least retrievable. Israel cannot accept that since it is an existential threat for them.

What next? Does the war resume? Is there a Plan B? If the US walks away or even reaches a deal, how can Iran be trusted to stick to any of its terms? Countries reliant upon Gulf gas and oil cannot allow the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to restrict or regulate vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, siphoning off any toll money to buy more weapons or enrich their own leaders. The UK, Europe, China, India and others need to expend less effort attacking Mr Trump and focus more on insisting that Tehran ends its blackmail.

Mr Trump has previously threatened to return Iran to the Stone Age and has marines on standby to invade Iranian territory. But is he serious about any of this, and is he prepared to see the war he started through to the end or will a wounded Iran remain as the greatest threat to long-term security in the Middle East, still calling the shots in the Gulf?
Iranians have reacted with a blend of disappointment and defiance following the collapse of peace talks with the United States, which failed to yield an agreement after hours of intense negotiations.

US officials attributed the breakdown to what they described as Irans refusal to commit to abandoning its nuclear programme.

Iranian counterparts, however, laid the blame squarely on Washington for the inability to secure a deal, though they did not specify the contentious points.

The failure of these high-stakes discussions in Pakistan, which spanned 21 hours, casts significant doubt over the future of a fragile two-week ceasefire, currently set to expire on 22 April.

President Donald Trump has since claimed that American military forces would begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz and refusing free passage to any ship that pays a toll to Irans government to travel the straits waters.

In Tehran, Farhad Simia, 43, expressed his hopes for successful negotiations and an end to the conflict, telling The Associated Press: "Im against war. I think negotiation is the better path."

Despite his disappointment, he stood with Iran, attributing the failure to "inappropriate demands" by the US.

President Donald Trump promised a strong military response on Sunday after his vice president emerged from talks in Islamabad without an agreement to end the war with Iran (Associated Press)

Mehdi Hosseini, also 43, agreed: Considering the advantage Iran seemed to have on the battlefield, there was a real concern that we might lose all those gains in the negotiations.

Whether the talks succeed or not is one matter, but the fact that the Iranian negotiating team managed to preserve what it achieved in the war, while refusing to back down and surrender, gives reason for hope.

The streets of Tehran were lined up with large Iranian flags and giant billboards glorifying the country's leaders and military achievements.

One large illustration depicted Iranian men in uniform lifting a fishing net out of the sea with a catch of miniature-sized U.S. military aircraft and warships. The Strait Remains Closed, the billboard read.

Hamid Haghi, 55, said America's overreach was the reason for the talks' failure. The U.S. wants to come to the Strait of Hormuz, which is a legacy from our fathers, he said. We can oversee (it) ourselves.

Like many Iranians, 60-year-old Mohammad Bagher believes Iran should continue to stand strong against the U.S. in what he sees as a war of their own making.

JD Vance suggested the sticking point had come after Tehran failed to convince negotiators it would not seek to develop a nuclear weapon (Reuters)

We are a nation of dialogue and negotiation as long as our interests are respected. We have never sought war, he said.

We will stand firm to the end, we are ready to sacrifice our lives, and will not give them one inch of our land.

Since the U.S. and Israel launched the war on 28 February, it has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,020 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and caused lasting damage to infrastructure in half a dozen Middle Eastern countries.

Irans grip on the Strait of Hormuz has largely cut off the Persian Gulf and its oil and gas exports from the global economy, sending energy prices soaring.
At least 30 people are dead after a stampede in Haiti.

Authorities said the stampede occurred at the Laferriere Citadel, and warned that the death toll could rise.

The 19th-century fortress is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Caribbean state, and was packed with students and visitors on Saturday.

The UNESCO World Heritage site, in the north of the island nation, was reportedly hosting an annual celebration.

Haitian Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime confirmed that "many young people" were in attendance, but did not identify the victims or give an estimate of the death toll.

In a statement, he extended "his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and assures them of his profound solidarity during this time of mourning and great suffering".

Jean Henri Petit, head of civil protection for Haiti's Nord Department, said the disaster occurred at the entrance to the site and was further exacerbated by rain.

The Caribbean country has been afflicted by violent gangs in recent years, with the groups now controlling large parts of the country, including up to 90% of the capital, Port-au-Prince, according to UN figures.

Armed with trafficked weapons, they terrorise civilians with murder, kidnapping, and sexual violence.

Recent disasters have also taken their toll, including fuel tank explosions in 2021 and 2024, that killed 90 and 24 people respectively, and a 2021 earthquake that left some 2,000 people dead.
Sullivan had gone to the park to use a new camera he had been given for his birthday, his father said. Composite: Metropolitan police/PA (Composite: Metropolitan police/PA)

A man has been charged with murder after the death of 21-year-old Finbar Sullivan, who was stabbed to death in Primrose Hill.

The Metropolitan police said Oliuwadamilola Ogunyankinnu, 27, of Southbury Road in Enfield, had been charged with murder on Sunday and was due to appear at Stratford magistrates court on Monday.

A 25-year-old man who had been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released with no further action.

Sullivan was stabbed in the north London park on Tuesday evening and pronounced dead at the scene. His father, Christopher Sullivan, said his son had gone to the park to use a new camera he had been given for his birthday.

Another man, believed to be in his 20s, was also taken to hospital after being found nearby on Regents Park Road with stab wounds. His injuries were found not to be life-threatening.

DI Andy Griffin said: My thoughts remain with Finbars family who continue to receive support from specialist officers at this unimaginably difficult time.

Sullivans father, a musician and founder of the 1980s band Blue Rondo a la Turk, said his son had wanted to become a cameraman like his grandfather Michael Seresin, who worked on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Rambo III.

This is the worst tragedy I could ever imagine, the 65-year-old told the Daily Mail. Hes my only son  I had him when I was 45. He can never be replaced. Hed just bought a new camera. We all chipped in for his 21st birthday, and he took it up there to do a bit of filming.

Im so brokenhearted, I cant believe it, Sullivan said. He was the most beautiful, lovely, outgoing, loving boy. He was just a really lovely person. And why he was targeted, we have no idea.
Manchester Citys pursuit of the Premier League title gained momentum with a dominant 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge which cut the gap at the top to six points.

Arsenals defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday had opened the door for Pep Guardiolas side to take charge of their own destiny and after a slow first half in west London, they emerged after the break to blow the home side away with three goals in 17 minutes to put real pressure on the league leaders.

Nico OReilly continued his scoring streak to break the deadlock in the 50th minute, Marc Guehi slotted in his first league goal for the club then Jeremy Doku pounced on an awful error by Moises Caicedo to complete Chelseas humiliation.

A statement win.@ManCity's 3-0 victory over Chelsea closes the gap to leaders Arsenal to six points  pic.twitter.com/PIeYetqRRC  Premier League (@premierleague) April 12, 2026

City appear to be coming into form just as Arsenals is deserting them but the Blues did their London rivals no favours here, collapsing in the face of more powerful and clinical opposition to leave their own hopes of reaching the Champions League in serious doubt.

The early promise which accompanied Liam Roseniors first month in charge has evaporated, leaving in its place the same old doubts over the mental fortitude of this young squad and the clubs general direction under the current ownership.

As for City  whose supporters sang are you watching Arsenal? and were Manchester City, well fight to the end from the Shed End  they look equipped to take the title fight to the wire.

Victory over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium next week will see them cut the gap to three points with a game in hand.

Nico OReilly, right, opened the scoring for Manchester City (John Walton/PA) (John Walton)

Chelsea had marginally the better of the first half whilst City were strangely timid and uncertain of themselves.

Cole Palmer lashed into the side-netting early on against his old team. Marc Cucurella had the ball in the net after 15 minutes, but was flagged offside then Pedro Neto drew a good low save from Gianluigi Donnarumma.

At the other end, City were made to wait until the 33rd minute of a quiet half for their first opportunity, Bernardo Silvas first-time shot squeezing through Wesley Fofanas attempted block and saved well by Robert Sanchez.

Rayan Cherki struck an effort straight into Sanchezs arms then Antoine Semenyo dragged an effort wide from outside the box shortly afterwards.

Marc Guehi doubled the away sides advantage with a smart finish (John Walton/PA) (John Walton)

City began the second half more brightly. Erling Haaland had his first sight of goal inside the first minute, but skewed his effort against Jorrel Hato after racing on to Dokus pass.

It was a warning Chelsea failed to heed and they fell behind soon after. Cherki crossed from the right towards the six-yard box, Andrey Santos switched off and allowed OReilly to dart beyond him and head into the net.

The visitors now came on much stronger. Haaland was beaten to a header six yards out by Fofana, who got there just before the striker to flick behind.

From the resulting corner, Doku worked the ball to Cherki and he dashed infield before sliding a pass through to Guehi who slipped the ball into the far corner to double the lead.

Citys third was a horror show from Chelsea. Caicedo dawdled hopelessly in possession after receiving the ball from Sanchez then ran straight into Doku, who dispossessed him and clipped his finish inside the near post.

Cucurella tried gamely to salvage some home pride, first with a low drive which flashed wide then with a header that was well kept out by Donnarumma.
News / National

by Staff reporter

The Local Government Board has approved the extension of Christopher Dube's contract as Bulawayo Town Clerk to 2030, bringing an end to months of uncertainty and internal divisions within the city's leadership.The decision follows a prolonged dispute at Bulawayo City Council, where Mayor David Coltart had openly opposed the extension, advocating for a different administrative direction.In a formal communication addressed to Coltart, the board confirmed that it had approved council's resolution to extend Dube's contract. The extension will initially run for one year from November 30, 2025, to November 30, 2026, under existing conditions, before a further four-year term takes effect from December 1, 2026."Reference is made to council correspondences dated 15 December 2025 and 14 January, 2026. The Local Government Board, through resolution number LGB 01126 approved the resolution of council Please be guided accordingly," reads part of the correspondence.The ruling effectively settles the dispute that had divided councillors and senior management at City Hall.Dube has served as Town Clerk since October 1, 2016, having moved from the Municipality of Victoria Falls, where he held the same position. He succeeded the late Middleton Nyoni.As the chief administrative officer, the Town Clerk plays a critical role in implementing council resolutions, managing staff, and overseeing service delivery across the city.Debate over his contract extension reached a peak last November when a council meeting descended into chaos. Mayor Coltart later claimed he had adjourned the meeting due to alleged intimidation of councillors and officials. However, his deputy, Edwin Ndlovu, dismissed the claims, insisting the proceedings were lawful and orderly even after the mayor exited the chamber.The matter was eventually resolved during a subsequent special council meeting, where councillors voted to extend Dube's contract - citing satisfactory performance despite limited resources.The council's General Purposes Committee had initially recommended a shorter extension while seeking legal clarity on whether Statutory Instrument 197 of 2024, which raises the retirement age to 70, applies to fixed-term contracts. However, a majority of councillors opted to proceed with a longer-term extension.Following the resolution, Coltart was mandated to forward the decision to the Local Government Board, which has the statutory authority to oversee senior appointments in local authorities and ensure compliance with national regulations.The board's approval now formalises Dube's continued tenure, providing administrative continuity at a time when the city faces ongoing service delivery and governance challenges.
Eric Swalwell speaks during a House committee hearing in Washington DC on 4 June 2024. Photograph: Anna Rose Layden/Reuters (Photograph: Anna Rose Layden/Reuters)

The Manhattan district attorneys office said on Saturday that it is investigating a sexual assault allegation against Eric Swalwell, a Democratic congressman from California running to be the states governor, who on Friday denied claims by an unnamed woman that he sexually assaulted her twice.

Confirmation of an investigation came after the San Francisco Chronicle reported on Friday that a woman who previously worked in Swalwells district office accused him of two nonconsensual sexual encounters.

She was quoted in the newspapers report as saying she had been too intoxicated on both occasions  in California in 2019, when she worked for Swalwell, and then in New York in 2024  to consent to sex.

Related: Swalwell denies allegations of sexual assault as calls grow for him to withdraw from California governor race

New York law holds that a person cannot consent to sexual activity if they are mentally incapacitated or physically helpless due to drugs or alcohol, but in some cases voluntary intoxication may not legally negate consent.

In an on-camera interview with CNN in which her face was obscured, the woman directly accused Swalwell of raping her in New York. The broadcaster also reported that three other women accused Swalwell of sending them inappropriate sexual messages, including naked images, and unwanted touching.

The Manhattan district attorneys office urged anyone with knowledge of the allegations to contact its special victims division.

Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner, the DAs office said in a statement to CNN.

Swalwell has denied the accusations as absolutely false and suggested they were politically motivated. He noted that they come ahead of the June primary in the governors race replace Gavin Newsom, the outgoing governor, in which Swalwell was one of the leading contenders to advance to a top-two runoff after a non-partisan primary in June.

These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. Theyre absolutely false. They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have, the congressman said on Friday.

The allegations, which have not been independently verified by the Guardian, were published four days after Swalwell told reporters in Sacramento hed never had a sexual relationship with a staff member or intern.

Swalwell said in a video statement on social media that he would spend the weekend with family and friends and share an update very soon.

Related: Democrats decry smear as Trump FBI pushes for release of Eric Swalwell file

Staff at Swalwells office condemned the alleged behavior by the Democratic congressman.

We stand with our former colleague, and the other women who have come forward. We believe you should stand with them, too, the statement, obtained by the Washington Post, said. The behavior detailed in these reports is abhorrent, beneath the dignity of those serving in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians.

They said that any decision of staff members to remain in their roles in the interim should not be viewed as support for Swalwell.

The Manhattan DAs investigation came a day after prominent supporters of Swalwells bid for governor began to withdraw their backing, including all 21 of his backers in Congress.

A number of leading California Democrats, including both of the states senators and its lieutenant governor, urged Swalwell to end his campaign.

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi, who hasnt endorsed any candidate in the race, said the serious allegations must be investigated. She said she spoke to Swalwell and suggested that be done outside of a gubernatorial campaign.
Diego Garcia, the largest island of the Chagos archipelago, hosts a joint US-UK military base. Photograph: NASA Archive/Alamy (Photograph: NASA Archive/Alamy)

A senior official in Mauritius government has vowed that the Chagos Islands will be decolonised after Keir Starmer was forced to shelve legislation to hand the islands back to Mauritius.

On Friday, UK government officials acknowledged that they had run out of time to pass legislation within the current parliamentary session, which ends in the coming weeks, after a lack of support from Donald Trump.

After the collapse of the plan to hand the islands over voluntarily, Dhananjay Ramful, the Mauritian foreign minister, told an Indian Ocean conference in Mauritius that his government would regain control over the territory.

We will spare no effort to seize any diplomatic or legal avenue to complete the decolonisation process, he said, in comments that were first reported in the Sunday Telegraph. This is a matter of justice.

The latest setback in the UKs bid to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, which hosts the joint US-UK Diego Garcia military base, is a sign of faltering US-UK relations after Trumps criticism of Starmer over the war in Iran.

The US president had criticised the Chagos plan, which is backed by the US state department, telling Starmer he was making a big mistake by handing sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius in exchange for the UK and US being allowed to continue using their airbase.

Trump later gave qualified support, but the UK was forced to drop the bill after the US failed to give its approval by formally exchanging letters to amend a 1966 British-American treaty on the islands. A new Chagos bill is not now expected to feature in the kings speech in May, where the governments agenda for the coming parliament is revealed.

The Chagos Islands are officially known as British Indian Ocean Territory and have been controlled by the UK since the 19th century. In 2019, the international court of justice found that the UK unlawfully separated the islands from Mauritius before it granted independence to the country in 1968. Thousands of islanders were then forcibly deported to make way for the US-UK military base.

A government spokesperson said: Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US. Ensuring its long-term operational security is, and will continue to be, our priority  it is the entire reason for the deal.

We continue to believe the agreement is the best way to protect the long-term future of the base, but we have always said we would only proceed with the deal if it has US support.

The shelved plan, which was agreed with the previous US president Joe Biden, would have seen Britain cede sovereignty of the Chagos to Mauritius and pay about 35bn to lease the airbase back for 99 years.

Simon McDonald, a former permanent under-secretary at the Foreign Office, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that the government had no other choice than to halt the deal. When the president of the United States is openly hostile, the government has to rethink, so this agreement, this treaty will go into the deep freeze for the time being, he said.

The Mauritius attorney general, Gavin Glover, said the outcome does not come as a surprise, blaming it on strained relations between Trump and Starmer, reported Arab News. We are dependent on Anglo-American relations  the US and Britain will have to reach an agreement, Glover told a local newspaper. Mauritius is planning to meet the British government on 22 April over the Chagos deal, he said.

On Sunday, the health secretary, Wes Streeting, denied that the UKs deal to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius was moribund. It is fair to say there has been a shift in position in Washington, he said. Weve been clear throughout that the objective is to make sure we secure the Chagos Islands for the long term in British and American interests. I think there are lots of people in the US administration who understand what were trying to achieve, who support that objective.
Dozens of people died in air strikes in Nigeria's northeastern Yobe state as military aircraft hunted jihadists, local residents and Amnesty International said Sunday.

Africa's most populous country has been fighting a jihadist insurgency for 17 years, since Boko Haram's 2009 uprising, which has seen the emergence of powerful splinter groups including Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

In recent years, civilians have been caught in the crossfire and killed in military air strikes targeting the militants, though the authorities sometimes dispute hitting civilians.

The latest air strikes on the village of Jilli occurred on Saturday, the death tolls differing according to the sources.

Watch moreAt least 23 killed in Nigeria suicide attacks

Amnesty International said on X there were "more than 100 dead" and 35 people seriously wounded.

We have their pictures and they include children, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International's Nigeria director, told the Associated Press, referring to the casualties.

We are in touch with people that are there, we spoke with the hospital, he said. We spoke with the person in charge of casualties, and we spoke with the victims.

Local chief Lawan Zanna Nur however said "the total casualties, dead and injured, is around 200".

Many were taken to hospitals in nearby Geidam and Maiduguri, he added, where at least eight more of the wounded had died Sunday.

"We are talking of dozens dead but it is difficult to give a specific toll," he said.

Nigeria's military said in a statement it had struck a location in Jilli, "long identified as a major terrorist movement corridor and convergence point for Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists and their collaborators".

Calling it "a carefully, well coordinated planned and intelligence-driven operation", the military said in a statement that it "successfully conducted a precision air strike on a known terrorist enclave and logistics hub located near the abandoned village of Jilli".

It said "scores of terrorists" were killed in the strike, but did not mention any civilian casualties.

The Nigerian Air Force later responded to reports of civilian casualties with a statement saying it had activated its Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell "to immediately proceed to the location on a fact-finding mission on the allegation".

A market committee member Bulama Mulima Abbas told AFP "36 bodies have been counted" after the airstrike "on the traders".

Watch moreAcross Africa: 'Mothers of Chibok', a story of sadness and strength

An intelligence source told AFP that Jilli market "is wholly controlled by Boko Haram who provides security and collect tax from traders".

Jihadist violence had slowed from its peak in around 2015 but Boko Haram and ISWAP have recently stepped up attacks in northeastern Nigeria in their campaign to establish a caliphate.

The insurgency which started in 2009 has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around two million more, according to the United Nations.

Early this year the United States began deploying 200 troops to Nigeria to provide technical and training support to soldiers in fighting jihadist groups.

Nigeria's Attorney General and Minister of justice, Lateef Fagbemi on Friday said nearly 400 people had been convicted for terrorism and terrorism financing in the latest series of mass trials.

"In total, we brought about 508 cases. Of this 508, we were able to secure 386 convictions, 8 discharges, 2 acquittals and 112 adjourned to the next phase," he told reporters.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP, AP and Reuters)
Police respond to shooting at Chick-fil-A restaurant in Union Township, New Jersey, on Saturday night. Photograph: AP (Photograph: AP)

Seven people were shot, including one fatally, at a fast-food chain restaurant in Union Township, New Jersey, on Saturday night, according to authorities.

The Gun Violence Archive, a non-partisan reference resource, listed the reported shooting at the Chick-fil-A restaurant in the 2300 block of Route 22 as the 100th mass shooting documented in the US this year, as of Sunday. The archive defines mass shootings as cases in which four or more victims are wounded or killed.

A statement from the local county prosecutors office said that Saturdays shooting erupted at the Chick-fil-A location at about 9pm. One person was pronounced dead at the scene and six others were treated for injures that were considered not life-threatening, according to the statement, issued early on Sunday afternoon.

While no arrests have been made at this time, the statement continued, the preliminary investigation reveals this does not appear to be a random act of violence and that there is no immediate ongoing threat to the general public.

The New Jersey-based news outlet RLS Media reported that dozens of patrons scrambled to safety during the violence.

WABC of nearby New York City reported that employees of the eatery were still inside after 11pm on Saturday, and their family members waited outside. One man who was waiting told a reporter for the outlet that his son, a Chick-fil-A employee, had said several of his co-workers were wounded in the shooting after multiple masked people entered the restaurant.

It was a war zone, the father also said to WABC.

WABC furthermore spoke with a ridesharing service driver who described hearing seven shots as he completed a trip nearby at the time of the attack.

I got an unconscious witness. Ive got one shot in the face ... and I have at least two in the leg, a 911 dispatcher said in an audio recording obtained by CBS News New York.

Dashboard camera footage appeared to show a man running away from the scene with a pistol in his hand.

The New Jersey governor, Mikie Sherrill, published a statement on the social media platform X on Sunday in which she said she had been briefed on the shooting last night in Union Township.

As local law enforcement continues their investigation, we remain in close contact with officials on the ground, Sherrills post said. My thoughts are with those who were injured in the shooting, and with their families.

A statement attributed to the Union Township mayor, Patricia Guerra-Frazier, on Sunday added: Our community is heartbroken and shaken by the tragic act of violence that occurred last night at a local Chick-fil-A. What should have been an ordinary evening has left families grieving, individuals injured, and our entire township in shock.

This tragedy is a painful reminder of the work that remains to ensure the safety of our communities. Violence has no place in the township of Union, and we will continue to stand together  stronger and more united  in the face of it.

The US annually reports high numbers of mass shootings, particularly when compared with other high-income countries. Many in the US have therefore called for more substantial gun control, though Congress has been unable or unwilling to heed those pleas.

Union Township has a population of about 60,000 people. It is about 17 miles (27km) west of New York City.
Peter Magyar, the leader of the Tisza party, celebrates his landslide win over Viktor Orbans Fidesz - Janos Kummer/Getty Images

Peter Magyar will become Hungarys first new prime minister in 16 years in a landslide victory over Viktor Orban.

Mr Magyars Tisza party is on track to secure a two-thirds majority in parliament, putting it in position to reverse Mr Orbans changes to the countrys constitution.

The defeat of Mr Orban, a close ally of both Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, was celebrated around the bloc.

His detractors in Brussels hope his defeat will be an opportunity to refresh relations between Budapest with both the EU and the Nato military alliance.

Viktor Orban said: The result is clear. I congratulated Tisza, but we will never give up - Petr David Josek/AP

In his victory speech late on Sunday after a record election turnout, Mr Magyar, 45, declared that Mr Orbans regime was over and said he was ready to transform Hungary into a strong ally in the EU and Nato.

Together we have freed Hungary, Mr Magyar told a delirious crowd of supporters on the banks of the Danube. My friends you have worked a miracle. Hungary has written history.

It is not known if the Tisza chief will reverse Mr Orbans long-standing veto on a planned 90bn (78bn) loan from the EU to Ukraine.

While stopping short of committing to a decision on the loan, Mr Maygar said he wanted to clarify all outstanding issues with our neighbours.

Both Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commissions president, and Antonio Costa, the Councils president, held talks on Sunday with the new Hungarian leader.

Mrs von der Leyen declared: Hungary has chosen Europe. A country reclaims its European path. The union grows stronger.

Mr Costa said he looked forward to working with Mr Maygar to make Europe stronger and more prosperous.

Officials close to Mr Costa said they would send Mr Orban, 62, a gift  a photograph signed by the Council chief  to mark his time as an EU leader.

Insiders joked the memento would be hung in Moscow, a nod to Mr Orbans close bond with the Kremlin.

Mr Magyars Tisza party looked set to win 138 of the 199 seats in the Hungarian parliament. Mr Orbans Fidesz party was expected to win just 55 of those seats.

Crowds celebrate on the streets of Budapest on Sunday - Denes Erdos/AP

Turnout in the election reached a record 79.56 per cent, according to the near-complete vote count.

Despite having a supermajority, Mr Magyar could still be impeded in forming a government by Tamas Sulyok, Hungarys president, who was endorsed by Mr Orbans party during his 2024 election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer congratulated Mr Magyar, writing on X: This is an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy. I look forward to working with you for the security and prosperity of both our countries.

Sir Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, posted: Trump, Putin, Farage... your boy took a hell of a beating. Congratulations to the people of Hungary for showing that populist extremists can be defeated  even despite Donald Trumps best efforts.

Donald Trump endorsed the Eurosceptic Mr Orban before Sundays vote, urging Hungarians to give the nationalist a fifth consecutive election victory.

Instead, they turned out in record numbers to end the premiership of the EUs longest-serving leader in a vote closely watched in Moscow, Kyiv, Brussels and Washington.

The result is clear. I congratulated Tisza but we will never give up, Mr Orban said.

Mr Magyar walked through the crowds, shaking hands and holding aloft Hungarys flag to the booming strains of My Way by Frank Sinatra and Spring is Coming, a Hungarian folk song that has become a campaign anthem.

Hungarians turned out in record numbers to end the premiership of the EUs longest-serving leader - Janos Kummer/Getty Images

He said: Truth triumphed over lies. Fellow Hungarians, countrymen, we have done it. The Tisza party and Hungary have won the elections. Not by a small but by a very large margin.

Declaring that Hungary had taken back its country, he said Budapest would now be a strong ally of the EU and Nato.

Russians go home, his supporters chanted, after an election marred by reports of Russian meddling and disinformation campaigns.

Mr Magyar, a former Orban ally, hailed it as the largest turnout since the first elections after the fall of communism in 1990 and said he had won the largest mandate in Hungarys democratic history.

He warned puppets of this regime must leave public life, calling on them to leave before they were fired, adding this regime is over, as he promised to restore democratic institutions.

Mr Orban, 62, angered EU and Nato allies by vetoing the loan to Ukraine, obstructing policies helpful to Kyiv, buying Russian oil and gas and maintaining close ties with Vladimir Putin.

They were furious after it was revealed Hungary had shared details of EU meetings with Moscow. Mr Orban also railed against EU sanctions on the Kremlin.

EU leaders congratulate Magyar

France welcomes the victory of democratic participation, the Hungarian peoples commitment to the values of the European Union, and Hungarys commitment to Europe, said Emmanuel Macron after speaking with Mr Magyar on the phone.

Friedrich Merz, the German chancellor, and Mark Rutte, the Nato secretary-general, also congratulated Mr Magyar.

I look forward to the co-operation for a strong, secure, and above all united Europe, said Mr Merz, who had accused Mr Orban of disloyalty for vetoing the loan to Ukraine after a row over a damaged Russian oil pipeline.

More than half of the votes had been counted when Mr Orban conceded defeat in a surprise move. Most other opposition parties had withdrawn from the race to clear the way for Mr Magyar.

Opinion polls had consistently given Tisza a lead over Mr Orbans ruling Fidesz party, but a divisive campaign had been marred by accusations of vote-buying and electoral fraud.

Ive never been this happy in my life, Bence Kis, 27, a lorry driver told The Telegraph. Weve been waiting for this for two years now, said students Eszther Toth and Luca Nemeth, both 21.

Women in traditional Hungarian dress at a polling station in Veresegyhaz - Peter Kohalmi/AFP via Getty Images

Mr Magyar, whose surname means Hungarian, burst onto the scene two years ago after breaking with Fidesz.

He was previously married to Mr Orbans justice minister. Now out of politics, she has accused Mr Magyar of domestic abuse, which he has denied.

Mr Magyar wants to convince Brussels to release 17bn that was frozen because of concerns over Mr Orbans erosion of the rule of law. The money is much needed in a country with a struggling economy.

EU diplomats have warned that is not a foregone conclusion. One told The Telegraph that Mr Magyar would be an improvement on Mr Orban but would not turn Hungary into Luxembourg overnight.

He will be more pro-EU and more anti-Russian than Mr Orban. But in a sign that Fideszs relentless anti-Zelensky propaganda has had an impact, he is unlikely to immediately drop Hungarian opposition to Ukraine one day joining the EU.

Mr Magyar made the economy and corruption the central issues of his campaign, accusing Mr Orban of hollowing out public services such as healthcare and enriching his cronies in rigged contracts.

He accused Mr Orban of making Hungary one of the poorest countries in the EU. But he did not repudiate Mr Orbans socially conservative policies of Christian nationalism as he targeted wavering Fidesz voters who liked them.

Eighty per cent of the media in Hungary is said to be controlled by Fidesz, with newspapers and television stations owned and run by its loyalists.

To pierce the blanket of government propaganda across the countryside, Mr Magyar campaigned relentlessly in small villages in Fidesz heartlands in a grassroots campaign he married with a canny and combative social media game.

He largely ignored Budapest, where he was certain of victory, and pointedly held his final rally in wavering Fidesz stronghold Debrecen, where he said he attracted up to 30,000 supporters.

Supporters of Tisza celebrated as early results came in - Denes Erdos/AP

At the last election in 2022, polls predicted victory for a pro-EU candidate, but Mr Orban won a landslide victory in an apparent vindication of his illiberal democracy. The populist bad boy of Brussels clashed repeatedly with the EU.

Mr Orban stuffed the courts and judiciary with his political appointees. His gay propaganda law which forbids the depiction or promotion of homosexuality to under-18s in schools, televisions and films drew fierce criticism from his fellow EU leaders.

He often fought EU judges over draconian anti-migrant laws which breach European asylum regulations, but his socially conservative policies were an inspiration to US Maga Republicans.

During his tenure Mr Orban, who was endorsed by other Eurosceptic hard-Right leaders such as Frances Marine Le Pen, changed electoral rules to benefit Fidesz. He also made it easier for ethnic Hungarians living abroad, who largely favour Fidesz, to get citizenship and vote by post.

He cut the number of parliamentary seats from 286 to 199, redrew district boundaries and redrew them again in 2025, amid accusations of gerrymandering.

Mr Orban co-founded his party Fidesz in 1988 as a liberal movement when he was part of the student anti-communist movement.

He made his name in a 1989 speech at the reburial of Imre Nagy, the leader of the 1956 Hungarian revolution. Speaking in Heroes Square, he demanded free elections and that Soviet troops leave Hungary.

In 1998, he won his first general election at the age of 35. He was the first post-Cold War prime minister in the former Iron Curtain bloc not to have been a member of the communist party.

After losing the next two elections, he returned to power and began his transformation from freedom fighter to poster boy for illiberal democracy, praising Putins Russia as a model for Hungary in 2014.
Oysters could be in short supply this year after a harsh winter decimated farming efforts along Long Island.

Icy conditions caused severe damage to farmers boats and equipment in recent months, and the industry is now facing an estimated total loss of $2.4 million, according to New York Governor Kathy Hochuls office.

Chris Quartuccio, an oyster distributor and founder of Blue Island Oyster Company, told NBC New York this was the most intense winter weve ever had. Now, he predicts customers will feel the impacts.

We didnt have any breaks in the cold weather, the ice was so thick. No other winter in the past 20 years could compare to this, Quartuccio said.

"There will be New York oysters on the menu, but maybe not the variety they are looking for," he added.

Oysters could be in short supply this year after a harsh winter decimated farms along Long Island (AFP via Getty Images)

Peter Stein, owner of Peeko Oysters farm, lost a major chunk of his inventory, according to The Suffolk Times.

Every line we had out in the bay was either dislodged or damaged, he told the newspaper.

I know that a large percentage of the farm has been wiped out, but Im not ready to lay anybody off. I have many people who make their living through the business that I own. I dont take that lightly, he added.

Governor Kathy Hochul requested a Secretarial Disaster Designation for Suffolk County through the Department of Agriculture this week. This designation would allow affected farmers to apply for low-interest emergency loans through the USDA, her office said Monday.

The brutal conditions across much of the northeast this winter has had a huge impact on the oyster farming business. (Getty Images)

With freezing temperatures that lasted for several weeks, the Long Island coast saw ice conditions like they havent experienced in years, leading to a halt in operations and damage to equipment that will cost the aquaculture industry millions of dollars, Hochul said in a statement.

I urge the USDA to take swift action to declare Suffolk County a disaster area and help our growers get the assistance they need to recover and move forward, she added.

The USDA is working to expedite resources to our Farm Service Agency county offices to assist farmers impacted by the February 2026 ice storm, an agency spokesperson told The Independent.

The harsh winter impacted oyster production in other East Coast states too, including Maryland, where Representative Andy Harris asked the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to declare an economic fishery disaster so the states oystermen could receive assistance.

Severe weather this year, combined with shrinking market access and increased competition, left many crews effectively tied to the dock, with watermen able to fish for just one or two days all season, he said in a statement.
Peter Magyar has been elected prime minister of Hungary in a dramatic landslide victory to unsettle Viktor Orban after 16 years in charge.

With 98 per cent of the votes counted, Mr Magyars Tisza party was on course for a massive 138 of 199 seats in parliament, with Orbans Fidesz party on 55 and the far-right Our Homeland party on six.

"We have done it. Tisza and Hungary have won this election," Magyar told tens of thousands of supporters who danced and cheered alongside the Danube River embankment in central Budapest.

The two-thirds majority will be crucial as Mr Magyar looks to wind back years of authoritarian drift under Fidesz, a commitment he promises will help unlock billions of euros in frozen EU funding.

A Tisza government is also expected to be more cooperative with Europe on Ukraine, avoiding brazen vetoes of support for Kyiv while keeping alive pragmatic relations with Russia.

Who is Peter Magyar?

Peter Magyar, 45, is the star of Hungarys Respect and Freedom Party (Tisza). The party was founded in 2020, but only came to prominence when Magyar defected from Mr Orbans Fidesz party in the middle of 2024, after calling out rife corruption in the country.

Analysts say that only an insider could have risen to overcome Mr Orbans regime in the way Mr Magyar did. Indeed, as a child he taped a photo of Mr Orban - then an anti-communist firebrand - on his bedroom wall.

Peter Magyar pictured on Monday, following his election win (AP)

In a sign of the times, Mr Orban - then a young lawyer - had become a hero of the countrys pro-democracy movement when he publicly called for Soviet troops to leave Hungary in 1989.

Mr Magyar, whose family name literally means "Hungarian", was only nine years old when communism collapsed, and watched eagerly as the country held its first democratic elections in 1990.

There was a surge of energy around the regime change that swept me up as a child, Magyar told the Fokuszcsoport podcast last year.

Mr Magyar followed in the footsteps of Mr Orban, studying law before moving into politics. It was while studying at university that he joined the Fidesz party, before marrying one of its rising talents, Judit Varga, in 2006. The couple divorced in March 2023.

His rise to prominence

Mr Maygar first joined the Fidesz party while he was still in college. He also eventually became closely tied to the partys chief of staff Gergely Gulyas.

Mr Magyar, whose family name literally means "Hungarian", rose to prominence after his ex-wife, Ms Varga, resigned from all political roles after a sex-abuse case pardon that caused public uproar.

Christopher Pincher, the last UK minister to attend an EU council, talks to former minister Judit Varga (EPA)

The Fidesz insider quickly distanced himself from the governing party and accused it of corruption and spreading propaganda, saying he had become disillusioned with the party. He shared a voice recording of his ex-wife allegedly revealing corruption in the government.

Mr Magyar successfully tapped into widespread discontent with corruption and a stagnant economy. In 2024, he broke with Fidesz and joined the little-known Tisza party to contest the European Parliament elections and won 29 per cent of the vote last June.

The party was considered the best shot at unsettling Mr Orbans long grip on power, running on the slogan Now or never. Supporters came to shorten that to just Now, stressing the urgency with around a fifth of Hungarian voters falling in an undecided grey zone until the day of the election.

Magyars political stances

Mr Magyar is widely seen as an insider turned dissident of the Fidesz party and has leant into this narrative, telling the BBC in 2024, "After a while, I became more and more critical, openly and just among friends. I can tell you that the Fidesz we see today is very, very different from the one I joined in 2002."

"I was always told by the politicians it's necessary to keep power - I accepted it for a time. But of course, the turning point was in 2024."

(Getty Images)

He has promised to tackle corruption, improve the economy, and sought to gain support from Hungary's disadvantaged Roma community.

The Tizsa leader has also pledged to unlock billions of euros in EU funds to fund massive investment into healthcare, housebuilding and modernisation - part of something he calls a Hungarian New Deal.

Magyar said today that anti-corruption measures will be among the first steps his government will take. He plans to amend the constitution to limit prime ministers to just two terms.

Landlocked Hungary is largely dependent on Russian oil and gas, making it a valuable access point for the Kremlin to try to influence support for Ukraine in Europe. Magyar said on Monday he would maintain pragmatic relations with Russia - in line with previous comments - but also support a major loan for Ukraine.

Dr Jonathan Eyal, associate director at the Royal United Services Institute, told The Independent that Magyar is likely to remain suspicious of Ukraine, citing pre-war disagreements. But he will aim to be unobstructive in Europe, crucially allowing a 90bn loan for Ukraine to pass.
Olivier Award winner Paapa Essiedu has urged the continued funding of organisations which help the next generation who have limited access to theatre.

The 35-year-old won the award for best actor in a supporting role for his role as Chris Keller in All My Sons at the Wyndhams theatre.

Essiedu, who will star as Professor Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter series remake, said he only had access to the theatre growing up because of theatre production company Frantic Assembly, which helps young people who have limited theatre exposure.

The winner of Best Actor in a Supporting Role is Paapa Essiedu for All My Sons at the Wyndham's Theatre.#OlivierAwards pic.twitter.com/hjHVg2jPqA  Olivier Awards (@OlivierAwards) April 12, 2026

During his acceptance speech at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday, Essiedu said: I remember being in that room, and even though I didnt have the language, I didnt have the vocabulary, hadnt been to the theatres, my creativity was still celebrated, nurtured, and valued. And that gave me access to being in this room with people like you today.

And they are amazing organisations all over the country, like the Ignition, like Intermission, New Theatre, like the National Youth Theatre, like Open Door Theatre, which are doing such brilliant work, but as we all know, their funding has been cut year on year on year.

The actor added: I urge everyone in this room, everyone watching at home, and everyone at governmental level, to continue funding these organisations to make sure that the next generation of theatre makers had the opportunities that I had.

Essiedu is best known for his roles on both stage and screen including in Hamlet, and TV series Gangs Of London and I May Destroy You.

In his speech, Essiedu added: Growing up I never really went to the theatre, I didnt go to youth theatre, to be honest I hadnt heard of the Oliviers and I didnt have access to it.

I only got access to the theatre because of the Frantic Assembly and their Ignition which is specifically aimed towards young people from backgrounds who do not have previous acting or theatre experience.

He later trained at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Paddington The Musical is tipped for success at the Olivier Awards on Sunday although it faces competition from Into The Woods which also has 11 nominations.

The smash-hit musical, written by McFly star Tom Fletcher, recently dominated at the WhatsOnStage awards and has received rave reviews since opening at the Savoy Theatre in London in December.

It is adapted from the books by Michael Bond and the hit films and follows the adventures of the marmalade-loving bear from Peru, starring a life-like puppet of Paddington.

Tom Fletcher wrote the music and lyrics for Paddington The Musical (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Paddington The Musical has received 11 nominations including best new musical, best actor in a musical for both James Hameed and Arti Shah  who jointly perform the role of the bear  two nominations for best actress in a supporting role in a musical (Amy Booth-Steel and Victoria Hamilton-Barritt), the Sir Peter Hall award for best director (Luke Sheppard), and best set design.

It is up against Into The Woods  currently running at Londons Bridge Theatre  in many categories, including best actor in a musical (Jamie Parker), two nominations for best actor in a supporting role in a musical (Jo Foster and Oliver Savile), and the Sir Peter Hall Award for best director (Jordan Fein).

American film star Rachel Zegler has been nominated for best actress in a musical for her West End debut in the lead role in Evita at the London Palladium.

The critically acclaimed performance drew large outdoor crowds while she sang Dont Cry For Me Argentina from an outside balcony.

Rachel Zegler is up for best actress in a musical (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Meanwhile, Hollywood stars Cate Blanchett and Rosamund Pike will battle it out for best actress against Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Julia McDermott and Rosie Sheehy.

Blanchett has received a nod for her role in The Seagull at the Barbican Theatre, while Pikes is for Inter Alia at the National Theatre, and Sheehy is nominated for Guess How Much I Love You, her second in a row following her nomination for last years Machinal.

The most nominated plays are All My Sons, Kenrex and Stereophonic, with six each, while the nominees for best actor include Bryan Cranston, Sean Hayes, Tom Hiddleston, Jack Holden and David Shields.

Hiddleston is up for best actor for Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, while Cranston receives a nod for All My Sons, which is playing at Wyndhams Theatre.

Cate Blanchett is nominated for best actress for her role in The Seagull (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Nominees also include Paapa Essiedu, who will star as Professor Severus Snape in the upcoming Harry Potter series remake, for best actor in a supporting role for All My Sons.

Tracie Bennett has scored her seventh nomination with a nod for best actress in a supporting role in a musical for Here We Are.

All My Sons has also received nods for best revival, best actress for Jean-Baptiste, best actress in a supporting role (Hayley Squires), and the Sir Peter Hall Award for best director (Ivo van Hove).

Among its six nominations, Kenrex is up for best new play, best actor (Jack Holden), the Sir Peter Hall Award for best director (Ed Stambollouian), and outstanding musical contribution (John Patrick Elliott for composition).

And Broadway transfer Stereophonic receives a nod for best actress in a supporting role for Lucy Karczewski, and best actor in a supporting role for Zachary Hart (who is double-nominated in the same category for both Stereophonic and The Seagull), among others.

This years Olivier Awards will mark the 50th anniversary of the ceremony, and will be hosted by comedian Nick Mohammed at the Royal Albert Hall.

The event, sponsored by Cunard, will be available to watch on BBC Two and iPlayer at 7pm on April 12, with highlights on BBC Radio 2.
Roberto Sanchez arrives by horse for his closing presidential campaign rally in Lima on Wednesday. Photograph: Bruno Elias/AP (Photograph: Bruno Elias/AP)

Peruvians go to the polls on Sunday hoping to break a cycle of instability that has produced nine presidents in a decade as well as surging violent crime, corruption scandals and overwhelming distrust in institutions and politicians.

About 27 million people who are eligible to vote must choose between a record 35 presidential candidates as well as contenders for the bicameral congress  all from a ballot sheet measuring nearly half a metre, the longest in the countrys history.

The fight against crime tops voter concerns amid record homicide and extortion rates but political corruption comes a close second. Four former presidents are in jail, most of them linked to bribery cases involving the Brazilian construction company Odebrecht.

Keiko Fujimori, a three-time presidential candidate and the daughter of the late president Alberto Fujimori, holds a narrow lead in opinion polls. She is closely followed by the comedian Carlos Alvarez and two former mayors of Lima, the ultra-conservative Rafael Lopez Aliaga and the media mogul Ricardo Belmont.

None of the candidates is polling above 15%, making a runoff on 7 June almost certain, according to Urpi Torrado, of the polling company Datum Internacional.

This is one of the most unpredictable elections on record, said Torrado. There could be surprises this Sunday because we dont know who will make it through to the second round.

Fujimori, 50, is making her fourth bid for the presidency, having reached the runoff in the last three elections (2021, 2016 and 2011) and losing by extremely narrow margins each time. The rightwinger served as first lady in the autocratic 1990s government of her late father, who was convicted over corruption and human rights abuses and spent 16 years in prison.

Ricardo Belmont, who was Limas mayor from 1990 to 1995, has risen in most opinion polls, winning the younger vote with his upbeat messaging and the slogan hugs not bullets, borrowed from the former Mexican leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Gonzalo Banda, a Peruvian political analyst and doctoral researcher at University College of Londons Institute of the Americas, called Belmont an anti-establishment candidate catching votes from the right, the left and the centre. The 80-year-old is also known for making xenophobic and sexist remarks.

Lopez Aliaga, who was Limas mayor until a few months ago, has run a hard-right campaign littered with disinformation, hate speech and threats against journalists and opponents. But the 65-year-old rail magnate, who has opposed same-sex marriage and pledged to refuse abortion to underage rape victims, has slipped in the polls.

The surprise entry is Alvarez, one of Perus best-known comedians, who has been imitating presidents for the last three decades. However, his proposals are far from lighthearted. He describes himself as an admirer of Donald Trump and El Salvadors leader, Nayib Bukele, and his tough-on-crime campaign has focused on megaprisons and the death penalty.

It is ironically poetic that due to this cycle of [political] decay in Peru, we could end up with a comedy performer who imitates politicians as president, said Banda.

Other candidates include Roberto Sanchez, who has been endorsed by the ousted former populist leader Pedro Castillo and wears the same style of wide-brimmed sombrero. Centrist candidates include a former defence minister, Jorge Nieto, and a former university rector, Alfonso Lopez Chau.

Torrado said: No political leader has emerged who can generate a sense of hope, a feeling that this person could change the countrys political course or solve its problems. Peruvians feel that in recent years, politicians have turned their backs on the people.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Two brothers from Bulawayo have appeared in court following a viral video allegedly showing them violently assaulting a medical doctor at a local leisure spot.Prince Mugwagwa (26) and Nigel Mugwagwa (32), both from Nketa suburb, appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Barbra Phiri on Saturday facing assault charges.The pair were not asked to plead and were remanded in custody. They are expected to appear at the Bulawayo Regional Court on Monday, where the State intends to upgrade the charges to attempted murder.The brothers are being represented by Simbarashe Innocent Madzivire of Mashayamombe Law Firm.Prosecutor Milton Moyo told the court that the incident occurred at Cotton Kraal Bar, located at Bradfield Shopping Centre, where the accused allegedly had a dispute with the complainant, Mkhonzeni Sibanda (40).According to the State, the altercation escalated into violence, with Prince allegedly grabbing Sibanda by the collar and punching him repeatedly, while Nigel joined in the attack."They had a misunderstanding over an undisclosed issue. In the midst of that, Prince grabbed the complainant by the collar and rained fists on him. They kicked him all over the body with booted feet. The Mugwagwa brothers were joined by two other unidentified men who are on the run in punching and kicking him," Moyo said.The injured doctor was rushed to hospital for treatment, and a medical report is expected to be presented in court as evidence.Police are reportedly still searching for the two unidentified suspects who allegedly participated in the assault.
Rory McIlroy became only the fourth man to win back-to-back Masters after watching a number of challengers rise and fall before taking control on the back nine to win by a shot.

The Northern Irishman joined Jack Nicklaus (1965 and 1996), Sir Nick Faldo (1989 and 1990) and Tiger Woods (2001 and 2002) in an elite club of players to successfully defend their title at Augusta National.

A year ago he needed a play-off to complete the career grand slam after bogeying the last, beating Justin Rose at the first extra hole.

But having ridden through a scratchy opening six holes where he fell two behind he rediscovered the control which had seen him open up a six-shot 36-hole advantage.

Tyrrell Hatton, who shot a 66 to get to 10 under, and two-time champion Scottie Scheffler, who after 12 successive pars birdied 15 and 16 to appear over McIlroys shoulder, left it too late in getting to 11 under with a 68 to exert any significant pressure.

Rose, with whom the tussle had again been the tightest at the peak of the battle, stumbled around Amen Corner to let his slender lead slip and took too long to recover with a bogey ending his challenge at 17 as he finished with a 70 to join the group on 10 under.

Justin Rose walks to green on the 18th hole (Ashley Landis/AP) (Ashley Landis)

McIlroy, learning the lessons from last year, was in no mood to make any mistakes and parred his way through the next four holes to reach the last with a two-shot cushion.

But there was still time for some late drama as, in keeping with his driving this week, he took one final trip to the Georgia pines down the right and had to effect a slinging hook into the front bunker.

He splashed out to 15ft and two-putted to pick up a second green jacket with a final-round 71 for a 12-under total.

McIlroy was misty-eyed but there were not the tears and emotional release of a year ago and he was able to enjoy the moment with his family at the back of the 18th green.

The foundations had been laid over the first two days but the hard work was done over the weekend as rounds of 73-71 showed the pressure he was put under but was still able to come out smiling.

His resurgence started with back-to-back birdies at the seventh and eighth to put him within a shot of Rose, two groups ahead on 12 under.

Rory McIlroy hits from the bunker on the 18th hole (Matt Slocum/AP) (Matt Slocum)

But the pivotal period came around Amen Corner, which had cost him so dearly on Saturday and played a large part in him surrendering an overnight six-shot lead.

Last year the 11th was where Rose began his back-nine birdie charge on his way to a 66 but this time the Englishman fell foul of the toughest hole on the course, missing the green to the right to drop back alongside McIlroy on 11 under.

Another missed green resulted in a second successive bogey to hand the outright lead back to McIlroy, who learned his lesson from the previous day by ensuring he avoided the pond on 11.

And then things turned in the space of a couple of minutes just before 5.30pm local time.

McIlroys brilliant approach to the short 12th finished seven feet from the pin for his fourth birdie of the afternoon.

Rose, meanwhile, had been looking at a potential eagle after hitting his second to 30ft at the par-five 13th, only to race his attempt eight feet past and then, to compound the error, missed the returning birdie putt.

That meant Mcllroy was two clear with two par fives still to play and he took advantage of the first, the 13th which double-bogeyed in his final round 12 months ago, to move three clear.

Rose birdied the 15th to reduce the gap to two and he was joined by two-time champion Scottie Scheffler, who after 12 successive pars, produced back-to-back birdies to move into contention but neither had the final flourish.

McIlroy almost had his Tiger moment at the 16th having gone through the back fringe. Putting, where Woods chipped, the ball went at right angles down the slope to nestle next to the hole.

The danger was averted and even a bogey at the last could not dampen the celebrations.
Back on top: Rory McIlroy (Getty Images)

Rory McIlroy became only the fourth man to win back-to-back Masters after watching a number of challengers rise and fall before taking control on the back nine to win by a shot.

The Northern Irishman joins Jack Nicklaus (1965 and 1996), Sir Nick Faldo (1989 and 1990) and Tiger Woods (2001 and 2002) in an elite club of players to successfully defend their title at Augusta National.

A year ago he needed a play-off to complete the career grand slam after bogeying the last, beating Justin Rose at the first extra hole.

But having ridden through a scratchy opening six holes where he fell two behind he rediscovered the control which had seen him open up a six-shot 36-hole advantage.

At the double: Rory McIlroy becomes a two-time Masters champion (Getty Images)

Tyrrell Hatton, who shot a 66 to get to 10 under, and two-time champion Scottie Scheffler, who after 12 successive pars birdied 15 and 16 to appear over McIlroy's shoulder, left it too late in getting to 11 under with a 68 to exert any significant pressure.

Rose, with whom the tussle had again been the tightest at the peak of the battle, stumbled around Amen Corner to let his slender lead slip and took too long to recover with a bogey ending his challenge at 17 as he finished with a 70 to join the group on 10 under.

McIlroy, learning the lessons from last year, was in no mood to make any mistakes and parred his way through the next four holes to reach the last with a two-shot cushion.

But there was still time for some late drama as, in keeping with his driving this week, he took one final trip to the Georgia pines down the right and had to effect a slinging hook into the front bunker.

He splashed out to 15ft and two-putted to pick up a second green jacket with a final-round 71 for a 12-under total.

Rory McIlroy celebrates retaining his title (Getty Images)

McIlroy was misty-eyed but there were not the tears and emotional release of a year ago and he was able to enjoy the moment with his family at the back of the 18th green.

The foundations had been laid over the first two days but the hard work was done over the weekend as rounds of 73-71 showed the pressure he was put under but was still able to come out smiling.

His resurgence started with back-to-back birdies at the seventh and eighth to put him within a shot of Rose, two groups ahead on 12 under.

But the pivotal period came around Amen Corner, which had cost him so dearly on Saturday and played a large part in him surrendering an overnight six-shot lead.

Last year the 11th was where Rose began his back-nine birdie charge on his way to a 66 but this time the Englishman fell foul of the toughest hole on the course, missing the green to the right to drop back alongside McIlroy on 11 under.

Another missed green resulted in a second successive bogey to hand the outright lead back to McIlroy, who learned his lesson from the previous day by ensuring he avoided the pond on 11.

And then things turned in the space of a couple of minutes just before 5.30pm local time.

McIlroy's brilliant approach to the short 12th finished seven feet from the pin for his fourth birdie of the afternoon.

Rose, meanwhile, had been looking at a potential eagle after hitting his second to 30ft at the par-five 13th, only to race his attempt eight feet past and then, to compound the error, missed the returning birdie putt.

That meant Mcllroy was two clear with two par fives still to play and he took advantage of the first, the 13th which double-bogeyed in his final round 12 months ago, to move three clear.

Rose birdied the 15th to reduce the gap to two and he was joined by two-time champion Scottie Scheffler, who after 12 successive pars, produced back-to-back birdies to move into contention but neither had the final flourish.

McIlroy almost had his 'Tiger' moment at the 16th having gone through the back fringe. Putting, where Woods chipped, the ball went at right angles down the slope to nestle next to the hole.

The danger was averted and even a bogey at the last could not dampen the celebrations.
Rory McIlroy headed straight to the practice ground range to iron out his problems after surrendering a six-shot lead to leave the defence of his Masters title in the balance.

Twenty-four hours earlier, the Northern Irishman had looked poised to blow the field away after opening up a significant advantage with the biggest 36-hole lead in the tournaments history.

While all of his rivals were going under par  the nine players immediately below him all shot sub-70 rounds  the world number two could record only a one-over 71 having come unstuck at Amen Corner.

"Oh my goodness"  Rory McIlroy finds the drink! pic.twitter.com/b8nVuL9hxR  Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) April 11, 2026

The troubles off the tee which he has been successfully managing all week cost him dearly and he immediately retired to the range to find a fix ahead of his final-group pairing with Cameron Young, who shot a Masters-best 65, on 11 under.

The course was obviously gettable, there was a lot of good scores out there, and the quality of the chasing pack is obvious, said McIlroy.

Theres a lot of guys in with a chance tomorrow. Im still tied for the best score going into tomorrow, so I cant forget that, but I do know Im going to have to be better if I want to have a chance to win.

Im in the final group. I just need to go to the range and try to figure it out a little bit.

McIlroy entered Augusta Nationals famously tricky Amen Corner stretch at 13 under, three ahead but clinging on.

He exited it one behind Young after playing it double bogey-bogey-par having pulled a seven iron into the water at the 11th, missing the green at the next and driving into the trees at the 13th.

Rory McIlroys wayward driving cost him dearly in the third round of the Masters as he squandered a six-shot lead (Eric Gay/AP) (Eric Gay)

When youre not quite feeling it, you struggle. You have to dig deep and I felt like I did that on the front nine and made a lot of good par saves, he added.

I missed a couple of chances on eight and nine and then I thought I turned the round around with the birdie on 10.

I felt like I hit a pretty good second shot on 11 but it just drifted on the wind a little bit and went in the water. Those two holes (11 and 12) werent great.

But again I felt like I bounced back pretty well with the birdies on 14 and 15. It would have been nice to play those last few holes and not make that bogey on 17 but, you know, I still have a great chance.
Rosamund Pike has praised live performance and theatre as her first love, and has described theatre as her homecoming.

The 47-year-old actress picked up the gong for best actress at The Olivier Awards on Sunday for her role in Inter Alia at the National Theatre, which marked her return to the stage after almost 14 years.

Pike, who is best known for her screen roles including Die Another Day (2002) and Gone Girl (2014), called her theatrical return a huge, exhilarating risk as she picked up her prize during the ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall.

Rosamund Pike wore a draped, silky navy dress and a scarf detail to the event (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

During her acceptance speech, Pike said: This is by far the most nerve-wracking performance I will make in the next few weeks.

It is one thing to stand on stage and do 100 minutes of somebody elses beautifully written words. It is quite another thing to be relying on my own words.

The award-winning actress added: I havent done any theatre for 14 years. It was a huge risk, an exhilarating risk, to come back and be invited by the National Theatre  the home of so much great, wonderful work  to do this special play.

Pike was up for the prize against nominees including Hollywood stars Cate Blanchett, as well as Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Julia McDermott and Rosie Sheehy.

Speaking to the Press Association ahead of the event in London, Pike reflected on her return to the stage and said: I think (the theatre) has always been my first love, and it always provides a kind of homecoming to me.

Its where I feel, paradoxically, quite safe  even though its such a risk. I enjoy that interaction with a live audience. I think I enjoy the truth of it.

Pike explained the excitement around live performance, and said: Its nerve wracking. Its a risk for both performer and audience.

Thats happening live, you know, are they going to enjoy it? Are they going to is the audience going to feel something they cant contend with?

Its much more public than the privacy of your own home or the darkness of a movie theatre. At the end, however youve been moved or stirred by a play is available for everyone to see, and the same thing for a performer.

Pike wore a draped, silky navy dress and a scarf detail, accessorised with ornate earrings and slicked back, wet-look hair, to the event at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Inter Alia sees Pike star as Jessica Parks, a trailblazing London crown court judge who is determined to change a system she knows isnt always just, as she balances balances motherhood, friendship and the notion of having it all.

Pike will also make her Broadway debut later this year, as Inter Alia heads to New York following its success in London.

Speaking to PA, Pike said her nomination was a miraculous, wonderful thing and recalled the moment she found out about it.

She said: I was in rehearsals for our West End transfer, and I couldnt understand why my phone kept buzzing.

It was people texting because Id been nominated for an Olivier, which was very special and the last thing on my mind at that moment. It was thrilling.

And, of course, being nominated is the best pitch because, as an actor, you dont actually want to be singled out  youre much happier in a group.

A group of nominees is a very nice place to be.
UK government officials are seeking alternatives to Sir Keir Starmers Mauritius deal on the future of the hotly disputed Chagos Islands, The Independent understands.

After the Foreign Office (FCDO) confirmed that plans to ratify the treaty handing the Indian Ocean islands over to Mauritius have been paused because of US opposition, an alternative plan to allow the Chagossians to resettle them is being considered behind the scenes.

If this were to happen, it would prove to be a humiliating U-turn for the prime minister after he pursued the deal with Mauritius to give them the islands and up to 51bn to allow the UK to continue to use the crucial Diego Garcia base.

It comes as The Independent has seen a submission by legal representatives of the Chagossians asking the United Nations to intervene over the deal on the grounds of crimes against humanity.

The Chagossians lawyer James Tumbridge has named Sir Keir personally in the submission to the UNs special rapporteur, which follows a recent legal victory that said the islanders now have the right of abode on the islands.

With four islanders led by the first minister of the Chagossian government in exile, Misley Mandarin, currently occupying one of the islands, the issue has intensified.

The legal ruling tore up previous decisions and legislation on the islands because the judge concluded that the deal with Mauritius established that the islands can be occupied despite the presence of the UK/US base Diego Garcia.

Added to that, previous claims against the cost of resettlement no longer applied because the judge calculated that the UK would give Mauritius 51bn as part of the deal.

The Chagos Islands are crucial because of the Diego Garcia base (US Navy)

The judgment by the British Indian Ocean Territory Court is being appealed by the UK government, but with Donald Trump also withdrawing support for the islands to be given to Mauritius, the deal cannot go ahead.

The base has recently been used as a launch point for defensive actions against Iran by the US.

Added to that, the governments of the Maldives and Seychelles are also putting in claims to the islands, further complicating the legal picture.

A source told The Independent: Discussions are underway over changing the legal framework to allow islanders to return. That suggests that alternatives to the Mauritius deal are being considered.

Mr Tumbridge has argued that once the Chagossians are established on the island with their plans to be a British Overseas Territory like the Falklands, then it will be almost impossible to hand them over to another country.

The Mauritian claim was supported in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) based on the fact that the islands were empty and it had been the administration centre for them during the British colonial period.

US President Donald Trump has withdrawn support for Sir Keir Starmers Chagos Islands deal (PA)

Meanwhile, the request to the UN follows it previously raising concerns over the rights of the Chagossian people regarding Sir Keirs plans.

Supporting the case of the four Chagossians currently on the islands, it notes that their removal would complete the process of depopulation begun decades ago; eliminate the living link between the Chagossian people and their homeland; further entrench a continuing breach [of human rights], rather than a historic one; commit a new breach; and commit what amounts to a crime against humanity by forced depopulation of a territory.

The Independent put all these issues to the government.

A Foreign Office spokesperson told The Independent: Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the UK and the US. Ensuring its long-term operational security is and will continue to be our priority  it is the entire reason for the deal.

We continue to believe the agreement is the best way to protect the long-term future of the base, but we have always said we would only proceed with the deal if it has US support.

We are continuing to engage with the US and Mauritius.

A government spokesperson added: There are ongoing legal proceedings before the BIOT courts. However the UK government has not taken part in discussions on the resettlement of the Chagossian population.
Israel has accused Spain of anti-Semitism after a giant effigy of Benjamin Netanyahu was blown up at a street festival.

Its foreign ministry summoned Spains ambassador for a reprimand after the seven-metre effigy of the Israeli prime minister was destroyed near Malaga on April 5.

It was blown up with 14kg of gunpowder in El Burgo as part of a traditional ceremony, according to Maria Dolores Narvaez, the mayor.

The Israeli foreign ministry said the appalling anti-Semitic hatred on display was a direct result of systemic incitement by the government of Pedro Sanchez, the Spanish prime minister.

A Spanish foreign ministry source told Reuters that the government was committed to fighting anti-Semitism and any form of hate or discrimination. As such, we totally reject any insidious allegation which suggests the contrary.

The incident is the latest in a series of diplomatic spats between Israel and Spain, which began following the October 7 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel on Oct 7.

On Friday, Mr Netanyahu ordered the removal of Spains representatives from the Gaza ceasefire co-ordination centre in Kiryat Gat after it accused Israel of indiscriminate bombings in Lebanon.

Israel will not remain silent in the face of those who attack us. Spain has defamed our heroes, the soldiers of the IDF, the soldiers of the most moral army in the world, he said.

The prime minister said that those who attacked Israel rather than terrorist regimes will not be our partners regarding the future of the region.

He added: I am not willing to tolerate this hypocrisy and hostility. I do not intend to allow any country to wage a diplomatic war against us without paying an immediate price.

Pro-Palestinian activists carry an effigy of Mr Netanyahu and a banner reading murderers in Barcelona on Sunday - Josep LAGO / AFP via Getty Images

Spain has been among the most vocal critics of Israels war against Hamas as well as the American-Israeli war against Iran.

In June 2024, Spain joined South Africa in the genocide accusations case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. It also recognised Palestine as a state along with Ireland and Norway in 2024.

Critics say anti-Semitism in Spain has spiralled since the October 7 attacks.

Following the vandalism of graves at a Jewish cemetery in Barcelona in January, a statement from the Jewish community in the city said: We have seen how, at demonstrations, online and on the street, hate speech against Jews became routine.

Then signs appeared across the city. Later, posters were hung on public buildings with slogans. After that, a map was published marking Jewish targets, including a school, and now, the desecration of graves. This is not random. This is an escalation. From slogans to marking, from marking to threats, and from threats to action.
Europes challenge is not only to rearm itself to address its security and defence problems, but to also rearm itself morally, so that it can contribute to stable and peaceful development throughout the world.

That was the message from Spains socialist prime minister Pedro Sanchez, speaking at a European forum this week, with comments that show why his country has been dubbed by some as Europes conscience.

From Gaza to Lebanon, Trump to Netanyahu, Spain has stood as something of an outlier in Western Europe for unequivocally taking a stand while other nations have tended to temper their criticism.

When the US and Israel launched their joint strikes on Iran at the end of February, Mr Sanchez clearly condemned the conflict as an unjustified and dangerous military intervention that is outside international law, later branding it absurd, cruel and illegal.

The relationship between Pedro Sanchez and Donald Trump, pictured here last October, has deteriorated rapidly (Getty)

He was also quick to deny American forces permission to use jointly operated bases to launch attacks against the Islamic Republic.

We dont authorise either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran, Spains defence minister Margarita Robles said last month. I think everyone knows Spains position. Its very clear.

And, this week, Spain became the first Western country to reopen its embassy in Tehran after a fragile US-Iran ceasefire took hold

Mr Sanchez appeared unimpressed by the fragile agreement, brokered by Pakistan hours after President Trump threatened to wipe Iranian civilisation off the map, writing: The government of Spain will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they show up with a bucket.

Mr Sanchezs approach has unsurprisingly earned him the ire of both the US and Israels leaders. Mr Trump called Spain terrible and threatened to cut off all trade over the refusal to use bases in its fight with Iran.

Spain has condemned Israels war on Lebanon (Getty)

And on Friday, Mr Netanyahu announced he would be ousting Spain from a US-led Gaza military strategy centre in the Israeli city of Kiryat Gat for its hypocrisy and hostility and for having chosen repeatedly to stand against Israel.

Spain has defamed our heroes... the soldiers of the most moral army in the world, Mr Netanyahu said in a video address posted to X on Friday. I do not intend to allow any country to wage a diplomatic war against us without paying an immediate price.

Spain has also condemned Israels attacks on Lebanon, accusing the country of trying to inflict the same level of damage and destruction it has done in Gaza.

There must be no impunity for these criminal acts, the prime minister said after the latest wave of strikes, before calling for the EU to suspend trade with Israel in a speech on Friday.

The latest clashes follow Madrid permanently withdrawing its ambassador to Tel Aviv in March after years of disagreements and tensions.

Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Spain of defaming Israels heroes (AFP/Getty)

Iran appears to have returned the gestures of support, dubbing Spain a non-hostile country.

Tehran even suggested it may let its ships pass through its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

While other Western European countries have tried to balance criticism of Mr Trump with the need to keep the US on side, Mr Sanchezs unambiguous approach reflects anti-American sentiment in Spain.

A majority of Spanish people (51 per cent) believe that Washington poses a threat to Europe, according to a new Politico European Pulse survey released on Thursday  the largest proportion of respondents from all countries surveyed.

Forty-three per cent of Spaniards oppose the US-Israeli war on Iran, while 22 per cent remain neutral.

A huge 94 per cent of respondents said that Europe needs to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on other major powers.

Demonstrators march in support of Palestinians in Barcelona (AP)

Tensions have been bubbling for years, with Spain joining Ireland to become Israels staunchest critics of the countrys war in Gaza after October 2023.

Mr Sanchez openly accused the Israeli government of genocide, claims which Israel has previously dismissed as antisemitic. Amnesty, Human Rights Watch and the United Nations have all agreed with the conclusion.

The country also became one of the first European nations to recognise the state of Palestine.

Spain originally condemned attacks by Hamas and acknowledged Israels right to self-defence, said Vuk Vuksanovic, an associate at LSE Ideas and a lecturer in foreign policy at Kings College London.

Madrid views Israeli actions as a disproportionate response with severe humanitarian consequences for the Palestinians and as a main generator of regional instability.

Since then, Spain has been somewhat at the forefront of condemning both Israeli actions in Gaza and its strikes against Iran.

Sanchez, right, showing his support for Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky (AP)

Mr Vuksanovic said that Ireland, Slovenia and Norway had taken similar stances to Spain, providing the country with a reputational boost as a result.

These are not geopolitical heavyweights, and they are not gamechangers in terms of Europes overall posturing, as Europe, on one hand, avoids the risk of being dragged into an ill-conceived war in Iran, he said.

On the other hand, with the exception of Spain and a few other countries, it avoids being vocal in criticism of the US and Israel.

With the Strait of Hormuz still closed, the reluctance of Nato to intervene has led to Mr Trump making several statements attacking the alliance and complaining of a lack of support.

But Spains cultural history, and geographical position near North Africa, mean that it is particularly mindful of instability in the Middle East, experts say.

In that context, one should remember the terrorist attacks in Madrid in 2004, Spains deadliest terrorist attack and one of the deadliest in Europes history. It was widely interpreted domestically as being linked to Spains involvement in Iraq, said Mr Vuksanovic.

What came after the attack was the electoral change of government and Madrid pulling its troops from Iraq.
Sir Keir Starmer has hailed the defeat of Viktor Orban in Hungarys recent election as a "historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy".

Hungarian voters on Sunday brought an end to Mr Orbans 16-year tenure as prime minister, handing power to the opposition Tisza party, led by Peter Magyar.

Mr Orban, a known ally of Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin, has frequently been a source of contention within the European Union.

Prime Minister Sir Keir shared his congratulations on X, stating: "Congratulations @MagyarPeterMP on your election victory. This is an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy. I look forward to working with you for the security and prosperity of both our countries."

Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban reacts after receiving the results of a parliamentary election in Budapest (AP)

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey also took to X, remarking: "Trump, Putin, Farage your boy took a hell of a beating. Congratulations to the people of Hungary for showing that populist extremists can be defeated  even despite Donald Trumps best efforts."

Sir Ed further criticised US vice-president JD Vances involvement in the campaign, following his endorsement of Mr Orban during a visit to Budapest earlier this month.

He added: "Has anyone noticed that wherever JD Vance goes, he just makes a mess. In Munich he insulted European allies. In Greenland he turned everyone against Trump. And now hes helped Viktor Orban lose re-election. Maybe better to spend more time on the couch @VP?"

Other MPs reacting to Mr Orbans removal on social media included Labours David Taylor, who said "good riddance", Neil Coyle, who declared "great news!", and the SNPs deputy Westminster leader Pete Wishart, who wrote: "Fantastic. Maybe theres a sense that the far right are in retreat across Europe."

Liam Byrne, the Labour chairman of the Commons Business and Trade Committee, commented that the outcome "matters far beyond Budapest" and "should give progressives heart everywhere".

Writing on Substack, Mr Byrne stated: "Viktor Orban, the unshriven leader of Fidesz, built a template for how a democratically elected leader can hollow out democracy from within. But if the authoritarian populist playbook model can be beaten in Hungary, it can be beaten anywhere."
Donald Trump criticised Nato on Sunday evening as he stepped off Air Force One - Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo

Sir Keir Starmer has refused to join Donald Trumps blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Telegraph revealed on Sunday night that Britain would not send warships to close off the crucial shipping lane to oil tankers, after Mr Trump said the US Navy would be helped by other countries.

On Monday, Sir Keir confirmed he would not assist, declaring: Were not supporting the blockade.

Britain will instead deploy minesweepers to clear the waterway, which has been controlled by Iran since the war began.

On Sunday evening, the US president announced a naval blockade of any and all ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz after negotiations to end the war collapsed.

It will come into effect at 10am US eastern standard time (3pm BST) on Monday, the president confirmed on Monday morning.

A vessel waiting in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday - Reuters

Asked whether Britain would help the US, Sir Keir told BBC Radio 5 Live: What weve been doing over the past few weeks is bringing countries together to keep the straits open, not shut.

And that isnt a remote issue. All the time the strait is shut ... that means oil and gas is not getting to market, that means prices are going up, that means everyone listening to this is facing higher energy bills. And I dont want that to happen.

Were not supporting the blockade. And all of the marshalling, diplomatically, politically and capability, we do have minesweeping capability ... thats all focused, from our point of view, on getting the straits fully open.

We want to get energy prices down as quickly as possible. Im very concerned about the impact this war is having on people in the UK.

Islamabad talks

JD Vance, the US vice-president, who led the US delegation in Islamabad, said the two sides failed to reach an agreement after 21 hours because Tehran refused to give up its nuclear programme.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Irans foreign minister, said Iran had negotiated with the US in good faith to end the war.

But ... we encountered maximalism, shifting goalposts, and blockade, he added on X. Zero lessons earned. Good will begets good will. Enmity begets enmity.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Irans lead negotiator, said Washington had failed to earn his trust.

Reacting angrily to the breakdown in negotiations, Mr Trump said America would stop ships from entering or leaving the key oil and gas shipping lane. Without naming them, he said other countries would help.

0603 Minehunter

The blockade  designed to stop Iran from profiteering by charging ships a fee to pass  triggered a sharp rise in oil prices when markets opened on Monday morning.

Speaking to journalists as he disembarked Air Force One on Sunday night, Mr Trump said Iran was in a very bad shape and that other nations were working together to ensure Tehran would not be able to sell oil.

The president then took aim at Nato saying: Im very disappointed in Nato. They werent there for us. We pay trillions of dollars for Nato and they werent there for us...

Now they want to come up, but theres no real threat any more... I think thats going to be under very serious examination.

Earlier in the day, in his first public remarks since the peace talks failed, the US president criticised Nato members, including Britain, for their refusal to support offensive operations against Iran, calling the defensive alliance shameful.

Mr Trump posted on his Truth Social network: So, there you have it, the meeting went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, nuclear, was not.

Effective immediately, the US navy, the finest in the world, will begin the process of blockading any and all ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.

On Monday, a British minister failed five times to state whether the Government agreed with Mr Trumps blockade.

Olivia Bailey, an education minister, told Sky News: We wont be taking any part in it and we want to see free navigation of the Strait of Hormuz.

She repeatedly declined to say whether she agreed. When challenged for a fifth time, she responded: I hope Im being clear that we will not be taking part in it. We think that freedom of the Strait of Hormuz is really important.

Downing Street said Britain was urgently working with France and other partners to put together a wide coalition to protect freedom of navigation after a phone call between Sir Keir and Emmanuel Macron, the French president.

Britain has mine-hunting systems in the region that could be used to help clear the strait of naval mines laid by Iran, but this is likely to take place once fighting has stopped.

On Sunday, Mr Trump again compared Sir Keir to Neville Chamberlain, whose premiership was defined by his 1930s appeasement of Nazi Germany.

Look at the UK, Mr Trump told Fox News. PM Starmer said: Well send the equipment after the war is over.

I said: You dont need equipment when the war is over. You need the equipment before the war starts, or during the war. He made a public statement that we will send equipment after the war is over  thats a Neville Chamberlain statement.

The US military said two destroyers had sailed through the strait ahead of mine-clearing operations.

Sir Keir has repeatedly ruled out direct British involvement in the war, saying: This is not our war. We will not be drawn into this conflict. That is not in our national interest.

Boris Johnson, the former prime minister, branded Sir Keir pathetic for insisting the conflict in the Middle East was not Britains concern, suggesting the UK should offer its support to the US as a quid pro quo for securing greater American backing for Ukraine.

I think Donald Trump has a very, very good point about Nato, and we should be there to help, Mr Johnson said.

Just to say this is not our war is absolutely pathetic. The main reason its pathetic is because the Iranians can see that the West is just divided, and thats a massive blessing for Vladimir Putin and everybody else in Ukraine.

Nato members including Britain have been reluctant to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 per cent of the worlds oil and liquefied natural gas usually travels.

Tehran has throttled the strait in retaliation for the month-long US-Israeli campaign against it, causing global oil prices to soar. Since the war began, Tehran has charged ships roughly $1 per barrel, payable in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, for safe passage.

By enforcing a blockade on the blockade, Washington is trying to reduce Irans leverage over the strait, but the policy will also have ramifications for countries that trade with Iran, including India and China.

Half of Chinas seaborne oil imports pass through the strait. Mr Trump is aiming to pressure Beijing into pushing Iran to give up its nuclear programme and accept a deal.

1004 Hormuz tankers redirected

In response to Mr Trumps naval threat, Iranian state media reported it had deployed navy special forces along its southern coastline in preparation for an American land invasion.

Janiv Shah, the vice president of oil markets at Rystad Energy, said the blockade could put some upside on prices as we see conflict increasing once more, combined with the peace talks not resulting in any deal.

Kirill Dmitriev, Russias economic envoy, suggested on X that oil could soon reach $150 a barrel.

However, Neil Wilson, an investment strategist at Saxo UK, said markets were fatigued by Mr Trumps declarations and the effect might be more limited. He said: We and markets know Trump threatens to escalate in order to negotiate.

Mr Wilson said many investors were still committed to the Taco trade  Trump Always Chickens Out. In other words, investors will bet on limited oil price rises on the belief the US president will ultimately back away from his threat to blockade the strait.

In Israel, a different view took hold, as the Israel Defense Forces were ordered to move to a heightened state of readiness and prepare for a return to war.
Donald Trumps blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has come into effect after the US and Iran failed to reach an agreement during peace talks.

The US military had vowed to prevent ships from accessing Iranian ports from Monday onwards.

The key oil and gas shipping lane has been throttled by Iran in retaliation for the US-Israel war against it, sending energy prices soaring.

Shortly after the blockade came into force, President Trump said on Truth Social: Irans Navy is laying at the bottom of the sea, completely obliterated - 158 ships. What we have not hit are their small number of, what they call, fast attack ships, because we did not consider them much of a threat.

Warning: If any of these ships come anywhere close to our BLOCKADE, they will be immediately ELIMINATED, using the same system of kill that we use against the drug dealers on boats at Sea. It is quick and brutal. P.S. 98.2% of Drugs coming into the U.S. by Ocean or Sea have STOPPED! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DJT.

Tankers sail in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz (REUTERS)

Trump has said Iran wants to make a deal following the blockade.

Weve been called this morning by the right people, the appropriate people, and they want to work a deal, the American leader said during an impromptu press conference at the White House.

Earlier, Sir Keir Starmer refused to back the move.

Speaking on Monday morning, the Prime Minister said we are not supporting the blockade as he repeated calls to fully reopen the strait, following the failure of face-to-face negotiations between the US and Iran at the weekend.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Sir Keir said: What we've been doing over the last few weeks - and this was part of what I was discussing with the Gulf states last week - is bringing countries together to keep the strait open, not shut.

He said: We're not supporting the blockade and all of the marshalling diplomatically, politically and capability - we do have mine-sweeping capability, I won't go into operational matters, but we do have that capability - that's all focused, from our point of view, on getting the strait fully open.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has met with US Vice President JD Vance and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington DC.

Transatlantic relations have been increasingly strained, with Trump criticising SirKeirs stance on the Iran war and making derogatory comments about the Royal Navy.

Great to catch up with my friend @JDVance today in DC following his talks in Pakistan.



It is vital that the ceasefire continues and we get shipping flowing freely again through the Straits of Hormuz.



We continue to work together towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/SZtISkltfn  David Lammy (@DavidLammy) April 13, 2026

Mr Lammy is also said to have highlighted the role the UK is playing in an international effort to ensure shipping can pass freely through the Strait of Hormuz.

The face-to-face talks are understood to have covered the ongoing war in Ukraine and global security.

Trump lambasted Iran for failing to release its grip on the strait and commit to giving up its nuclear ambitions.

He wrote on his Truth Social platform that the US military would start blockading any and all ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.

He said the US Navy would also seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas.

Trump added, without elaborating: Other Countries will be involved with this Blockade.

US President Donald Trump speaks to the members of the media after disembarking Air Force One as he arrives at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Sunday night (REUTERS)

The US Central Command later said the US blockade, starting at 10am ET on Monday (3pm BST), would be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

The US military said it will not impede vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz travelling to or from other countries.

After Trump's initial remarks on Sunday, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards warned that military vessels approaching the strait will be considered a ceasefire breach and dealt with harshly and decisively, underlining the risk of a dangerous escalation.

Early on Monday morning, Trump posted on Truth Social that the US would blockade ships entering or exiting Iranian ports at 10am ET.

Trump has also said he is fine if Iran doesn't return to negotiations, a day after peace talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan failed to produce an agreement.

I don't care if they come back or not. If they don't come back, I'm fine, he told reporter on Sunday night.

Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that the US would blockade ships entering or exiting Iranian ports at 10am E (PA Graphics)

Oil prices have jumped above $100 a barrel as energy markets reopened following the collapse of the talks and Trumps blockade threat.

The UK Prime Minister has previously said as many partners as possible must be involved in coming up with a viable plan to reopen the maritime pinch point, pointing to the UKs role in hosting talks on the issue with a coalition of countries.

The third such meeting convened by Britain is set to take place this week, following a virtual meeting of more than 40 nations chaired by the Foreign Secretary and a gathering of allied military officers.

Discussions included looking at issues such as clearing mines that have possibly been laid by Tehran to sink ships in the sea passage.

Trump told Fox News the UK and a couple of other countries are sending mine sweepers to the strait, and it wont take long to clean it out.

The Prime Minister previously said UK mine hunting systems were already in the region. But this is thought to refer to minesweeping drones which could be deployed once the situation stabilises, and distinct from Mr Trumps blockade.

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump have discussed the need for a practical plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz (PA) (PA Archive)

Sir Keir  who faced fresh personal criticism from the US president  earlier on Sunday urged the US and Iran to find a way through after their 21-hour negotiations in Islamabad collapsed, casting uncertainty over the shaky two-week truce.

In a readout of the Prime Ministers call with the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: They discussed the peace talks held in Pakistan over the weekend and urged both sides to find a way through.

It was vital there was a continuation of the ceasefire, and that all parties avoided any further escalation, the leaders agreed.

Trump meanwhile continued to pour scorn on Nato and the UK over their refusal to support offensive operations against Iran, calling the defensive alliance shameful.

The Republican leader again compared Sir Keir to Neville Chamberlain, whose premiership was defined by his 1930s appeasement of Nazi Germany.

Trump told Fox News: He made a public statement that we will send equipment after the war is over, thats a Neville Chamberlain statement.

The president said talks in Pakistan involving Vance went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, nuclear, was not.
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has dismissed Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) director-general Fulton Mangwanya following escalating internal divisions within the ruling Zanu PF over controversial plans to extend his presidency beyond constitutional limits.Mangwanya, who had held the influential post for just 15 months after his appointment in January last year, was relieved of his duties on Friday. He has been replaced by Paul Chikawa, Zimbabwe's former ambassador to China, according to sources familiar with developments.Insiders say the dismissal follows months of mounting tension within the CIO, largely tied to the agency's perceived failure to contain growing opposition to proposals aimed at extending Mnangagwa's term by an additional two years. The president's current tenure is set to end in 2028, but loyalists have been pushing for constitutional amendments to prolong his stay in power.At the centre of the fallout is the so-called Geza movement, an antiterm extension campaign initially led by the late Blessing Geza, a former Zanu PF central committee member who died in exile in South Africa in February. Geza had been expelled from the ruling party after spearheading an internal revolt and had used online platforms, including YouTube, to deliver nightly critiques of Mnangagwa and his inner circle.Following Geza's death, the movement has reportedly regrouped under war veteran Knox Chivero, who resurfaced publicly earlier this month. His sudden reappearance on Geza's X account on April 2 is said to have caught intelligence officials off guard, angering senior figures within Mnangagwa's camp."The Knox issue was the last straw," one source said, describing the CIO's inability to track Chivero as a critical intelligence failure that ultimately sealed Mangwanya's fate.Further pressure came from retired air marshal Henry Muchena, who, on behalf of a group of unnamed former military commanders, issued a strongly worded letter to Parliament opposing the proposed constitutional changes. The amendments reportedly seek to transfer presidential electoral powers from the public to Parliament, permit traditional leaders to participate in politics, and reduce the influence of the militaryprovisions that contradict the 2013 constitution adopted through a national vote.Mnangagwa is understood to have demanded the identities of those backing Muchena's position, including retired generals, war veterans and senior civil servants. However, the CIO allegedly failed to produce the requested intelligence, deepening dissatisfaction within the presidency.The crisis has also exposed factional tensions within Zanu PF, with some of Mnangagwa's allies accusing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga of covertly supporting the Geza movement. Chiwenga is widely seen as a potential successor and is believed to oppose the constitutional amendments, which critics argue are designed to block his path to power.Sources suggest Mangwanya's adherence to professional intelligence standards may have further strained his relationship with key figures in Mnangagwa's inner circle, who allegedly viewed his stance as disloyalty.His removal marks a significant shift within Zimbabwe's security establishment, underscoring the intensifying political contestation over the country's leadership succession.
Wes Streeting has branded Donald Trumps language as incendiary, provocative, outrageous  but insisted people must draw a distinction between what the US president "says and what he does".

The health secretary launched a tirade against the US president on Sky Newss Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme as he reacted to the rapidly changing picture in the Middle East following the collapse of talks between the US and Iran.

Mr Streeting, who is still being seen as a potential leadership candidate to replace Keir Starmer, praised the prime ministers refusal to enter the war.

But, unlike Sir Keir, who simply criticised Mr Trumps values, the health secretary did not hold back on recent statements made by the US president.

The health secretary said: Over the course of the last week, President Trump has said some pretty bold  in Yes Minister language  incendiary, provocative, outrageous things on social media.

I think weve all come to learn that you judge President Trump through what he does, not just what he says.

Mr Streeting was also critical of the way the US president has focused very personal attacks on the prime minister, such as comparing him to Neville Chamberlain and saying he is no Winston Churchill.

The senior minister said: You've seen some of the criticisms hes levelled at this country.

The health secretary used uncharacteristically critical terms to describe the president (PA Wire)

The prime minister has sought throughout the time theyve both been in office simultaneously to influence effectively, to make sure were leveraging the bilateral relationship.

The health secretary described Nigel Farage as a plastic patriot and attacked the Reform UK leader and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch for initially wanting to join Trump in his attack on Iran.

But Mr Streeting admitted disagreements over the Iran war, Greenland and the Chagos Islands deal had undoubtedly strained things with the Trump administration.

He added: But on so many other things, our interests as the UK and the US are intertwined. We are old and close friends, and weve got a shared outlook as democratic countries, and weve got shared security interests.

So all of that work, all of that partnership continues to go on. And the point Im making is you have to distinguish between some of the rhetoric, which people might find shocking, and then the reality.

Donald Trump at a UFC event in Miami on Saturday (AP)

It came as Mr Streeting insisted that the long-awaited Defence Investment Plan, which has already been delayed by six months, will be published shortly.

He told the BBC that he would not agree to money being redirected from health spending to defence to fund an increase to 3 per cent of GDP to boost military readiness.

He said: The defence investment plan is coming. It will be published when it is ready, when it is robust, and it is a plan that can be delivered.

He contrasted that with the pie in the sky promises made by the previous Tory government, saying Labour do action, not words.

Asked when the spending document will be published, Mr Streeting said: Shortly. I understand it is being finalised.
A Texas woman and her boyfriend have confessed to killing her mother and stepfather and dumping their bodies in a nearby ravine, police say.

Cassandra Lange, 29, and Joby Williams, 30, were arrested on April 8 after police conducted a welfare check on Langes stepfather, Stephen Rehbein, who had not shown up for work.

Officers from the Medina County Sheriffs Office were unable to find Rehbein but observed evidence indicating possible foul play, according to the department. Further evidence was later found suggesting a crime had taken place.

Investigators later tracked down one of Rehbeins cars, which was being driven in the Corpus Christi area. Lange and Williams were found inside the vehicle along with two young children.

Lange was identified as the biological daughter of Cherry Rehbein, the wife of Stephen Rehbein.

A Texas woman and her boyfriend have confessed to killing her mother and stepfather and dumping their bodies in a nearby ravine. Cassandra Lange, 29, and Joby Williams, 30, were arrested on April 8 (Medina County Sheriff's Office)

In a police interview with a Medina County Chief Deputy and a Texas Ranger, Lange reportedly confessed that she and Williams had killed the Rehbeins and disposed of their bodies in a ravine.

A possible motive for the killings was not immediately clear.

Investigators back in Medina County began searching the Medina Lake area, a task made more difficult by the nighttime conditions.

However, after several hours, deputies located two large black garbage bags concealed in a deep ravine, which an eagle-eyed officer spotted.

With assistance from local firefighters, two bodies were recovered and transported to the Medical Examiners Office for autopsy.

Lange and Williams were charged with capital murder of multiple persons for the murders of the Rehbeins. Their bonds have both been set at $1 million each

The two children, aged six and one month, respectively, were placed with Child Protective Services and are being reunited with family members.

According to the sheriffs office, deputies arrived at the residence at around 1 p.m. and the suspects were taken into custody at approximately 7:00 p.m. The swift coordination and diligent efforts of all agencies involved allowed this case to be rapidly developed and the suspects to be apprehended in a timely manner, the sheriffs office added.

The investigation remains ongoing.
Fozzy Stack could have a Classic contender on his hands after Thesecretadversary surged to a taking victory in the Ballylinch Stud Red Rocks Stakes at Leopardstown.

Narrowly beaten in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot last year, he scooped Listed honours on home soil at Tipperary before ending his two-year-old campaign in Grade One company at Woodbine.

Sent off at 6-1 for the Group Three event that has been dominated by Aidan OBrien in recent years, the son of St Marks Basilica broke away quickly, with Seamie Heffernan always holding on to plenty of horse as he travelled in behind 4-1 joint-favourite Dorset and Group One winner Power Blue.

Entering the straight it soon looked likely he would play a role in the finish and he stormed on stylishly in the final furlong to record a two-and-a-half-length success over Power Blue, seeing his odds for the Betfred 2000 Guineas cut to 25-1 by Paddy Power in the process.

He did it well. He was a bit unlucky in Canada the last day that he wasnt a bit closer. Hes in everything so well have a chat and see where we go. He stays well, said Stack.

Hes been working well. He ran a good race at Ascot last year and he won that race in Tipperary well, he beat a horse (Brussels) that was second in the Middle Park, so he has a fair level of form.

He went on: He was a little bit keen today. I always thought he might get a mile and a quarter, but looking at that Id probably say a mile. Not saying that we wont try a mile and a quarter at some stage.

Hes in every Guineas, bar the Italian! I also entered him in a million dollar race at Keeneland the same day as the English Guineas, but that probably wont happen now. Ill talk to the owners.
Too much focus is being given to the impact of US aid cuts and not enough to the fact that countries like China and India continue to provide very little foreign aid, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), one of the worlds largest humanitarian groups, has told The Independent.

In a wide-ranging interview held at the NGOs headquarters in Oslo, Jan Egeland, NRC secretary general, also warned that not enough attention was being given to the climate crisis, and suggested that current plans to boost Nato military spending to five per cent of GDP at the expense of foreign aid would be a major strategic mistake that countries will live to regret.

Mr Egeland  who formerly served as the UNs humanitarian aid chief in the 2000s, and as state secretary in the Norwegian foreign ministry in the 1990s  said that the NRC had been seriously impacted by President Trumps gutting of US foreign aid programmes, with the NGOs global headcount shrinking from 15,000 to 14,000 as a result.

Until last year, the US was our largest donor, followed by the Norwegian government. Then the US funding was frozen overnight, he said. The months that followed were extremely chaotic, Mr Egeland added, with US government stop and restart orders often being received several times over for the same programmes.

Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, during a recent trip to the West Bank (Ed Prior/Norwegian Refugee Council)

Despite the US more recently once again signalling support for foreign aid after a year of global upheaval, Mr Egeland said that there remains a huge question mark over the level of funding the NRC will receive from the US in the future.

Major humanitarian projects, including one providing cash transfers for thousands of victims of the war in Ukraine and another providing free flour to 500 bakeries in Sudan so that they can produce subsidised bread, have now been permanently cut for 2026, after receiving several stop- and restart orders over the course of 2025.

But while US actions have caused mayhem for NGOs like the NRC, Mr Egeland believes there should equally be criticism of industrialised Asian countries that  beyond Japan and South Korea  currently provide minimal foreign aid.

There has to be a much more aggressive calling out not just of the US, but also other countries like China and the nations of Southeast Asia, he said. I think we can be far too obsessed with what Trump has been doing over the past few hours, and we can ignore the bigger picture.

How can it be that India can carry out a moon landing on the dark side of the moon, but not provide aid for our operations in Sudan, he continued. Russia has hundreds of billions to wage a senseless war in Ukraine, but no money for our relief efforts.

Norway, Mr Egeland added, is a country of just 5.5 million people, with no seat on the UN Security Council nor G20 membership, yet it has become the worlds ninth biggest national donor of humanitarian aid, as a result of its continued commitment to provide foreign aid worth one per cent of its gross national income (GNI). The country might have made a fortune from oil in recent decades, but other equally wealthy countries are contributing significantly less.

The UN target for foreign assistance is for wealthy countries to provide aid worth 0.7 per cent of GNI. The UK, by contrast, is set to provide only 0.3 per cent of GNI, following cuts that were announced last year.

Still often classified as developing countries in some UN frameworks, China and India are not formally obligated under agreements such as the 1992 climate convention to provide foreign aid to poorer countries, even though their economies have grown substantially since those classifications were made.

Last year, China made a $16m (12m) contribution to humanitarian aid plans coordinated by the UN, while India contributed nothing. Norway and the UK contributed $921m and $1.9bn (1.4bn) respectively.

We will live to regret aid cuts

Mr Egeland also warned that the strategy adopted by countries including the UK, Germany and France of slashing foreign aid to significantly boost military spending will not achieve its intended aims of stabilising Europes security situation.

I understand that countries feel threatened by what Russia is doing in Ukraine, but if we forget about what is needed to bring stability to other parts of the world, we will live to regret it, he said.

The would-be target that Nato countries have agreed with Donald Trump of spending five per cent of GDP on defence was described as both astronomic and unprecedented by Mr Egeland.

You have to go back to previous world wars to see spending anything like that, he said. We are seeking stability in Europe, but really we are just becoming more introverted and nationalistic.

Maintaining foreign aid should very much be seen as in the interests of wealthy nations, and not simply selflessness, he continued.

Children play near a war-damaged school in Aleppo, Syria (AP)

During the European migration crisis of 2015, sparked in part by Syrias civil war, many Western politicians looked forward to a time when the war would be over, and Syrians could return home, Mr Egeland said. But now that the war is over, there has so far been little money pledged to help rebuild Syria, and so Syrians have had to remain in Europe.

Equally, Mr Egeland described a recent visit to a refugee camp in Eastern Chad, where Sudanese refugees described their intention to cross into Europe on small boats due to the total absence of economic opportunity where they were, and despite the risks that the trip would involve.

We are scraping together enough money to make the journey across to the Mediterranean, they told me. This was despite the fact that they had followed on social media 20 friends who had attempted to make that the journey the previous year, of whom 19 had drowned, Mr Egeland said.

I told them that these deaths were clearly a signal that they should not go, Mr Egeland continued. But they told me: We have been waiting for so long here for something to happen, but nothing has happened. Yes, the trip might be dangerous, but there is a glimmer of hope, while here there is nothing.

On the subject of the climate crisis, Mr Egeland also called out the hypocrisy of politicians who are continuing to call for climate action in public, while cutting aid for climate programmes overseas.

In most parts of the world, there is the same positive rhetoric around climate change, but in fact, when it comes to the people most impacted by the climate crisis, rather than receiving more money to help them survive, they are in fact receiving less, he said.

His comments came just before the UK announced that it would cut its climate aid to 6bn over the next three years  down from 2.3bn annually under the previous five-year arrangement  in a move that was described as a huge betrayal.

Mr Egeland continued: If we want to avoid uncontrolled migration fueled by conflict and the climate crisis, and if we want to avoid unchecked epidemics coming from displaced people in least developed countries, then we need to provide more support.

Looking ahead, he warned that expected further cuts meant that there was a risk that the world could return to the dark days of the 1980s, when the world experienced Biblical famines that killed many thousands.

At the moment, we are dropping very hungry people to prioritise those on the brink of famine. We are having to drop so many vulnerable communities, and I am very concerned about what the consequences of all of this might end up being.
Santillana del Mar is on the Camino de Santiago. Photograph: Jose Miguel Sanchez/Getty Images (Photograph: Jose Miguel Sanchez/Getty Images)

Exploring the area west of Santander feels like being in a time machine. Within a half-hour drive of the Cantabrian capital on Spains green northern coast, you can stumble upon prehistoric cave art, a perfectly preserved medieval town and a laid-back beach resort.

When I began my weekend trip, it was raining, so my journey started in the Upper Paleolithic period, at the Cave of Altamira, a Unesco world heritage site, staring up at some of the oldest art on Earth. Well, almost. The original cave was largely closed to the public decades ago to protect the fragile paintings, so we were inside the Neocueva, a painstakingly reconstructed replica built beside it that costs just 3 to enter.

Above me, bison and deer charged across the undulating rock ceiling, their bodies rendered in rich ochres and charcoals. The prehistoric artists who painted them  hunter-gatherers who lived here 13,000 to 36,000 years ago  used the natural bumps and hollows of the cave to give the animals a three-dimensional presence.

Altamira is often called the Sistine Chapel of prehistoric art, and standing beneath those larger-than-expected painted animals, its easy to see why. Knowing the paintings were replicas did little to blunt their impact.

Altamira is often called the 'Sistine Chapel of prehistoric art', and standing beneath those larger-than-expected painted animals, its easy to see why

The cave, whose main entrance was sealed around 13,000 years ago by rockfall, was discovered in 1868 by a local hunter and brought to wider attention by amateur archaeologist Marcelino Sanz de Sautuola. When, in 1880, Sautuola first presented the paintings to the scientific community, many experts dismissed them as fakes, unable to believe that prehistoric people were capable of such sophisticated artistry.

Walking through the museum, its striking how little humanity has changed. From handprints pressed against cave walls to the selfies visitors take beside them today, the impulse is the same  to leave a trace.

Time was slipping away and my travel companions  my husband and our infant son  were beginning to lose patience with my archaeological enthusiasm. Hungry and still slightly awestruck, we drove a few minutes down the road to Santillana del Mar, the small medieval town that serves as Altamiras gateway.

After a quick lunch, we found ourselves in the middle ages. Santillana del Mar feels as though its come straight from the pages of a fairytale or, for the less imaginative among us, Game of Thrones. Nobles houses, monastery buildings and towers line winding cobbled streets. At this point, the rain turned out to be something of a gift, emptying the streets of tourists.

Santillana traces its origins back to the ninth century, when monks carrying the relics of Saint Juliana settled here and built a small hermitage. Around it grew a monastery, then homes, farms and workshops, forming a settlement that gradually evolved into Santillana. During the middle ages, the town flourished as part of the Astur-Leonese kingdom and became an important stop for pilgrims travelling along the Camino de Santiago.

The flow of travellers brought trade and wealth, hence the grand stone houses and palaces. In 1209, King Alfonso VIII granted the town a charter, the height of its medieval prosperity.

Santillana appeared in Sartres Nausea, as the narrator points to a photograph and describes it as the prettiest town in Spain

The town sits close to the start of the Camino Lebaniego, a less well-known pilgrimage route that winds inland to the monastery of Santo Toribio de Liebana in the Picos de Europa mountains. Cantabria is the only region in the world crossed by two Christian pilgrimage routes recognised as Unesco world heritage sites.

For a town deeply tied to Christian pilgrimage, it is perhaps unexpected that Santillana is also linked to existential philosophy. In 1935, Jean-Paul Sartre visited the town with Simone de Beauvoir. A few years later, Santillana appeared in Nausea, Sartres first novel, as the narrator points to a photograph and describes it as the prettiest town in Spain during a conversation about the nature of adventure.

Getting on the wrong train. Stopping in an unknown city. Losing your briefcase, being arrested by mistake, spending the night in prison, says the Self-Taught Man. Monsieur, I believed the word adventure could be defined: an event out of the ordinary without being necessarily extraordinary.

By that definition, my own adventure was well under way.

Travelling through medieval streets with an infant is not for the faint of heart. Umbrella in one hand and baby carrier in the other, we trudged through the rain and our son fell asleep  ruining his nap schedule and our chance of an afternoon rest.

Still, Santillana has a way of softening such moments. We ducked into the Casa Quevedo bakery, where the same family has served fresh milk and cakes since the 1950s. Inside the medieval building, a glass of milk felt like the perfect antidote to grey skies and parental exhaustion.

From Santillana, its a 10-minute drive to the seaside town of Suances, our final stop  and another lurch of the time machine. Driving past the main part of town and towards the more touristy area of the coast, apartment blocks and seaside hotels appeared in pastel shades. We checked into Costa Esmeralda Suites, a five-star hotel offering generous off-season discounts. On the outside, it resembles a traditional mansion. Inside, however, the design feels like a time capsule of turn-of-the-millennium luxury: red carpets, a Ferrari-theme and enormous whirlpools.

Just a short walk away lies Playa de la Concha, where Atlantic waves roll towards wide sandy dunes. The rain finally eased as we arrived.

Near the port, restaurants and cafes buzzed with activity. Other surf towns in the area are dead in winter, one resident, Inma, told me in the Marcelo Gourmet bar and restaurant. But Suances is always full of life.

Out of summer, wetsuited surfers paddle out into the surf, sometimes with views of the snow-capped Picos de Europa mountains behind them. And the food alone is reason enough to visit. At Bonito Verde, we ordered a plate of rabas (fried calamari, a local speciality), so fresh and crisp they disappeared almost instantly, along with delicious squid-ink croquetas. Curiosity also led us to Suka, an unassuming restaurant rumoured to serve some of the best sushi in Cantabria. It was another win.

For breakfast, locals pointed us to Castillo de Los Locos, which houses a restaurant perched dramatically above the cliffs of Playa de Los Locos, and where the food is good and the views are incredible.

The last morning, I woke early and slipped out of the hotel room, leaving my sleeping family behind. Sunlight had finally broken through the clouds. I walked along the thin peninsula that juts out between Playa de Los Locos and La Concha, listening to birdsong and watching waves crash against the cliffs. Its only a short walk beyond the Castillo de Los Locos, but it felt far from civilisation.

Standing there, breathing the salt air and feeling the sun, I relaxed.

After singing the praises of Santillana, Sartres Nausea protagonist reflects that adventure isnt something we can experience while its happening. Instead, he says, adventures are made after the fact, by looking back and turning experiences into stories. But you have to choose, he continues. Live or tell.
Tom Fletcher, Rachel Zegler and Rosamund Pike were among a host of stars walking the green carpet ahead of The Olivier Awards in London.

The McFly star, who wrote the music for the award-winning West End production Paddington The Musical, posed for photos as he arrived arrived at the Royal Albert Hall.

The 40-year-old wore a navy blue velvet tuxedo and was pictured alongside Jessica Swale, who wrote the book for the smash-hit musical and wowed crowds wearing a dazzling gold gown.

Jessica Swale and Tom Fletcher wrote Paddington The Musical (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

The pair were all smiles as they represented Paddington The Musical, which is tipped for glory at the awards ceremony, although faces competition from Into The Woods which also has 11 nominations.

The musical, which is adapted from the books by Michael Bond and the hit films, is currently being staged at the Savoy Theatre in London and has received rave reviews since opening in December.

Speaking to the Press Association at the event, Swale hailed working with Fletcher as really fun and said: Its such a privilege to look after such a special bear. Its just been so fun. Weve had the greatest adventure.

Referring to the life-like puppet of Paddington Bear which stars in the show, Swale said: I think we were so excited about sharing (the bear) with the world. Hes just so beautiful.

The popular musical about the marmalade-loving bear is up against Into The Woods  currently running at Londons Bridge Theatre  in many categories, including best actor in a musical, two nominations for best actor in a supporting role in a musical, and the Sir Peter Hall Award for best director.

Rachel Zegler wowed crowds with as she arrived at The Olivier Awards (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

American film star Zegler, who has been nominated for best actress in a musical for her West End debut in the lead role in Evita at the London Palladium, was also among the stars on the green carpet.

The 24-year-old received a nod for her critically acclaimed performance, which drew large outdoor crowds while she sang Dont Cry For Me Argentina from an outside balcony.

Zegler stunned in a sleek black bandeau dress with gold chain detailing across the ensemble and draped over her arms as she arrived at the annual event.

The actress faces competition from Hollywood stars Cate Blanchett and Pike, as well as Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Julia McDermott and Rosie Sheehy.

Pike, who has been recognised for Inter Alia at the National Theatre, wowed crowds with a draped, silky navy dress and a scarf detail, accessorised with ornate earrings and slicked back, wet-look hair.

Meanwhile Blanchett wore an all-black ensemble with a cut-out detail across her waist, paired with simple make-up and her sleek bob was styled naturally.

Rosamund Pike is up for Inter Alia at the National Theatre (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

Tom Hiddleston, who is up for best actor for Much Ado About Nothing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, wore a simple tuxedo while his competition, Bryan Cranston, wore a black suit.

The pair will battle it out against nominees including Sean Hayes, Jack Holden and David Shields.

Corbin Bleu was also in attendance at the star-studded affair, having been nominated for best actor in a supporting role in a musical for his role in The Great Gatsby: A New Musical at the London Coliseum.

The American actor, best known for starring in the High School Musical film franchise, wore an all-black ensemble embodying the plays theme of 1920s glamour, accessorised with ornate silver details and a fedora.

Corbin Bleu wore a themed ensemble (Ian West/PA) (Ian West)

US star Monica Barbaro, who is among the presenters at this years event, also posed for photos, wearing a contrasting satin gown with a white top and a black skirt.

This years Olivier Awards will mark the 50th anniversary of the ceremony, and will be hosted by comedian Nick Mohammed at the Royal Albert Hall.

The event, sponsored by Cunard, will be available to watch on BBC Two and iPlayer at 7pm on April 12, with highlights on BBC Radio 2.
A war that has lasted six weeks and was 47 years in the making was never going to be ended with anything like a comprehensive sustainable settlement over a weekend, and in fact what turned out to be only 21 hours of intense talks. No one seriously expected it would, but the chances of an early breakthrough were made infinitely worse by Donald Trumps decision to despatch to the talks with Iran two proven failures in such exercises  Steve Witkoff, an over-optimistic real-estate guy, and Jared Kushner, whose sole qualification is that he happens to be the presidents son-in-law.

Not for the first time, the US state department and secretary of state Marco Rubio have been marginalised in their core role of running Americas foreign policy  and to no great advantage. To have the US delegation headed by the vice-president JD Vance instead was also a serious misjudgement. Mr Vance could, in principle, as a possible future president, and with his own base, have added some considerable political authority to the discussions with the Iranians in Islamabad; but he has no personal vested interest in helping Mr Trump out of a mess of his own making, and one that Mr Vance warned him was going to happen. Even though the vice-presidency of the United States is a famously light-duties role, it would hardly have been practical for Mr Vance to spend weeks in Pakistan trying to broker peace.

It may also have occurred to him that Mr Trump might have been lining him up to take the blame for the near-inevitable failure of the talks. That may be reading too much into recent developments, but there is no doubt that domestic political pressures and bitter machinations within the Republican party and the Maga movement have complicated the situation. Sooner or later, a sceptical Congress will have to decide whether to grant Mr Trump war powers to press on with the conflict, and some potentially disastrous elections in November are looming large. This is discombobulating an already chaotic administration.

The putative two-week ceasefire may not now even last that long, with dreadful consequences for the civilians in the region and for the world economy. As it is, the Israelis are doing their best to blow up any peace efforts.

In any case, seemingly without much effort at compromise, Mr Vance has summarily declared the talks over and gone home.

More fundamentally, the motivation on the part of the Americans to seek a peace deal is weak because their negotiating position is weak. Agreement means compromise and concessions, and Mr Trump and his proud colleagues cannot bring themselves to admit what looks very much like defeat.

As Mr Trump might put it, if he were being candid for a change, Tehran now has most of the cards in this game, and that is because Washington has played its own hand badly. After all, before Mr Trump was persuaded by Benjamin Netanyahu and some reckless Republican sycophants in Congress to launch this war, the Strait of Hormuz was free to international maritime traffic, the Gulf states were dedicating themselves to peace, prosperity and the pursuit of happiness, and Lebanon was not under virtual Israeli occupation, creating another intractable problem for another set of negotiators over in Washington. More to the point, the Islamic Republic of Iran has survived, and still has somewhere a well-hidden stockpile of partially enriched uranium from which to develop a nuclear weapon. That qualifies as victory.

Mr Trump says of the talks that regardless what happens we winLets see what happens  maybe they make a deal maybe they dont. It doesnt matter. From the standpoint of America, we win. That is precisely and diametrically wrong. Whatever happens now, America has lost this war, whether it ends with some kind of deal or whether Mr Trump decides to escalate the military effort. In an asymmetric conflict such as this, with Iran holding the global economy hostage and able to terrorise its neighbours, America cannot win on any conceivable basis, even if  especially if  it deploys ground forces or, as Mr Trump signalled late yesterday, it attempts to force the heavily mined Strait of Hormuz open.

For much the same reasons, it will sooner or later have to agree to rather humbling conditions laid down by Tehran, or else just withdraw all the forces and leave the problems behind for the rest of the word  Europe, China, the Gulf rulers  to try to settle. It would be at least as great a humiliation for America as the evacuation of Saigon in 1975 or the retreat from Kabul in 2021, albeit more orderly.

One of the many great tragedies in all of this is that America under President Trump has unilaterally abandoned two peaceful, diplomatic agreements that would have achieved most, if not all, of the American strategic objectives that are now out of reach. The original Iran Nuclear Deal of a decade ago, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, to which the UK, France, China, Russia and Germany were also signatories, severely restricted Irans nuclear programme and subjected it to close and regular international supervision. During its time Iran did not develop a nuclear missile. Mr Trump, predictably, tore that up during his first term in a fit of envy because it had been negotiated by Barack Hussein Obama. A more recent agreement between Iran and the US, in which Iran agreed not to build nuclear stockpiles, had been brokered by the Omanis and was ready to be signed just when Mr Trump decided in late February that force was a better option. It wasnt then and it isnt now. It is time for Mr Trump to recall the famous words of his hero Sir Winston Churchill that jaw-jaw is better than war-war.
Donald Trump has declared the US will blockade the Strait of Hormuz after the collapse of peace talks with Iran.

The president resumed his bombastic threats just hours after negotiations in Islamabad failed, warning that the US military was locked and loaded to finish Iran.

Delegations from Washington and Tehran  including vice-president JD Vance and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi  had been locked in crucial negotiations that insiders said were marred by mood swings and tense exchanges.

But Mr Vance announced the talks, which aimed to bring an end to six weeks of costly warfare and to find a solution to Irans closure of the shipping lane, had failed after just 21 hours.

Irans Revolutionary Guards have warned that any US warships approaching the Strait to carry out a blockade will be considered in breach of the ceasefire and be dealt with strongly, prompting fears that the conflict could reignite just days after a two-week ceasefire was agreed.

Trump attended UFC 327 in Miami while JD Vance was in Islamabad (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)

Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social: Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.

He later told Fox News that Nato allies, whom he has criticised for failing to back the war, wanted to help with the operation in the Strait. We have minesweepers there, Mr Trump said. And I understand the UK and a couple of other countries are sending minesweepers.

But it is thought Britain will not be involved in the operation. Earlier, former defence secretary Ben Wallace told The Independent that sending British warships to police the Strait of Hormuz is a fantasy because UK armed forces are already so depleted.

In his Truth Social rant, the president said that any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!

He added: Iran will not be allowed to profit off this Illegal Act of EXTORTION. They want money and, more importantly, they want Nuclear. Additionally and, at an appropriate moment, we are fully LOCKED AND LOADED, and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran!

Addressing Saturdays failed talks, the president said the meeting had gone well but that no agreement could be found on the most important issue, Irans nuclear programme.

JD Vance attributed the failed peace talks to Irans unwillingness to end its nuclear programme (Getty)

Iran also said the talks had seen some progress but had failed due to two important issues, namely the management of the Strait of Hormuz and Irans nuclear programme.

Irans Revolutionary Guards responded to Mr Trumps latest barrage by stating all traffic... is under the full control of the armed forces.

In an interview with The New York Times, an Iranian analyst close to the government said the talks had crumbled due to US demands for zero enrichment and the removal of nearly 900lb of stockpiled uranium, as well as the Hormuz issue. While the talks were ongoing, Iranian state media had accused the US of making excessive demands.

A foreign ministry spokesperson said the negotiations took place in an atmosphere of mistrust, adding that a deal was always unlikely in the first round of talks, although they confirmed there are currently no plans in place for talks to be resumed.

Sir Keir Starmer, who discussed the negotiations with the Sultan of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said, urged both sides to find a way through, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

Officials from Pakistan and Iran hold discussions in Islamabad (WANA)

But the US president does not appear to be in a hurry to force through a quick peace deal, stating while talks were ongoing that it makes no difference to him whether or not a deal is reached. As the peace talks collapsed, the US president was enjoying a night at the UFC alongside secretary of state Marco Rubio.

Mr Trump faced further criticism regarding his rhetoric when health secretary Wes Streeting accused the president of using incendiary, provocative, outrageous language.

I think weve all come to learn that you judge President Trump through what he does, not just what he says, Mr Streeting added.

He was also critical of the way the US president has focused very personal attacks on the prime minister, such as comparing him to Neville Chamberlain and saying, he is no Winston Churchill.

Wes Streeting said ministers have learned to draw a distinction between what Donald Trump says and what he does (Jeff Overs/BBC) (PA Media)

Sir Keir and the Sultan of Oman also discussed efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the closure of which has sent energy prices soaring over the past six weeks.

Despite the differences in Islamabad, three supertankers fully laden with oil passed through the Strait on Saturday, shipping data showed, in what appeared to be the first vessels to exit the Gulf since the ceasefire deal.

But consumer fury has continued to ripple worldwide as high fuel prices filter down to customers. In Ireland, police cleared trucks that had been blocking traffic in central Dublin for five days in a protest.

Angered by a more than 20 per cent rise in diesel prices since the outbreak of the war, protesters this week used tractors and trucks to block an oil refinery, two ports, a fuel terminal and a number of roads around the country.
A rescue worker puts out a fire of residential house destroyed by a Russian drone strike on Odesa, Ukraine in this photo provided by the Ukrainian Emergency Services on April 11, 2026.

Russia will not extend a truce with Ukraine over Orthodox Easter unless Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accepts its terms, the Kremlin said in an interview aired Sunday.

"Sustainable peace can come when we secure our interests and achieve the goals we set from the very start. This can be done literally today. But Zelensky must accept these well-known solutions," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to Russian news agencies.

"Until Zelensky musters the courage to assume this responsibility, the special military operation will continue after the truce expires," Peskov added, referring to the war in Ukraine.

Earlier Sunday, Ukraine and Russia accused each other of violating the truce in place for Orthodox Easter thousands of times, as the war dragged on into its fifth year.

Both sides had agreed to observe the halt to hostilities for the religious holiday, after Putin agreed on Thursday to a proposal made by Zelensky more than a week before.

"As of 7am on 12 April, 2,299 ceasefire violations were recorded. Specifically: 28 enemy assault actions, 479 enemy shellings, 747 strikes by attack drones ... and 1,045 strikes by FPV drones," the Ukrainian military's general staff said in a post on Facebook.

"There were no missile strikes, guided aerial bomb strikes, or Shahed-type UAV strikes," it added.

Read moreMoscow, Kyiv report violations of 32-hour Orthodox Easter truce

In turn, Russia's defence ministry accused Kyiv of nearly 2,000 breaches of its own.

"A total of 1,971 ceasefire violations by units of the Ukrainian armed forces were recorded between 4:00 pm Moscow time on April 12 and 8:00 am on April 12," the ministry said, as reported by the TASS news agency.

The truce had been due to last for 32 hours, from 4:00 pm (1300 GMT) on Saturday until the end of the day on Sunday, according to the Kremlin.

(FRANCE with AFP)
High-stakes peace talks between the United States and Iran have collapsed after more than 20 hours of negotiations in Islamabad, raising fears a fragile ceasefire could unravel.

Delegations from both sides left the Pakistani capital on Sunday without reaching a breakthrough, each blaming the other for the failure to halt a war that has raged for over six weeks, killed thousands and driven up global oil prices.

US Vice President JD Vance, who led the American team, struck a blunt tone as he departed.

"The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think that's bad news for Iran much more than it's bad news for the United States of America," he told reporters. "So we go back to the United States having not come to an agreement. We've made very clear what our red lines are."

According to Pakistani sources, both delegations have now returned home.

Vance said negotiations ended early on Sunday between the United States and Iran without a peace deal (Farooq NAEEM / AFP via Getty Images)

Vance said Iran had rejected key US demands, including a commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons.

"We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon. That is the core goal of the president of the United States, and that's what we've tried to achieve through these negotiations."

The Islamabad talks followed a ceasefire agreed earlier in the week and marked the first direct engagement between Washington and Tehran in more than a decade  and the most senior-level contact since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iranian media painted a different picture of the breakdown, with the semi-official Tasnim news agency blaming "excessive" US demands. Other outlets reported some progress had been made, but said disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz and Irans nuclear programme proved insurmountable.

A foreign ministry spokesperson in Tehran said the talks took place against a backdrop of deep mistrust.

"It is natural that we shouldn't have expected to reach agreement in just one session," the spokesperson said.

Pakistans foreign minister Ishaq Dar urged both sides to preserve the two-week ceasefire agreed on Tuesday as efforts continue to de-escalate the conflict, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli air strikes on Iran.

A vendor reads a newspaper displayed on a roadside after the US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad on April 12, 2026 (Farooq NAEEM / AFP via Getty Images))

Israeli security cabinet minister Zeev Elkin suggested diplomacy was not over, but issued a stark warning: "The Iranians are playing with fire."

Despite the high-stakes talks, Vance made no reference to reopening the Strait of Hormuz  a vital global shipping route responsible for around 20% of the worlds energy supply, which has been blocked by Tehran since the conflict began.

He revealed he had been in regular contact with Donald Trump throughout the negotiations. But Trump himself appeared relaxed about the outcome, telling reporters on Saturday: "We're negotiating. Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me, because we've won."

The US delegation also included special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner, while Iran was represented by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araqchi. Behind closed doors, negotiations were described as tense and unpredictable.

"There were mood swings from the two sides and the temperature went up and down during the meeting," a Pakistani source said.

Vice President JD Vance gives an update in Pakistan:



"The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon." pic.twitter.com/il4THN5DwV  The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 12, 2026

Ahead of the talks, an Iranian official claimed the US had agreed to release frozen assets held in Qatar and other overseas banks  a claim denied by Washington.

Tehran is also pushing for control over the Strait of Hormuz, war reparations and a wider regional ceasefire, including in Lebanon. It has additionally demanded the right to collect transit fees from ships passing through the strategic waterway.

Despite the deadlock, there were tentative signs of movement. Shipping data showed three fully loaded supertankers passed through the Strait on Saturday  the first vessels to exit the Gulf since the ceasefire was agreed  although hundreds more remain stranded.

Washingtons core objectives remain ensuring free passage through the Strait and curbing Irans nuclear programme to prevent it from developing an atomic bomb  an ambition Tehran continues to deny.

Meanwhile, tensions in the region remain high.

Israel has continued strikes against Tehran-backed Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, insisting that conflict falls outside the scope of the ceasefire with Iran. Iran, however, maintains that fighting in Lebanon must also stop.

The Israeli military said it hit Hezbollah rocket launchers overnight, with plumes of black smoke seen rising over Beirut. Air raid sirens also sounded in Israeli border villages, warning of incoming rocket fire.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa is facing an imminent legal challenge following his decision to reassign Jessie Majome from her position as chairperson of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to the Public Service Commission (PSC), a move critics say amounts to an unconstitutional removal from office.The decision has triggered widespread criticism from legal practitioners, civil society actors, and opposition voices, who argue that the reassignment undermines the independence of constitutional oversight bodies.Majome's reassignment came just days after the ZHRC publicly criticised provisions of the proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which seeks to introduce sweeping changes to Zimbabwe's governance system, including extending presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years and restructuring key electoral institutions.During her final briefing as ZHRC chair, Majome highlighted what she described as an increasingly hostile environment for dissent, alleging that citizens opposing the constitutional amendments were facing intimidation, restricted access to public consultations, and other forms of pressure.The timing of her removal has raised concerns that it may have been a retaliatory measure linked to the commission's public stance on the bill.The government has defended the move, citing Section 202(1)(b) of the Constitution as the legal basis for the reassignment. However, leading constitutional lawyers strongly dispute this interpretation.Prominent constitutional law expert Lovemore Madhuku said he is preparing a court challenge and has already received widespread public interest in joining the case."The president has no power to do that. It's null and void," Madhuku said, arguing that independent commission office-bearers cannot simply be reassigned as part of executive restructuring.He further said the concept of "reassignment" does not exist in law when dealing with constitutional commissions, insisting that such actions effectively amount to removal without due process.Senior lawyer David Coltart also condemned the decision, describing it as unlawful and suggesting it may constitute punishment for the ZHRC's criticism of the constitutional amendment process.Constitutional lawyer Thabani Mpofu added that the move appears to contravene Section 237 of the Constitution, which sets out strict procedures for the removal of members of independent commissions, including the requirement for a formal tribunal in cases of alleged misconduct.Mpofu argued that no such process was followed, making the reassignment legally indefensible.As preparations for litigation intensify, the case is emerging as a major constitutional test, with potential implications for the independence of oversight institutions and the limits of executive authority in Zimbabwe.Observers say the outcome could set a precedent on how far the executive can go in restructuring or interfering with constitutionally protected bodies in the future.
Hungarys opposition Tisza party, led by Peter Magyar, has won the election, bringing an end to Viktor Orbans 16-year grip on power, in a result that is likely to rattle the White House and reshape the countrys relationship with the EU.

Less than three hours after polls closed on Sunday, Orban conceded defeat after what he described as a painful but unambiguous election result.

Related: The JD Vance effect on Hungarian voters

I congratulated the victorious party, the rightwing populist told supporters in Budapest. We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition as well.

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With 98.74% of the vote counted, Magyars Tisza party was projected to have won 138 of the 199 seats in the countrys parliament, giving them a super-majority capable of amending the constitution and key laws, suggesting they would be able to reverse some of the changes made by Orban and Fidesz, and potentially unlock EU funds.

Fidesz won 55 seats, while the extreme-right Mi Hazank party won six.

Magyar, who pledged to repair Hungarys strained relationship with the EU, crack down on corruption and funnel funds towards long-neglected public services, said Tisza voters had rewritten Hungarian history.

My fellow Hungarians, we have done it!, he told the tens of thousands of jubilant supporters who had gathered along the banks of the Danube river to celebrate.

Tonight, truth prevailed over lies, said Magyar, 45. Today, we won because Hungarians didnt ask what their homeland could do for them  they asked what they could do for their homeland. You found the answer. And you followed through.

The election was being closely watched around the world as a test of the resilience of the Maga movement and the global far right, many of whom have long looked to Orban as an inspiration and sought to follow his playbook.

Days before the election, JD Vance had travelled to Budapest, with the US vice-president saying that he had come to help Orban. Donald Trump had also repeatedly endorsed Orban, most recently on Friday when he vowed to bring US economic might to the country if Orban was re-elected.

US Democrat Hakeem Jeffries, the US House of Representatives minority leader, said the results of the Hungarian election did not bode well for the Trump administration. Far-right authoritarian Viktor Orban has lost the election, he wrote on social media. Trump sycophants and Maga extremists in Congress are up next in November. Winter is coming.

In recent months, Orban, 62, had also been endorsed by rightwing and far-right leaders ranging from Frances Marine Le Pen to Italys Giorgia Meloni and Israels Benjamin Netanyahu.

Meloni was among those who congratulated Magyar on Sunday night, promising her countrys continued cooperation and wishing him success. She added: I thank my friend Viktor Orban for the intense collaboration over the years, and I know that he will continue to serve his nation, also from the opposition.

Leaders from across Europe hailed the result, with Keir Starmer describing it as a historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy on social media.

In recent weeks, the antagonistic relationship between Orbans government and the EU had plunged to new lows, after Orban vetoed further EU sanctions on Russia, as well as an additional 90bn (78bn) loan for Ukraine. Tensions between Budapest and Brussels had since boiled over, following allegations that Orbans government had shared confidential EU information with Moscow.

News of the change in government prompted an outpouring of response from across the EU. Europes heart is beating stronger in Hungary tonight, said Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger.

Donald Tusk, Polands prime minister, welcomed Magyar with a jibe at Orban. Back together! Glorious victory, dear friends! he posted on social media, adding in Hungarian: Russians, go home!

Emmanuel Macron, Frances president, said he had spoken with Magyar to congratulate him, while the German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said he was looking forward to working with Magyar.

From Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country was ready to advance our cooperation with Hungary, even as Magyar has said he would continue Orbans opposition to sending arms to the country and fast-tracking EU entry for Kyiv. We are ready for meetings and joint constructive work for the benefit of both nations, as well as peace, security, and stability in Europe.

As Magyar crisscrossed Hungary during the campaign, holding as many as six rallies a day, Orban had consistently trailed in the polls, suggesting the election was poised to end his efforts to transform Hungary into a petri dish for illiberalism.

His rightwing populist government used its time in office to steadily whittle away at the checks and balances that constrained its power: rewriting election laws to its own benefit, manoeuvring to put loyalists in control of an estimated 80% of the countrys media, and retooling the countrys judiciary.

Ahead of the election, as the government stepped up its efforts to clamp down on dissent, local resistance swelled, bursting into public view as hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Budapest in June in defiance of the governments efforts to ban Pride.

Sundays election saw a record turnout of nearly 80%, according to the National Election Office. The result was likely due, in part, to the massive number of youths who mobilised against Orban. One poll suggested that as many as 65% of voters under the age of 30  many of whom had come of age as the country plunged in press freedom rankings, was accused of being an electoral autocracy, and became the most corrupt country in the EU  were planning to cast their vote against Orban.

On Sunday evening, many of them thronged the banks of the Danube, chanting We did it! while others chanted Its over! as they made their way through the citys metro stations.

The dictatorship, rightwing ideology and all of that will disappear now, and we have a chance for a better country, said Nori, 24, as tears welled in her eyes. Im feeling hopeful and happy.

The view was echoed by Anna, 24. I really hope these next four years will be better than the past 16.

The result was also welcomed by Ervin Nagy, one of Hungarys most well-known film actors. For the next four years Hungarians can expect safety, peace, freedom, and that no one will interfere in their lives, said Nagy, who actively participated in Tiszas campaign from early on.

Analysts were swift to warn that change would probably come slowly. During Fideszs 16 years in power, the party stacked the Hungarian state, media and judiciary with loyalists; how they would respond to a change in government was now up in the air.

The path ahead for Hungary is a complicated one  Fideszs control of the business sector, media, public administration, and the judiciary reaches far and deep, said Dalibor Rohac, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

The message of this election, however, is a clear one: Orbans (and Trumps) ideological project has had a test run of 16 years, and it has been a spectacular political, economic and social failure, he said. The defeat of Orbanism is an opportunity to repudiate its iterations existing in other western democracies and to charter a more constructive, less polarised trajectory for pluralistic societies.

Others pointed to all that Magyar and Tisza had been up against. In the lead up to the election, billboards generated with AI and paid for by the government became a mainstay across the country, depicting Magyar as a danger to the country and a stooge of the EU and the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Tisza could win against all odds: help from the United States and from Russia, a massive state disinformation machinery, and all state institutions helping Fidesz, said Peter Kreko, the director of the Budapest-based Political Capital thinktank.

While the super-majority would help the party, the expectations would be huge and it will be difficult to deliver on some campaign promises due to fiscal constraints. But given that it was dominantly an anti-Fidesz vote, the new government can manage expectations.

Botond Feledy, a Brussels-based Hungarian geopolitical analyst, said the result was likely to reset the relationship between Hungary and the EU.

We can count on a Hungarian government that is constructive yet critical, but fundamentally pro-EU and acting as a full-fledged member of the European Union. And this also applies to Nato relations, he said.



He described the result as a lesson to other populist leaders in the EU. Patriots for Europe certainly need to study a lesson that adds to the list of challenges in the populist playbook, he said. Its not so easy to make promises to people when the system delivers nothing, and its impossible to build a virtual reality that is so far removed from reality.


Farmers are planning fuel protests in England after the Iran war sent fuel prices soaring to 2 per litre, it has been reported.

Ireland has already faced nationwide fuel protests from farming organisations this week over soaring petrol and diesel prices, which have caused significant disruption and threats to critical supplies throughout the country.

Now farming organisations in the UK are set to meet next week to discuss nationwide demonstrations in Britain, according to reports in The Telegraph.

A source told the paper: Weve hit the 2 mark on a litre of diesel. Thats a scary place to be. It will be a matter of time before people in this country start to go out and protest.

Farmers are the last people who want to go out and protest. You have to remember this is a very busy time of the year for us. But with the inheritance tax protests, youve got the groups that have been set up. The infrastructure is there to mobilise.

Petrol prices have been sent soaring by the war in the Middle East (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

Discussions have been had, and there will be a few people coming together at the beginning of next week to see what can be done.

The National Farmers Union told The Independent it had not heard from the farming community about plans for protests similar to those in Ireland.

An NFU spokesperson said: The war in Iran is deeply concerning, particularly for those across the Middle East. The resulting disruption to global oil and gas markets is putting a significant strain on farmers and growers, who are already under immense economic pressure and cant absorb additional increases in costs.

While we are working hard to support our members and have been in constant contact with Defra [The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs] and wider government on things it can do to support the farming sector at this critical time, we dont support protests that have the potential to inconvenience the public and further disrupt supply chains.

Farming has strong public support, for which we are extremely grateful, and it is important that nothing undermines that.

Tractors block OConnell Street during a fuel protest in Dublin (AP)

Fuel prices have been soaring since the onset of the US, Israel and Iran war, which resulted in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping lane.

The average price of diesel in the UK has now surpassed 190p a litre, figures this week revealed, having surged by more than a third since the conflict began and hitting the record high seen in 2022.

On Saturday, peace talks between the US and Iran failed to produce a deal, meaning the Strait of Hormuz is still closed, which could drive fuel prices even higher.

The protests in Ireland, largely led by hauliers, farmers, and agricultural workers, as separate but coordinated efforts, have now entered their sixth day for some participants.

Irish protesters not only targeted major motorways with slow-moving convoys but also the countrys sole oil refinery and key depots.

The escalating police response has seen public order units deployed in Cork, Galway, and Dublin, resulting in several arrests.

On Sunday, Irelands government called an emergency Cabinet meeting as it prepared to sign off on measures it hopes will bring protests over fuel costs to an end.

On Friday, Northern Irelands political leaders urged Sir Keir Starmer, to act decisively and without delay to help people suffering due to rising fuel costs in the region.

Defra was approached for comment.
A woman has been gang raped outside a church in Epsom.

Police are investigating after several men attacked the woman in the Surrey town in the early hours of Saturday.

The victim, in her 20s, was followed and attacked by a group of men after leaving the Labyrinth nightclub in the town.

The attack is believed to have taken place outside Epsom Methodist Church, in Ashley Road, between 2am and 4am. The church is 100 yards from the nightclub.

Surrey Police have launched an appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen something suspicious to contact them.

The force is also asking for motorists who were in the area and may have dashcam footage to get in touch with detectives.

It is not yet clear how many men took part in the alleged rape. Police said the victim was still extremely upset.

Neighbour awoken by loud noises

David Williams, who is in his 60s and lives by the church, said he had woken up to loud noises early in the morning.

He told The Telegraph: I was up at 4am and heard a car door and what sounded like metal being dropped.

It is dead quiet here, apart from when people come back from the club.

Mr Williams said the peaceful town in the commuter belt had become more dangerous in recent years.

We have lived here for seven years and there has been a noticeable change in the feeling, he said, adding: There are more groups of youths, multinationals, hanging around after nights out.

Locals says the peaceful commuter town of Epsom is becoming increasingly dangerous - Stephen R. Johnson/Alamy Stock Photo

A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said local group chats had been awash with fearful messages since the attack.

She said. It is horrendous. We came back from holiday yesterday to the whole church taped off. Theres also a nursery around the back.

Its scary. But its increasingly rough here. It is the type of crime thats a surprise, its getting more violent.

People becoming more wary of leaving the house

The neighbour said people were becoming more wary of leaving the house.

Most businesses are struggling, so if people are scared to go out its going to make it more difficult, she added. It is the last thing they need right now. I really hope they catch them.

A 46-year-old doctor from India, who also withheld her name, said: I heard loud voices in a low tone.

I could only hear the men. You can always hear noise in the street on the weekend but it is usually playful sounds.

This sounded rude, not friendly, like anger. I could not understand what they were saying.

Ung Soon Nguang, the Chinese Church Minister, said he had arrived on Saturday morning to see the church behind a police cordon.

Speaking after the regular Chinese church service at the methodist Church on Sunday, he said: It was the first I heard of it. It was quite a shock.

I couldnt come in because of the police.

A young woman, who works in a business near Labyrinth and wished to remain anonymous, said she now felt she had to constantly check her surroundings late at night.

She said: It is terrifying. As a woman I feel nervous, like when I close up on my own at 10pm. Fortunately, my boss pays for my Uber home.

She said Labyrinth was part of the problem.

It shouldnt be here, it is bringing issues, she said, adding: They have done a rebrand but it is still the same club.

There was also an incident with someone being smashed over the head with a bottle.

Extremely distressing incident

Det Insp Aine Matthews, of Surrey Police, said: We understand this is an extremely distressing incident, and the victim is being supported by specialist officers.

Our investigation is in its early stages, and a team of officers have been conducting extensive enquiries today to identify and locate the suspects.

We are working at pace to develop our picture of the suspects, and we will share details as soon as we are able to.

The force said officers would remain in the area, with members of the public encouraged to speak to them if you have any concerns.

Det Insp Matthews added: As part of our investigation, we would like to speak to anyone who was in the area between 2am and 4am and may have seen or spoken to a woman in her 20s in distress.
People in their 50s can set themselves up financially for retirement  if they play their cards right.

Most net worth comparisons show you how your finances stack up. This one highlights the gap a typical 50-something would need to close to reach the median net worth of todays 60-somethings.

According to January 2026 data from Empower, Americans in their 50s have a median net worth of $180,227, while those in their 60s sit at $274,564. The roughly $94,000 difference represents the ground that must be covered over the next decade to reach a comparable financial position at retirement.

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Its the median that matters here, as the midpoint: half of people in each age group are above it, half below. This number better reflects where most Americans stand than the average, which could be skewed by a few ultra-rich people in the age group.

One important caveat: Empowers data is drawn from users of its personal finance dashboard, so it likely skews higher than the broader U.S. population, as these are people already actively tracking their finances and have wealth to invest (1).

The Federal Reserves 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances remains the most comprehensive national benchmark available, though its older and its age brackets dont perfectly align with Empowers decade groupings, making direct comparisons difficult. Its net worth numbers are broken down by household, not individual, and shows a $365,500 median for ages 55-64 and $410,000 for ages 65-74 (2).

Either way, the directional story is clear: net worth rises significantly from one decade to the next, and the 50s are the last major runway to build wealth before retirement.

Why this decade matters the most

The 50s tend to be peak earning years for most workers  mortgages are further along, children are less dependent, and income has typically increased compared with earlier decades.

This combination creates a window that, if used deliberately, can significantly accelerate net worth growth. The challenge is that it also coincides with lifestyle creep, college tuition bills, and the temptation to treat higher earnings as an invitation to spend more.

Whether the roughly $94,000 gap is closeable in a decade depends on several key factors:

1. Catch-up contributions. The most direct tool for people 50 and over is the ability to contribute more to retirement accounts than younger workers.

According to the IRS, workers 50 and older can contribute an extra $8,000 above the standard 401(k) limit in 2026  bringing the total to $32,500. Those aged 60-63 can contribute even more, up to $11,250 above the standard limit (3).

Consistently maxing out these contributions, rather than stopping at the employer match, is one of the clearest ways to close the roughly $94,000 gap through investment growth alone.

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2. Debt paydown. Net worth is assets minus liabilities, so every dollar of debt eliminated directly increases net worth without market risk.

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, prioritizing high-interest debt first, then accelerating mortgage paydown, is a particularly effective strategy in this decade, when income is at or near its peak (4).

3. Home equity. For homeowners, real estate typically represents the largest component of net worth. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, among commonly held assets  those owned by at least half of all households  home equity carries the greatest value (5).

Staying in a home as equity builds, rather than trading up to a larger property with a larger mortgage, allows that equity to compound. Paying down principal faster than the required adds directly to net worth and saves on interest, although you should balance that with the opportunity to instead contribute that money to investments that deliver a return.

Read More: Almost 50 with no retirement savings? Heres why you shouldnt panic

What Social Security timing doesnt do

One important note if youre running these numbers: Social Security claiming strategy is not reflected in net worth calculations.

Delaying claiming past full retirement age increases benefits by about 8% per year for each year delayed, up to age 70, according to the Social Security Administration  one of the most reliable returns available to anyone approaching retirement. That future income stream, however, does not appear as an asset in net worth calculations the way a brokerage account does (6).

For most people in their 50s, closing a roughly $94,000 gap over a decade is achievable if the right levers are used consistently. Contributing the full catch-up amount to a 401(k) each year, paying down debt aggressively, and avoiding lifestyle creep as income rises can close the gap through a combination of savings, investment growth, and liability reduction.

What To Read Next

Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first  clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.

Article Sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

Empower (1); Federal Reserve (2); IRS (3); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (4); U.S. Census Bureau (5); Social Security Administration (6)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Michael Burry, Athropic logo, Palantir logo

Michael Burry, most famous for shorting the housing market ahead of the 2008 financial crisis, said that Anthropic is eating Palantirs lunch in a now-deleted post on X (1).

Since sharing that thought on April 8, Palantir has fallen rapidly  over 13% in the last five days. Although, the stock has recovered slightly after President Donald Trump made a Truth Social post in support of the company on April 10.

Must Read

Burry first announced he had put options on Palantir in the fall of 2025, which allow holders to sell a stock for a set price as long as it is sold by a certain date. A put is helpful if you think a stock is going to crash soon. In his newest Substack post, he says hes maintained puts on Palantir ever since, and hes not planning on selling them despite Trumps recent posts (2).

Here are some reasons he might be shorting the company and why he thinks Anthropic is a better bet.

Burry says Anthropics target market is behind its fast-rising revenue

Elsewhere in his deleted post, Burry said, Anthropic went from $9B to $30B in months, it took $PLTR 20 years to get to $5 Billion. He says thats because Anthropics product is the easier, cheaper, intuitive solution for businesses.

In comparison, he says that Palantirs government contracts dont set them up for the same quick growth. His post says that PLTR can have government, which is low margin and small.

He also says Anthropic is taking 73% of all new enterprise spending per Ramp. But thats not quite accurate: The Ramp report says that 73.3% of new businesses choose Anthropic over OpenAI when they spend on AI for the first time (3). The cited numbers dont include companies that chose other AI options, such as Google or xAI.

According to Ramps report, OpenAI is still the company with the most adopted model overall, with 34.4% of U.S. businesses having a paid subscription with the company. Anthropic is in second place at 24.4%.

Still, Anthropics comfortable second-place seat, along with new companies showing preference for it over the market leader, means that the company is in a good place to take over more of the AI market. This is especially true now that its announced Project Glasswing (4), which is an initiative to use the companys new Claude model, Claude Mythos, to protect against AI-driven cyberattacks.

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Read More: Almost 50 with no retirement savings? Heres why you shouldnt panic

Burry previously said the AI market was in a bubble

Burrys been betting against Palantir long before Anthropic rose to its current place in the AI market. On October 30, Burry posted Sometimes, we see bubbles (5), which many understood as a. dig at AI. On November 3, Scion Asset Management, Burrys hedge fund, filed a form with the SEC showing puts against both Palantir and NVIDIA, another huge player in the AI space (6).

Given how highly he praised Anthropic, he might not be as bearish on AI as a whole anymore. But he doesnt appear to have changed his mind on Palantir and NVIDIA. In addition to his ongoing puts on Palantir, Burry has warned against going all in on NVDA stock as recently as February.

In a February 21 post on X (7), Burry said, In the 1920s there was a radio mania focused mostly on one stock, RCA. The stock fell peak to trough about 98% during early 1930s, and yet radios growth never slowed for many more decades. He ends the post with $NVDA, implying that he thinks something similar might happen to the chip company soon.

Anthropic isnt publicly traded, so neither you nor Burry can buy stocks in it at the moment. But it doesnt seem like Burry reveres some of the other big, publicly traded AI names currently in the market. If you trust Burrys perspective, you might prefer to shift your portfolio away from these companies.

What To Read Next

Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first  clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.

Article sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

Business Insider (1); Substack (2); Ramp (3); Anthropic (4); X (5, 7); The Securities and Exchange Commission (6)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Rachel Cruze and John Delony advised a simple financial split in this messy situation.

Combining finances with a partner can get messy, especially if both partners are still married to other people. Thats the situation a recent caller to The Ramsey Show said shes facing.

Grace and her partner, who both live in Colorado, are both technically still married to their previous spouses. He has two kids with his soon-to-be ex-wife, and Grace says shes helping raise them. Theyre living together, and last summer they decided to combine their finances, but she says things havent been going well.

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Grace said shes newly pregnant and living paycheck to paycheck. She and her partner have a combined $5,700 monthly income after taxes and $91,000 in debt. Shes looking for a way out of the mess, and co-hosts Rachel Cruze and John Delony didnt hold back.

You are roommates financially, Delony told her. You have to think about it that way.

The risks of combining finances as an unmarried couple

Grace was already on shaky ground before any of this. But the core issue is straightforward: she tied her financial life to someone elses before she had any legal protection in place.

Her partner hasnt even started his divorce yet, largely because of a $5,000 attorneys retainer he cant afford. But theyve been informally pooling money by paying each others bills and splitting expenses, without any of the legal framework or protection that marriage provides.

It gets even messier when one partner is going through a divorce. During the divorce, lawyers often review financial records such as bank accounts, utility bills, retirement accounts, and income. Any shared assets or payments could be scrutinized during divorce proceedings.

Graces approximately $48,000 income is commission-based, with a $2,500 monthly baseline that can swing up to $4,000 or more depending on her performance. That variability makes budgeting difficult and leaves little margin for error, let alone the ability to absorb someone elses debt.

Cruze and Delonys advice to Grace was direct: stop paying her partners bills (and letting him pay hers), split expenses, and start budgeting based solely on her own income.

More importantly, they said, his divorce costs are his problem, not hers.

You dont have enough money to even be helping with that, Delony told her (1).

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Read More: Almost 50 with no retirement savings? Heres why you shouldnt panic

How to protect your finances, and your partners

Whether youre considering combining finances or already in a complicated situation like Graces, there are ways to protect yourself. In general, the smartest move is to avoid combining finances without a clear agreement in place, ideally a legal one.

Here are a few practical steps to protect yourself and avoid getting into a sticky situation:

Treat each other like roommates financially. Split bills cleanly and keep your own accounts. Use a payment app to split costs rather than paying each others bills directly. Alternatively, you can contribute equal or proportional amounts to a joint checking account for shared household bills, and keep your own separate accounts for everything else.

Build your own financial foundation first. Unmarried partners should focus on their own finances rather than taking on each others obligations. Build a budget based on what you can afford on your own.

Dont take on your partners debt. Combining loans and credit cards might seem like the supportive thing to do, but it puts your finances at risk. If the relationship ends, getting your name taken off of their bills and debts could be a pain  and any money you paid toward their debt usually cant be recovered. If your partner isnt yet divorced, like in Graces case, combining assets could also put your money at risk.

If you do combine, do it formally. Not all couples fully combine their incomes, but if you do, make it official. That means creating joint accounts, updating beneficiaries, and having a clear picture of your total combined debt and income. Many financial advisors also recommend a prenuptial agreement if you plan to get married, especially if one partner has significantly more wealth or assets  not as a sign of mistrust, but as a practical way to protect both partners (2).

Combining finances without a legal agreement in place comes with risks, and those risks increase if one or both partners are still legally married to someone else. In Graces situation, keeping things separate may be the safest approach.

What To Read Next

Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first  clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.

Article Sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

The Ramsey Show Highlights (1); GB Family Law (2)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Trump holding rendering for Ballroom

As President Donald Trump continues to push tariffs aimed at strengthening the U.S. steel industry (1), a new report suggests his own White House renovation may rely on donated materials from outside the country.

According to The New York Times (2), the project could include tens of millions of dollars worth of foreign-produced steel for his planned $400 million ballroom, citing two anonymous sources familiar with the plans.

Must Read

The steel is reportedly being supplied by Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal and produced in Europe (3)  despite Trumps repeated emphasis on using domestically made materials. The president previously said he had been offered $37 million worth of donated steel for the project but did not disclose its origin (4).

White House spokesman Davis Ingle told the Times that the project is being completed at no cost to the taxpayer. However, the sourcing has raised questions about how closely the project aligns with the presidents broader trade stance.

Trade plan

Rebuilding the U.S. steel industry has been a key priority for Trump, with tariffs serving as one of his main policy tools. He initially imposed a 25% tariff on imported steel in 2018 before increasing it to 50% (5). The president has frequently framed the metal as essential to national security (6), arguing that relying on other countries for materials used in infrastructure and defense poses a risk.

He has also backed stricter melted and poured rules to ensure steel is produced in the U.S. (7), linking the policy to domestic manufacturing and jobs.

While preparing for the ballroom renovation, Trump told donors at an event that a great steel company had approached him about contributing to the project, according to MS NOW (8). Days later, the White House issued a proclamation allowing for potential reductions in steel tariffs for certain companies operating in North America and supplying U.S. manufacturers (9)  a move that could benefit firms like ArcelorMittal.

Trump also emphasized the need for high-quality steel for the project, proclaiming that they dump a lot of garbage around.

However, industry groups say domestic producers are capable of meeting demand.

Brandon Farris, executive vice president of the Steel Manufacturers Association, told the Times that the U.S. steel sector is seeing a rebound driven by tariffs and has the capacity to meet demand for major projects, including supplying steel for developments like the proposed White House ballroom.

Our members stand ready to supply the high-quality, American-made steel needed to bring the presidents infrastructure and manufacturing priorities to life, he said.

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Read More: Almost 50 with no retirement savings? Heres why you shouldnt panic

Critics weigh in

Critics were quick to point out the apparent contradiction, including Gavin Newsom, who took to X to react. In a post from his official press office account, Newsom contrasted reports of imported steel being used for the White House project with California breaking ground on its first new steel plant in decades. He later followed up on his personal account with a pointed jab at the administrations messaging.

Make America Luxembourg Again?, he wrote.

Criticism has also come from lawmakers in industrial regions. Minnesota Senator Grant Hauschild questioned the decision, pointing to layoffs among U.S. steelworkers and shuttered mines in his states Iron Range.

This is a disgrace. The White House should stand as a symbol of American strength, built by American workers with American steel, said Hauschild (12). Instead, were seeing foreign steel used in one of the most iconic buildings in the world while Iron Range mines sit idle and hundreds of our steelworkers are out of work.

Some economists, however, note the U.S. steel market doesnt operate in isolation. Domestic supply is closely tied to infrastructure, construction and manufacturing demand, while roughly a quarter of steel used in the U.S. is imported to fill gaps (13). From that perspective, using foreign steel for non-essential projects could be seen as a way to avoid diverting materials from other sectors while helping manage costs.

A $400M ballroom

The cost of the planned 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom has climbed from an initial $200 million estimate to roughly $400 million.

The project is expected to be funded through private donations from wealthy individuals and corporations. A donor list includes companies like Microsoft, Amazon and Google  though its still unclear how much each has contributed or whether costs could climb further.

As for the material, a White House official said ArcelorMittal supports the U.S. economy through operations tied to Nippon Steel, and denied the company received anything in return for its donation.

What To Read Next

Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first  clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.

Article sources

We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.

The White House (1, 6, 7, 9); The New York Times (2); ArcelorMittal (3); Youtube (4); Reuters (5, 13); MS NOW (8); X (10, 11); Minnesota Senate DFL (12)

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
This week we collected 128 stories on ArtsJournal. Heres what I learned:

We are drowning in slop.

Thats essentially the diagnosis in Derek Thompsons sharp essay this week on what he calls zombie flow, the algorithmic compulsion to produce vast quantities of content nobody particularly wants. Streaming platforms commissioning shows designed not to be great but to fill a queue. Studios greenlighting sequels to sequels because the algorithm rewards familiarity. Bollywood racing to adopt AI production tools not to make better films but to make more of them faster. The logic is industrial: keep the line moving, and volume is its own justification.

But volume isnt a strategy, its an anxiety. And several of this weeks stories suggest that the institutions and people who understand this are starting to act.

The London Times cut its story count by 20 to 30 percent. The result: more readers, more engagement, more subscriptions  significantly more. Fewer stories, each one carrying more weight turned out to be what the audience actually wanted. Not more, but better.

That word better is doing a lot of work right now across the culture. For decades, institutions could lean on a kind of credential shorthand. Trust us, were the museum. Were the newspaper. Were the publisher. Quality was often asserted not demonstrated. And that worked for a long time because the institutions controlled the distribution and the audience had limited alternatives. I wrote last week about another version of this  the excellence problem  and the importance of getting a more precise definition of what excellence is.

As Thompson reports about zombie culture, the mindless slop has arrived in a tsunami. How does the good stuff even find us, lost in the swirling eddies? More important, with all the background noise, do we even recognize good?

The AI detection tools that were supposed to authenticate human-made writing cant reliably tell human from machine, and the technology built to certify quality has itself become unreliable. Then therere these stories, authentication barriers erected by humans:

Iowa courts are upholding book bans, deciding which ideas are legitimate by judicial fiat.

The Holocaust Museum is quietly editing its own exhibits, removing contemporary parallels before anyone officially demands it.

The Trump administration abandoned its appeal to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services  but zeroed out the funding anyway.

Old systems of certification are failing from every direction: technological, legal, institutional and political. So whats left when you cant just say trust us? You have to show your work and construct a context, making the case not by institutional credential but by demonstration.

LACMA spent $724 million not to build a bigger museum but to rebuild an argument for what an encyclopedic museum means in 2026. What it collects, how it contextualizes, and who its for. Instead of expansion, Its a hopeful sharpening of curation at the institutional level. When the market is swamped with slop, curation and editing matter more.

A few weeks ago I wrote about going to the Met Operas Tristan at my local movie house and there being only three people (including me) in the audience. The Met is bleeding cash. Met HD streaming performances used to regularly sell out all over the world. I wrote in the LA Times back in 2007 when the HD simulcasts began that the Met has reinvented the form. Or rather, it has created a new art form, judging by the Jan. 13 moviecast of Tan Duns new opera The First Emperor. This venture may be the most significant development in opera since the supertitle.

The Met made the case for opera in the movie theatre by treating it as a new form in a new visual language. It really worked. But this Tristan in movie form was visually incoherent on the screen, a facsimile of what was on the stage. Where once the HD productions worked at being evocative and original, a new art form, these productions have long since diminished to second rate experiences. The audience has noticed. The Met pedigree can no longer deliver an audience.

But back to this week. The Writers Guild of Americas new four-year deal didnt just negotiate better pay. It put dollar figures on the claim that the human writer, the person with a point of view, not just an output, has a value that cant be automated away. Now the writers have to make that case with their work. The Times didnt just cut volume. It made each remaining story carry more weight and then measured whether the audience noticed. They clearly did.

A lot of what passed for quality in institutional culture was orthodoxy dressed up as standards. Were the experts was a shortcut. It papered over the hard work of actually demonstrating why this particular thing in this particular moment matters to you specifically, not to some abstract notion of culture. That shortcut has stopped working for a while now, and I think the institutions that will matter will be those willing to do the harder thing: not assert quality and relevance but prove it in terms their audiences can feel.

The slop is going to get much worse. But editing and curation and intentionality are becoming the new cultural currency. And scarcity, as any economist will tell you, is where value lives.

Also Worth Your Attention

The Smithsonian keeps losing leaders. The Hirshhorns director became the fourth senior Smithsonian departure in two years. The pattern isnt coincidence, its a strategy of attrition. You dont need to fire anyone if the environment becomes inhospitable enough that talented people leave on their own. The question for the institutions still standing: at what point does self-preservation shade into complicity?

Live Nations antitrust trial is really about who owns live culture. The DOJs case against Live Nation frames the issue as monopoly pricing, but the deeper question is infrastructure. When one company controls the venues, the ticketing, and the promotion, it doesnt just set prices  it determines what gets performed and where. Meanwhile, musicians are saying publicly that touring has become financially unsustainable. The monopoly isnt just extracting money. Its hollowing out the culture around it.

Josh Kline argues New Yorks art world is dying of real estate, not taste. His viral essay makes the case that galleries arent closing because art isnt selling, theyre closing because landlords can charge more for retail. Culture follows real estate, not the other way around. Its a bracing reminder that the crisis in the arts isnt always about the arts.

Editors Note: These weekly essays are meant to connect stories from the week to larger trends and ideas across the arts world. To see all the stories on which these essays are drawn from, subscribe to ArtsJournals free daily and weekly newsletters. To support our work, sign up at Patreon or subscribe to our Substack newsletter.

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by Staff reporter

The City of Harare is facing an escalating sewage crisis that has raised fears of a potential cholera outbreak across several high-density suburbs, as burst sewer systems remain unattended and sanitation conditions deteriorate.Residents in areas such as Glen View, Kambuzuma, Mufakose, and Mbare say they have endured raw sewage spills for weeks, with some blockages reportedly left unresolved for nearly three weeks, exposing thousands to serious health risks.The crisis has been most severe in Glen View, where the Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA) says the situation has reached critical levels.CHRA director Reuben Akili said the local authority has failed to respond adequately to repeated sewer bursts in the suburb."We are worried about the lack of responsiveness of the local authority in addressing sewer bursts in Glen View," he said, adding that the area has become a persistent hotspot for sewage overflows.He warned that conditions have deteriorated to the point where some residents are unable to use toilets, forcing households into unsafe sanitation practices, including open defecation.The Harare Residents Trust also expressed concern over what it described as systemic infrastructure failure and long-standing neglect of the city's sewer systems.Director Precious Shumba said many residents have lost confidence in the city's ability to maintain basic services, citing decades-old infrastructure that has never been upgraded to meet current demand.He noted that engineering deficiencies dating back to the establishment of suburbs like Glen View have been worsened by population growth and alleged irregular allocation of residential stands, placing additional strain on already failing sewer networks.Public health experts have warned that the situation could trigger a major cholera outbreak if urgent intervention is not undertaken.Zimbabwe has previously experienced severe cholera epidemics linked to contaminated water systems, including the 20082009 outbreak that resulted in thousands of deaths nationwide, with Harare as the epicentre.The City of Harare has acknowledged the crisis, with spokesperson Stanley Gama confirming that technical teams have been deployed to affected areas including Glen View and Mbare.However, he also urged residents to avoid disposing of litter into sewer systems, saying blockages are being exacerbated by improper waste disposal practices.Despite these interventions, residents and civic groups say the response has been too slow and insufficient, warning that without immediate and sustained infrastructure repairs, the city risks a full-scale public health emergency.
by Dario Salvi

Elected by the synod underway in Rome after the resignation on 10 March of his predecessor, Louis Sako, the new primate chose the name Paul III. The 58-year-old, originally from Alqosh, led the community in Mosul during difficult years and accompanied the communities in exile after the Islamic State takeover. He must now implement the mandate of unity among Iraqi Catholics Leo XIV entrusted to the synod.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  His Eminence Bishop Amel Shimoun Nona is the new Patriarch of the Chaldean Church. The 58-year-old led the Chaldean Archdiocese of Mosul until 2014 when he was forced into exile when the city was taken over by the Islamic State (IS) group.

He was elected today by the Synod of the ancient Eastern Church representing Iraqi Christians, meeting in Rome to elect Patriarch Sako's successor. The new leader chose the name of Mar Paul Nona III.

His Beatitude, reads a statement issued by the Chaldean Church, announced his acceptance of the election in accordance with Church laws, expressing his reliance on Gods grace, and his commitment to exercising his patriarchal service in a spirit of faithfulness and responsibility, in full communion with the Synod Fathers, and in service to the unity of the Chaldean Church and its mission in the homeland and the countries of the diaspora.

The press release goes on to say: As the Synod Fathers raise their prayers to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, beseeching Him to support the Patriarch-elect with the graces of wisdom and strength, they affirm their confidence that this ministry will contribute to strengthening the faithful in the faith, enhancing their unity, and revitalising the Churchs mission of bearing witness to the Gospel.

Born in 1968 in Alqosh, northern Iraq, Patriarch Nona has long been a prominent figure in the Chaldean Catholic Church. Selected as archeparch of Mosul n 2009, he served the local Catholic community through one of the most difficult periods in its history, during the rise of the Islamic State in 2014 and the displacement of thousands of Christians from the city and surrounding areas.

He subsequently assumed the role of Apostolic Visitor for Chaldean Catholics in Europe, expanding his pastoral responsibilities in diaspora communities.

He will now be responsible for carrying out the mandate Leo XIV entrusted to him at the audience held on 10 April.

May the new Patriarch be, first and foremost, a father in faith and a sign of communion with all and among all," the Pope said during a private audience with the 17 Chaldean bishops who met in Rome on 9 April to elect the new patriarch to replace Card Louis Raphael Sako, who resigned on 10 March.

In his address, the pontiff stressed the importance of living according to the Gospel, that is, in meekness and the patient pursuit of unity," which does not mean going against the grain or being counterproductive, but rather proves to be the wisest path, which is the role the primate must have in one of the oldest and more authoritative Eastern Churches, plagued recently by internal dissension and divisions.

What prevails and never ends is the charity of which the Apostle Paul spoke, Leo said: patient, persevering, capable of excusing and enduring everything, without ever disrespecting anyone."

"His Beatitude should be a man of the Beatitudes: not called to extraordinary gestures and to cause an outcry, but to daily holiness, made up of honesty, mercy, and purity of heart. May he be a Pastor capable of listening and accompanying for authority in the Church is always service and never hegemony.

The patriarch, the pope noted, should be a true leader, close to the people, not a flashy figure, aloof. May he be a man rooted in prayer, capable of bearing the burden of difficulties with realism and hope, a pastoral teacher who identifies concrete paths for the good of the People of God together with his brother Bishops, in that spirit of harmony that must characterise a patriarchal Church, whose authority is represented by the Synod of Bishops presided over by the Patriarch, promoter of unity in charity" in "full cohesion" with the Bishop of Rome.

In his address to the Chaldean bishops, the pontiff also reminded them that they are "guardians of a living and noble memory, of a faith passed on through the centuries with courage and fidelity, a faith and testimony that, especially in the last 20 years, has led to martyrdom of bishops and priests.

Your history is glorious, the Holy Father said, but one that has seen grave trials: wars, persecutions, and tribulations that have affected your communities and scattered many faithful throughout the world.

Yet, And it is precisely in these wounds that the luminous testimony of faith shines forth, because if your Church bears the scars of history, it is the risen Lord himself who shows us how the most painful wounds can become in Him signs of hope and new life."

Patriarch Nonas predecessor, Cardinal Louis Sako, did not participate in the Synod that elected him as the new patriarch because, as he explained in his letter of resignation, he wanted to leave the bishops free to choose without external influence, pressure, or interference in a Church that has seen more than one crisis in the past.

By resigning, Card Sako sought to make a clean break in a Church rife with complexities and problems, offering an opportunity to turn a new page under a different leadership to address internal disagreements, which at their most acute came close to a schism.

The new patriarch will have to address many issues, from the Christian exodus and the wars in the Middle East to the state of diaspora communities and internal unity within the Chaldean Church, counting on the prayers and silent support of his predecessor.

The Chaldean Catholic Church is a direct descendant of the Church of the East, tracing its origins to ancient Mesopotamia and its saints, Mar Addai (Saint Addai) and Mar Mari (Saint Mari), disciples of Saint Thomas the Apostle. St Joseph's Cathedral in Baghdad is the patriarchal see, but it encompasses several eparchies and dioceses in Iraq and around the world, from Canada and Australia to the United States and Northern Europe.

The faithful number over 600,000, most of whom (approximately 300,000) live in the Arab country, although the number once exceeded a million. Since the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, hundreds of thousands fled to escape war, violence, and persecution, swelling the ranks of diaspora communities.

In addition to Islamic radicalism, which drove people out of the country, the Chaldean Church also experienced intense internal tensions and conflict with the Iraqi authorities, best exemplified by a row between Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Patriarch Sako, which was eventually settled but not without great efforts.

While referring to these critical situations, without mentioning them directly, Leo ended his address making a fraternal and paternal" appeal.

"I urge you to be careful and transparent in the administration of assets; sober, measured, and responsible in your use of the media; prudent in your public statements, so that every word and behaviour contributes to building  not harming  ecclesial communion and the Church's witness."

In addition to priestly training and accompanying the laity, the pontiff called on the prelates to be bearers of signs of hope in a world marked by absurd and inhuman violence, which in these times, driven by greed and hatred, spreads ferociously in the very lands that saw the rise of salvation, in the sacred places of the Christian East, desecrated by the blasphemy of war and the brutality of business, with no regard for people's lives, considered at best a collateral effect of their own interests.

You, called to be tireless workers for peace in the name of Jesus, help us to clearly proclaim that God blesses no conflict; to cry out to the world that those who are disciples of Christ, the Prince of Peace, are never on the side of those who yesterday wielded the sword and today drop bombs.

For Pope Leo XIV, military action will not create spaces of freedom or times of peace, only the patient promotion of coexistence and dialogue between peoples will.
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12 April 2026 15:15 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 marked a turning point not only for Europes security order, but also for Russias long-term geopolitical trajectory. More than four years into the war, the Kremlin continues to project resilience. Yet beneath that posture, structural constraints are increasingly visible. Even in a scenario where active hostilities were to end in the near term, Russia would not easily revert to its pre-war economic or political position. The combination of sanctions, capital restrictions, and technological isolation has reshaped its development path in ways that are unlikely to be quickly reversed.

The most immediate effect has been economic recalibration. Cut off from much of Western investment and advanced technology, Russia has become more dependent on a narrower set of partners and markets. Growth has not collapsed, but it has become less dynamic and more uneven. Over time, this has contributed to a broader erosion of Russias attractiveness as a destination for skilled labor and regional migration. Historically, Russia functioned as a key labor magnet for workers from Central Asia and the South Caucasus. That role is now increasingly contested, with labor flows diversifying toward Turkiye, parts of the Gulf, and, where possible, the European Union. This shift carries long-term geopolitical implications, since labor migration has also been one of Moscows quieter instruments of regional influence.

Iran, meanwhile, has suffered its own strategic setback. The confrontation with the United States and Israel reached its most dramatic stage in February 2026, when Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Khamenei was killed in an airstrike. His death created a leadership vacuum that was quickly filled by his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, but the regimes stability remains uncertain. Irans military and civilian infrastructure suffered heavy blows, and its ability to project power beyond its borders has been severely curtailed. For a country already under sanctions and international isolation, the prospect of recovery is distant.

In the South Caucasus, Irans leverage has diminished considerably. Its attempts to block the opening of the Zangezur corridor through military exercises along the Aras River now appear unsustainable. The destruction of Irans naval assets in the Caspian Sea further weakens its capacity to obstruct regional energy and transit projects. Tehrans traditional role as a spoiler in regional geopolitics is fading, leaving countries in the region in a stronger position to advance their strategic interests.

The weakening of Russia and Iran opens new opportunities for the South Caucasus states. Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia find themselves in a changing geopolitical landscape where traditional pressures are easing. For Azerbaijan, the prospects of expanded energy exports and deeper integration with Turkiye and Europe are particularly promising. The possibility of trans-Caspian energy projects, long obstructed by Moscow and Tehran, now appears more feasible. Georgia, though still grappling with unresolved territorial disputes, may find new openings as Russias grip loosens. Armenia faces the delicate task of reconciling with Azerbaijan while redefining its foreign policy orientation in a less Russia-centric environment.

The resolution of the Karabakh conflict has already reshaped the regional security environment. Russias inability to obstruct the process, distracted by its war in Ukraine, accelerated this outcome. Georgias territorial integrity remains unresolved, but Moscows weakening position may eventually create openings for progress, even though it still retains significant influence. Iran, meanwhile, finds its regional role diminished. Once adept at leveraging border tensions, sectarian ties, and economic channels to exert pressure in the South Caucasus, Tehran now struggles to maintain relevance. The destruction of its naval assets and the severe damage to military and civilian infrastructure have curtailed its ability to intervene meaningfully in Caspian energy projects or to act as a spoiler in regional negotiations. Where Iran once sought to counterbalance external actors and project itself as a decisive player, its reduced capacity leaves it increasingly sidelined in shaping the future of the South Caucasus.

The South Caucasus remains a region of unresolved challenges. Armenia and Azerbaijan have yet to finalize a peace treaty, Georgia continues to grapple with its occupied territories, and trans-Caspian energy projects face logistical and political hurdles. Yet the weakening of Russia and Iran alters the balance of power in ways that could favor regional stability and growth. Regional countries can diversify partnerships, reducing dependence on Moscow and Tehran, and pursue new strategies that align more closely with Western and Turkish interests.

Russia and Irans decline in influence is reshaping the South Caucasus. Their economic stagnation, military setbacks, and political vulnerabilities create openings for regional states to pursue new strategies. While risks remain, the erosion of Moscow and Tehrans traditional levers of power offers the South Caucasus a rare opportunity to redefine its place in the global order. The extent to which these countries can seize the moment will determine whether the region moves toward lasting stability or remains trapped in cycles of uncertainty.

*Image is generated by Artificial Intelligence
12 April 2026 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Hungary stands at what could be a defining political turning point, as voters head to the polls in one of the most competitive elections the country has witnessed since Viktor Orban consolidated power in 2010.

Following almost a decade of hegemony in Hungarian politics, Orban now finds himself facing a credible challenge to his rule, spearheaded by Peter Magyar, a rising star who embodies the changing political climate.

Viktor Orban is more than just another national leader fighting for his position in the upcoming elections. Indeed, he has become an icon of opposition to centralization. Viktor Orban has become the icon of patriotism in the face of the federalism of von der Leyen Unlimited. This is why a victory by Viktor Orban will have consequences outside Hungary.

Indeed, the von der Leyen Commission is pushing to the limits the notion and idea of cooperation between European nations. Powers established under the treaties are being grossly abused. Indeed, the Union is now not only a military alliance but the abuse of competencies is evident in areas like education, health care, and social housing.

However, this upcoming election is unlikely to be characterized solely by normal election-related factors. Instead, there is an emerging trend towards a cyber battleground where disinformation, including the spread of fake news narratives and advanced use of technology such as AI-driven deepfakes, has played a prominent role.

Adding even more uncertainty is the issue of foreign interference. Sources suggest that certain Russian-linked groups are using social media to promote the spread of narratives that divide the electorate, especially those seeking to undermine pro-European views. However, the geopolitical aspect cannot be confined merely to Russia. It would seem that the United States is also interested in this election result and that there are some factions in Washington that support Orban and his policies.

The unusual intersection of the two, the fact that both Russia and certain US parties agree, although for different reasons, is another issue to consider in relation to Europe.

Importantly, Peter Magyar has sought to position himself carefully within this complex landscape. Rejecting accusations from opponents that he represents a pro-war agenda, Magyar has instead emphasized a pragmatic approach, one that does not radically depart from Hungarys current stance of non-intervention in external conflicts. Rather, his campaign has focused heavily on domestic concerns, including corruption, governance standards, and economic management, signaling continuity in foreign policy caution while promising change at home.

In an interview with AzerNEWS, Sebastian Schaeffer, Director at the Institute for the Danube Region and Central Europe (IDM), shared his insights on the political climate, the risks posed by disinformation, and the wider geopolitical implications of Hungarys pivotal vote:

- What do the Hungarian elections mean for EU-Hungary relations, and consequently for US-EU relations?

- These elections are less about a sudden "turning point" and more about whether an entrenched pattern continues or begins to loosen. Under Viktor Orban, EU-Hungary relations have been defined by persistent friction over rule of law, media pluralism, and Hungary's positioning on Russia. That would not disappear overnight even with a change in government, but it could become more manageable. If the current government remains, we should expect continued transactionalism. Budapest will keep leveraging veto power where possible, particularly on Ukraine-related decisions, while the EU will continue using conditionality instruments. That is a stable but dysfunctional equilibrium. For US-EU relations, Hungary has become a small but symbolic fault line. The idea that Washington and Brussels are aligned on Central Europe is no longer automatically true. However, I would be cautious about overstating this. Hungary is not the axis around which transatlantic relations turn. It is rather a stress test of how much divergence can be absorbed without broader fragmentation.

- How should we interpret the apparent US political interest in Hungary's electoral outcome?

- We should separate rhetoric from structural policy. There are clearly political actors in the US who view Viktor Orban as an ideological ally, particularly on questions of sovereignty, migration, and cultural politics. That creates the impression of "support." But there is a deeper strategic interest at play: the US under the current administration needs Orban to win. A Magyar victory would shatter the narrative of an unstoppable victory march of the far right across the West, and that myth has real political value in Washington's domestic politics. It is also worth naming the contradiction openly: the same actors who accuse the EU of interfering in sovereign democratic processes are actively campaigning for a specific outcome in a member state election. That double standard is not incidental. It is part of the playbook. That said, US policy is not monolithic. Institutional Washington has often been far more critical of Budapest than political messaging suggests. So rather than a coherent "US strategy" backing Orban, what we see is a fragmented picture. Hungary has become part of US domestic political signalling as much as foreign policy. That matters, but it should not be mistaken for a fully aligned geopolitical position.

- Does US support for Orban signal a deeper divergence between Washington and Brussels on democratic governance?

- There is some divergence, but it is uneven and often overstated. The EU's relationship with Hungary is shaped by legal mechanisms and financial conditionality, which gives Brussels a very concrete toolkit. The US operates more through political signalling, diplomatic pressure, and selective engagement.

Where divergence does exist is in emphasis. The EU treats democratic backsliding as an internal structural issue that affects the functioning of the Union. The US, depending on the political constellation, may treat it more selectively or instrumentally. But here is the critical lesson regardless of Sunday's outcome: the EU cannot afford to lean back if Magyar wins, the way many did when Biden defeated Trump in 2020, assuming the problem is solved and returning to business as usual. A change in government in Budapest is an opportunity, not a resolution. The EU must use it to overhaul its instruments, starting with Article 7 of the TFEU, which has proven essentially inoperable as a mechanism for addressing systematic rule-of-law breaches. That reform conversation needs to happen now, not after the next backsliding crisis.

The core transatlantic consensus on Russia, NATO, and security in Central Europe still largely holds. Hungary is an outlier within that consensus, not evidence of its collapse. But outliers, if left unaddressed, have a way of becoming templates.

- What would a Magyar victory mean for Hungarian foreign policy, on the EU and Ukraine?

- A victory by Peter Magyar would likely lead to recalibration rather than rupture. Expectations of a rapid "return to Brussels" are probably too optimistic. Magyar's political appeal is strongly rooted in domestic governance issues: corruption, economic management, institutional integrity. That suggests continuity in parts of foreign policy, at least in the short term. Hungary's cautious stance on direct involvement in the Ukraine war is unlikely to shift dramatically overnight. Magyar has been consistent in rejecting the "pro-war" label, and he means it. His approach is pragmatic non-intervention with a different diplomatic texture, not Orban's systematic obstruction, but not unconditional support for Kyiv either. On Ukraine's EU accession and sanctions, this could translate into less obstruction and more constructive ambiguity. Not a fully aligned Western position, but also not the consistent spoiler role we have come to expect from Budapest in the Council. In other words, the key difference in the first phase would not necessarily be policy substance, but political intent and credibility. And in EU politics, where trust, predictability, and good-faith engagement matter enormously, that alone can make a substantial difference.
12 April 2026 10:24 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Prices of precious metals in Azerbaijan recorded an upward trend over the past week, according to data released by the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

The price of one troy ounce of gold (31.1034768 grams) increased by 168.4955 manats (approximately $99.1) or 2.1 percent during the week. The average weekly price rose by 123.5764 manats (around $72.7) or 1.6 percent compared to the previous week, reaching 8025.5164 manats (about $4,721).

Silver also posted gains, with the price of one troy ounce rising by 5.7497 manats (approximately $3.38) or 4.7 percent. The average weekly price increased by 2.67738 manats (around $1.57) or 2.2 percent, totaling 126.54988 manats (about $74.4).

Similarly, platinum prices increased by 140.505 manats (approximately $82.7) or 4.2 percent over the week. The average weekly price climbed by 119.308975 manats (around $70.2) or 3.6 percent, reaching 3429.8826 manats (about $2,018).

Palladium prices also rose, with a weekly increase of 70.8475 manats (approximately $41.7) or 2.8 percent. The average weekly price went up by 102.574175 manats (around $60.3) or 4.1 percent, amounting to 2601.5678 manats (about $1,530).

The Central Bank noted that due to the Novruz holiday on March 30, which was a non-working day, no indicators were disclosed for that date.
12 April 2026 14:28 (UTC+04:00)

Orthodox Christians living in Azerbaijan have celebrated Easter, one of the most important holidays in the Christian calendar, with night services held in the northern region of the country.

According to AzerNEWS, Easter services began on the night of Saturday to Sunday at the St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Orthodox Church in Khachmaz, drawing members of the local Christian community from across the northern regions.

Worshippers gathered to take part in religious services, listen to sacred hymns, and light candles as part of traditional Easter observances.

Archpriest Hieromonk Georgy Budagov of the church noted that the Orthodox community in the region celebrates Easter each year at a high level, with strong participation from local believers.

Easter, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is considered one of the oldest and most significant Christian holidays. This year, it is observed on April 12 according to the Orthodox calendar.

Traditional celebrations include preparations beginning earlier in the week, with believers baking Easter cakes, preparing festive dishes, and bringing them to church on Saturday. The midnight transition from Saturday to Sunday is marked by a cross procession, symbolizing the beginning of the Resurrection feast.

On Easter Day, families gather around festive tables, exchange traditional foods, share decorated eggs, and greet each other with the words Jesus is Risen!
12 April 2026 17:05 (UTC+04:00)

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The Azerbaijani Embassy in Iran resumed its operations on April 12, according to a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

In the initial phase, the diplomatic mission will function with a limited staff, including the ambassador and a small number of diplomatic and administrative personnel. The ministry noted that operations will be gradually expanded, taking into account security and organizational considerations.

The reopening comes shortly after the cessation of hostilities in the region and the announcement of a temporary ceasefire, signaling a move toward stabilization.

According to the Foreign Ministry, the decision to resume embassy activities underscores the importance Azerbaijan places on its relations with neighboring and friendly Iran.
12 April 2026 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

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Libyas two rival legislative bodies have approved the countrys first unified state budget in more than a decade, its central bank said in a statement on Saturday, AzerNEWS reports, citing Arab News.

The oil-producing North African country has been divided since a 2014 civil war that spawned two administrations in the west and east. Its last unified national budget was agreed in 2013.

The central bank said the approval of the budget by the two rival legislative chambers could help strengthen financial stability, marking an important move toward ending years of financial division.

The two legislative chambers are the eastern-based House of Representatives (HoR) that was elected in 2014 and the High Council of State in the west which was formed as part of a 2015 political agreement and whose members were drawn from a parliament elected in 2012.

The agreement approving the budget was signed by Essa Aribi, a representative of the Benghazi-based HoR, and Abduljalel Shawesh a representative of the High Council of State in Tripoli where the internationally recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) is also based.

This is a clear declaration that Libya is capable of overcoming its differences when a unified vision for its future is forged, said central bank Governor Naji Issa, who supervised the signing ceremony at the banks headquarters in Tripoli.
12 April 2026 10:02 (UTC+04:00)

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United States Vice President JD Vance announced that his country did not reach a deal with Iran on its nuclear status, as the other side decided not to accept Washington's terms, AzerNEWS reports.

Speaking at a brief press conference after the two sides' meeting in Islamabad, Vance praised the fact that a negotiation round took place, while voicing regret that there was no breakthrough. Still, he also insisted that "that's bad news for Iran much more than it's bad news for the United States of America." The vice president said that the US team conveyed Washington's "red lines," insisting that, for a deal to be reached, Iran must provide proof that it will not develop a nuclear weapon.

Furthermore, Vance noted that "we go back to the United States having not come to an agreement," leaving unclear whether there would be more talks on Sunday.

United States President Donald Trump hinted that he could introduce a naval blockade of Iran after the latest round of negotiations between the two countries did not result in a deal.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump attached an article by Just News, in which the outlet noted that the president could execute such a move if Iran does not agree to a deal, similarly to what was done in Venezuela.

Previously, US Vice President JD Vance announced that the two parties did not reach a deal as Iran failed to provide clear evidence that it will not develop a nuclear weapon.
12 April 2026 10:55 (UTC+04:00)

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Voting polls in the Hungarian parliamentary election opened on Sunday at 6:00 am CET, AzerNEWS reports.

The vote to elect all 199 members of the National Assembly will last until 7:00 pm CET. In the previous election, held in 2022, Prime Minister Viktor Orban's party Fidesz won 135 seats in the parliament.

The election comes at a moment when Hungary is blocking the European Union's proposed aid for Ukraine after Kiev halted the transport of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline. Also, United States President Donald Trump voiced his support for Orban and promised that his country will use its "full economic might" to help Hungary under the latter's "continued leadership."
News / National

by Staff reporter

A worsening malaria outbreak in Mashonaland West Province has claimed 20 lives and infected more than 5 000 people since the beginning of the year, according to the latest provincial health situation report.Health authorities say a cumulative total of 5 087 cases have been recorded across the province, with the outbreak now affecting all seven districts despite the rainy season drawing to a close.The situation has raised concern among public health officials, who warn that transmission remains high in several hotspots, with 64 new infections recorded within a 24-hour period.The outbreak has spread across Kariba, Hurungwe, Makonde, Sanyati, Mhondoro Ngezi, Chegutu and Zvimba districts. Officials say Kariba, Hurungwe, Makonde and Sanyati are currently classified as being under control, while Mhondoro Ngezi, Chegutu and Zvimba remain in the elimination phase.In the latest daily update, Hurungwe recorded the highest number of new cases with 23 infections, followed by Sanyati with 19 and Kariba with nine. Makonde reported seven cases, while Mhondoro Ngezi and Zvimba recorded three cases each.Health officials have also raised concern over the impact on vulnerable groups, noting that seven of the latest cases were recorded among children under five, while four involved pregnant women.Public health expert Johannes Marisa said delays in diagnosis are contributing significantly to the rising number of fatalities."Delays in malaria diagnosis are contributing to the high death rate, increasing the likelihood of fatalities," he said.In response to the outbreak, health teams have intensified surveillance, community mobilisation, and case management efforts across affected districts. Community health workers are conducting active case detection, while awareness campaigns are being rolled out to promote prevention and early treatment.However, authorities have expressed concern over shortages of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, which are currently out of stock in all targeted districts, although procurement processes are reportedly underway.Malaria remains one of Zimbabwe's most persistent public health challenges, with transmission closely linked to rainfall patterns and warm, humid conditions that favour mosquito breeding.The peak transmission season typically runs from November to June, and officials are warning that continued vigilance is required to prevent further spread and additional loss of life.
12 April 2026 11:22 (UTC+04:00)

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The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported on Sunday that Russian forces suffered significant losses over the past 24 hours, including 1,070 troops, as fighting across multiple fronts continues, AzerNEWS reports.

According to figures shared on social media, Russian losses also included 2,081 tactical drones, eight tanks, and 73 artillery systems, underscoring the continued intensity of battlefield operations despite recent calls for de-escalation.

Cumulative data released by the General Staff indicates that since the start of Russias full-scale military campaign, total personnel losses have reached approximately 1,311,180.
12 April 2026 11:50 (UTC+04:00)

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European Union countries increased imports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the first quarter of 2026, driven by reduced energy supplies from the Middle East, AzerNEWS reports.

According to available data, LNG deliveries from the Yamal LNG project in Siberia rose by 17 percent year-on-year to reach 5 million tonnes in the JanuaryMarch period. As a result, EU member states spent approximately 2.88 billion on gas from the facility.

The Yamal project accounted for the overwhelming majority of Russian LNG imports into the bloc. Out of 71 cargoes delivered to Europe during the first quarter, 69 shipments  or 97 percent  originated from Yamal.

Notably, 25 cargoes arrived in March alone, coinciding with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which disrupted traditional supply routes from the Gulf and tightened global energy markets.

By comparison, during the same period in 2025, the EU received 87 percent of 68 total cargoes from Russia, with the remainder redirected primarily to Asian markets.

Despite the increase in short-term imports, the EU has reiterated its long-term objective of phasing out dependence on Russian gas entirely by the end of 2027, as part of its broader energy diversification and security strategy.
12 April 2026 12:53 (UTC+04:00)

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The Armenian Apostolic Church has strongly condemned the ruling Civil Contract partys election programme, criticizing its support for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyans controversial Church reform agenda, AzerNEWS reports via OC Media.

In a statement, the Church described the provisions targeting its leadership as unacceptable, warning that the proposed measures amount to interference in religious affairs and a violation of constitutional principles.

Civil Contract unveiled its programme earlier this month ahead of Armenias parliamentary elections scheduled for June 7. The document backs Pashinyans proposed four-step reform plan, which begins with the removal of Catholicos Karekin II, followed by the appointment of a Locum Tenens, the adoption of a new statute governing Church leadership, and ultimately the election of a new Catholicos.

The reform agenda, initially introduced in January alongside several senior clergy members, has sparked widespread debate, with critics arguing it risks breaching Armenias constitutional separation between church and state.

The Church stated that such actions constitute a clear violation of the constitutional order, an encroachment on the Churchs right to self-governance, and a breach of fundamental international principles of freedom of conscience and religion.

It further accused the ruling party of pursuing an anti-Church agenda, warning that pre-election commitments to continue such policies demonstrate a broader ideological stance against the institution.

Emphasizing its autonomy, the Church stressed that the election of the Catholicos and internal governance matters fall exclusively within its jurisdiction and remain beyond the competence of political parties and state authorities.

The dispute comes amid deteriorating relations between the Church and the government since May 2025, when Pashinyan publicly criticized Church leadership over the management of religious sites. Since then, tensions have escalated, with the prime minister increasingly signaling his intention to remove Karekin II.

The Church also warned that the proposed reforms could undermine spiritual security, a claim mirrored by Civil Contract, which has used the same concept to justify its position.

In its programme, the party argues that the Churchs leadership has distanced itself from believers in recent decades, creating vulnerabilities that could be exploited by external actors. It maintains that the reform initiative aims to restore constitutional order by removing political influence from religious institutions, while reaffirming Armenias status as a secular state.
12 April 2026 16:47 (UTC+04:00)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin held a call with his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian on Sunday, expressing his readiness to assist in helping find a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East, AzerNEWS reports.

"The President of Iran provided an assessment of the Iranian-American negotiations held on April 11 in Islamabad and expressed appreciation for Russias principled position, including in international forums, aimed at de-escalating the situation. Masoud Pezeshkian also thanked Russia for the humanitarian assistance provided to the Iranian people," the Kremlin said in a statement. Furthermore, Putin told his Iranian colleague Moscow would continue contacts with its partners in the Middle East in an effort to facilitate diplomacy and help achieve "just and lasting" peace in the region.

Both countries reaffirmed their commitment to developing and strengthening bilateral relations.
12 April 2026 18:13 (UTC+04:00)

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Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir on Sunday ordered the army to enter heightened preparedness following the collapse of US-Iran talks in Pakistan, according to Israeli media outlets, AzerNEWS reports.

Military sources claimed that the army entered combat protocol, which had also been enacted before the beginning of Israel's attacks on Iran in June 2025 and February this year. At the same time, another source told Israel's Ma'ariv newspaper it remains uncertain whether the next round of negotiations between the US and Iran will be held, adding the White House might make decisions at "great speed."

Tehran had previously called for an immediate halt to Israeli attacks against Lebanon, insisting that the country was covered by the truce. The IDF, however, continued attacking Hezbollah, while the militant group responded with rocket and drone strikes against northern Israel.
12 April 2026 19:15 (UTC+04:00)

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Iran has released updated figures on casualties from the recent conflict, with more than 3,300 deaths officially identified, according to the head of the Iranian Medical Expertise Organization, Abbas Masjedi, AzerNEWS reports.

Speaking to local media, Masjedi said that 2,875 of the identified victims are men and 496 are women. The highest number of fatalities was recorded in the provinces of Tehran, Hormuzgan, and Isfahan.

The breakdown of casualties also highlights the impact across age groups. Among the dead are 7 infants under the age of one, 255 children aged between 1 and 12, and 121 teenagers aged 13 to 18. The majority of victims fall within the working-age population, with 1,761 individuals aged between 19 and 40, while 907 were between 41 and 60 years old, and 223 were over 61.

Masjedi noted that while most of those killed are Iranian citizens, foreign nationals are also among the victims, including citizens of Afghanistan, Syria, Turkiye, Pakistan, China, Iraq, and Lebanon.

The figures come in the aftermath of escalating hostilities between Iran, the United States, and Israel. The conflict began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran following stalled negotiations over Tehrans nuclear program. Iran responded with missile and UAV attacks targeting Israeli territory and US facilities in the region.

A temporary two-week ceasefire was reached on April 7 with mediation by Pakistan, though talks held in Islamabad on April 11 failed to produce a broader agreement, leaving uncertainty over the next phase of the conflict.
12 April 2026 20:47 (UTC+04:00)

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United States President Donald Trump told Fox News on Sunday that NATO countries are now willing to help the US regarding Iran's blockade of the Hormuz Strait, AzerNEWS reports.

He also repeated what he wrote earlier today about imposing a naval blockade of Iran.

The closure of the waterway will "take some time," the US leader added. Trump clarified that NATO wants to help clear mines from the strait, while likening the impending blockade to the US military operation in Venezuela, but on a "higher level".

Additionally, Trump again declared that the main remaining problem in talks with the Iranians was their unwillingness to give up nuclear ambitions, reiterating that Washington would not allow it. Speaking about his post on social media, warning that a "whole civilization would die," the US president clarified the statement brought the Iranians to the negotiating table.
12 April 2026 21:35 (UTC+04:00)

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The far-right Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) party is riding high in the opinion polls in the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt and could win an outright majority in regional elections there in September, AzerNEWS reports via BBC.

It would be the first time a far-right party has held power in a German state since World War Two.

This weekend the AfD officially adopted what has been described as a "radical" and pro-ethnic German government programme for Saxony-Anhalt at a party conference in the central city of Magdeburg.

The AfD's leading candidate in the state, Ulrich Siegmund, a TikTok star who was given a standing ovation by the delegates, said it was an historic moment, not just for Saxony-Anhalt.

"The whole of Germany is watching this historic election," he told the conference.

"Parts of Europe are watching this historic election. Parts of the world are watching this historic election, because from here, finally, the political turnaround can also happen here in Germany."

He said his party had the courage to speak out about what was going wrong in Germany, "that we don't feel safe anymore, that we scarcely feel at home anymore, that we don't recognise our homeland anymore".

"Let's take back our country," he added.

The programme, which is more than 150 pages long, contains wide-ranging plans to overhaul Saxony-Anhalt, clamping down on immigrants and supporting large families of German origin.

It also wants to improve relations with Russia, directly contradicting the policies of the federal coalition government, which is a key supporter of Ukraine.

"We say yes to consistent deportations, we say yes to free childcare facilities, we say yes to remigration," Siegmund said.

Some of the proposals appear to be unworkable at a state level, requiring action by the federal government, but many others are feasible.

Eva von Angern, leader of the left-wing Linke Party parliamentary group in Saxony-Anhalt, earlier described the AfD's plans as a "nightmare scenario for Saxony-Anhalt and for our democracy".

She said the AfD was promoting an authoritarian state that would severely curtail fundamental rights.

Accusing the party of harbouring "inhuman fantasies of omnipotence", von Angern said the public must be made aware of the AfD's "ugly truths" and the "very negative consequences for them personally if the AfD were to govern".

Saxony-Anhalt, like much of the former Communist East Germany, is an AfD stronghold, but the party is doing well all over the country.

It came second in federal elections in Germany last year, winning a record 152 seats in the 630-seat parliament with 20.8% of the vote.

In 2023, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Saxony-Anhalt classified the AfD branch in the state as a "far-right extremist organisation".
12 April 2026 22:10 (UTC+04:00)

The Chinese government has announced a 10-point policy package aimed at improving relations with Taiwan, outlining a range of measures to strengthen cross-strait cooperation, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Communist Party of China, the initiative is designed to enhance engagement between the mainland and the island across political, economic, and social spheres.

The package includes a proposal to establish a regular communication mechanism between the Communist Party of China and Taiwans main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), as well as the creation of a joint platform to promote youth exchanges.

Infrastructure and connectivity also feature prominently. Plans include sharing water, electricity, and natural gas between Chinas Fujian province and the nearby Taiwanese islands of Kinmen and Matsu, alongside the potential construction of a sea bridge linking the regions.

The policy package also  the resumption of some cross-strait flights that were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as allowing residents of Fujian and Shanghai to visit Taiwan as tourists. A new airport in Xiamen, Fujian province, is expected to be opened for use by residents of Kinmen Island.

In the trade sector, the measures aim to simplify the registration process for Taiwanese food producers and establish mechanisms to ensure quarantine standards for agricultural and fishery products entering the mainland market.

Additional provisions include building infrastructure such as docks and bridges for Taiwanese fishing vessels, expanding opportunities for small-scale trade, and supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises from Taiwan seeking access to mainland markets.

Cultural cooperation is also addressed, with plans to support the screening of Taiwanese television programs, documentaries, and cartoons in mainland China, as well as enabling participation of Taiwanese citizens in microdrama productions.

The initiative reflects Beijings broader efforts to expand cross-strait ties through economic integration and people-to-people exchanges.
12 April 2026 23:16 (UTC+04:00)

Polls have opened in Perus presidential and legislative elections, with no clear frontrunner amid years of political instability, AzerNEWS reports via Al Jazeera.

Since 2018, Peru has seen eight presidents, with a high turnover rate marred by impeachments and corruption scandals, leading to voter disillusionment with weak governments.

Some 27 million Peruvians are eligible to vote on Sunday to pick the countrys ninth leader in a decade, with polling stations across the country opening at 7am (12:00 GMT) and closing at 5pm (22:00 GMT), with preliminary results expected shortly afterwards.

With 35 candidates on the presidential ballot, Peruvians will choose from a wide range of potential leaders, including a comedian, a media baron, a political dynasty heiress, and a hardline exmayor who likens himself to a cartoon pig.

However, all major candidates continue to poll well below the 50 percent needed to win the election, making a June 7 run-off appear likely.

A fruit seller in Lima told the Reuters news agency that she was still undecided on who to vote for.

Peru is a mess, and theres no candidate worth voting for, Gloria Padilla said.

Clothing merchant Maria Fernandez, 56, also shared the same sentiment.

I wouldnt vote for anyone. Im so disappointed with everyone in power, Fernandez told the AFP news agency.

Weve been governed by nothing but corrupt, thieving scoundrels, she added.

The most well-known candidate is conservative Keiko Fujimori, who will make her fourth presidential bid after reaching the run-off in all three previous races.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Inside the austere confines of a Zimbabwean remand prison, political activist Godfrey Karembera - popularly known as Madzibaba Veshanduko - says he is enduring not only incarceration, but isolation that cuts deeper than the bars surrounding him.Once a familiar and animated figure on the streets of Harare, known for his satirical performances and mobilising presence within opposition circles, Karembera now describes a life marked by silence, uncertainty, and the absence of political comrades who once stood beside him."Maybe they are failing to visit me for valid reasons," he said during a recent prison visit. "I remember when Ostallos (Gift Siziba) wanted to visit me, it took him a lot to get authorisation. Maybe they are facing the same challenges. But I haven't heard from them for a long time."Karembera, a supporter of the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), was arrested in October 2025 following what authorities described as a high-speed police pursuit. He is accused of distributing pamphlets linked to a planned protest dubbed the "One Million Men March," organised by the late liberation war veteran Blessed Geza.The state has maintained that such activities fall under attempts to incite public disorder, invoking provisions of the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), legislation long criticised by human rights defenders for restricting freedoms of assembly and expression.Karembera, however, insists his role was misinterpreted and politically amplified due to his public profile. He says his arrest reflects a broader pattern of shrinking democratic space in Zimbabwe, where dissenting voices increasingly face detention and prosecution.The crackdown has not been limited to him. Former CCC legislator and lawyer Jameson Timba was among dozens arrested during a private gathering in 2024, while other activists remain in prolonged pre-trial detention, often denied bail on grounds of public interest.Authorities argue these measures are necessary to prevent destabilisation and maintain order, with police previously describing some gatherings as posing a "counter-revolutionary insurrection" risk.Civil society organisations, however, say the use of such language reflects an increasingly securitised approach to political expression. They also point to recent legislative developments, including the Private Voluntary Organisations Amendment Act, which they argue has tightened state oversight over civic activity.For Karembera, the personal cost of his detention has been severe. As the primary breadwinner for his family, he says incarceration has left his household struggling to survive."My eldest sons, aged 22 and 18, are currently unemployed," he said. "We used to survive on projects I was doing, but now everything has stopped."His wife, Enia Musora, echoed the hardship facing the family, describing their inability to consistently provide basic support during prison visits."Taking care of the children alone is not easy, and sometimes we fail even to bring him something to eat," she said. "We are trying, but life has become very hard."Beyond material hardship, Karembera also expressed disappointment at what he perceives as political abandonment by allies within the opposition movement. He suggested that factional tensions and internal divisions may have contributed to his isolation, though he denied allegations of disloyalty."I never sold out. I have been consistent about my position," he said. "The charges laid against me are just unfounded."He added that broader divisions within opposition ranks were weakening the struggle for democratic reform."There is nothing that can be achieved when people are divided. There is a need for unity," he said.Despite his circumstances, Karembera says he has received support from individuals outside political structures, including members of the public who have assisted his family with food and basic necessities."There are good Samaritans - people I never worked with - who are helping me with meals and showing solidarity," he said.As his case continues, Karembera remains in remand prison awaiting trial, his situation increasingly emblematic of a broader debate over political freedoms, state authority, and the future of dissent in Zimbabwe.
12 April 2026 22:49 (UTC+04:00)

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Iranian negotiators rejected a number of conditions laid out by the United States during the talks in Pakistan, including ending all uranium enrichment, AzerNEWS reports via Axios.

An unnamed US official said Tehran also did not agree to dismantle all enrichment sites on its territory and give up the highly enriched material. Contentious points include Iran's regional allies, as the authorities in Tehran are not ready to end the funding for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Delegations could not agree on fully opening the Hormuz Strait or on Washington's releasing Iran's frozen assets.

Earlier during the day, US President Donald Trump said the talks went well for the most part, but the nuclear issue and the status of the strait remain unresolved. Trump announced the US would impose a naval blockade on Iran as a result.

According to the Jerusalem Post, an American official told the outlet that at the conclusion of talks in Pakistan that the gaps between the United States and Iran remained wide. They were really not close to an agreement, the official said.

Another source familiar with the details said members of Irans Revolutionary Guards, led by their commander Ahmad Vahidi, refused to allow the delegation to compromise on key issues.

On Sunday morning, US Vice President J.D. Vance announced that 21 hours of talks with the Iranian delegationheaded by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibafhad ended without an agreement. The bad news is that we did not reach a deal, and I think that is much worse news for Iran than it is for the United States.
UPDATE: Just like Macron's French globalist governemnt before them, Ireland's globalist government has also caved on its climate taxes on fuel. Funny thang that the Ameridcan MSM propaganda media do not cover this.

https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/04/13/irish-government-caves-to-anti-fuel-tax-protests-announces-half-billion-euro-support-package/

Protests against climate taxes on fuel in Ireland are escalating as the country's globalist politicians appear to be backed into a corner. The scene seems to be almost a replay of the Yellow Vest protests in France that backed President Macron into a corner and forced him to repeal the hated climate taxes on fuel there.

https://joehoft.com/irish-have-had-enough-efforts-squash-protests-fail/

https://joehoft.com/irish-are-done-globalists-world-is-behind-them/

Meanwhile, an obscure UN body called the International Organization for Standardization is working on a new project to standardize accounting of greenhouse gas emissions, working in conjunction with NGOs funded by "progressive" globalists. This would create a new carbon bureaucracy that could impact US businesses and consumers. It could also impact Irish consumers, too, and they are in a fighting spitit!

https://www.realclearenergy.org/articles/2026/04/09/the_carbon_bureaucracy_nobody_voted_for_1175703.html
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PATH and CHRI introduce AMR Safe Disposal Innovation Challenge 2026

April 11, 2026 | Saturday | News

Selected solutions will be taken forward for potential pilot deployment across select districts in Maharashtra

image credit- freepik

In an effort to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and reduce the environmental risks associated with improper antibiotic disposal, the Centre for Health Research and Innovation (CHRI), a PATH affiliate, has launched the AMR Safe Disposal Innovation Challenge 2026 in collaboration with GSK cares, a CSR initiative.

The challenge is open to students, innovators, researchers, and startups across India, inviting them to develop practical and scalable solutions that encourage responsible antibiotic disposal at the community level.

Improper disposal of antibiotics, such as throwing them in household waste or flushing them, allows drug residues to enter soil and water systems, contributing to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Through this initiative, CHRI aims to bring greater attention to this issue while supporting solutions that can work in real-world settings.

Participants are encouraged to submit ideas across a range of approaches, including safe collection and disposal systems, community-led awareness models, environmentally responsible practices, and technology-enabled platforms that improve access to safe disposal options.

Selected solutions will be taken forward for potential pilot deployment across select districts in Maharashtra, giving teams an opportunity to test and refine their ideas in real community settings. Participants will also receive guidance from experts in antimicrobial resistance and public health, while continuing to retain full ownership of their intellectual property.

Entries will be evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, scalability, and their potential to create meaningful public health impact.
Paradise has matched and surpassed the brilliance of its first season with an action-packed follow-up.

Before you read on, there are spoilers in this piece if you have not seen Paradise season two.

The twist at the beginning of season one set it up as one of the best post-apocalyptic thrillers of recent years. What looked like a presidential assassination thriller, we soon learned that the death of Cal Bradford (James Marsden) was far from what it seemed.

Paradise follows survivors in a high-tech bunker built deep underground in Colorado, after a seismic climate event ended the world as we know it.

His Secret Service lead Xavier Collins (Sterling K Brown) was tortured by the assassination and soon became the standout character in Paradise.

Season two is no different as Brown's character gets a glimpse of the outside world in the search for his long-lost wife Teri (Enuka Okuma).

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This is where we meet a new addition in season two, Annie (Shailene Woodley). A tour guide at Graceland, the former home of Elvis Presley, Annie has survived against all the odds.

Shailene Woodley in Paradise season two.

This type of storytelling was part of season two's brilliance as viewers were shown what had occurred outside the bunker, while flashbacks were also used expertly.

This medium helped us learn more about the dark characters of agent Jane Driscoll, played by Nicole Brydon Bloom, and Samantha "Sinatra" Redmond (played by Julianne Nicholson).

The eight episodes build suspsens for a confrontation that always seemed invetiable as a an eclectic but organised group of outsiders demand entrance to the bunker.

A few show favourites meet their grisly ends, but Xavier emerges as the key to the survival of not just our heroes, but humanity itself.

We are left with the revelation that he is the only one who can help a mysterious supercomputer called Alex in its quest to keep the survivors from total destruction.

Paradise is a thrilling watch and the eight episodes, all available to watch on Disney+, will leave viewers wanting more.

A third season has already been finished by writers with production set to begin soon.
Things arent right in this country, there are grown me here crying because they are two weeks away from losing their business.

Truck driver Eugene OConnor summed up the mood amongst the fuel protestors after their blockade at Foynes, Co Limerick, ended after six days, on Sunday.

These men work hard so, something needs to change, something needs to change, said OConnor who slept in the cab of his truck throughout the week-long blockade.

Barricades were lifted at the entrance to the port towns fuel terminal after protestors agreed they would rather go home to their loved ones rather than face a wall of public order gardai.

The public order unit used force to open similar blockades at Cork and Galway and arrested a number of protestors in those counties.

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The Foynes blockade remained peaceful throughout its six day operation which began last Tuesday as part of national protests against rising fuel prices.

Its been a long week, and while this started out as a fuel protest it turned into a movement - We have woke this country up. Its not just about fuel prices, its about a cost of living for everybody in this country, said OConnor, who helped organise the demonstration.

OConnor, who took up driving trucks after his career singing in a band suffered due to the Covid-19 lockdowns, acknowledged we havent got what we wanted.

However, he said he believed the protest had woke up people and politicians to realise that if farmers and truckers cant afford fuel in their tanks there is no food on the table for people.

Truck driver Eugene OConnor summed up the mood amongst the fuel protestors after their blockade at Foynes, Co Limerick, ended after six days, on Sunday.

Yes we are going to be called names by people who dont support us, but this wasnt selfish, this isnt about us, this is about the country.

OConnor said he was very disappointed to see gardai use force to remove protestors and open blockades in other parts of the country.

Thankfully, we decided that we would be peaceful here in Foynes, the last thing we wanted was for it to kick-off here, so we told the Gardai we would stand down, and I think we made our point.

I apologise to anyone who missed appointments or anything like that, we dont want to put anyone out, but this (protest) is what we felt we needed to do.

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There was no riot squad but if we didnt (stand down) there would be, we were told that we had a choice, to stand down peacefully or the riot squad (public order unit) would be coming.

Fighting back tears, Independent Ireland TD Richard ODonoghue, who stood with the blockade over its six days, said: Its emotional, all the people here are tired. I couldnt be more proud of the people I met here, they are the most genuine hardworking people.

They are hurt, and to say our arrogant government couldnt see that - that to me has cut me in two, said ODonoghue.

ODonoghue thanked supporters who brought toilets, tents, wet gear, food and refreshments for the protestors.

ODonoghue said the Foynes protest group voted in favour of opening up the blockade because it did not want to gardai to use force to disperse the protests.

The Foynes protestors came in here peacefully and they wanted to leave peacefully, said ODonoghue.

They voted unanimously that they wanted to go home to their wives, husbands, partners. They felt that they had won this battle but they wanted to tell the government that the war is not over.

Independent TD Richard O'Donoghue was among the Foynes protesters.

Mr ODonoghue said he would support future blockades and protests but only if they are peaceful.

He thanked gardai under the direction of Chief Superintendent Derek Smart and Superintendent Michael Fleming, who he said engaged with the protest in a calm and measured manner.

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Limerick has actually shown that a peaceful protest can make a point and shove it right across the country and make the government feel it. Government were in cabinet last night until two and three clock arguing amongst themselves.

The argument is not over.

Additional soft-capped uniformed gardai that had been on stand by in nearby Rathkeale were bused into Foynes after the blockade was opened to keep a watching brief on a small number of people who remained there for about an hour afterwards.

No trouble was reported and the last of the protestors left the area later.
Hungarian voters ousted long-serving Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Sunday after 16 years in power.

The result is seen as a rejection of the authoritarian policies and global right-wing movement that Mr Orban embodied, in favour of a pro-European challenger in a bombshell election result with global repercussions.

Election victor Peter Magyar, a former loyalist of Mr Orban who campaigned against corruption and on everyday issues such as health care and public transport, has pledged to rebuild Hungarys relationships with the European Union and Nato  ties that frayed under Mr Orban.



Opposition leader Peter Magyar campaigned on issues including what he described as rampant government corruption in Hungary (Denes Erdos/AP)

European leaders quickly congratulated Mr Magyar.

It is not yet clear whether Mr Magyars Tisza party will have the two-thirds majority in parliament to govern without a coalition. With 77% of the vote counted, it had more than 53% support to 38% for Mr Orbans governing Fidesz party.

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It is a stunning blow for Mr Orban, a close ally of both US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Mr Orban conceded defeat after what he called a painful election result.



The result was a stunning blow for Viktor Orban (Petr David Josek/AP)

I congratulated the victorious party, Mr Orban told followers.

We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition.

Meanwhile, Mr Magyar posted on X, Thank you, Hungary! as thousands of his supporters thronged the banks of the Danube in Budapest, chanting We got it! We did it!

Mr Orban, the EUs longest-serving leader and one of its biggest antagonists, who has travelled a long road from his early days as a liberal, anti-Soviet firebrand to the Russia-friendly nationalist admired today by the global far-right.



Thousands of Mr Magyars supporters thronged the banks of the Danube in Budapest (Darko Bandic/AP)

Turnout by 6.30pm was more than 77%, according to the National Election Office, a record number in any election in Hungarys post-Communist history.

The parties of both Mr Orban and Mr Magyar said they had received reports of electoral violations, suggesting some results could be disputed by both sides.

Im asking our supporters and all Hungarians: Lets stay peaceful, cheerful, and if the results confirm our expectations, lets throw a big, Hungarian carnival, Mr Magyar said.

Mark Radnai, Tiszas vice president, also called for reconciliation after a tense campaign. We cant be each others enemies. Reach out, hug your neighbours, your relatives. Its the day of reunification, he said.

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The EU will be waiting to see what Mr Magyar does about Ukraine. Mr Orban repeatedly frustrated EU efforts to support Ukraine in its war against Russias full-scale invasion, while cultivating close ties to Mr Putin and refusing to end Hungarys dependence on Russian energy imports.



A man waves a Hungarian flag as he celebrates in the streets in Budapest (Denes Erdos/AP)

Recent revelations have shown a top member of Mr Orbans government frequently shared the contents of EU discussions with Moscow, raising accusations that Hungary was acting on Russias behalf within the bloc.

Mr Orban occupied an outsized role in right-wing populist politics worldwide.

Members of Mr Trumps Make America Great Again movement are among those who see Mr Orbans government and his Fidesz political party as shining examples of conservative, anti-globalist politics in action, while he is reviled by advocates of liberal democracy and the rule of law.

Casting his ballot in Budapest, Marcell Mehringer, 21, said he was voting primarily so that Hungary will finally be a so-called European country, and so that young people, and really everyone, will do their fundamental civic duty to unite this nation a bit and to break down these boundaries borne of hatred.



The election was closely watched in countries around Europe and beyond (Denes Erdos/AP)

During his 16 years as prime minister, Mr Orban has launched harsh crackdowns on minority rights and media freedoms, subverted many of Hungarys institutions and been accused of siphoning large sums of money into the coffers of his allied business elite, an allegation he denies.

He also has heavily strained Hungarys relationship with the EU. Although Hungary is one of the smaller EU countries, with a population of 9.5 million, Mr Orban has repeatedly used his veto to block decisions that require unanimity. Most recently, he blocked a 90-billion euro EU loan to Ukraine, prompting his partners to accuse him of hijacking the critical aid.

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Meanwhile, Mr Magyar had risen rapidly to become Mr Orbans most serious challenger.

The 45-year-old leader of the centre-right Tisza party campaigned on issues affecting ordinary voters including Hungarys faltering public health care and transportation sectors and what he described as rampant government corruption.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Econet founder and group chairman Strive Masiyiwa says he was inspired by industrial developments in Africa and Asia to spearhead a new high-tech industrial hub in Harare, dubbed Econet Tech City, designed to attract global investors and accelerate Zimbabwe's industrialisation drive.The project is being developed under Econet InfraCo, a recently listed infrastructure platform on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange with an estimated valuation of around US$1 billion.Masiyiwa said the concept was influenced by large-scale developments such as the Eko Atlantic project in Lagos, Nigeria, where his data centre division already operates a major facility."Modern international investors don't like hassles when they plan to build a factory or high tech facility, like a Data Centre," he said. "They prefer locations where everything they need is readily available."He said such industrial hubs are typically designed as "one-stop shops" providing power, water, fibre connectivity, security, logistics, and even legal support services under unified management structures.Econet InfraCo owns an 800-acre site near Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, which will be transformed into a self-contained industrial zone, pending government approvals. The project is expected to host up to 300 companies and generate more than 20,000 jobs once fully operational.Masiyiwa said the Tech City model will include advanced infrastructure such as a 100MW solar power plant, industrial waste management systems, and high-security perimeter controls incorporating CCTV and drone surveillance."The goal is to build a self-sufficient city within a city'," he said, adding that the development would include amenities such as a shopping centre and clinic, but would exclude residential housing.Architectural and engineering designs are already underway, with initial solar components expected to be sourced from China. Econet already operates a 5MW data centre in Willowvale and plans to expand with a 10MW facility within the Tech City precinct.Masiyiwa said the project could be completed within two years from Econet's side, but stressed that government incentives and regulatory support would be critical to attracting investors."Zimbabwe is competing with cities like Lagos, Cape Town, Nairobi and Kigali," he said. "This could be a great partnership if it is supported."He added that discussions with government officials are ongoing and that international interest has already begun to build since the project was unveiled.Once approvals are finalised, Econet InfraCo plans to begin phased development and actively market the hub to global and regional investors.Masiyiwa also emphasised that the initiative is not intended to be exclusive, noting that similar industrial developments should be encouraged across Zimbabwe and the continent to accelerate broader economic transformation.
Vice President JD Vance said negotiations ended early on Sunday between the United States and Iran without a peace deal after the Iranians refused to accept terms not to develop a nuclear weapon.

Talks ended after 21 hours in Islamabad, Pakistan, Mr Vance said, with the vice president in communication with President Donald Trump and others in the administration.

The simple fact is that we need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon, Mr Vance told reporters.





That is the core goal of the president of the United States. And thats what weve tried to achieve through these negotiations.

The vice president said he spoke with Mr Trump a half dozen times, a dozen times, over the past 21 hours and also spoke with secretary of state Marco Rubio, treasury secretary Scott Bessent and Admiral Brad Cooper, head of the United States Central Command.

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We were constantly in communication with the team because we were negotiating in good faith, Mr Vance said, speaking at a podium in front of a pair of American flags with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to his side.

We leave here with a very simple proposal, a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. Well see if the Iranians accept it.

Mr Trump had said he would suspend attacks against Iran for two weeks. Mr Vances comments did not indicate what will happen after that time period expires or if the ceasefire will remain in place.

Pakistan foreign minister Ishaq Dar called on Iran and the US to keep their commitment to maintain a ceasefire and said his country will continue to play a mediating role.



Irans Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, left, meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad (Pakistan Prime Minister Office/AP)

The historic talks ended days after a fragile, two-week ceasefire was announced, as the war that has killed thousands of people and shaken global markets entered its seventh week. Two Pakistani officials said discussions between the heads of the delegations will resume after a break.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Saturday, Mr Trump claimed military victory against Iran and downplayed the importance of the negotiations because regardless what happens we win.

Lets see what happens  maybe they make a deal maybe they dont, the president said. It doesnt matter. From the standpoint of America, we win.

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Mr Trump acknowledged very deep negotiations with Iran.

But he also said the US military was searching for mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which still remained effectively closed to most freighters carrying oil and natural gas out of the Persian Gulf.

The US military said two destroyers transited the strait ahead of mine-clearing work, a first since the war began.

A spokesperson for Irans joint military command denied the claim, adding that initiative over the passage of any vessel rests with the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to Irans state media.



Middle East  Infographic from PA Graphics

Qatars Ministry of Transport announced on Saturday the full resumption of maritime navigation activities on Sunday from 6am to 6pm, extending the decision to all categories of marine vessels and transport modes.

In a statement, the ministry urged operators to comply with safety protocols.

Irans 10-point proposal ahead of the talks called for a guaranteed end to the war and sought control over the Strait of Hormuz. It included ending fighting against Irans regional allies, explicitly calling for a halt to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah.

The United States 15-point proposal includes restricting Irans nuclear programme and reopening the strait.

The US delegation, led by vice president JD Vance, and the Iranian one led by Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, discussed with Pakistan how to advance the ceasefire already threatened by deep disagreements and Israels continued attacks against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, whose health ministry said the death toll has surpassed 2,000.

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Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi had said Tehran was entering negotiations with deep distrust after strikes on Iran during previous talks.

Mr Araghchi, part of Irans delegation in Pakistan, said on Saturday that his country was prepared to retaliate if attacked again.



Pro-government demonstrators wave Iranian national flags at a gathering in Tehran (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Since the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, the most direct US contact had been in 2013 when President Barack Obama called newly elected President Hassan Rouhani to discuss Irans nuclear programme.

Mr Obamas secretary of state John Kerry and his counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif later met during negotiations toward the 2015 Iran nuclear deal  a process that lasted well over a year.

Irans state-run news agency said the three-party talks began after Iranian pre-conditions, including a reduction in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, were met.

Irans delegation told state television it had presented red lines in meetings with Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, including compensation for damage caused by US-Israeli strikes which launched the war on February 28 and releasing Irans frozen assets.

Officials from the region said Chinese, Egyptian, Saudi and Qatari officials were in Islamabad to indirectly facilitate talks.

Israel pressed ahead with strikes in Lebanon after saying there is no ceasefire there. Iran and Pakistan have disagreed.



Lebanese civil defence workers search through rubble for the body of missing student Ali Srour, 17, at the site of a building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday, in central Beirut (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin on Tuesday in Washington, Lebanese President Joseph Aouns office has said, after Israels surprise announcement authorising talks despite the countries lack of official relations.

But as thousands in Lebanon protested the planned negotiations on Saturday, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he had postponed a planned trip to Washington in light of the current internal circumstances.

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His absence should not affect talks as the first round is expected to be at the ambassadorial level.

Israel wants Lebanons government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much like was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. But the militant group has survived efforts to curb its strength for decades.

Hezbollah joined the war in support of Iran in the opening days. Israel followed with airstrikes and a ground invasion.

In his strongest words yet, Pope Leo XIV denounced the delusion of omnipotence fuelling the war.
The United States and Iran have ended face-to-face talks without an agreement, leaving a fragile two-week ceasefire in the war in the Middle East in doubt.

Officials in Washington said the negotiations collapsed over what they described as Irans refusal to commit to abandoning a path to a nuclear weapon, while Tehran blamed the US for the breakdown of the talks without specifying the sticking points.

Vice-President JD Vance, who led the US delegation, said after the 21-hour talks: We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon.





Irans parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who led Iran in the negotiations, said Tehran had made its position clear and it is time for the United States to decide whether it can gain our trust or not.

He did not mention the core disputes in a series of social media posts on Sunday, though Iranian officials earlier said the talks fell apart over two or three key issues, blaming what they called US overreach.

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Neither side indicated what will happen after the 14-day ceasefire expires.

Pakistan foreign minister Ishaq Dar said his country will try to facilitate new dialogue between Iran and the US in the coming days, adding: It is imperative that the parties continue to uphold their commitment to ceasefire.

Since the US and Israel launched the war on February 28, it has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,020 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and caused lasting damage to infrastructure in half a dozen Middle Eastern countries.



JD Vance boarded Air Force Two to return to the US from Pakistan after the talks ended (Jacquelyn Martin/pool/AP)

Irans grip on the Strait of Hormuz has largely cut off the Persian Gulf and its oil and gas exports from the global economy, sending energy prices soaring.

The United States and Iran entered talks with sharply different proposals and contrasting assumptions about their leverage to end the war. Before negotiations began, the ceasefire was already threatened by deep disagreements and Israels continued attacks against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Irans 10-point proposal ahead of the talks called for a guaranteed end to the war and sought control over the Strait of Hormuz. It included ending fighting against Irans regional allies, explicitly calling for a halt to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah.

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The United States 15-point proposal included restricting Irans nuclear programme and reopening the strait.

Irans closure of the Strait of Hormuz has proved its biggest strategic advantage in the war. Around a fifth of the worlds traded oil had typically passed through on more than 100 ships a day. Only 12 have been recorded transiting since the ceasefire.



Irans Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, left, meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad (Pakistan Prime Minister Office/AP)

During the talks, the US military said two destroyers transited the critical waterway ahead of mine-clearing work, a first since the war began. Irans state media, however, reported the countrys joint military command denied that.

The impasse raises new questions about fighting in Lebanon. Israel pressed ahead with strikes after the ceasefire was announced, saying the agreement did not apply there. Iran and Pakistan claimed otherwise.

Lebanons state-run National News Agency reported six people were killed on Sunday morning in an Israeli strike in Maaroub, a village near the southern Lebanons coastal city Tyre.



Lebanese civil defence workers search through rubble following an Israeli air strike in central Beirut (Hassan Ammar/AP)

Pope Leo said at the end of his noon prayers on Sunday that he was closer than ever to the people of Lebanon, and called on all sides to stop fighting and seek peace.

The principle of humanity, inscribed in the conscience of every person and recognised in international law, entails the moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the atrocious effects of war, Leo said.

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Though Israels strikes over Beirut have calmed in recent days, its strikes on southern Lebanon have intensified alongside a ground invasion it renewed after Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israel in the opening days of the Iran war.

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin on Tuesday in Washington, Lebanese President Joseph Aouns office has said, after Israels surprise announcement authorising talks despite the lack of official relations between the countries. Protests erupted over the planned negotiations in Beirut on Saturday.

Israel wants Lebanons government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much like was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. But the militant group has survived efforts to curb its strength for decades.

Hezbollah joined the war in support of Iran in the opening days. Israel followed with air strikes and a ground invasion.

The day the Iran ceasefire deal was announced, Israel pounded Beirut with air strikes, killing more than 300 people in the deadliest day in Lebanon since the war began, according to the countrys health ministry.
US President Donald Trump has said the American navy would immediately begin a blockade to stop ships from entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, after historic US-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement or next diplomatic steps in sight.

In his first public comments after the 21-hour talks, Mr Trump sought to exert strategic control over the waterway that was responsible for the shipping of 20% of global oil supplies before the war, hoping to eliminate Irans key source of leverage.

A US blockade could further rattle global energy markets and prices for oil, natural gas and related products.

It was not immediately clear how it might be carried out, but Mr Trump told Fox News the goal was to ensure all ships could transit: Its going to be all or none, and thats the way it is.





Mr Trump said he had instructed our navy to seek and interdict every vessel in international waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No-one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas.

Other nations would be involved in the blockade, he said, but did not name them.

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Freedom of peaceful navigation is a basic principle of international maritime trade, but Iran has asserted control of the strait.

Irans Revolutionary Guard later said the strait remained under Irans full control and was open for non-military vessels, but military ones would get a forceful response, two semi-official Iranian news agencies reported.

During the talks, the US military said two destroyers transited the strait ahead of mine-clearing work, a first since the war began.





"Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz." - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/JInBTLyu2s  The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 12, 2026

Irans state media said the joint military command denied that.

Mr Trump said Tehrans nuclear ambitions were at the core of the failure to end the war, and that the US was ready to finish up Iran at the appropriate moment.

In comments to Fox News, he again threatened to strike civilian infrastructure and said he was fine with his widely criticised threat shortly before the ceasefire announcement that a whole civilization will die tonight.

The face-to-face talks that ended earlier on Sunday were the highest-level negotiations between the long-time rivals since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Both delegations later left Islamabad.

Neither indicated what would happen after the 14-day ceasefire expires on April 22. Pakistani mediators urged all parties to maintain it. Each side said their positions were clear and blamed the other.



US Vice President JD Vance, left, leading the American side in the talks, spoke to Pakistani foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, centre (Jacquelyn Martin, Pool/AP)

We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon, US Vice President JD Vance, leading the American side, said afterwards.

Irans parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who led Irans side, said it was time for the United States to decide whether it can gain our trust or not.

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Iranian officials earlier said talks fell apart over two or three key issues, blaming what they called US overreach.

Pakistani foreign minister Ishaq Dar said his country would try to facilitate a new dialogue in the coming days.

Iran said it was open to continuing the dialogue, the countrys state-run IRNA news agency reported.

The European Union urged further diplomatic efforts. The foreign minister of Oman, on the Strait of Hormuz southern coast, called for parties to make painful concessions. And the Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasised his readiness to help bring about a diplomatic settlement in a call with Irans president.



Lebanese civil defence workers search through rubble following an Israeli air strike in central Beirut (Hassan Ammar/AP)

Irans nuclear programme had been at the centre of tensions long before the US and Israel launched the war on February 28.

The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,020 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and caused lasting damage to infrastructure in half-a-dozen Middle Eastern countries.

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Tehran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons but insisted on its right to a civilian nuclear programme.

The landmark 2015 nuclear deal took well over a year of negotiations.

Experts say Irans stockpile of enriched uranium, though not weapons-grade, is only a short technical step away.

An Iranian diplomatic official denied that negotiations had failed over Irans nuclear ambitions.

Iran is not seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, but it has the right to nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, the official said.



(PA Graphics)

Inside Iran, there was fresh exhaustion and anger after months of unrest that had begun with nationwide protests against economic issues and then political ones, and then weeks of sheltering from US and Israeli bombardment.

Irans 10-point proposal for the talks had called for a guaranteed end to the war, including the end of fighting against Irans regional allies, explicitly calling for a halt to Israeli strikes on the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israel has said the ceasefire deal did not apply in Lebanon, but Iran and Pakistan said otherwise.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited parts of southern Lebanon under Israeli control on Sunday, for the first time since the current round of fighting.

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin in Washington on Tuesday after Israels surprise announcement authorising talks despite their lack of official relations.

The day the Iran ceasefire deal was announced, Israel pounded Beirut with airstrikes, killing more than 300 people in the deadliest day in Lebanon since the war began, according to the countrys health ministry.
Hungary's veteran nationalist leader Viktor Orban conceded defeat on Sunday after a landslide election victory by the upstart opposition Tisza party, in a setback for his allies in Russia and US president Donald Trump's White House.

Results based on 46 per cent of votes counted showed the centre-right, pro-EU Tisza party of Peter Magyar winning 135 seats - or a crucial two-thirds majority - in the 199-member parliament, ahead of Orban's Fidesz party.

"The election results are not final yet, but the situation is understandable and clear," Orban said at the Fidesz campaign offices. "The election result is painful for us, but clear."

Pollsters predicted a record voter turnout, with Hungarian television showing long queues outside some voting stations in Budapest. Data at 1630 GMT, half an hour before polls were due to close, showed 77.8 per cent of voters casting their ballots, up from 67.8 per cent four years earlier.

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If the final results confirm the early readings, an end to Orban's period in government after 16 years in power would have significant implications not only for Hungary, but for the European Union, Ukraine and beyond.

It would likely spell an end to Hungary's adversarial role inside the EU, possibly opening the way for a 90 billion loan to war-battered Ukraine blocked by Orban.

Defeat for Orban could also mean the eventual release of EU funds to Hungary that the bloc had suspended due to what Brussels said was Orban's erosion of democratic standards.

Orban's exit would also deprive Russian president Vladimir Putin of his main ally in the EU and send shockwaves through Western right-wing circles, including the White House.

In Hungary, a Tisza victory could open the way for reforms that the party says would aim to combat corruption and restore the independence of the judiciary and other institutions.

However, the extent of such reforms will depend on whether Tisza can secure the two-thirds constitutional majority it would need to reverse much of Orban's legacy.

Economic stagnation hurt Orban's support

Orban, a eurosceptic, carved out a model of an "illiberal democracy" seen as a blueprint by Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement and its admirers in Europe.

But many Hungarians have grown increasingly weary of Orban, 62, after three years of economic stagnation and soaring living costs as well as reports of oligarchs close to the government amassing more wealth.

Tisza's leader Magyar appears to have successfully tapped into this frustration.

Casting his vote for Tisza in the Hungarian capital, Mihaly Bacsi, 27, said the country needed change.

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"We need an improvement in public mood, there is too much tension in many areas and the current government only fuels these sentiments," he said.

Another voter, who gave her name as Zsuzsa, said she wanted continuity.

"I would really like if all the results that have been achieved in recent years remain - and I am terribly afraid of the war," she said, referring to the conflict raging in Ukraine, Hungary's eastern neighbour.

Orban sought to cast Sunday's election as a choice between "war and peace". During campaigning, the government blanketed the country with signs warning that Magyar would drag Hungary into Russia's war with Ukraine, something he strongly denies.
The United States and Iran concluded a third round of historic, face-to-face negotiations before dawn on Sunday in Pakistan.

The talks come days after a fragile, two-week ceasefire was announced, as the war that has killed thousands of people and shaken global markets entered its seventh week.

Two Pakistani officials told the Associated Press that technical personnel from both teams were still meeting and that discussions between the heads of the delegations would resume after a break.





Speaking to reporters outside the White House on Saturday, US President Donald Trump claimed military victory against Iran and downplayed the importance of the negotiations because regardless what happens we win.

Lets see what happens  maybe they make a deal maybe they dont, the president said. It doesnt matter. From the standpoint of America, we win.

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Mr Trump acknowledged very deep negotiations with Iran.

But he also said the US military was searching for mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which still remained effectively closed to most freighters carrying oil and natural gas out of the Persian Gulf.

The US military said two destroyers transited the strait ahead of mine-clearing work, a first since the war began.

A spokesperson for Irans joint military command denied the claim, adding that initiative over the passage of any vessel rests with the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to Irans state media.



Irans Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, left, meets with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad (Pakistan Prime Minister Office/AP)

Qatars Ministry of Transport announced on Saturday the full resumption of maritime navigation activities on Sunday from 6am to 6pm, extending the decision to all categories of marine vessels and transport modes.

In a statement, the ministry urged operators to comply with safety protocols.

Irans 10-point proposal ahead of the talks called for a guaranteed end to the war and sought control over the Strait of Hormuz. It included ending fighting against Irans regional allies, explicitly calling for a halt to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah.

The United States 15-point proposal includes restricting Irans nuclear programme and reopening the strait.

The US delegation, led by vice president JD Vance, and the Iranian one led by Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, discussed with Pakistan how to advance the ceasefire already threatened by deep disagreements and Israels continued attacks against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, whose health ministry said the death toll has surpassed 2,000.

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Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi had said Tehran was entering negotiations with deep distrust after strikes on Iran during previous talks.

Mr Araghchi, part of Irans delegation in Pakistan, said on Saturday that his country was prepared to retaliate if attacked again.



Pro-government demonstrators wave Iranian national flags at a gathering in Tehran (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Since the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, the most direct US contact had been in 2013 when President Barack Obama called newly elected President Hassan Rouhani to discuss Irans nuclear programme.

Mr Obamas secretary of state John Kerry and his counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif later met during negotiations toward the 2015 Iran nuclear deal  a process that lasted well over a year.

Irans state-run news agency said the three-party talks began after Iranian pre-conditions, including a reduction in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, were met.

Irans delegation told state television it had presented red lines in meetings with Pakistans Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, including compensation for damage caused by US-Israeli strikes which launched the war on February 28 and releasing Irans frozen assets.

Officials from the region said Chinese, Egyptian, Saudi and Qatari officials were in Islamabad to indirectly facilitate talks.

Israel pressed ahead with strikes in Lebanon after saying there is no ceasefire there. Iran and Pakistan have disagreed.



Lebanese civil defence workers search through rubble for the body of missing student Ali Srour, 17, at the site of a building destroyed in an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday, in central Beirut (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are expected to begin on Tuesday in Washington, Lebanese President Joseph Aouns office has said, after Israels surprise announcement authorising talks despite the countries lack of official relations.

But as thousands in Lebanon protested the planned negotiations on Saturday, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said he had postponed a planned trip to Washington in light of the current internal circumstances.

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His absence should not affect talks as the first round is expected to be at the ambassadorial level.

Israel wants Lebanons government to assume responsibility for disarming Hezbollah, much like was envisaged in a November 2024 ceasefire. But the militant group has survived efforts to curb its strength for decades.

Hezbollah joined the war in support of Iran in the opening days. Israel followed with airstrikes and a ground invasion.

In his strongest words yet, Pope Leo XIV denounced the delusion of omnipotence fuelling the war.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday the American navy would swiftly begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz, after US-Iran ceasefire talks in Pakistan ended without an agreement.

US Central Command (CentCom) announced that it will blockade all Iranian ports beginning on Monday at 10am Eastern Time.

CentCom said the blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations. It said it would still allow ships travelling between non-Iranian ports to transit the Strait of Hormuz.





Mr Trump wants to weaken Irans key leverage in the war after demanding that it reopen the strait to all global traffic on the waterway that was responsible for 20% of global oil shipping before fighting began.

Traffic in the Strait has been limited even in the days since the ceasefire. Marine trackers say more than 40 commercial ships have crossed since then.

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A US blockade could further rattle global energy markets. Its going to be all or none, and thats the way it is, Mr Trump told Fox News.

Mr Trump said on social media that he told the navy to seek and interdict every vessel in international waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No-one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas.





He said other nations would be involved but did not name them.

Freedom of peaceful navigation is a basic principle of international maritime trade.

Irans Revolutionary Guard later said the strait remained under Irans full control and was open for non-military vessels, but military ones would get a forceful response, two semi-official Iranian news agencies reported.

During the 21-hour talks, the US military said two destroyers had transited the strait ahead of mine-clearing work, a first since the war began. Iran denied this.



US Vice President JD Vance, left, leading the American side in the talks, spoke to Pakistani foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, centre (Jacquelyn Martin, Pool/AP)

Mr Trumps plan to use the navy to block the strait is unrealistic and he will have to concede on some issues with Iran, Andreas Krieg, a senior lecturer in security studies at Kings College London, said.

There isnt any tool in the toolbox in terms of the military lever that he could use to get his way.

Mr Trump said Tehrans nuclear ambitions were at the core of the talks failure. In comments to Fox News, he again threatened to strike civilian infrastructure.

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Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, who led Irans side, addressed Mr Trump in a new statement on his return to Iran: If you fight, we will fight.





"Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz." - President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/JInBTLyu2s  The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 12, 2026

The face-to-face talks that ended early on Sunday were the highest-level negotiations between the longtime rivals since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Neither indicated what will happen after the ceasefire expires on April 22.

We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, Vice President JD Vance, leading the US side, said.

Iranian negotiators could not agree to all US red lines, a US official said.

These included Iran never obtaining a nuclear weapon, ending uranium enrichment, dismantling major enrichment facilities and allowing retrieval of its highly enriched uranium, along with opening the Strait of Hormuz and ending funding for Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi rebels.



US President Donald Trump said Tehrans nuclear ambitions were at the core of the talks failure (Tasos Katopodis/Pool via AP)

Iranian officials said talks fell apart over two or three key issues, blaming what they called US overreach.

Mr Qalibaf, who noted progress in negotiations, said it was time for the United States to decide whether it can gain our trust or not.

Pakistani foreign minister Ishaq Dar said his country will try to facilitate a new dialogue in the coming days.

Iran said it was open to continuing dialogue, state-run IRNA news agency reported.

The European Union urged further diplomatic efforts. The foreign minister of Oman, located on the Strait of Hormuzs southern coast, called for parties to make painful concessions. The Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasised his readiness to help bring about a diplomatic settlement in a call with Irans president.



Lebanese civil defence workers search through rubble following an Israeli air strike in central Beirut (Hassan Ammar/AP)

Irans nuclear programme was at the centre of tensions long before the US and Israel launched the war on February 28.

The fighting has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,055 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and damaged infrastructure in half-a-dozen countries.

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Tehran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons but insists on its right to a civilian nuclear programme.

The landmark 2015 nuclear deal, which Mr Trump later pulled the US out of, took well over a year of negotiations.

Experts say Irans stockpile of enriched uranium, though not weapons-grade, is only a short technical step away.



(PA Graphics)

An Iranian diplomatic official denied that negotiations had failed over Irans nuclear ambitions.

Inside Iran, there was new exhaustion and anger after months of unrest that began with nationwide protests against economic issues and then political ones, followed by weeks of sheltering from US and Israeli bombardment.

Elsewhere in the region, airstrikes calmed over the past day except in Lebanon.

Irans 10-point proposal for the talks called for a halt to Israeli strikes on the Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel has said the ceasefire did not apply there, but Iran and Pakistan said it did.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited parts of southern Lebanon under Israeli control on Sunday, for the first time since the current fighting.
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BusinessCompaniesAviation Qantas plane that can leapfrog Middle East rolls off assembly line Chris Zappone April 12, 2026  6:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Qantas much-anticipated Airbus plane, made for ultra-long flights and known as Project Sunrise, has exited the factory in France and will begin test flights, the company said. The specially configured Airbus A350-1000ULR, designed to be able to reach almost any point on the globe in a non-stop flight, will allow Qantas to plan routes to Europe without transiting the Middle East. The plane now has all components attached, including fuselage, wings, tail, landing gear and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. It will begin a two-month flight-testing programme in Toulouse, France, in the weeks ahead. Qantas Project Sunrise is an ambitious plan to fly ultra-long-haul routes to and from Australia. Airbus has made this special version of its A350 to fly for 22 hours at a stretch, helped by an extra 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank.

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The range of the plane will unlock new flight possibilities for the airline, in a development keenly watched by the industry. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson last year told reporters that, depending on wind patterns, sometimes, the fastest way to get from Sydney to London will be over Japan and over the North Pole and down the other side. Qantas new A350-1000ULR at the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France. Qantas The first aircraft is emblazoned with the words Our Spirit flies further. Under the plan laid out by the airline, the planes will be configured with 238 seats, giving passengers more space, instead of the 350-plus seats an A350 could accommodate.

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Fewer passengers in more spacious settings will allow Qantas to charge a premium for tickets and save on weight, so the plane can then accommodate a heavier fuel load. Related Article Aviation Iran-US ceasefire fails to lower airfares  for now at least Qantas also said it plans to name 12 Airbus fleet of planes after stars, in honour of Qantas World War II-era Catalina flying boats, which operated the legendary Double Sunrise flights. Those planes, which traversed the Indian Ocean during the global conflict in the early 1940s, were each named after a star used for navigation. The star theme was suggested by Qantas pilots and then voted on by Qantas employees, and the first name will be revealed mid-year.

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Project Sunrise, if successful, will create a new type of flight for the industry, allowing Qantas to bypass hubs in favour of direct paths to destinations. The cabins will include Wellbeing Zones, premium self-serve refreshments, and areas made for passengers to stretch. The cabins are designed by David Caon, the mind behind Qantas understated A380 and 787 interiors, as well as Qantas lounges in Singapore, Hong Kong and Auckland. Qantas award-winning Wellbeing Zone on board its non-stop flights from Australias east coast to London and New York. From the start, critics have asked which segment of the market would be willing to pay more for longer, uninterrupted flights.

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With airspace closures and conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East and around the Persian Gulf forcing airlines  including Qantas  to reroute trips, the business case for ultra-long-haul flights has strengthened. Qantas newest plane is advancing through the production process at the Airbus factory. Qantas University of Sydney business professor Rico Merkert said that for Australians travelling to and from Europe, not having to stop over in the Mideast is a massive bonus now. Yes, the higher fuel costs are a problem, but the market would be happy to pay that premium. The market segment most interested Project Sunrise will be corporate or business travellers and first-class passengers, Merkert said.

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They have a high willingness to pay and value time more than the average leisure traveller. The first Project Sunrise flights are expected to fly from Sydney to London and Sydney to New York in the first half of 2027. The new Qantas first-class suite planned for its A350 flights. While the flights will simplify the travel experience for passengers, more contested airspace near war zones adds to the appeal of ultra-long-distance point-to-point flying. Dr Oleksandra Molloy, a lecturer in aviation at the University of NSW in Canberra, said the planned service will reduce exposure to geopolitical disruption in an increasingly fragmented and unpredictable global airspace environment.

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The non-stop operations remove exposure to on-ground threats, including airport closures or security incidents. It enables [Qantas] to proactively avoid emerging risks, she said, while relying less on hubs, and allowing aircraft to optimise routing in real time and to bypass contested or constrained airspace activity. Project Sunrise will build on Qantas existing long-haul experience, which includes flights such as Melbourne to Dallas Fort Worth or Perth to Paris. The flight testing will check the aircrafts systems, performance and certification for the A-350 ULR-specific modifications, including the additional 20,000-litre rear centre fuel tank that will make 22-hour Project Sunrise non-stop flights possible. 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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LifestyleLife & relationshipsCulture holidays Opinion Sit down and drink your coffee and other essential life rules I learnt from the French Grace O'Sullivan Contributor April 13, 2026  5:00am

April 13, 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

Roughly two and a half years ago, I moved to Paris on a gut-fuelled whim, arriving with no job, no apartment, and, as I quickly discovered, almost no French (my schoolgirl French didnt quite cut it). Between waitressing, au pairing trilingual toddlers and eventually studying at a French university, I found my feet  and began adopting a few very French habits. My first lesson? Sit down and drink your goddamn coffee. The French do not buy into eating or drinking on the go. The keep-cup culture that runs rampant in America and Australia? Non-existent. The French would assume Frank Green and Stanley were the names of some very Anglo-sounding old men. Drinking is for drinking, eating is for eating and walking is for walking: Grace OSullivan in France. Im not claiming that the French, or Europeans in general, sip their coffee more slowly. Thats not always true, especially in Paris. Parisians are accused by the rest of France of being in a perpetual rush. And yet, even in all their busyness, they will sit down (or stand up at the bistros bar) to drink their coffee. Even if only for a few minutes. I once served a man who sat, ordered an espresso, drank it and paid  all within 45 seconds. It didnt take long for the ritual to rub off on me. Nowadays, I can barely tolerate places that serve coffee exclusively in paper cups, regardless of whether youre sitting in or taking away. Not only is it environmental nonsense, it tastes ... off.

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Drinking is for drinking, eating is for eating and walking is for walking. These are not activities you combine. And while takeaway does exist in Paris, youre immediately ousting yourself as a foreigner the moment you ask for un cafe emporter. Also, youll find the highest concentration of berets in France inside Starbucks. If most of the customers are wearing berets, you do not want to eat or drink there. Another vital lesson: activewear should not to be confused with real clothes. Paris reacts to you differently depending on your uniform. There are unwritten rules that one has to break a few times to learn, like experiencing the unforgiving wrath of the city when stepping out in gym clothes. Grace OSullivan in Paris. I once thought myself above these codes. I rolled my eyes at the stares I received as I pranced down Boulevard Saint-Michel in my Lululemon leggings. Changing into activewear before a gym class and changing out of it again to grab a coffee afterwards felt unnecessarily arduous. And yet, slowly but surely, I assimilated. Whether it was chicness, snobbery, or simply pride, I began to understand the standards that live within the walls and people of Paris. Perhaps I couldnt hack the silent judgment of sophisticated Parisian women staring at my legging-outlined crotch. But I also came to appreciate the care people put into their appearance, and how the city rewards you when you step out in a considered ensemble.

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Culture holidays I learnt a scary lesson while living in France. Playing it safe can be risky Julia Pound Teacher I realised how much Id changed when I took the Eurostar to London and my friend met me in grey trackie shorts and Birkenstocks. The outfit felt shockingly foreign to me. I couldnt help but smirk at how quickly I had absorbed the codes of Paris. A jean and a simple shirt layered over activewear ensures minimal fuss. Pack a change of underwear and a bralette to complete your post-workout ensemble. Next rule. Theres a reason they call it a French kiss. I always stop to watch couples making out on the streets of Paris. I cant help it. Even after two years of living in the city of love, my public-intimacy-deprived Australian brain still did a double take at any anonymous street-side passion. Everyone makes out. Everywhere. I once stood at a pedestrian crossing opposite an older couple locked in a ferocious pash. The light went green. I crossed. They didnt. They were too engrossed. Another time, a couple sat in my section of the cafe and maintained face-to-face contact for three and a half hours. Even when they werent sensually snogging, their faces were somehow always touching. Touche. Finally, youth-culture is overrated. I met an Australian journalist who told me of her move from Bondi to Paris. In Bondi, she told me, youth is everything. You dont get a look-in after 30. In Paris, she found the opposite.When Im queuing up for a restaurant here, the host almost always comes straight to me. Im one of the first seated. The middle-aged woman is prioritised. Style, wisdom and elegance is prioritised.

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Sociology As a visiting Frenchwoman, I find Australian men to be not at all what I expected Elyne Le Faou Contributor This reverence threads through many other elements of French culture. Parisian women let their hair go grey, theres a certain chic-ness to it. Lip filler and lash extensions are non-existent and not-appreciated. Botox exists, of course, but its so subtle that its usually undetectable. Foreheads still move. Crooked teeth are charming. Veneers dont quite translate. In Paris theres a deep respect for growing older; for experience, for presence, for having lived. Ive often wondered why that same reverence doesnt exist here in Australia. Grace OSullivan is an Australian actress based in Melbourne. She runs Bevs&Bisous, a gathering where people come together to speak French and meet new people. The Opinion newsletter is a weekly wrap of views that will challenge, champion and inform your own. Sign up here.
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by Staff reporter

An East London mother has told the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court that she spent years trying to recover compensation from attorney Manfred Chinamasa, but never received any payment before her son's death.Chinamasa (54), a Zimbabwe-born former lecturer at the University of Fort Hare, is facing charges of theft and money laundering. He is accused of defrauding clients of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) of approximately R13 million.He was arrested in 2023 by the elite police unit, the Hawks, and has been in custody since 2024. Chinamasa is representing himself in court after dismissing his legal counsel. He was also struck off the roll by the Legal Practice Council in 2023.Testifying in court, Bukiwe Nomnganga (63) recounted her long struggle to recover funds allegedly owed to her following the death of her son, Sandiso Nomnganga.She told the court that her son was injured in a road accident in 2016 in Gqeberha and that she hired Chinamasa in 2017 to pursue a claim against the RAF. Sandiso later died in December 2018 at Nkgubela TB Hospital.Nomnganga said that in July 2019, Chinamasa informed her that the RAF had paid out R425,000 in general damages and asked her to visit his office, where she was shown documentation reflecting the payment. She was told that legal fees amounting to R106,000 would be deducted, and that the balance would be paid to her within six months."He said it would take six months before the money got to me," she testified.However, years passed without any payment. Nomnganga said repeated follow-ups yielded no results, with Chinamasa allegedly giving shifting explanations. In 2021, he referred her case to another firm, Malusi Attorneys, where she was advised that no funds had been received."I would go and check and be told he hadn't paid," she said, adding that efforts by another representative to recover the money were unsuccessful.Frustrated, she engaged another lawyer in 2022, who also failed to secure payment despite assurances from Chinamasa."I did not receive a single cent from Chinamasa," she told the court.Nomnganga said she later reported the matter to police in 2024 after learning of Chinamasa's arrest and also lodged a complaint with the Legal Practice Council.The court also heard that she had independently approached the RAF in 2021 after suspecting irregularities in the handling of her claim.During proceedings, tensions surfaced as Nomnganga addressed Chinamasa directly, disputing his claims that he had withdrawn from representing her."I was expecting that I would be assisted, not have attorneys fighting over me," she said.Statements from seven RAF forensic officials have since been admitted into evidence as the trial continues.
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NationalQueen Mary Queen Marys father, John Donaldson, dies in Hobart Carla Jaeger April 12, 2026  5:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Just three weeks after her most recent visit home to Australia, Queen Mary of Denmarks father, Professor John Donaldson, has died in Hobart aged 84. My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are grey, the Tasmania-born royal said in a statement released via the Danish royal family on Sunday. The announcement was accompanied by a black and white portrait taken by Queen Mary on March 23, 2026. My beloved father has passed away. But I know that when the grief settles, the memories will brighten my day, and what will remain strongest is love and gratitude for everything he gave me and taught me.

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John Donaldson with Queen Mary of Denmark in a photo posted on Instagram in February, 2024. Instagram/detdanskekongehus Queen Marys most recent royal tour with her husband King Frederik was the couples first official visit to Australia since becoming king and queen in 2024. After official tour events wrapped up on March 19 in Hobart, the royals spent a number of days in her former home town, sharing what Mary called precious time with her father. Donaldson is survived by his wife, four children and 12 grandchildren  including Crown Prince Christian, who will one day inherit the Danish throne from his parents. Born in Scotland on September 5, 1941, Donaldson  a mathematician  migrated to Australia with his wife, Henrietta Etta Donaldson, in 1963 after earning his degree at the University of Edinburgh.

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John Donaldson and the future Queen Mary of Denmark, at her wedding in 2004. Getty Images The couple settled in Hobart, and in 1972 welcomed their third child, Mary Elizabeth, the younger sister of Jane, Patricia and older sibling to brother John. Fresh from receiving his Ph.D. at the University of Tasmania in 1968, Professor Donaldson joined its mathematics department as a lecturer. He went on to be appointed dean of the science faculty, which he held until his retirement in 2003. Donaldsons academic career also included visiting professorships at several institutions across Houston, Montreal and Oxford. When Mary was 26, her mother Etta died from complications following heart surgery, aged 55.

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I would have liked to have spent more time with her, Mary said during a 2015 interview with a Danish broadcaster. Related Article Updated

Royalty Frederik and Mary visit Australias best known landmark I felt alone in my pain  As if nobody understood what I was going through and I had come to a standstill while the whole world around me kept moving forwards. In 2001, Donaldson married his second wife, English crime novelist Susan Moody. Four years after his daughter was introduced to the then-Crown Prince of Denmark during a chance encounter at a Sydney pub, the image of Donaldson walking Mary down the aisle of Copenhagen Cathedral while wearing a traditional Scottish kilt beamed around the world.

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King Frederik began his wedding day speech by addressing his new father-in-law directly, saying: Dear John, what a privilege, what a thrill, what an extraordinary feeling of happiness you have created in me. One might say Mary also belongs to you  but as of today, she belongs to me and I belong to her. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
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NationalQueenslandLife in the burbs Opinion My suburbs name sounds like a royal retreat. Given local house prices, thats not misleading Freya Petersen Contributor April 13, 2026  4:59am

April 13, 2026  4:59am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

Life in the burbs highlights the good, bad and beautiful of Brisbane suburbs. Writers are penning love letters (mostly) to their suburbs every week. See all stories .

Balmoral. The name conjures a remote Scottish bolthole for British royals escaping the bustle, spectacle and scrutiny of London life. Or it could denote a smallish, largely unremarkable suburb in Brisbanes inner-middle ring, about as far from London as it gets, in every way. I moved to Balmoral at the beginning of 2012, having just returned from 15 years interstate and overseas, on my hip a baby born in snowy Boston. My thinking was that he should have the same safe, sedate upbringing Id had as a child in Bulimba, just across the hill from Balmoral and about a kilometre as the crow flies from where we now live. To this day, Balmoral has few distinguishing features as Brisbane suburbs go. No high street  and few low ones, either, given it sits atop a hill. There is little public infrastructure to note, just a couple of public schools, including Balmoral State High, and the local bowlo called, oddly enough, the Bulimba Bowls Club.

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Confusingly, Balmoral itself sits within the Parish of Bulimba  but dont tell those who have paid an exorbitant premium to live within Bulimba proper. Much of Bulimbas appeal seems tied to the ever-persuasive real estate industry, which sells a luxury lifestyle pinned to the presumptuously named Oxford Street and access to the river and its CityCats. Balmoral sits quite literally above this trendy fray, a two-minute drive or 10-minute stroll from the cinemas, bars, burger joints, boutiques and alarmingly expensive dessert stops. In the evenings, denizens can retreat to the hill. Back when I lived in Bulimba Street, Bulimba, the whole area looked very different: full of wharfies and other blue-collar folks, and not a poorly parked Maserati in sight. What is now the Oxford 152 pub in Oxford Street was the Balmoral Hotel, although locals preferred its hard-earned nickname, the Balmongrel.

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It certainly felt a lot safer to us than the mean streets of Balmoral  a no-go zone if you valued your Malvern Star and personal safety. How things change! Older generations occupy DIY-renovated postwar houses, stubbornly refusing to downsize. Markus Ravik A defining feature of Balmoral today is the larger block size of its comfortably proportioned homes. Residents tend not to leave very often, with older generations occupying DIY-renovated postwar houses, stubbornly refusing to downsize and let the developers win  and good on them! Mornings begin with a soundtrack of birdsong, punctuated by the rumble and metallic whine of passing jets. Balmoral is everything Bulimba isnt: leafy, spread out and quietly domestic. And unlike Bulimba, which sits on a peninsula with only a couple of congested roads out, residents here have several escape routes to the rest of the city.

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Younger families occasionally inherit or snag an unrenovated bargain, sending their kids off to one of the now ubiquitous local nurseries. Related Article Opinion

Life in the burbs My suburb is gentrifying quickly, but the shopping centre is still a horror show Nick Dent Journalist Those who arent packed off to private schools by the time they score their first DiroDi end up in Bulimba or Morningside State School, or else Saints Peter and Pauls Catholic primary (which claims to be situated in Bulimba even though it sits half a block inside the suburb marker for Balmoral). Greenery is a distinguishing feature of Balmoral. Mornings begin with a soundtrack of birdsong  rainbow lorikeets, magpies, magpie larks and butcher birds  punctuated only by the rumble and metallic whine of passing jets. By afternoon, competing kookaburra clans stage a neighbourhood laugh-off from the treetops. At night, tawny frogmouths perch silently in the trees and on telephone wires that double as possum superhighways. Run-off channels form small creeks that attract green frogs, water dragons and the occasional sizeable but shy python.

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There are horses, too. The animals graze quietly in low-lying fields next to the high school. Until recently, a small pony club operated out of one of the surrounding backstreets before the site became a frozen-storage warehouse. The sight of ponies wandering those paddocks lends the suburb an oddly pastoral feel, barely six kilometres from the CBD. Balmoral has its inconveniences. Plane noise has intensified since Brisbane Airport began routing aircraft over the hill, skimming rooftops from dawn until well after dusk. Facebook groups would have us believe that young criminals roam the streets nightly looking for weak spots in home defences, but anecdotal evidence suggests they prefer the richer pickings of Bulimba and Hawthorne. Actually, few outsiders can confidently say where one suburb ends and the next begins, although to those who live there the distinctions feel profound. Balmoral residents can enjoy all the same cinemas, bars, eateries and alarmingly popular dessert stops without the 24/7 noise or hoi polloi. Consider Balmoral a convenient bolthole from the bustle, spectacle and scrutiny of Bulimba life. 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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NationalQueenslandQueensland councils Natalie had grand plans for her home. Then the flood maps changed Julius Dennis April 13, 2026  5:01am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

When Natalie Taylor and her husband Jake bought a rural block in Logan Village, south of Brisbane, they had grand plans to make it a sanctuary for their children, three of whom have disabilities. They had built a granny flat so when their kids grew older, they would never need to go into supported housing  something the parents were staunchly against. But when Natalie and Jake settled on the property in March 2025, the couple realised those plans had become more difficult to pull off. Natalie Taylor says the flood maps have unfairly affected her land. Julius Dennis Logan City Council updated its flood maps, and the property is now considered at high risk of flooding.

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We were reading through it all, and it actually imposed really strict planning restrictions on the property, she said. Related Article Exclusive

Queensland councils Former mayor and MP accuse council of illegal flood map Flood mapping, and its effect on property owners, has become the single-biggest political issue for the council in Logan, where Facebook groups discuss it ad nauseam. Earlier this month a former mayor and a former MP accused the council of illegally uploading maps. Mayor Jon Raven said he thinks about the issue from the moment I wake up until I go to bed. The maps have been updated twice since 2023, both times using temporary local planning instruments (TLPIs) that allow the council to make fast changes as they undertake permanent changes to the city plan.

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When Taylor realised how many people were in the same boat, she became active in a flood mapping action group, now linked to the disgruntled former mayor John Freeman and the Logan Ratepayers Association. We were receiving letters in the mail, and there were a lot of us who were really stressed out, she said. The Taylors had plans to build a granny flat on a part of their land now considered at high risk of flooding. Julius Dennis She said many people only realised their property rights were changing when they got their insurance bills, some of which had jumped by thousands of dollars annually, or had their coverage cancelled. Since the update, the council has been desperate to calm residents. The maps, already reviewed twice by companies involved in the process, are now being looked at again by the advisory service Restore Blue.

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Flood engineer Martin Roushani-Zarmehri, owner of the private consultancy StormFlood, has worked extensively in Logan, and said the new maps were much more risk-averse, which was not a bad thing. Flood engineer Martin Roushani-Zarmehri. Stormflood Engineering But they do put financial pressure on landholders hoping to develop their land. Flood maps achieve their purpose by providing flood risk awareness to the public, which is the primary goal of floodplain managers, he said. On the other hand, these flood maps have become quite prohibitive to development and building works on flood-prone land.

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How the flood mapping is currently being applied in a planning sense is indeed inflexible in some situations, and at other times can even be illogical. He said the councils flood modelling can cost up to $5000, on top of already expensive engineering work required to meet the councils needs. The Taylors bought their land in early 2025. Natalie Taylor The price of detailed and site-specific advice does easily run into the thousands of dollars, which most residential landowners dont have spare, Roushani-Zarmehri said. These costs hang over the Taylors dream of building a small home for at least one of their sons, who therapists have said will likely need to live in supported living at some stage.

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I dont see how were going to be able to afford that  its not realistic for families, Taylor said. Related Article Updated

City council More than 10,000 Brisbane properties added to citys flood maps Roushani-Zarmehri said flood mapping was a constantly changing space, as governments must account for the effects of climate change and the bigger, faster floods the future could hold. In hindsight, if we had the same flood model data today as we did back then, we wouldnt be seeing some of these properties zoned the way they have, especially residential properties, he said. A spokesperson said Logan City Council was working to ease the burden of the small developments on landholders affected by the flood maps.

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The council has said the Restore Blue investigation, which began in February, would take about three months. 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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NationalWAMining Inside WAs battle for billions as Gina Rinehart and rival heirs await defining verdict on iron ore fortune Carla Hildebrandt April 11, 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

After more than a decade of courtroom warfare, Gina Rinehart is facing a defining moment that could reshape her mining empire and test her standing as Australias richest person, as a judgment looms in a bitter fight with rival heirs and members of her own family. A ruling to be handed down in WAs Supreme Court on Wednesday will decide who gets paid, and how much, from some of the countrys richest iron ore royalty streams, with billions of dollars at stake. Gina Rinehart and her company Hancock Prospecting, started by her father Lang (far right), is defending claims to its Hope Downs iron ore tenement in the Pilbara from Wright Prospecting, started by Peter Wright (left). Composite image The case, which has been afoot since 2010, centres on claims by Wright Prospecting and DFD Rhodes that they are entitled to a share of lucrative royalty streams generated by Hancock Prospectings Hope Downs operation, a vast iron ore project co-owned by Rio Tinto in WAs Pilbara. Those assets generate billions of dollars in revenue each year, with royalty streams widely understood to be worth hundreds of millions annually.

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The dispute traces back to the partnership between Rineharts father, Lang Hancock, and fellow prospector Peter Wright, two school friends-turned-business partners who helped open up the Pilbara to iron ore mining. Related Article Courts Succession showdown: WAs iron ore heirs face off over multibillion-dollar deal Their alliance, dubbed the Hanwright partnership, formed the basis of early iron ore discoveries that would later underpin one of Australias largest private fortunes. By the early 1980s, the relationship had begun to fracture as the pair clashed over how to divide their assets. When the case was finally aired in court in 2023, correspondence and agreements between the pioneering prospectors were pored over to determine who was entitled to what  and how much their heirs would stand to inherit.

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Hancock wrote to Wright: We have to do our best to solve the problem now rather than pass it on to the next generation. But that never happened. Wright Prospecting, backed by the descendants of Peter Wright including billionaire Angela Bennett and the children of Michael Wright, Peters oldest son, argues the original partnership entitled both sides to share equally in any assets from those discoveries. The estate of another early prospector, Don Rhodes, represented by his company DFD Rhodes, has also made a claim, arguing it is entitled to a smaller share of about 1.25 per cent.

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That claim is derived from the role Rhodes played in discovering the Hope Downs iron ore deposit, with the terms set out in an agreement inked in 1969. However, Hancock Prospecting rejects the royalty claims from both Wright Prospecting and DFD Rhodes, maintaining it rebuilt the business and developed the projects after regaining control of key tenements from the state. Bianca Rinehart and John Hancock arrive at WAs Supreme Court in 2023. Trevor Collens In July 2023, on the eve of the case being aired in court, Hancock Prospecting unsuccessfully attempted to have a confidentiality order hide more than 16,700 pages of documents. Rineharts children stake their own claim on royalties

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Rineharts eldest children, Bianca Rinehart and John Hancock, entered the legal battle in 2016 after launching their own long-running dispute with their mother over trust money and inheritance. Related Article Courts Without merit: Gina Rineharts eldest children lose last-ditch bid for files That private dispute has centred in part on claims they were entitled to as much as 49 per cent of Hope Downs. In April 2024, the pair sought access to 82 confidential documents they believed could support their case  only for the Supreme Court to reject the bid as without merit. Justice Natalie Whitby criticised the effort as a drain on court resources, noting the dispute over those documents took six days of hearings and involved a court book spanning 6000 pages.

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Mining giant Rio Tinto, as the joint venture partner in Hope Downs, will also be impacted by the outcome, with potential ramifications for how joint-venture agreements are interpreted. The long-running litigation has spanned more than a decade, involving more than 50 court rulings and hearings that ran for 51 days. It has included counterclaims, disputes over closed versus open court proceedings and complex fights over evidence and privilege. On Wednesday, the matter will finally come to a head when Justice Jennifer Smith hands down her decision. However, volleys of appeals from all sides are anticipated to be filed as soon as the court adjourns, raising the prospect of the complicated and sprawling legal fight dragging on even longer. 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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PoliticsFederalCritical minerals The projects to benefit from Australias $5 billion rare earth funding deal James Massola April 12, 2026  10:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

A landmark United States-Australia critical minerals deal has already delivered more than $5 billion in funding commitments across 10 major projects, six months after Donald Trump and Anthony Albanese signed the agreement. The prime minister and the US president struck the deal last October after months of negotiations against a backdrop of Chinas having a stranglehold on many of the worlds most sought-after critical minerals and rare earth metals, which are used in everything from electric vehicle batteries to advanced weapons systems. Minister for Resources Madeleine King says Australia is taking the lead on rare earths. Alex Ellinghausen At the time, Trump predicted that in a years time, well have so much critical mineral and rare earths that you wont know what to do with them while Albanese hailed the project as a win for both countries. Both countries had agreed to commit up to $1.5 billion within six months to specific projects; the $5 billion committed so far has exceeded the initial pledge.

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Resources Minister Madeleine King and US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum recently met in Tokyo and discussed the 10 initial projects, and also discussed two further projects in the pipeline. Australia is taking a global lead to diversify crucial supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths, which are vital to support economic and national security for Australia and our trading partners, King said. Australia and the US are delivering on the commitments made in the White House, with priority projects in Australia that support production of rare earths and critical minerals including nickel, cobalt, gallium, magnesium, vanadium and graphite. Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump sign the rare earths deal in October last year. Bloomberg These materials are crucial to defence systems, advanced manufacturing and clean energy technologies that will help Australia and the world meet net zero commitments.

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The projects that have already been announced are Astrons Donald Rare Earths Project, the LaTrobe Magnesium project and the VHM Goschen Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project, all in Victoria; RZ Resources Copi Rare Earths Project in NSW; Arafuras Nolans Project in the NT; Graphinexs Esmerelda graphite mine and EQ Resources Mt Carbine Tungsten Project, both in Queensland; and three projects in Western Australia  an Alcoa gallium recovery project, the Northern Minerals heavy rare earths project and a Global Advanced Metals project. Related Article Opinion

Trump's America Trump has America embracing a dangerous future At least two more WA-based projects  Tronox Holdings rare earths refinery project and Ardea Resources Kalgoorlie Nickel Project  are also in line to secure close to $1 billion each, with letters of support signed by King and Burgum. This opens the door to Export Finance Australia and the US Export-Import Bank providing the same financial support to these additional two projects that they have already given to the first 10 projects. Trade Minister Don Farrell said the projects were a valuable economic opportunity for Australia at a time when demand for rare earths was increasing.

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Australia has abundant deposits of critical minerals and rare earths, well-established resources and energy supply chains, and the expertise to extract and process those minerals, Farrell said. Editor's pick Epstein fallout The biggest mystery in Washington  just why did Melania make that speech? When the deal was first announced, Chinas state-owned Global Times hit back and said it cannot shake Chinas dominant status in the supply chain for rare earths because of its pre-eminence in the refining of critical minerals. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.

Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Critical minerals James Massola is chief political commentator. He was previously national affairs editor and South-East Asia correspondent. He has won Quill and Kennedy awards and been a Walkley finalist. Connect securely on Signal @jamesmassola.01 or email. Connect via X
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InspirationFoodie travel Americans turned unwanted cuts of meat into a phenomenon Ben Groundwater April 13, 2026  5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share A A A

The dish: Texas barbecue Fancy Hanks BBQ at the top end of Melbournes Bourke Street, Melbourne. Aaron Francis Plate up We are not going to suggest that the Americans invented or even own the concept of the barbecue. Thats a topic for a much longer column. Instead, were going to talk about Texas barbecue, which has its own distinct style, with recognisable elements and a passionate following. In fact, there are four recognised styles of Texas barbecue  East, Central, West and South  but here we will focus on whats typically the best known, Central. The key ingredient for Central Texas barbecue is brisket, which is rubbed with salt and pepper (and sometimes a few other spices) and cooked low and slow over indirect heat for up to an entire day. That juicy brisket is sliced into thick wedges and served on a cafeteria-style tray with sausages and maybe pork ribs, plus a selection of white bread, dill pickles, jalapenos, corn bread, pinto beans, mac and cheese, and slaw. Its a feast, and its amazing.

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First serve Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Texas has the likes of Germany and the Czech Republic to thank for the genesis of its barbecue culture. Migrants from those countries are credited with introducing the practice of smoking meats to preserve them in the mid-19th century, and from there Texas barbecue was influenced by African American traditions and Mexican ingredients and ideas. The purpose of smoking meats, originally, was to preserve unwanted cuts such as brisket and pork ribs for later use. Eventually, these slow-cooked offcuts exceeded the popularity of the fresh, prime cuts, and markets and restaurants started specialising in this unique style. In Central Texas, the cities of Lockhart, Luling and Taylor are the spiritual homes of pit-style barbecue. Order there In the town of Elgin, about 40 kilometres east of Austin, Southside Market & Barbeque (southsidemarket.com), has been around since 1886, and is the oldest barbecue restaurant in Texas.

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Related Article South America Australian barbecues have nothing on this meat-crazed country Order here In Sydney, Central Texas pitmaster Kareem El-Ghayesh and local chef Lennox Hastie are putting on a series of masterclasses and meals at Sydney Brewery Rozelle from May 1 to 4 (firedoor.com.au). In Melbourne, check out Fancy Hanks (pictured above) in the city (fancyhanks.com). And in Brisbane, try Frankies Smokehouse in Woolloongabba (frankiessmokehouse.com.au). One more thing One of the differences in Texan barbecue styles is the wood. In Central Texas its pecan or post oak, in the East its hickory, in the West its mesquite, and in the Mexican-influenced South, agave leaves are added.

Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Foodie travel

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North America Ben Groundwater is a Sydney-based travel writer, columnist, broadcaster, author and occasional tour guide with more than 25 years experience in media, and a lifetime of experience traversing the globe. He specialises in food and wine  writing about it, as well as consuming it  and at any given moment in time Ben is probably thinking about either ramen in Tokyo, pintxos in San Sebastian, or carbonara in Rome. Follow him on Instagram @bengroundwater Connect via email
With international attention focused on Iran, the pioneers of Israels religious Zionist movement have their sights set on Gaza.

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At a picnic spot and a memorial for fallen Israeli soldiers just a few hundred metres from the Gaza border, Israels new pioneers are planning to expand the country. During the six-week war in Iran, international attention has turned away from Gaza. But for these would-be settlers, it has remained very much in focus. Israeli settlers walk in the direction of the Israel-Gaza border during a rally near the Kibbutz Kfar Aza in southern Israel on February 5, 2026. AFP Visitors are handed leaflets marked Our Gaza, showing how they intend to settle the entirety of the strip, creating settlements in the top, middle and bottom of the Palestinian territory between the horizontal military corridors the Israeli military has carved there. The people in Gaza are generally terrorists or terrorist supporters, and they dont deserve to live there, says Neri Abraham, an articulate 19-year-old with ringlets and a knitted kippah as he gestures across the fields to the Gaza fence and the ruins beyond. The good ones can stay if they like and live peacefully under Israeli rule, but the rest should go to Egypt. And the terrorists? Well, they are terrorists, and I dont care what happens to them. Right-wing Jewish settlers gather near the Gaza border last week. Anadolu via Getty Images

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Abraham and his colleagues are religious Zionists and they are the vanguard of a new and radical social movement sweeping Israeli politics and its institutions. They are dedicated to the creation of a greater Israel  one which encompasses not just Gaza and the West Bank, but the Golan Heights and parts of southern Lebanon too. Fuelled by a political system that has given Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir outsized power and influence, they have become the political and cultural force in Israel to be reckoned with. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announcing a major expansion of settlement building in the West Bank. AP As handy with guns as they are with the Torah, their men now dominate large parts of the Israeli army, manning many of its front-line commando and special forces units. Avichi Goodman, 34, an Israel Defence Forces officer and rabbi whose father moved to Israel 40 years ago, says the sects success is explained by its willingness to act and serve. We have to teach the Gazans that they have lost. How do you do that? You must take this land from them. Avichi Goodman, IDF officer and rabbi

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He, like the others gathered near the fence, exudes the rugged pioneering spirit of the countrys kibbutzniks of old, combined with the religiosity of the black-clad ultra-Orthodox. When help is needed, who turns up? Religious Zionists, says Goodman. The groups outlook and ideology are direct and formulaic and many of the same arguments are deployed repeatedly. They are go-to heuristics used to argue against any counter-view. Goodman, and two others, remind the London Telegraph of a quote by former Israeli prime minister Golda Meir on guns: If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel. The logic of the would-be settlers is as self-serving as it is catchy. Despite the ceasefire, life remains extremely tough for Gazas inhabitants. AP We have learnt that war is binary. You win or lose. If you take a middle line, you get rocks on your head, says Goodman.

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We have to teach the Gazans that they have lost. How do you do that? You must take this land from them. We want a victory now that prevents future wars. We want to finish all the wars now. Across the fence in Gaza, people say there is no war but no peace. The roads hum as you approach, as they are still imprinted by the tanks that were rushed there on October 7, 2023, but the near-constant artillery barrage that was maintained for more than two years stopped when a Gaza ceasefire came into effect in October last year. Nevertheless, more than 720 people have been killed in Gaza during the ceasefire by Israeli forces, and conditions within the Strip, although improved, remain dire. The basic necessities of life are nonexistent. Our children do not go to school, we have no rights, we do not feel safe. I have a constant fear famine will return. Abed Al-Hadi Qahman Abu Said Al-Barrawi, a 57-year-old farmer, said his and other families live like cats moving their kittens from one place to another in search of safety, food and shelter.

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I am a farmer, but my land, which I used to cultivate, lies behind the [Israeli-controlled] yellow line. I dreamed of returning to it after the ceasefire was announced, but nothing has changed. The winter, which has only just broken, was hellish, said Abed Al-Hadi Qahman, 40, from northern Gaza. Our tent was blown away several times, our belongings got soaked, and we were struggling just to protect our children from the biting cold. The basic necessities of life are nonexistent. Our children do not go to school; we have no rights, we do not feel safe, and we do not feel that the war has ended. I am terrified of being displaced yet again, and I have a constant fear that famine will return. Thousands of Gazans are still living in makeshift camps. AP Miraculously, the Gaza ceasefire  overseen by a US military team parachuted in last year by US President Donald Trump  has held over the past five weeks, and the peace process is grinding on. A technocratic board of Palestinians has been put in place to administer the Gaza Strip, reporting to Trumps Board of Peace and its executive board, on which former British prime minister Tony Blair sits.

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Peace talks between US, Iran under way in Pakistan

Peace talks between the US and Iran are taking place in Pakistans capital as a delicate ceasefire hangs in the balance.
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by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe's Deputy Chief Secretary for Presidential Communications, George Charamba, has defended the ongoing debate around Constitutional Amendment No. 3, insisting the process is a sovereign matter that must be determined solely by Zimbabweans.Speaking amid growing public scrutiny, Charamba dismissed what he described as widespread misinformation surrounding the proposed changes, maintaining that the exercise is a routine and legitimate part of democratic governance."There is lots of disinformation, some of it quite gratuitous by those who are opposed to the amendment. We are amending the Constitution, we are not changing or throwing away the current Constitution," he said.He stressed that the amendment process is neither new nor unusual, noting that it follows two previous constitutional amendments."This is a mere amendment of the Constitution and the fact that it is amendment number three means there are two other amendments that precede it. So really there is nothing unusual about the exercise which is underway."Charamba rejected the notion that constitutions are fixed, arguing that they are designed to evolve in line with national priorities and changing circumstances."Constitutions are not immutable. Constitutions are made by people and they are meant for the people it is a document which changes as and when the governing milieu changes to ensure that it is always an expression of the aspirations of the people," he said.He traced Zimbabwe's constitutional evolution from the colonial era through independence to the present, emphasising that amendments have historically reflected shifting political and social realities.On the origins of Amendment No. 3, Charamba described it as emerging from grassroots discussions before gaining traction within political structures and eventually being adopted by Cabinet."It starts as an intention or a wish of the youth it radiates until we get to ten provinces at which point that intention then coalesces to become the intention of a political party," he said.He explained that once Cabinet approves such a proposal, it becomes government policy and is then tabled before Parliament, where public consultations are conducted."Parliament has invited members of the public to air their views whether for or against and ultimately the decision is consistent with the wishes of the majority of the Zimbabwean people," he said.Charamba urged citizens to actively participate in the consultation process rather than criticising it from the sidelines."Go and make your ideas felt whether for or against and ultimately parliament will then have to glean through all those submissions and that is democratic."Addressing calls for a referendum, he maintained that legislative authority lies with Parliament under Zimbabwean law."You cannot place the referendum in apposition to parliament it is parliament which is mandated to do so in terms of our law," he said.On proposed changes to the electoral system, including how the President is chosen, Charamba noted that Zimbabwe has historically used different models and that current debates should be resolved through the ongoing consultation process."This same country which made the president's elective is now debating whether or not this system serves us well let's wait for the consultation process let the majority prevail," he said.He reiterated that the proposed amendment targets specific provisions rather than replacing the entire Constitution."This is not the constitution which is being changed, it is an aspect of it which is being amended we might go through the fourth one, fifth one and that is very much consistent."Charamba also underscored that constitutional reform remains a domestic issue."The issue to do with the constitution and all the amendments that are deemed necessary is a sovereign question for the Zimbabwean people," he said.
Pope Leo XIVs visit : A Test for the Vatican Amid Camerouns War on the former UN Trust Territory :: CAMEROON

Pope Leo XIVs visit to Bamenda and La Republique du Cameroun: A Moral Test for the Vatican Amid Camerouns War on the former UN Trust Territory of British Southern Cameroons.

As Pope Leo XIV makes his way to Bamenda on 16 April 2026 for a Meeting For Peace in St Josephs Cathedral and a Mass at Bamenda International Airport, the inhabitants of the former UN Trust Territory of British Southern Cameroons (Ambazonia) look at him with a mix of hope and profound doubt. The Holy Fathers mission to Cameroon comes during a nine-year armed conflict which the Yaounde government does not consider war but that has resulted in what the Norwegian Refugee Council has accurately described as the worlds most neglected displacement crisis.

The crisis is not an "internal Cameroonian matter." It is the immediate and predictable consequence of failed decolonisation in the former British Southern Cameroons of the United Nations Trust Territory. The UN General Assembly Resolution 1608 (XV) of 21 April 1961 explicitly required negotiations for a federal union of two equal states supervised by the UN. This process was stopped; annexation followed. Both the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR) Decision on Communication 266/2003 (the Banjul Decision) and the 2019 Federal High Court decision in Abuja, Nigeria, have confirmed the historic grievances and also the illegality of the rendition of Ambazonian leaders. But the guns have not gone silent.

Cameroon's security forces have carried out operations of extrajudicial killings, torture, enforced disappearances, and systematic burning of villages since late 2016. Summary executions, burning homes and looting health centres in the North-West region is another area documented by Human Rights Watch. Amnesty International has also recorded soldiers dousing civilian houses with petrol and setting them on fire while asking, Where are the Amba boys? The U.S. State Departments 2021-2025 human rights reports detailed arbitrary killings, forced disappearances and the dumping of bodies by government forces. Today, over 580,000 people in the North-West and South-West regions are displaced, according to Amnesty International. Civilians in Ambazonia are at imminent risk of atrocity crimes, the Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect says.

These violations engage international human rights law at the highest level. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention Against Torture, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights all forbid the very same conduct, often credited to Cameroonian security forces. The right of peoples to self-determination, codified in the UN Charter and the two International Covenants of 1966  is not a slogan; it is a peremptory norm. When a state addresses legitimate political grievances with collective punishment, it loses every claim to moral high ground.

Making the humanitarian catastrophe look worse is the political sleight of hand that is taking place in Yaounde. On 4 April 2026, Cameroons parliament hurried through constitutional amendments restoring the vice presidency  abolished since 1972  without having any guarantee that the holder had to come from the English-speaking community when the President is Francophone. The Guardian Post Cameroon rightly headlined the motion Anglophones cheated again! Article 10 of the amended constitution is just another excuse to let the Head of State appoint a Vice President. Instead of addressing the structural marginalisation that caused the crisis, the amendment strengthens presidential discretion and risks further entrenching the grievances that drive separatism.

Here is the Cameroon that Pope Leo XIV will encounter in Bamenda: a state that proclaims peace when its military pursues scorched-earth tactics but which rewrites its own constitution in an attempt to appease international opinion without consenting to real power-sharing, and which yet maintains Ambazonian leaders in Yaoundes maximum security prison in defiance of Nigerian and African Commission rulings.

The Vatican has a moral duty to tell the truth to power. A generic call for dialogue that doesnt take into account the structural causes of the crisis, and the unacceptable marginalisation of Southern Cameroonians is guilty by its own admission. The 16-Point Peace Plan released by the Ambazonian representatives in July 2025 presents a concrete, staged step-by-step programme addressing the root causes of the crisis and the unacceptable marginalisation of Southern Cameroonians at the same time to:

 Immediate ceasefire

 Unconditional release of all Ambazonian political prisoners at home and abroad (including the Nera 10)

 Recognition of the legal foundations in UN Resolution 1608 (XV)

 Restoration of meaningful autonomy or the explicit negotiation of total independence

 Independent truth and reconciliation commission

 Demilitarisation and international guarantees.

The plan has already been endorsed by the ACHPR and Nigerian courts, according to the same instruments. It is implementable, monitorable, and puts the alternative full restoration of Ambazonian statehood on an equal basis with any federal framework  just what international law calls for.

Pope Leo XIVs visit to Bamenda is not merely pastoral; it is political. By standing in the capital of the North-West region while villages still smoulder and displaced families crowd into refugee camps across Nigeria and beyond, the Holy Father has an unparalleled platform. He must use it to demand:

An immediate, verifiable ceasefire monitored by a neutral AU/UN mission;

The unconditional release of all Ambazonian political prisoners at home and abroad ;

Unfettered humanitarian access ;

Direct negotiations - without preconditions - between Yaounde and the legitimate Ambazonian representatives, hosted in a neutral third country, with the full spectrum of political outcomes, including independence , on the table; and

Explicit addressing of the root causes of the crisis and the unacceptable marginalisation of Southern Cameroonians.

Call on countries with significant leverage on the Biya regime  such as France, China, Russia, Switzerland and the USA  must now exert diplomatic and international pressure on the Yaounde regime to end its senseless genocidal war on Ambazonians immediately.

Anything less will be remembered not as peace but as a photo opportunity that legitimised a regime still at war with its own people.

The suffering of the Ambazonian people  burned villages, orphaned children, raped women and exiled leaders  not only requires more than prayers. It requires prophetic courage. The Vatican, that at one time broke apartheid and mediated civil wars in Latin America, cannot afford to remain silent when another English-speaking African community is disappearing from the map.

About the Author: Dr Larry Ayamba is a pioneering spokesman of the Ambazonian independence movement and a former Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of the Ambazonia Governing Council (AGovC). He campaigned for the decolonisation of the former UN Trust Territory of British Southern Cameroons (Ambazonia), was actively involved in the representation of AGovC in the world, and was the author of its re-admission to the UNPO in 2018. Dr Ayamba presents the crisis as a continuation of colonial annexation and, in essence, calls for genuine dialogue and for total independence.

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James Cox

Here, we have a look at the issues likely to dominate political discourse in the week to come.

Support package

The only topic this week will be the fuel protests.

The cost of a litre of petrol or diesel will fall by 10 cent from midnight on Tuesday after the Cabinet agreed a 505 million support scheme.

The Carbon Tax increase planned for the May 1st has also been deferred until the budget in October.

Separate packages have been confirmed with the agriculture and haulage sectors - with hauliers to receive graduated payments for three months depending on the size of the business.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said the measures will be paid for from the national surplus - but it may mean less can be done in the budget.

Criticism

This will be far from the end of the controversy for the Coalition.

Sinn Fein is due to table a motion of no confidence in the Dail, although it will be largely symbolic as it would need the support of government-supporting Independents, which is unlikely.

Independent Ireland said the measures "are too little too late".

Cork TD Ken O'Flynn said the Government has failed to listen, and failed to address the concerns of people across Ireland.

He said the discontent around the country is not solely about fuel prices but reflects broader concerns - with a growing sense that taxpayers money is not being used effectively.

The Labour Party said the Government has abandoned PAYE workers with the package of supports announced tonight.

The party's finance spokesperson Ged Nash said the chaos of the last few days has seen the Governments authority drain away.

The Green Party has reacted by calling on the Government to urgently clarify the impact of the delay in carbon tax increases.

Party leader Roderic OGorman said while they welcome the targeted measures to assist farmers, fishing and the haulage sector - the delay in the carbon tax increase announced today means there's going to be a gap between what the Government has promised to spend, and what it's expected to take in.

Abroad

President Donald Trump on Sunday said the US Navy would immediately start blockading the Strait of Hormuz and awould also interdict every vessel in international waters that had paid a toll to Iran.

Trump made ahis remarks in a Truth Social post hours a after US - Iran peace talks ended without a deal. Trump said athe meeting "went well, most points were agreed," but added the two sides a had not aagreed on Iran's anuclear programme.

Hungary's veteran nationalist leader Viktor Orban conceded defeat on Sunday after a landslide election victory by the upstart opposition Tisza party, in a setback for his allies in Russia and US president Donald Trump's White House.

Results based on 46 per cent of votes counted showed the centre-right, apro-EU Tisza party of Peter Magyar winning 135 seats - or a crucial two-thirds majority - in the 199-member parliament, ahead of Orban's Fidesz party.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A celebrated Texas-born hunter was crushed to death by a baby elephant in Zimbabwe as he tried to measure its ivory tusks for an American client, the Dailymail reported.Ian Gibson, 55, was a lauded figure among U.S. safari enthusiasts, who would commission him to slaughter prized animals near his home in South Africa.On Wednesday, he was tentatively approaching the young bull elephant in Zimbabwe's Zambezi Valley when the animal charged, and knelt on Gibson until he died.His American client, who was also present, has not been identified. The Dallas Safari Club is paying for Gibson's funeral.Despite only having one leg, Gibson was described by fans as 'fit and strong'.According to a statement from Safari Classics, posted on AfricaHunting.com, the group had stopped for a rest when the animal approached their group.Gibson and his tracker approached to assess its ivory.'At very close range, Ian was able to get off one shot before the bull killed him. The scene was very graphic,' the statement read.Twitter users were widely pitiless, with hundreds of animal rights supporters commenting that he 'got what he deserved'.Tributes posted on the hunting forum slammed unsympathetic reactions to Gibson's death, describing the big game hunter as a 'magnificent wildlife photographer and conservationist.'According to friends, he fired one shot at the young bull elephant, who was going through 'musth' - a period of high testosterone.The animal then charged.Gibson's trackers wrote on AfricaHunting.com: 'We know 'Gibbo' shot it once, from about 10 yards away, with a 458 [rifle].'He would never have fired unless he had no alternative. He was a hunter, yes, but he was also a magnificent wildlife photographer and conservationist.'He was so experienced and this is a most unexpected tragedy.'The news has come a month after a study was released warning that ivory hunting is continuing to diminish the elephant population in Africa.A report by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, which is known as CITES and regulates wildlife trade, said poaching rates of elephants in areas that are being monitored still exceed their natural birth rates.Conservationists say tens of thousands of elephants have been killed in Africa in recent years as demand for ivory in Asia, particularly China, increases. Past estimates of Africa's elephant population have ranged from 420,000 to 650,000.Prince William is one of the world's most prominent voices in defense of elephants against ivory hunters.
The April 14 meeting of the Lookout Mountain Planning Commission was originally scheduled to be a public hearing about the gondola ride that Rock City wants to build up the east side of the mountain. That discussion has been postponed and no new date has been set because the commission is waiting to see the data from both sewer and traffic surveys.

Both of those studies are being done to determine if the roads could handle added vehicular traffic and if the current sewer system could handle the increased capacity needed if there is a significant increase of tourists in the city.

The new sewer pump station is now close to being built and the first change order for a design modification that will make the new pump station more functional was approved at the council meeting.

The Lookout Mountain, Ga., public works department is updating its fleet. At the April council meeting, the purchase of a new garbage truck was approved. It has been test driven on site to ensure that it will meet the needs of the city and can handle the small curvy roads on the mountain. The cost will be $239,875 through the government purchasing co-op Sourcewell.

When the new truck is received, the old garbage truck will become a vehicle for collecting brush. A lighter grapple has been attached to the current brush tractor which Councilman Kevin Leckenby said is better for the vehicle but it will take longer to finish the bigger piles. Residents are asked to leave room for the grappler when brush is piled near sewer grinders, water meter boxes and guy wires that are easily damaged. The citys leaf vacuum was patched during the fall and was functional to the end of the leaf season, and now the search for a new leaf truck is beginning. The department which has been short-staffed for several months has a new employee so multiple projects can now be worked on at the same time.

Other projects done this month by the public works staff include removing election signage at the conclusion of the election. One-way signage was posted on Wendy Trail. The Fairyland Festival was set up and taken down by the public works department and new planters around city hall are being planted so they will be in bloom for the July 4th celebration.

Request for pothole repairs have been sent to GDOT for Ochs Highway, Red Riding Hood Trail and McFarland Road, which are all state roads. The request is for the work to be done before the busy summer season on Lookout Mountain. Other street improvements are being made on Gnome Trail where reflectors are being added and pavement repairs are being made on the steep area of Wood Nymph Trail. And the gas line replacement project has progressed to Aladdin and Wood Nymph, but as no surprise, has been slowed because they hit rock.

The city applied for but did not receive a public safety grant from Firehouse Subs but is resubmitting the application. These grants are for vial equipment for first responders. If it is received in this round, the fire department plans to use it to buy extrication equipment.

The Lookout Mountain Georgia and Tennessee fire departments are meeting to evaluate how the two departments have been working together. The report is being generated for understanding how each towns assets have been used and how they are delegating their forces.

Council member Tony Townes, the liaison with Fairyland School, reported that the annual Fairyland Festival and Grandparents Day at the school were both very successful events. And for assistant principal appreciation day, all the children honored Troy Green by wearing the color green.
Celebrating Chattanoogas Citywide Art Week, acclaimed artist Alan Shuptrine will serve as the Artist-in-Residence at the Edwin Hotel next Friday-Sunday.



There will be special meet-and-greet hours, where collectors and guests will have the opportunity to experience the artists work firsthand.

A curated selection of original paintings will be available, along with signed copies of his book.



Fresh from his recent residency and exhibition in Scotland, Mr. Shuptrine is widely recognized for his masterful watercolor and oil paintings - capturing the quiet poetry and enduring spirit of the South.



Hours will be

Friday from 4-8 p.m.

Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; 4-8 p.m.

Sunday 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.



The Edwin Hotel is located at 102 Walnut St. by the Walnut Street Bridge.
Conversations about our schools often start with policy, but they should start with people. Across District 5, families, educators, and students are asking how we continue strengthening learning, addressing behavior, and preparing students for long-term success. One of those conversations centers on trauma-informed schools and what that means in practice.

There have been real questions about this approach. Families want to know how discipline fits, whether expectations are changing, and what this looks like in the classroom. Those are fair questions, and they deserve clear answers.

Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with Micah Chapman about his vision for District 5 and how trauma-informed practices fit into his broader 5T plan. What stood out was the clarity in how it connects to what families and educators are experiencing. In that conversation, Micah made it clear: Lets be clear. Trauma-informed schools are not about lowering expectations or making excuses for behavior, and they are not a replacement for discipline. They are about understanding what students are carrying with them when they walk into the classroom and responding in a way that helps them meet expectations, not avoid them. Trauma-informed practices give schools better tools, but they also require structure and accountability. This includes training staff to recognize when a student is struggling, creating consistent classroom environments, and building stronger relationships between schools and families.

Students do not leave life at the door when they enter school. What happens outside the classroom follows them in, and ignoring that reality makes it harder for both students and teachers to succeed. National research, including the CDCs Adverse Childhood Experiences study, shows that trauma can significantly impact a students behavior, development, and ability to learn.

He also emphasized that this work is part of a broader approach to leadership. This plan is not about a one-size-fits-all solution. It is about showing up, listening first, and working directly with our schools, our families, and our educators to support what works best in each building while staying accountable for results. He described the 5T plan as a commitment to how leadership should operate. Transparency means making sure our community is part of the process before anything becomes a headline. Families deserve to be informed and heard early. Teacher support starts with listening. That includes creating intentional spaces like teacher groups or circles where educators can share what is working and what they need. Our teachers are caregivers, mentors, and advocates. Fair and competitive compensation is essential, and support also means giving them the tools and environment they need to do their job well. Trauma-informed practices are the foundation for how we approach students. Strategies like restorative justice and progressive discipline are tools, but training helps educators understand the why behind behavior and respond in ways that keep students engaged in learning. Togetherness means our schools, families, and leadership are aligned. When decision-makers are not on the same page, it creates confusion for the community. Strong coordination at every level matters. Thriving futures means expanding career and technical education, strengthening Future Ready Institutes, and building pathways to local careers so students are prepared for life after graduation.

This approach reflects what many families and educators have been asking for: clarity, collaboration, and consistency.

He also spoke to the role families play in student success: Families are a critical part of this work. When families, educators, and communities are aligned, students have a stronger foundation to succeed. That alignment takes intentional communication, trust, and consistency. At the end of the day, this is about real outcomes for our students and teachers. When students feel supported, they are more engaged and more successful. When teachers feel supported, classrooms are more focused and more effective.

As an educator, I have seen how important that alignment is. When schools and families are connected, students show up differently. That is why I support Micah Chapman for District 5 School Board. His approach reflects a commitment to collaboration, communication, and continued progress in support of our students, educators, and families.

This op-ed is supported by a coalition of parents and educators from across Hamilton County, including voices from both K-12 and higher education, who are committed to supporting students, strengthening schools, and building stronger connections between families and education.

Moms for Micah

Marylene Appleberry, Chasity Banks, Nikki Banks, Darleene Babbs Cole, Martina Alford, Marylene Appleberry, Darleene Babbs Cole, Kendra Chapman-Stewart, Norma Chapman,aren Collins, Veatrice Conley, Riki Doss, Gwendolyn Edmondson, Angela Evans, Edna Freeman, Connie Gates, Lola Gibbs, Rev. Terryl James, Kreshena Jenkins, Sabrina Jones, Lya Kimbrough, Deborah Maddox, Amanda McClure, Tenasa McGhee, Christie Morris, Councilwoman Marvene Noel, Audrey Ramsey, Jackie Simpson, Shay Smith, Dr. Dorothy Simmons, Brenda Stone, Linda Visher, Rev. Shauna Wooten

Educators for Chapman

Callie Barrett, Tiara Boston, Natalie Cothran, Deonte Jackson, Dr. William Ladd III, Stacy Lightfoot, Florencia Martineau, Commissioner Dr. Warren Mackey, Shannon Morrow, Dr. Reggie Smith, Bria Sibley, Rev. Dr. J. Anthony Taylor II, Rev. Dr. Charlotte Williams, Jennifer Woods

Rev. Dr. William T. Ladd III

STEM Educator
Home News Nearly half of Americans say they have read at least half the Bible, poll finds

Nearly half of Americans have read at least half of the Bible, while only about a quarter qualify as "active" Bible readers, according to a new survey that found that a 2025 uptick in Bible reading has seemingly subsided.

The American Bible Society has released the first installment of the "State of the Bible USA 2026." The chapter, titled The Bible in America Today, outlines the frequency and depth of Bible reading among Americans based on responses collected from 2,649 U.S. adults from Jan. 827. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.

Last year, we saw an uptick in Bible reading in the United States. Bible sales increased. We heard discussions about revival, said American Bible Society Chief Innovation Officer and State of the Bible series Editor-in-Chief John Farquhar Plake in a statement. But this year Bible Use and Scripture Engagement have generally returned to 2024 levels.

When asked how much of the Bible they have read, a combined 48% of Americans said they have read half of the Bible or more. That includes 17% who said they have read the entire Bible, another 17% who said they have read most of the Bible, and 14% who said they have read about half. Meanwhile, 35% of respondents told pollsters they have read a little bit of the Bible, while 10% have not read any of it. Another 7% said they were not sure how much of the Bible they had read.

The survey examined the frequency of Bible use in the U.S., with the American Bible Society defining "Active Bible Users" as those who use Scripture at least once per week outside of a church service and classifying those who use Scripture at least three or four times a year as "Occasional Bible Users." A plurality of Americans (42%) never use the Bible, while an additional 13% use it less than once a year, and another 7% read it once or twice a year.

This amounts to a combined 62% of respondents who are Not Bible Users. Compared to the previous two years, the percentage of respondents who are Not Bible Users was identical to the share measured in 2024 and slightly larger than the 59% recorded in 2025.

Broken down by sex, large majorities of both men (66%) and women (59%) are Not Bible Users, while 10% of men and 16% of women are Occasional Bible Users. The share of Active Bible Users is nearly identical among men (24%) and women (26%).

Six percent of those surveyed use the Bible three or four times a year, while 7% use the Bible once a month, with the combined 13% comprising the Occasional Bible Users category. The share of respondents in the Occasional Bible Users category dropped 3 percentage points from 2025, matching the 13% measured in 2024.

The share of respondents who use the Bible once a week (6%) and several times a week (6%) was higher than the percentage of those surveyed who use the Bible four or more times a week (3%) but lower than the share of Bible users who interact with Scripture on their own every day (9%). Overall, 25% of Americans are Active Bible Users, down from 26% in 2025 but up from 24% in 2024.

Though Scripture engagement has come back down, the number of Americans who are interested in and open to the Bible has swelled by 9 million people over the last 2 years," Plake said. "Bible Curious Americans tell us that they would welcome someone to guide them through the complexity of the Bible."

The percentage of Americans who are Bible users, the sum of Active Bible Users and Occasional Bible Users, adds up to 38%. Broken down by education level, Bible use is higher than the national average among respondents without a high school diploma (47%), those with a high school diploma (43%), and those with some college or an associate degree (39%).

On the other hand, Bible use is lower than the national average among those with a bachelors degree (30%) and respondents with postgraduate or professional degrees (33%). The U.S. region with the highest percentage of Bible users is the East South Central states (54%), referring to Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

Other regions with Bible use higher than the national average include the Mountain states (45%), which consist of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming; the South Atlantic states (43%), including Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia; the West South Central states (43%), specifically Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas; and the East North Central states (40%): Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Meanwhile, regions with Bible use lower than the national average are the Mid-Atlantic states (37%), including New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania; the West North Central states (35%), referring to Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota; the Pacific states (26%), consisting of Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington; and the New England states (15%).
Home News Texas education board gives preliminary OK to Bible content on mandatory reading list Literary works list includes passages from Old, New Testaments

The book of Job is one step closer to joining Dr. Seuss The Cat in the Hat in Texas classrooms.

More than a dozen passages from the Holy Bible are on a statewide list of required literary works for millions of students across the state that was preliminarily approved Thursday by the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE).

The Republican-majority panel voted 9-5 to approve the reading list, which will become mandatory for all public schools in Texas starting in 2030, pending a final vote scheduled for June.

Officials initially pushed back the vote in January following controversy on an initial draft version of the Literary Works List, which was recommended by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) under House Bill 1605, passed by the Legislature in 2023.

If granted final approval, the list would apply to the state's approximately 5.4 million students from kindergarten through 12th grade and mandates specific texts that students must read either in full or in excerpt form, alongside classic children's stories, novels and other literature.

Specific Bible passages identified in the TEA's proposed list include:

The Golden Rule  kindergarten

The Parable of the Prodigal Son  first grade

The Road To Damascus  third grade

Do Not Be Anxious / Matthew 6:25-34  sixth grade

Jonah and the Whale, The Definition of Love (1 Corinthians 13), The Shepherd's Psalm (Psalm 23)  seventh grade

The Eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12)  eighth grade

In addition, the proposed list would assign specific Bible chapters to English grade levels:

English I: David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17), Lamentations 3

English II: The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9)

English III: To Everything There is a Season (Ecclesiastes 3)

English IV: The Book of Job (Job 1-7, 11, 14, 19, 28, 38-42)

The SBOE list draws primarily from translations such as the English Standard Version (ESV), New International Reader's Version (NIRV), King James Version (KJV), and one instance of the Jewish Publication Society Tanakh 1917 for Lamentations 3. No passages from other faith traditions appear on the list.

In addition to the Bible, several other required works on the list are familiar literary classics, including Red Riding Hood, Peter Rabbit, Fahrenheit 451, The Odyssey, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, A Wrinkle in Time, and speeches such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream."

While the SBOE approved an optional, Bible-infused curriculum in November 2024 for public elementary schools, the literary list approved Thursday would be required reading for all public schools.

If granted final approval, the literary works list would become part of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for English Language Arts and Reading, with parallel provisions for Spanish language arts and English learners. Districts could supplement the required texts with additional locally chosen materials.

The vote is the latest move to incorporate biblical content into public school classrooms.

Last May, Gov. Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 10, which mandated the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public schools. Since then, a number of legal challenges in over two dozen districts have temporarily halted the enforcement of SB 10.

In 2023, Texas became the first state to allow chaplains to counsel public school students, giving school districts the option to establish chaplain programs for their students.

Correction: This article was revised to reflect that Texas State Board of Education voted 9-5 to approve the reading list. An earlier version stated an incorrect tally.
Home News This week in Christian history: Pope bashes French Revolution; Heaven is for Real movie debuts

Throughout the extensive history of the Church, numerous events of lasting significance have occurred.

Each week marks anniversaries of milestones, tragedies, triumphs, notable births and deaths.

Some events, spanning more than 2,000 years of history, might be familiar, while others may be unknown to many.

The following pages highlight anniversaries of memorable events from this week in Christian history, including the birth of Richard Harvey Cain, Pope Pius VI denouncing the French Revolution, and the release of the movie Heaven Is for Real.
Home Opinion Why Vermont regulating health care sharing ministries is unconstitutional

Vermont is on the verge of making a serious constitutional error.

The Vermont House of Representatives has approved the language from H. 102, a bill that was defeated in 2025 but whose language was resurrected and quietly embedded as Section 10 of H. 585, a health care omnibus bill. This measure would subject Health Care Sharing Ministries (HCSMs), federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit charities, to regulation by the states Insurance Division. The bill now heads to the Senate.

If it passes, the state will find itself embroiled in a costly legal battle it cannot win  one that tramples the First Amendment rights of hundreds of Vermont families already members of Health Care Sharing Ministries.

I know these communities well. I served in the U.S. Congress representing Illinois for eight years, and during that entire time, my family and I chose Samaritan Ministries over the Congressional insurance exchange because it aligned with our faith and values. For more than 12 years, Ive experienced firsthand what makes health care sharing different: when I submit a medical bill, other members dont just send money, they send cards, notes and prayers. This is not insurance. It is a voluntary community of faith.

And that distinction matters enormously  legally, practically, and constitutionally.

Health Care Sharing Ministries are not insurance companies. Our members make a moral, not a contractual, commitment to one another. There are no premiums, no guaranteed benefits, and no actuarial risk pools. The Affordable Care Act itself recognized this distinction, and 34 states have passed laws explicitly clarifying that HCSMs are not engaged in the business of insurance. Vermont should join them, not run in the opposite direction.

Instead, Section 10 of H. 585 would compel Christian ministries to hand over to state regulators a sweeping array of proprietary and sensitive information: the names of vendors and partners, external communications to members, operational and financial data, and details about how the ministry conducts its religious programs.

To understand what this means in practice, ask yourself: would any faith organization in Vermont want to report to the government who its vendors are, how much it pays them, how and what it communicates with its congregation, and why it makes the financial decisions it does? Of course not.

The constitutional protections that guard churches protect HCSMs for the same reason: they are faith-based charities, not businesses subject to state insurance regulation.

The Alliance has identified four distinct constitutional problems with Vermonts bill.

First, it violates the Establishment Clause. The U.S. Supreme Court has long held that the government may not foster an excessive entanglement with religion. Placing a religious ministry under continuous state monitoring and requiring it to justify its financial decisions to a government agency does exactly that.

Second, it violates the Free Exercise Clause. Vermonts bill singles out ministries, organizations defined by their religious identity, and subjects them to burdens not imposed on comparable secular organizations.

Third, the Free Speech Clause is at stake. The bill would require ministries to disclose how much of members monthly contributions go toward sharing medical expenses versus communications, forcing religious organizations to expose the balance between their charitable and evangelistic activities to government scrutiny. Compelled disclosures of this kind violate the First Amendments protection against compelled speech.

Fourth, freedom of association is implicated. The Supreme Courts decision in Americans for Prosperity v. Bonta makes clear that the government cannot compel an organization to disclose its members or affiliates without a compelling interest. This bill requires exactly that, with no compelling interest demonstrated.

The Alliance concludes that many of these constitutional concerns would subject the legislation to strict scrutiny, and that it is hard to see how this legislation could survive that test. Vermont lawmakers should take this warning seriously. The Alliance is already litigating against Colorados nearly identical law at the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. Vermont would simply be inviting the same fight  at taxpayer expense.

Meanwhile, HCSMs are not unregulated. Every states Attorney General has jurisdiction over charities and nonprofits, and Vermonts existing consumer protection laws under Title 9 of Vermont Statutes already prohibit deceptive or fraudulent conduct. Vermonts Department of Justice retains full authority to investigate and act against bad actors. No regulatory gap exists that demands this bill.

Transparency concerns are also addressed effectively through private accreditation. The Health Care Sharing Accreditation Board imposes more than 65 standards covering governance, transparency, and internal processes. Annual IRS Form 990s are publicly available. Sharing guidelines are published on every ministrys website. These tools already give Vermonters everything they need to make informed decisions, without the state trampling on religious liberty. And notably, placing HCSMs under the Insurance Divisions oversight would itself mislead Vermonters into thinking these ministries are insurance  the very outcome everyone says they want to avoid.

At its core, this debate is about more than health policy. It is about whether the government can redefine a religious ministry to fit a regulatory framework that does not apply. It is about whether faith-based communities can operate according to their beliefs without undue interference.



Vermont lawmakers still have an opportunity to get this right. They can protect consumers while respecting constitutional boundaries by relying on existing oversight mechanisms and encouraging voluntary transparency.



If they fail to do so, they risk inviting costly litigation and, more importantly, eroding fundamental freedoms that should not be up for negotiation.

The Vermont Senate should reject Section 10 of H. 585. This isnt a transparency bill. It is an unconstitutional intrusion into the internal affairs of faith communities. Vermont should regulate HCSMs the way it properly regulates all nonprofits  through the Attorney General  and leave religious ministries free to serve their members as their faith compels.
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE Registrar General's office has dismissed allegations that its stringent regulations regarding the issuance of identity documents has deprived the right to identity to many people in farming communities.This position is in reply to the results of surveys carried out by some NGOs who blamed the RG's office for low literacy levels and early marriages in the affected communities.The Farm Community Trust of Zimbabwe says their survey revealed that most of the girls in farming communities marry at the average age of 15 after dropping out of school. It said farm communities had problems accessing birth certificates and national identity documents forcing children to drop out of school after grade six as they would not have birth certificates which are mandatory to register for grade seven exams.The spokesman in the RG's office Mr Ken Bvumavaranda yesterday said most of the farm workers are officially considered as aliens as they are descendants of migrant labourers from Mozambique and Malawi.These people are required to prove beyond doubt that they have been resident in Zimbabwe for 25 years. Mr Bvumavaranda said that the department had standard basic requirements that every applicant for national identity document - new or replacement - has to satisfy and cannot create special conditions for any group."It must be taken into consideration that an identity document is a security document which is issued once we're satisfied beyond doubt that the applicant meets our basic requirements," said Mr Bvumavaranda.
News / Regional

by Staff Reporter

A Figtree man shocked the community after he pulled down his late father's four roomed house and sold bricks for a song.The man vowed to uproot the foundation and take part of it to South Africa.Thomas Masango (33) neatly brought down the house on Good Friday last week and sold each brick for R5.Apparently, his father was in arrears in paying the loan he took to build the house.Bambanani Co-operative spokesperson, Broken Mdlongwa said Masango arrived at the house unannounced and hastlty demolished the house and later sold the bricks."A dispute erupted after 11 members of the housing cooperative stormed into Masango's residence demanding $800 upfront as the co-operative had contributed towards the construction of the house."However, Masango did not back down claiming they were not going to understand what he was doing," Mdlongwa told B-Metro.Thomas Masango said he demolished the house because he had no relatives in the country and was the only child."What I did was only the beginning of more things to come. I will come very soon to uproot the foundation of the house and take it with me to Johannesburg as I have no relative left in this country," he vowed.
Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., speaks during the House Democrats hearing marking the five year anniversary of the attack on the Capitol, in the Capitol Visitor Center on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026.

Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell has so far denied calls for him to exit the California governor's race following allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman twice, including when she worked for him. After prominent supporters withdrew their backing, Swalwell said in a video on social media that he would spend the weekend with family and friends and share an update "very soon."

"These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They're absolutely false. They did not happen, they have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have," the congressman said Friday.

Swalwell was among the leading Democrats in the race to replace outgoing Gov. Gavin Newsom. But in just hours, he saw his most prominent supporters  including U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff and powerful labor unions  drop their endorsements and call for his exit from the race.

Newsom, a likely 2028 presidential candidate who has avoided engaging in the contest to replace him, said in a statement: "As we continue to learn more, these allegations from multiple sources are deeply troubling and must be taken seriously."

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who hasn't endorsed in the race, said the "serious allegations" must be investigated and that she spoke to Swalwell and suggested that be done "outside of a gubernatorial campaign."

The allegations surfaced at a critical stage of the wide-open campaign to lead the nation's most populous state. Voters will receive mail ballots next month in advance of the June 2 election.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported Friday that a woman said Swalwell sexually assaulted her in 2019 and 2024. The newspaper reviewed text messages about the alleged 2024 assault and spoke to people whom she had told about it. She told the newspaper she did not go to police because she was afraid she would not be believed.

The woman worked for Swalwell in 2019, when the first alleged assault occurred, and the 2024 assault allegedly occurred after a charity gala, the newspaper reported. She said in both cases she was too intoxicated to consent to sex.

The paper didn't name the woman, and The Associated Press has not been able to independently verify her account and identity. Her lawyer declined to comment.

The alleged 2024 incident occurred in New York, and the Manhattan District Attorney's Office said Saturday that it was investigating. The DA's office urged anyone with knowledge to contact its special victims division.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China CPC Central Committee, meets with a delegation of the Chinese Kuomintang KMT party led by its chairwoman Cheng Li-wun in Beijing, capital of China, April 10, 2026. (Photo by Xie Huanchi/Xinhua via Getty Images)

China on Sunday unveiled 10 new incentive measures for Taiwan, including easing tourist curbs, allowing in "healthy" television dramas and facilitating food sales, following a visit by the island's opposition leader.

The move comes at the end of a trip to China by Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Kuomintang (KMT), Taiwan's largest opposition party. She met Chinese President Xi Jinping and talked about the need for peace and reconciliation.

The 10 measures, unveiled by the official Xinhua news agency, "explore" the establishment of a regular communication mechanism between the KMT and China's Communist Party, the full resumption of flights between the two sides and permission for individuals from Shanghai and Fujian province to visit Taiwan.

A mechanism will be established to ease inspection standards for food and fishery products, but that has to be on the political foundation of "opposing Taiwan independence," Xinhua said.

Taiwanese TV dramas, documentaries and animation will be allowed to be shown as long as they have "correct orientation, healthy content, and high production quality," it added.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, which is in charge of the island's China policy, said in a statement that Beijing's so-called "unilateral concessions" are merely poisoned pills packaged as "generous gift packages."

The Taiwanese government supports healthy and orderly cross-strait exchanges, but they should not be subject to political preconditions or objectives, it said.

In a statement, the KMT welcomed China's announcement, saying it was a "gift" to the people of Taiwan.

China refuses to speak to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, saying he is a "separatist." He rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims over the democratically governed island.

China and Taiwan have blamed each other for the lack of a resumption of large-scale Chinese tourism to the island since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Taiwan has also previously complained about Chinese restrictions on imports of certain agricultural and aquatic products, saying China has in some cases used unjustified excuses to stop the spread of pests and diseases.
watch now

Hungary's veteran nationalist leader Viktor Orban conceded defeat on Sunday after a landslide election victory by the upstart opposition Tisza party, in a setback for his allies in Russia and U.S. President Donald Trump's White House. Results based on 81.5% of votes counted showed the center-right, pro-EU Tisza party of Peter Magyar winning 137 seats for a crucial two-thirds majority in the 199-member parliament, defeating Orban's Fidesz party. "The election results are not final yet, but the situation is understandable and clear," Orban, 62, said at the Fidesz campaign offices. Some of his supporters who had gathered outside cried as they watched him speak on TV screens. "The election result is painful for us, but clear." Election officials estimated turnout at a record of 79% or more, in an election that many Hungarians saw as a watershed moment for their country. Tisza's Magyar, 45, had cast the vote as a choice between "East and West," warning voters that Orban and his confrontational stance towards Brussels would take the country further away from the European mainstream. Orban countered that Tisza would drag Hungary into an unwanted war with Russia, a charge Magyar denied.

The president of the Tisza Party, Peter Magyar looks at the camera during his reply on his press conference in Budapest. Magyar  the biggest opposition of Viktor Orban and the Fidesz  went to a polling station (Hegyvideki Mesevar Ovoda) to vote and then he held a press conference for the Hungarian and international media in Budapest. Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images

"It's incredibly exciting," said 24-year-old Dorina Nyul, who attended the Tisza election night event. "It feels like this is our first and last chance in a really long time to actually change the system. And it's, I can't even describe the feeling." The end of Orban's 16-year rule will have significant implications not only for Hungary, but for the European Union, Ukraine and beyond. It is expected to bring an end to Hungary's adversarial role within the EU, possibly paving the way for a 90 billion-euro ($105 billion) loan to war-battered Ukraine that was blocked by Orban. Defeat for Orban could also mean the eventual release of EU funds to Hungary that were suspended due to what Brussels said was Orban's erosion of democratic standards. "Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the top EU executive, said after partial results were released. Orban's exit would also deprive Russian President Vladimir Putin of his main ally in the EU and send shockwaves through Western right-wing circles, including the White House.

Decline of 'illiberal democracy'

In Hungary, a Tisza victory could open the way for reforms that the party says would combat corruption and restore the independence of the judiciary and other institutions. Orban, a eurosceptic, carved out a model of an "illiberal democracy" seen as a blueprint for governing by Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement and its admirers in Europe. But many Hungarians have grown increasingly weary of him, after three years of economic stagnation and soaring living costs as well as reports of oligarchs close to the government amassing more wealth. Orban has won public endorsements from the Trump administration  culminating in a visit to Budapest by Vice President JD Vance last week  as well as from the Kremlin and far-right leaders in Europe.

US Vice President JD Vance (R) and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban appear on stage together during a "Day of Friendship" event at MTK Sportpark in Budapest, Hungary on April 7, 2026. Jonathan Ernst | Afp | Getty Images

But his campaign has been shaken by media reports alleging his government colluded with Moscow on diplomatic and political matters. Orban, who denies any wrongdoing, says his goal is to protect Hungary's national identity and traditional Christian values within the EU, and to ensure its security in a dangerous world.

World leaders react
The national flag of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

At least 200 people are feared dead after Nigerian military jets struck a village market while pursuing Islamist militants in the northeast of the country on Saturday night, a councilor for the area and residents said on Sunday.

The Nigerian Air Force, responding to reports of civilian casualties, said in a statement it had activated its Civilian Harm Accident and Investigation Cell "to immediately proceed to the location on a fact-finding mission on the allegation".

Earlier, the Air Force said it had killed Boko Haram militants in the Jilli axis in Borno state.

The government of neighboring Yobe state later said in a statement that an air strike on the area had been conducted near a market where shoppers and vendors had gathered.

"Some people from Geidam LGA (local government area) bordering Gubio LGA in Borno state who went to the Jilli weekly market were affected," said Brigadier General Dahiru Abdulsalam, military adviser to the Yobe state government.

He gave no further details.
Opinion / Columnist

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Tsolo Dube can be contacted at tsolodubs@aol.co.uk

It is hard to believe that since 1980 a systematic destruction of the people of Matabeleland and that of the Midlands has been carried out dutifully without any kind of resistance from the people of these regions. If one would go back when the first stroke was delivered, before open killings, was the letter written about the closure of African Lumber immediately after independence. There were other things done, but I thought one would mention this one as a big pointer of what direction things were likely to move.This turned slowly with the agreed planting of dissidents by the former Rhodesian secret services and ZANU-PF in coming government. It opened such murderous floodgates never experienced anywhere in the region. The former Rhodesians were eager to protect South Africa from the ANC threat while ZANU-PF had to fulfil their grand plan of 1979 to annihilate ZAPU and ZIPRA and kill everything that spoke Ndebele or aligned in any way to that people. Known torture chambers were put into more active use than ever before, new torture chambers were built. Law and order was only meant to be observed by one group, those from Matabeleland and the Midlands. The list of torture methods and chambers will soon be revealed as records are available.Former ZIPRA combatants were targeted and had nowhere to hide. South Africa deported those that tried to escape to that country to extreme torture and most painful deaths.Jobs started getting fewer and fewer in the region. For example if say five people were wanted by a company for work, ten people would be brought in from Mashonaland for an interview, these are well qualified people, then another ten would be invited from Matabeleland with no qualifications at all. Then two would be employed from Mashonaland and three from the unqualified Matabele people. These unqualified would eventually fail due to lack of both qualifications and appropriate supervision and training. The replacement would only be by those other Mashonaland people initially brought in for the interview. The excuse was the failure to perform by those given a chance. Head offices in Bulawayo were moved to Harare leaving only small branches.The damage was systematic, well thought out and well executed, hence the Maleme issue, the Conolly farm and a number of regional problems. People from other regions are today settled in Matabeleland against the will of the communities. Teachers, police and too many government employees who cannot speak the language have been pushed into the region. The problem with most of people in the region is refusal to be drawn into a tribal confrontation. All ZIPRA former combatants and ZAPU people have been loyal and sincere in refusing to be drawn to tribal confrontation, but ZANU-PF has pushed that agenda so sincerely and purposefully that it is hard to stand by and see the regional people suffer so much. Where is this leading to and how long will the lion be pushed into a tight space without retaliating? ZANU-PF has urinated on our heads, spate on our faces, while moving us out of our own homes, for how long, kozekubenini?May be it is time for the people of Matabeleland to come together with the view of resistance. The colonial government did not commit so many atrocities for us to fight back and when we did, they felt the heat. People of Matabeleland wake up, what shall we leave behind for our children, poverty, history of "victorious" ZANU-PF and with not a single land to call ours. Shall we live all our lives being visitors in other countries with nothing to call our own. Wake up and stop giving excuses for not taking a stand to this slow eviction from our region and oppression by a government led by an old cruel serial killer.
Crude oil prices jumped on Monday as the U.S. Navy imposed a blockade on Iran's ports after peace talks failed over the weekend.

U.S. crude oil futures for May delivery rose more than 2% to close at $99.08 per barrel. International benchmark Brent for June delivery advanced more than 4% to settle at $99.36.

The blockade took effect Monday at 10 a.m. ET. U.S. Central Command said it will not impede vessels transiting to and from non-Iranian ports.

"The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman," CENTCOM said Sunday.

President Donald Trump ordered the blockade after the U.S. and Iran failed to reach an agreement to end the war during negotiations in Pakistan over the weekend. Trump threatened Monday to destroy any Iranian military ship that approaches the blockade.

The president said Sunday he ordered the Navy to find and interdict any ship in international waters that has paid Iran a toll to transit the Strait of Hormuz. The narrow sea route is a vital artery that connects Middle East oil producers to global energy markets.

Iran's military threatened ports throughout the Persian Gulf in response to the U.S. blockade, according to state-news agency Press TV.

Tanker traffic through the strait has plunged due to the threat of Iranian attacks, triggering the largest oil supply disruption in history. About 20% of global oil supplies passed through the waterway before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28.

It is unclear whether Trump will now resume airstrikes on Iran. The president agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday in exchange for Tehran allowing ships to pass through the strait. He had previously threatened to bomb every bridge and power plant in Iran.

Trump is considering limited strikes on Iran to break the stalemate in peace talks, officials and people familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal.

Tehran has made safe passage during the ceasefire contingent on its approval. Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said Sunday that the "key to the Strait of Hormuz" remains in the Islamic Republic's hands, according to state news agency Press TV.

Three supertankers made the journey on Saturday, according to data from LSEG. Each vessel can carry up to two million barrels of oil. But traffic is well below pre-war levels when more than 100 vessels made the trip daily.

Vice President JD Vance, who led the U.S. delegation, said Sunday the negotiations failed because Iran would not provide an "affirmative commitment" that they will not seek a nuclear weapon.

"The simple question is, do we see a fundamental commitment of will for the Iranians not to develop a nuclear weapon?" Vance told reporters in Islamabad. "We have not seen that yet; we hope that we will."

Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf said the U.S. "failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation in this round of negotiations."

"The volume of ships passing the Strait needs to surge in the coming two weeks for the oil market to be convinced that the crisis is over," said Malcolm Melville, a commodities fund manager at Schroders.

"If the vessel number surges to 75% of prewar levels, then that represents a near normalization of flows, given the current use of pipelines that were not previously running at full capacity."
Just four months after first arriving in Israel as America's ambassador, Mike Huckabee held a private meeting in the US Embassy in Jerusalem with an Israeli spy.

Convicted in 1987, Jonathan Pollard, a former US Navy analyst born in Galveston, Texas, served 30 years of a life sentence for selling top-secret classified information to Israel.

The embassy meeting, according to Pollard, was 'personal.' He wanted to thank Ambassador Huckabee who had lobbied for Pollard's early release in 2015. A staunch pro-Israel advocate, Huckabee argued that Pollard's sentence was too severe for someone who had spied on behalf of an American ally.

Perhaps now Pollard will soon find himself invited back to the embassy, but this time to explain himself. In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, the 71-year-old former spook claimed his adopted country misled President Donald Trump about the consequences of an American war with Iran.

President Trump 'was sold a bill of goods by Bibi Netanyahu and the Mossad,' Pollard said, referring to a reported classified White House briefing on February 11, joined in-person by the Israeli Prime Minister and via video feed by David Barnea, the director of Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency.

In that meeting, the New York Times reports that Netanyahu and Barnea told the President, among other things, that they assessed an American aerial attack on Iran would instigate a popular uprising in the country that could lead to the overthrow of the Islamic regime.

Netanyahu and the Mossad also reportedly raised the prospect of US strikes encouraging Kurdish fighters in Iraq to attack Iran from the northwest, further taxing the regime's defenses.

According to the Times, these Israeli assessments were deemed 'farcical' by the CIA and 'bulls**t' by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Indeed, neither scenario has come to pass more than 40 days after war broke out.

President Trump 'was sold a bill of goods by Bibi Netanyahu and the Mossad,' Pollard says, referring to a reported classified White House briefing on February 11. (Pictured: Netanyahu and Trump in September 2025)

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, the 71-year-old former spook claims his adopted country misled President Donald Trump about the consequences of an American war with Iran (Pictured: Jonathan Pollard following his release from prison on November 20, 2015)

Pollard, who claims to advise decision makers inside the Israeli government, said it is difficult to believe 'that any credible intelligence agency could possibly believe the success of such a scenario.'

'There was no chance in the world that a popular uprising was going to occur,' he told the Daily Mail.

'Especially not after what the [Iranian Revolutionary Guard] had proven capable of doing to unarmed Iranian demonstrators just a few weeks before - killing at least 30,000 of them in cold blood,' he said, referencing the regime's crackdown on protests in January.

'The president should have listened to the CIA, and he should have listened to Marco Rubio. Both of whom, basically, indicated that the chances of a popular uprising were slim to none.'

Even inside Israel, Pollard was not alone in doubting Mossad's appraisal of an American strike and its aftermath. Analysts in the Israel Defense Forces military intelligence agency, AMAN, also reportedly discounted expectations of a mass uprising during the conflict.

Pollard, however, does not attribute the faulty assessment to subterfuge, but to the same type of intelligence failure that he believes led to the devastating Hamas attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.

'It was a question of hope over reality It's a misreading of the enemy,' said Pollard.

'In the case of Hamas, we definitely should have known better. In the case of Iran, there was no way an aerial bombing campaign to prevent the Iranians from developing a nuclear weapon, or the means to deliver it, was going to succeed.'

Pollard, who believes that the US should have attacked Iran in the interest of US national security, suspects that Netanyahu's suggestion of a spontaneous uprising gave Trump a false sense of the regime's strength  when the president should have been encouraged to 'literally put Iran back into the Stone Age.'

'It means destroying their electrical generators, it means destroying their oil and gas exporting capability. It means destroying their transportation network, their water distribution system,' explained Pollard.

Additionally, he said Trump's failure to strike Iran with even more overwhelming force contributed to the current standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, the critical waterway through which 20 percent of the global supply of oil trades.

The New York Times reports that Netanyahu and Barnea (right) told the President, among other things, that they assessed an American aerial attack on Iran would instigate a popular uprising

Convicted in 1987, Jonathan Pollard, a former US Navy analyst born in Galveston, Texas, served 30 years of a life sentence for selling top-secret classified information to Israel

'At the very least, [Trump] should've remembered what [former National Security Advisor] John Bolton told him in his first administration, that in the event of war between the United States and Iran, the Iranians would most likely close the Strait. Not attempt but actually go forward and close the Strait.'

'The president should have, amassed an American expeditionary force in the region, at least 100,000 men just to be on call in the event that contingency was realized, and he didn't do that,' said Pollard, raising what would have been a perhaps politically impracticable US war strategy.

As a result of Netanyahu's briefing, Pollard assesses that Israel's strategic position in the region has been compromised, even though he insists that the Jewish state remains 'a reliable and very effective ally of the United States.'

'In the case of October 7th, our miscalculation adversely impacted our national security. In this case, we did not do the United States a good service by providing them with a rationale for a short effective regime change,' he concluded.

As for his own role in world affairs, Pollard appears to remain deeply conflicted.

'I broke the law and I'm not going to plead innocence, because my motives were pure. But I want people to understand that I was not a traitor to the United States,' he told the Daily Mail.

'I was never accused or convicted of treason, which is, according to the Constitution, aiding and abetting an enemy in times of war. And I was never accused in my indictment of having intended to harm the United States.'
Having too many children is more unfulfilling than having none at all, academics have discovered.

Parents with more offspring than they wanted reported the lowest levels of life satisfaction in a survey of more than 23,000 adults.

It comes as fertility rates in Europe hit a record low  with British couples having just 1.4 children on average.

Researchers at the University of Berlin analysed data from the German Socio-Economic Panel Study that asked participants how many children they had and how many they ideally wanted.

They divided the cohort into five groups: those who were child-free by choice, those who wanted children but couldn't have them, parents who had their ideal number of children, and those who had more or fewer than desired.

Participants then rated their overall life satisfaction, taking into consideration factors such as work-life balance and relationship status.

Results showed almost everyone fell short of their fertility desires. But only one group experienced a clear decline in mental wellbeing  those who had more children than they had wanted.

However, not having children  whether by choice or circumstance  was not linked to lower wellbeing.

Having too many children is more unfulfilling than having none at all, academics at the University of Berlin have discovered

Parents with more offspring than they wanted reported the lowest levels of life satisfaction in a survey of more than 23,000 adults

Dr Laura Buchinger, the study's lead author, said: 'Exceeding one's fertility desires was robustly linked to lower wellbeing in both women and men.'

The phenomenon is likely a result of the hidden costs of parenthood, the researchers suggested.

Dr Buchinger added: 'Our results suggest that the stronger sociocultural expectations placed on women are offset by the heavier burdens of motherhood.

'By contrast, women without children have more time for career pursuits, financial independence, and the development of social networks and hobbies  all factors linked to healthy aging.'

Previous research has connected motherhood with lower self-esteem and relationship satisfaction, due to the physical and emotional labour typically shouldered by women.

Mothers are responsible for more than 70 per cent of household tasks, whereas fathers handle just 43 per cent, a 2025 study revealed.
Crisis in the Royal Family is nothing new. But, as Justine Picardie reveals in her new book, the royals dont just survive a crisis through government policy or tactfully crafted public statements. Their wardrobes play their own part.

As we approach the centenary of the late Queens birth on April 21, commemorated by the opening of an exhibition dedicated to her style at Buckingham Palace, Picardie demonstrates how fashion has been wielded throughout history as one of the most unexpectedly powerful weapons in the monarchys arsenal.

'Calming' Florals of the Queen Mother

Through comparing the deliberately provocative, abrasive sartorial choices of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson with the cosier ones of the Queen Mother, George VI and Elizabeth II, Picardie reveals how the reinvention of the House of Saxe-Coburg into the very British House of Windsor was masterminded through the soft diplomacy (hint: turns out its not so soft, after all) of clothes. Through the propaganda of clothes, the Windsors secured their status  despite the odds  as rightful monarchs.

Picardie is uniquely positioned to examine this. Previously editor-in-chief of Harpers Bazaar and features director of British Vogue, her unrivalled fashion expertise combines enticingly with the sort of personal anecdote one only acquires when ones husband is Prince Philips godson.

During a lunch at Balmoral, Picardie struck up conversation with the late Queen about one of her favoured designers, Hardy Amies, and mentioned murmurings that he had worked as a spy during the war. The Queen replied, Ah yes, those rumours that he was very good at garrotting Nazis. Critics who say Picardie flits uncomfortably between the frothiness of couture and the horrors of war miss the point entirely: fashion and the wider social status quo are inextricably intertwined.

In a similar demonstration of patriotism through clothes, Picardie describes how, when making the Queens wedding dress in 1947, couturier Norman Hartnell became infuriated by prime minister Clement Attlees repeated interventions to ensure that every ounce of the dress  down to the silkworms that made its silk  be British.

Dressing the Queen is available now from the Mail Bookshop

By contrast, Picardie details how one of Edward VIIIs first actions on ascending the throne was to abolish the frock coats worn at court  a mutinous and symbolic rebuttal to a very buttoned-up (literally and metaphorically) childhood.

When alone, Edward would perform what Wallis nicknamed his striptease act  removing his tie and rolling up his sleeves, as if releasing himself from not only the physical confines of uniform but the symbolic shackles of kinghood.

His avant-garde way of dressing (which baffled his father, unsurprisingly), positively screamed: I dont want to be King! When someone is silenced  and monarchs arent exactly known for being allowed to express strong opinions  their clothes become their means of talking, of surreptitiously implanting messages.

Wallis was the perfect counterpart to this in her hard chic armour, often courtesy of Italian designer Schiaparelli. The comfortingly soft florals worn by the Queen Mother during the Blitz? The reassuring antithesis. There is messaging too in what the royals choose not to wear. In the 1940s and 1950s, the late Queen, as heir to the throne, had to opt for British designers, while Princess Margaret was allowed to champion French couture from her beloved Dior.

Alongside Picardie, fashion historian Kate Strasdins Dressing The Queen seeks to similarly bring to light hidden stories: those of the makers and dressers who created and cared for the clothes worn by female monarchs and consorts, starting with Queen Victoria and progressing to the current day.

Fashioning the Crown is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Shifting the spotlight from the gilded royal swan to the furious activity taking place beneath the surface, Strasdin rescues from anonymity the stories of the laundry women, corset makers and milliners. The pages positively teem with fascinating, until-now-hidden, detail.

In bringing to light the work of vanishing trades that once employed millions up and down the British Isles (think feather curlers and rural straw plaiters), Strasdins book is as much a social history of our country as a history of fashion. And thats the point proved by Picardie, too: the social and the sartorial are mutually dependant, each acting as a barometer of the other. Echoing Picardies discussion of the Windsors unwavering commitment to British clothes, Strasdin tells us how the late Queens coronation shoes were designed by Frenchman Roger Vivier, but  save your horror  they were made by British brand Delman Ltd for the essential British link. And the heels were studded with real rubies  naturally.

Currently, the King is no doubt hoping his armoury of Savile Row suits  some of which hes worn since the 1980s  will provide the dose of reassuring familiarity the country craves as the monarchy descends into crisis once again.

As a stylist, Ive long touted the power of clothes to plant messages. Whether we like it or not, our fashion choices (even the very choice to disengage from fashion) talk.

Fashion, frivolous? Nice try.
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Peptides, squalane, hyaluronic acid - these are just some of the baffling buzzwords that might make up your daily moisturisers key ingredients these days.

But what exactly does each one do, and are they worth the bump in price to the creams we all use to keep age at bay?

With the help of two leading dermatologists, we aim to answer those questions.

This week we look at ceramides, said to help repair damaged and dehydrated skin. Searches for ceramides on boots.com have increased by 66 per cent in the last three months, but are these skincare products worth using?

What are ceramides?

Ceramides are essential lipids, or fats, that naturally make up over 50 per cent of your skins outer layer, explains consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. You can think of your skin cells as the bricks, and ceramides as the protective mortar holding them all together.

As part of that protective role maintaining the skin barrier, they seal microscopic gaps between cells, which locks in moisture and, crucially, keeps out environmental irritants, pollution and bacteria.

When do ceramide levels start to decline?

Natural ceramide production begins to decline noticeably as we enter our 30s, primarily due to the natural biological ageing process and cumulative sun damage. However, levels can also drop prematurely at any age due to environmental factors like cold weather, aggressive over-exfoliation, or using harsh stripping cleansers.

How does ceramide skincare work?

There are two kinds of ceramide skincare: plant-based, which are derived from sources like wheat or rice, and synthetic ceramides that are bio-engineered to mimic those the body naturally produces.

Natural ceramide production begins to decline noticeably as we enter our 30s, primarily due to the natural biological ageing process and cumulative sun damage

The effects of Caudalie's Premier Cru cream are visible after several weeks of use

Synthetic, skin-identical ceramides are generally preferred in dermatology because they are deeply penetrative and offer superior barrier repair without the risk of plant allergies, says Dr Mahto.

On a cellular level, applying ceramides topically helps to replenish depleted lipids and patch up cracks in your damaged skin. Skin will have a much better ability to hold on to hydration throughout the day.

What benefits can be expected?

A healthy skin barrier is the foundation of healthy, radiant skin so expect a glow-up, says Dr Sam Bunting. She adds that a drop in ceramide levels can also contribute to many inflammatory skin conditions, like acne and rosacea.

You can expect significantly softer, more resilient skin with reduced flaking and less redness.

How can I incorporate ceramides into my existing skincare routine?

Ceramides are the ultimate team players - they pair well with moisture-binders like hyaluronic acid, as well as harsher actives like retinoids and exfoliating acids, says Dr Mahto. She recommends applying your active treatment serums first, then using a generous layer of ceramide-rich moisturiser to lock everything in and support the skin barrier.

Dr Bunting and Dr Mahto agree that ceramides can be a great product for both the morning and evening.

In the morning ceramides reinforce the skin barrier before exposure to environmental stressors, while in the evening they help replenish lipids and support overnight repair, in combination with active ingredients, says Dr Bunting.

Applying a richer ceramide cream at night supports your skins natural repair cycle,' adds Dr Mahto.

Which products work best?

The CeraVe Moisturising Cream is a staple, offering a fantastic, budget-friendly blend of three essential ceramides. For a more sophisticated option, the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore is a gold-standard luxury cream that uses an optimised ratio of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids to intensely repair ageing or sensitised skin,' says Dr Mahto.

Dr Bunting recommends the Flawless Moisturiser Intense, from her skincare line, which prevents water loss through powerful humectants, ceramides, and emollients to deliver 24-hour hydration.

Other luxury options include French luxury brand Caudalies Premier Cru The Rich Cream.
For most of her life, Siobhan Baillieu believed the pain she was experiencing was something she simply had to live with.

The 38-year-old business owner, who hails from Brisbane but now lives in Bali, said she spent years seeking medical advice for a cluster of persistent symptoms - including severe stomach pain, chronic back issues, nausea, fatigue and restless legs - only to be repeatedly dismissed.

Doctors told her she was constipated, dehydrated, or experiencing normal hormonal symptoms.

'I was always told to drink more water or that it was just part of being a woman,' Siobhan told the Daily Mail.

Despite drinking up to four litres of water a day, Siobhan said her condition never improved. Instead, her symptoms began to shape her life in ways she didn't fully understand at the time.

She became less sociable, more fatigued and increasingly aware that something in her body felt 'off', even if she couldn't explain why.

'I just constantly felt unwell. It stopped me from living my life in the way I wanted to,' she said.

Her experience reflects a broader issue raised by many women who report feeling dismissed or misdiagnosed when presenting with ongoing, non-specific symptoms.

For most of her life, Siobhan Baillieu believed the pain she was experiencing was something she simply had to live with

The 38-year-old business owner, who hails from Brisbane but now lives in Bali, said she spent years seeking medical advice for a cluster of persistent symptoms

This year, Siobhan and fiance Tony made a major life decision: moving to Bali to open a bar, Dave n Dazzler, named in honour of their late fathers who both died of cancer.

The move, finalised on March 8, was meant to mark a fresh start.

But within two weeks of arriving, Siobhan's health rapidly deteriorated.

Initially, she believed she had contracted 'Bali belly', a common illness among tourists. It is often caught within the first week of travelling to a foreign country, as the body adjusts to a new environment with new foods and different bacteria.

An emergency doctor was called to their villa, where Siobhan was treated with IV fluids, antibiotics and anti-nausea medication.

However, during the examination, the doctor identified a concerning pain point on the right side of her abdomen and warned it could indicate a more serious underlying issue.

'He told me if I didn't feel better within 24 hours, I needed to go to hospital because there might be a deeper root cause,' she said.

By the following morning, Siobhan's condition had worsened significantly.

Doctors told Siobhan she was constipated, dehydrated, or experiencing normal hormonal symptoms

'I woke up in agony,' she said.

'It was like a stabbing pain on my right side, but much more intense than anything I'd felt before.'

She was taken to Murni Teguh Hospital in Kuta, where doctors soon suspected either a gallbladder issue or appendicitis. Unlike her previous experiences with the medical system in Australia, she was immediately sent for a CT scan.

Within two hours, the results confirmed she had appendicitis, which can be life-threatening if not caught in time.

'I was admitted straight away,' she said.

Doctors determined Siobhan's appendix had deteriorated to the point where infection was beginning to spread into surrounding tissue.

She was on the verge of rupture - a medical emergency that can lead to widespread infection and death if untreated.

Siobhan underwent emergency surgery the following morning.

The ordeal also forced her to step back from the bar, a project she and her fiance had invested heavily in both emotionally and financially

What is typically a straightforward one-hour appendectomy became a far more complex procedure.

Surgeons spent two hours carefully removing the appendix, which was so inflamed it had begun to spread and attach itself on to other tissue.

'It had basically taken on a mind of its own,' she said.

Siobhan's recovery has been physically and emotionally demanding.

She was conscious during the procedure due to complications with anaesthesia, a decision made for medical safety, but one she described as confronting.

Following surgery, she was instructed to remain off her feet for several weeks and has since been attending regular hospital check-ups as she heals.

At one of these check-ups, she was told by her doctor that if she had waited another day to seek help, her appendix would have ruptured and she might not have survived.

Doctors determined Siobhan's appendix had deteriorated to the point where infection was beginning to spread into surrounding tissue and other organs

The ordeal also forced her to step back from the bar, a project she and her fiance had invested heavily in, both emotionally and financially.

Compounding the challenge was the isolation of being in a new country with no established support network.

'I only had my partner. We had just moved. It was really scary.'

Despite this, she said the care she received in Bali was exceptional.

Local community members brought her meals, sent flowers to the hospital, and offered support during her recovery - gestures she said made a significant difference.

'The doctors and nurses were incredible,' she said.

'I felt like I was given time, and I was actually listened to.'

Now, weeks into her recovery, Siobhan said many of the symptoms she had lived with for years - including the chronic pain, nausea and fatigue - have disappeared since her appendectomy.

'I feel like a completely different person,' she said.

While she cannot be certain her chronic conditions have resolved completely since she had her appendix out, she is feeling significantly better - and remains convinced there is a correlation between her lifelong issues and her health emergency in Bali.

Her experience has prompted her to speak out about the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, particularly for women whose symptoms may not immediately point to a clear diagnosis.

'If something doesn't feel right, you have to push for answers,' she said.

Because, as her story shows, what is dismissed as routine or insignificant can sometimes be anything but.

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Victor Meldrew. Basil Fawlty. Reginald Perrin. The grumpy, mentally checked-out, impossible older man is a great comic tradition. Hilarious on screen. Rather less so when you are sharing a bathroom with him.

A piece in this newspaper a few weeks ago generated an astonishing response from readers. It described what the writer called an epidemic of midlife women who are repulsed by their husbands.

Men who have stopped washing. Stopped engaging. Stopped, in any meaningful sense, trying.

The comments flooded in from women who recognised every word of it, who seemed to feel that mixture of relief and guilt that comes when someone finally names a thing you thought only you were experiencing.

But something about the responses struck me. It wasnt just the frustration in them, though that was palpable.

Reading them as a psychiatrist, some of what these women were describing didnt sound to me like men who simply couldnt be bothered.

Some of it sounded like an illness that had never been identified as such. Not in every case, I want to be clear about that, but in enough cases that I think it is worth raising now. Could some of these men be unwell?

Women experience the menopause as a sharp, significant hormonal event. For men the equivalent (the andropause or male menopause) is far more gradual, a slow decline in testosterone of roughly half a per cent a year, which is why it so often goes completely unnoticed.

Dr Max says a recent piece in the Daily Mail describing an epidemic of midlife women who are repulsed by their husbands created a stunning response from readers. Could these men be ill?

Yet it is estimated that up to 840,000 men in the UK potentially experience symptoms.

Those symptoms include irritability, low mood, fatigue, loss of libido and a kind of general withdrawal from the world.

The condition remains controversial and is not formally recognised, and testosterone replacement therapy, while it can make a real difference for some men, is not something to pursue without proper medical guidance.

But in my own practice I now routinely check testosterone levels in men who have had unexplained changes in their mood and behaviour.

In some of those cases, hormones turn out to be at least part of the explanation.

Depression is another possibility, and one that is all too easy to miss. It remains one of the most consistently under-diagnosed conditions in men, especially older men, in large part because it does not look the way people expect. We tend to picture depression as sadness, tears and visible suffering.

Sound as cure

Paying a low frequency tone at 40Hz (the pitch of a refrigerator hum) appears to prompt the brains of aged primates to flush out the toxic proteins linked to Alzheimers. Human trials are needed but this is remarkable.

In older men, however, it far more commonly presents as irritability, withdrawal, a creeping indifference to appearance and self-care. Perhaps a little more alcohol than there used to be, or hobbies have been abandoned.

In general theres a profound lack of motivation  a symptom termed avolition.

And then there is something else I want to raise that almost never comes up in these conversations, but I think should. TIAs, or transient ischaemic attacks, sometimes called mini-strokes, can in some cases produce changes not entirely unlike what those readers described.

A TIA is a temporary interruption to blood supply in the brain. Most people associate them with physical warning signs (sudden weakness on one side, slurred speech and disturbed vision) but they can sometimes bring about quieter shifts in personality, motivation and mood, occasionally with few obvious physical symptoms at all.

Research suggests that a meaningful proportion of TIA patients develop a kind of settled apathy in the months that follow.

When this happens, it is often because of changes to the frontal lobe, the part of the brain involved in drive, planning and how we regulate our emotions.

I worked early in my career for a professor who had spent decades treating dementia.

He had one question he asked almost every person he assessed: when did you last brush your hair? He had noticed that, long before any decline becomes obvious, people tend to stop taking care of themselves. I was shocked by how often it would lead him to order a brain scan and there, in front of us, wed see tiny bits of damage to the frontal lobes that explained the change in personality and would otherwise have gone undetected.

So if the man you are living with has become someone you struggle to recognise, it may be worth pausing before concluding that he has simply given up.

It is worth asking yourself these questions:

When did it start?

Has he seen his GP lately?

Has anyone checked his blood pressure, his cholesterol or thought to look at his testosterone levels?

Does he seem to get any real pleasure from anything at all?

He may, of course, just be a man who has settled into complacency. That happens too, and is a separate conversation.

But he may also be depressed, or hormonally depleted, or quietly affected by something neurological that nobody has thought to look for.

The only way to know is to ask. It is well worth finding out if something else is going on before you give up on him entirely.

Zendaya's clash with a colleague

At last weeks Euphoria season three premiere in LA, Zendaya, 29, and Sydney Sweeney, 28, arrived separately and, it appears, spent an entire evening in the same building without crossing paths.

Political differences are said to play a part. Sweeney is reportedly a registered Republican. Zendayas views appear to be quite different.

Political differences are said to have caused tension between actress Zendaya (pictured last week at the premiere of Euphoria) and her co-star Sydney Sweeney

I have no idea what has actually gone on between these two women but the situation raises a question that comes up regularly in offices and homes across the country: how do you deal with someone when your views are at odds?

The first step is to separate the person from their views. You do not have to respect what someone believes to get along with them. Focus on what you share. The key thing? Giving up on changing their mind. Deeply held beliefs rarely shift through argument. Stay sane, know when to let go.

When you go to bed may matter just as much as how long you stay there.

A team from the University of Oulu in Finland tracked more than 3,000 middle-aged adults over a decade, monitoring their sleep patterns with wearable devices then tracked their health for the next 10 years.

People whose bedtimes swung significantly from night to night and slept less than eight hours a night were at roughly double the risk of a serious cardiac event. Irregular wake-up times showed no such association.

Dr Max prescribes... an inspiring health podcast

Feel Better, Live More, hosted by Dr Rangan Chatterjee, is one of the UK's leading health podcasts

One of the UKs most popular health podcasts, hosted by a GP who has spent years making the case that how we live and how we feel are far more closely connected than mainstream medicine tends to acknowledge.

Chatterjee talks to experts about sleep, stress and the link between physical and mental health. Practical, accessible and never preachy.
Megyn Kelly has questioned why Melania Trump decided to give her surprise statement denying links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

The First Lady delivered the unexpected address at the White House on Thursday, stating: 'I am not Epstein's victim.'

Her three-minute speech denied unfounded reports that the late pedophile introduced her to husband Donald Trump and tore into unnamed 'individuals' and their 'mean-spirited' attempts to ruin her reputation.

She flat-out denied any 'relationship' with Epstein and blasted the 'numerous fake images' of her and Epstein that have been circulating on social media for 'years.'

On Friday, Kelly slammed the First Lady for her questionable timing and pondered why she chose now to speak out.

'Why did she do this? That's really what everyone was asking. Why? Like, everyone knows. Everyone knows in PR, once the storm has passed, you don't do anything to bring it back upon you,' she said on The Megyn Kelly Show.

'If she doesn't want people talking about her relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell, or whatever it was with Epstein, then she shouldn't talk about her relationship with Ghislaine Maxwell or Jeffrey Epstein.'

'Especially when - has that been in the news? Have any of you been seeing that in the news? The news right now is non-stop Iran.'

Megyn Kelly questioned Melania Trump's motives for giving her shocking denial of being a victim of Jeffrey Epstein

The First Lady delivered the unexpected statement at the White House on Thursday

The First Lady's announcement came as a shock, as there had not been recent revelations linking her to the disgraced financier, who the government says committed suicide while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges in August 2019.

She made it clear that there were no links between herself and the billionaire pedophile.

'I am not Epstein's victim,' the First Lady stated during the address on Thursday afternoon. 'Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump. I met my husband by chance at a New York City party in 1998.'

Trump and Melania met that year at the Kit Kat Klub in New York when the former supermodel was 28 years old.

Paolo Zampolli, a modeling agency boss who is serving as Trump's special envoy for global partnerships, claims he introduced the couple. They later married in 2005.

'I've never been friends with Epstein,' she added.

She also used the press conference to clarify an email she wrote to Epstein's accomplice Maxwell, stating she only wrote to her to be polite and the message did not indicate a close relationship.

Trump said he might have handled his wife's speech differently but said his wife 'had a right' to do it her way.

She flat-out denied any 'relationship' with Epstein and claims she was never a 'victim' of him or Ghislaine Maxwell

'Would I have done it that way? Perhaps not, perhaps, I don't know,' he told The New York Times after the speech.

'I said, "If you want to do that, you can do that." I said if she wants to do it  I didn't recommend it, but I said, I let it be her, I said, if you want to do it.'

Trump said the First Lady 'finds it very insulting' that there were rumors she was a victim of Epstein or friendly with Ghislaine Maxwell.

'She didn't meet me through Jeffrey Epstein. And I could understand her feelings. She had a right to talk about it, because the fake news covers her so inaccurately.'

Trump noted that they discussed whether or not she would make the speech 'for about two minutes.'

'It wasn't a big discussion. I had no problem. I thought she actually did a good job,' he said.

Trump said that regardless of what he thought about the address, he felt his wife was right to do it.

'I thought she had a right to talk about it. It doesn't bother me,' Trump added of the surprise speech at the White House entrance hall.

Trump added that he 'didn't know what the statement was but I knew she was going to make a statement.'

He added that bringing the story back into the news didn't concern him, saying: 'I never get upset.'

The Daily Mail has approached the White House for comment.
Honda is bringing a 'Kei' car - the smallest models sold in Japan - to Britain this year.

And it might just be one of the cutest motors you'll find in showrooms.

Honda will launch its new Super-N electric city car in the UK this summer with the aim to achieve what the discontinued Honda-e EV couldn't quite manage: sell in high volumes.

The small, retro-inspired EV - which has an uncanny resemblance to the short-lived Nissan Cube of the late 2000s - will go up against other tiny electric city cars on the market, including the new Renault Twingo, Hyundai Inster and BYD Dolphin Surf.

Unveiled at the Japanese Mobility Show late last year, the Super-N is 'designed to transform mobility and deliver Honda driving fun,' Honda says.

We don't have a lot of information about the diminutive electric car yet, but this is what we know so far.

Honda will bring its new 'Kei' car inspired EV to the UK later this year and it is expected to cost around 20k

How big is the Super-N?

As said, the Super-N is heavily inspired by 'Kei' cars (pronounced 'kay'), which are tiny - and affordable - vehicles that have been dominating Japan's city streets for decades.

The Super-N is just 3.45 metres long, which is more than half a metre (60cm) shorter than the new Renault Twingo.

That is incredible compact, especially when you consider a UK parking space is typically 4.8 metres long.

Honda has gone for a sporty look on the inside with blue accents, lighting sequences, and two screens

Don't expect spacious seats in the Super-N; there are only 4 seats but the boxy shape makes it good for taller passengers

Is it still practical?

Kei cars are - by tradition - still relatively roomy despite the tiny proportions.

And the Honda Super-N continues this Tardis-like theme as it promises to be spacious inside.

It's only a four-seater to give each passenger enough space within the narrow dimensions.

But due to its upright shape, it offers more headroom than you'd expect, and the boxy windows lead to good visibility.

That said, it's not meant for long journeys.

Honda hasn't specified boot space, but it's going to be very limited. Expect luggage room to be smaller than what you get in a Fiat 500.

With its boxy wheel arches and tiny rear spoiler, the sporty look is designed to appeal to young city types.

Inside, this sporty aesthetic continues with blue-accented asymmetrical seats, and a clean, horizontal instrument panel.

There's a 9-inch central screen and a small driver's display and buttons for functions like air-con and the heated seats - so it's not without some plush features.

Range and performance

Honda hasn't confirmed battery sizing yet, so we can't give details on that, but the Japanese marque says it will have a range of 128 miles.

That doesn't sound much, but the Super-N is designed to be used primarily in cities and towns.

Honda says the range can be eked out to 200 miles when driven only in urban environments where traffic rarely exceeds 30mph.

And don't expect big performance figures either because the Super-N is powered by a single 64hp electric motor.

A 'boost' button will provide a short burst of additional 31 horses for when drivers need to pick up speed more quickly.

The 0-to-60mph hasn't been confirmed, though we don't expect it to be setting any EV records.

Figures are still somewhat up in the air but it will come with 128 miles of range and 64hp

Pricing and dates - when can you get your Super N?

The Super-N goes on sale in Britain this summer.

It's a tiny car and prices are expected to therefore be around 20,000.

This will make it one of the cheapest EVs in the UK, priced close to the Hyundai Inster and Renault Twingo - though around 6,000 more than a Dacia Spring EV.
Youths are getting away with sexual and violent assaults in swathes of England, we can today reveal.

Exposing the sentencing postcode lottery, a Daily Mail investigation found that 27 of 157 (17 per cent) local justice teams didn't dole out any custodial sentences to children last year.

This is despite some having committed heinous offences in crime-ridden pockets of London, Berkshire and Devon.

In contrast, one in six youths were handed custodial sentences in Southend-on-Sea  more than anywhere else in the country.

The youth justice system is committed to not locking up children if it can be avoided, with a focus instead on stopping reoffending. Curfews, unpaid work, and orders to directly apologise to victims and their families are punishments typically doled out.

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As few as 6 per cent of sentences for the most serious crimes resulted in immediate custody in 2024/25, official figures show.

More than four in five ended in community sentences instead.

For knife and offensive weapon offences, 58 per cent of outcomes were community-based penalties rather than detention.

Serious crimes, as per the government's wording, were defined as anything above a five on an eight-point scale.

For example, rape would sit at the top end for sexual assault, whereas coercing a similar-aged peer into having sex would be classed as a lighter crime. Similarly for violence, attempted murder would be a level eight.

Of the 27 youth justice areas that didn't issue a single custodial sentence last year, 293 serious crimes  the bulk of which were marked as violence, sexual and robbery  were committed in 22 of them.

Our analysis comes after outrage erupted last summer over the sentencing of a 15-year-old boy who savagely beat an 80-year-old dog walker to death.

Bhim Kohli was punched, kicked and slapped in the face with a shoe by the balaclava-clad teen near his home in Leicester, while a 13-year-old girl filmed and laughed.

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Mr Kohli, who was called a 'P*** bastard' during the vicious assault, died in hospital the next day having suffered a broken neck and fractured ribs.

The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, was convicted of manslaughter and received a seven year sentence in June. A review ruled the punishment was not unduly lenient.

The girl involved was handed a three-year youth rehabilitation order, despite protests from Mr Kohli's family.

Two teenage boys who stabbed a father to death as he delivered shopping to his mother were, however, last month jailed for life.

Marcus Staniforth, 17, and a 16-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, approached Kamran Aman after he dropped groceries at his mother's home in Barry, South Wales.

The pair punched and kicked Mr Aman, 38, while the 16-year-old also shouted racist abuse during and after the unprovoked attack.

Staniforth fetched a kitchen knife from a nearby property, where the teenagers had been drinking alcohol, and used it to stab Mr Aman in the heart.

Both were sentenced to detention with Staniforth to serve at least 17 years in custody and the 16-year-old to serve at least 15 years.

Bhim Kohli, 80, died after sustaining fractured ribs and a broken neck in the attack in September 2024

Mr Kohli's daughter Susan, centre, gave an emotional statement outside Leicester Crown Court last year where she criticised the sentences that were handed out

Marcus Staniforth, pictured in a police van at the time of his arrest, fetched a kitchen knife from a nearby property and used it to stab Mr Aman in the heart

Overall, the total number of custodial sentences handed out to children decreased by 7 per cent compared with the previous year to around 610.

Additionally, the average number of children in custody at any one time fell by 3% per cent year-on-year (from 431 to 418).

The increasingly soft-touch sentences come after mobs of brazen youths made headlines for running wild in Clapham last week.

Clips circulating on social media showed crowds of teens laughing as they tore through the south London neighbourhood, terrorising locals and forcing shops to close.

Fires were spotted burning on the fields of Clapham Common, the stench of cannabis hung in the air and families reported being 'barricaded' inside a local Sainsbury's.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed two teenage girls had been arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker following the social-media-fueled rampage.

Rachel de Souza, Children's Commissioner for England and Wales, told the Daily Mail: 'The rising level of serious crimes being committed by children, including drug and sexual offences, in some parts of the country is deeply concerning.

'Urgent action is needed to stop children being exposed to criminality and drawn into offending.

'Any time a child commits a serious offence there must be measured and appropriate consequences, but punishment alone will not solve the problems many vulnerable young people are facing.

'When a child becomes involved in serious crime  whether as a victim, perpetrator, or often both  it is a clear sign something has gone badly wrong in their lives.'

She added: 'If we are serious about tackling crime we must be just as serious about protecting children by providing early interventions, strong youth services and the right support to families  especially those dealing with poverty, exploitation, violence or poor mental health  before it comes too late.'
From the outside it looks like an idyllic American home: gabled roof, white picket fence and manicured lawn.

It's an Airbnb  but not just any Airbnb.

Described as a 'romantic and playful escape,' this $600-a-night Florida rental is fitted with floggers, paddles, restraints, spanking benches and rooms draped in purple and black.

The Daily Mail has found dozens just like it on America's most popular home rental site  ordinary suburban houses transformed into fully equipped BDSM dungeons.

While there is nothing illegal about the rentals, neighbors and critics say they are alarmed such properties are operating in residential areas without their knowledge.

And in a finding likely to concern parents, Airbnb does not automatically remove these listings when making a booking request that includes children.

One particularly alarming listing in the historic Florida city of St Augustine features a room styled as a school classroom, complete with a chalkboard, desk and a flogging bench.

An Airbnb spokesman said the San Francisco-based company has a strong safety record, receives few related complaints and enforces strict age requirements.

From the outside, many of the kinky Airbnbs look like quaint cottage-style bungalows

But like this rental  known as Pleasure Paradyz  they have been kitted out with fetish equipment, often to the horror of their neighbors

But the $11billion-a-year company declined to say how many of its listings include BDSM or kink facilities.

The number is thought to have risen in recent years, with hosts openly advertising fetish-themed rooms to a growing clientele.

On online forums, hosts describe adult-themed rentals as among the most lucrative on the market  frequently overbooked and commanding premium prices.

According to realtor Benjamin Locke, these hosts can charge 40 to 65 percent more than standard rates.

Many have invested thousands of dollars outfitting properties with St Andrew's Crosses, bondage beds, sex swings and spanking benches.

Some advertise medical play tables, complete with metal instruments for role-play scenarios.

Standard accessories  masks, canes, whips, hoods, harnesses and handcuffs  are often included.

Locals said they were horrified when they discovered what was happening just outside their doorstep. On neighborhood Facebook forums, residents vent their disbelief.

'Nothing says "safe for strollers and scooters" like handcuffs and harnesses next door,' wrote one.

The Red Room in San Antonio, Texas, features a bondage bed and a St Andrew's Cross, an X-shaped piece of furniture designed to restrain a person

An Airbnb in Memphis, Tennessee, has masks and toys dangling in the living room along with other bondage contraptions

Another said that while local families struggled to afford housing, visitors were 'living out their Fifty Shades fantasies just down the street.'

Artist Robin Hamman said she has watched her St Augustine neighborhood deteriorate in real time.

Seven years ago, she claimed, a man staying at the Airbnb ran into the street and engaged in a sexual encounter in plain view.

'Not okay for kids or grandkids to witness this right on the street,' she wrote.

Another local complained about the location being 'Right across from the church.'

Others are located near other religious centers and schools, the Daily Mail found.

A BDSM parlor in a two-story townhouse in Brooklyn, New York, was hounded out in 2019 by disapproving neighbors who said the business attracted 'sickos' to the residential area.

Still, experts say business is booming as attitudes toward BDSM shift rapidly.

Studies suggest around a third of couples now incorporate some form of kink into their sex lives.

Among younger Americans, the numbers are higher  more than half of Gen Z and millennials report an interest in BDSM, compared with just 12 percent of baby boomers.

But the rise of adult-themed rentals is only the most lurid sign of a deeper problem, said Texas-based attorney David Schwarte, who led a campaign against Airbnb in Arlington.

Use our map (below) to see if one of these sex dungeons is in your neighborhood

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Schwarte said the spread of short-term rentals is destabilizing residential communities across the country.

'You're always one click away from a bad rental,' he warned.

He argued the core issue is that Airbnbs operate as 'unstaffed hotels,' with limited oversight of who books them or what happens inside.

'Who is on site to ensure that you don't have the S&M dungeon next to you?' he said.

'What you get is a revolving door of total strangers next door.'

There is some evidence to support him. In 2022, authorities shut down a brothel operating out of a short-term rental home in his part of Texas.

In 2025, investigators dismantled a violent trafficking ring that had used multiple Airbnb properties across Atlanta to conceal and exploit victims, including a child.

Just last month, OnlyFans model Nicolette Keough, 31, of Pensacola, Florida, was arrested for felony criminal mischief after causing over $5,000 in damages to two Airbnb rentals.

She allegedly urinated on furniture while filming sex acts. She was released on bond, and has been banned by Airbnb.

But critics argue these cases show how easily short-term rentals can be repurposed for all sorts of illicit or extreme behavior, often with little warning to neighbors.

One slightly alarming rental in the Florida city of St Augustine had a room designed to look like a children's classroom

Across the country, Airbnb rentals have been linked to shootings, fraud and rape.

Airbnb's response to such cases has also drawn criticism.

A Bloomberg Businessweek investigation in 2021 reported that the company operates a 'black box' team tasked with handling serious incidents privately.

The company is said to spend around $50million a year on settlements and damage payouts, often requiring non-disclosure agreements.

In one case, Airbnb paid an Australian woman $7million after she was raped at knifepoint in a Manhattan rental by a man who had gained access to keys.

As part of the settlement, she agreed not to imply responsibility on the part of Airbnb or the host.

There is also concern about the risk of hidden cameras in Airbnbs.

A kinky ski cabin in Beech Mountain, North Carolina, had near perfect reviews and featured a swing, love chair and a human-sized cage

Experts say BDSM rentals, which emphasize privacy and discretion, could be especially vulnerable to covert recording devices capturing intimate moments.

An Airbnb spokesman said there was no evidence adult-themed listings posed greater risks than others.

'We receive no concerns relating specifically to Airbnb stays, and any type of safety issue on our platform is rare,' he said.

'We have clear policies for listings with adult themes, including mandatory upfront disclosure to guests and strict age requirements.'

The company also bans 'disruptive parties, nuisance and illegal activity' at its rentals.

'We work closely with local authorities and have dedicated channels for neighbors and law enforcement to reach us,' the spokesman added.
When 63-year-old Albert Douglas landed at Heathrow airport after four years languishing in prison in Dubai, the first thing he did was kiss the ground.

He looked up, and, scooping himself off the ground, saw his 11-year-old granddaughter. Tears began spilling down his cheeks.

As the British businessman speaks to me now, he is still wearing part of his prison uniform - a plain, white T-shirt - beneath his grey jumper. He looks frail and thin, but musters brief smiles.

When I ask why he still wears the garment - no doubt drenched in the trauma of years of torture in jail - he says he doesn't know.

But it's no surprise Albert still wraps himself up in the memories of his own personal hellscape, because he's still living in it: every night, his sleep is disturbed by a recurring nightmare, jolting him bolt upright in bed, drenched in sweat.

The scars of his time in a cell still remain. On release, he weighed just 9st 6lb compared to 12st 8lb when he was first imprisoned.

'God didn't give me these injuries. I suffer now from blackouts. I had my broken shoulder, which wasn't properly fixed. I had three fingers that were broken,' he says, holding up his hand to the camera, 'I have a back injury.'

Hailing from Enfield, north London, Albert first landed in Dubai in the late 90s and took advantage of the massive property boom, soon becoming a successful businessman in the quickly developing desert city that promised to transform far-flung dreams into reality.

But now, he has a stark warning to other Brits eager to reinvent their lives in the glitzy, ultra-modern emirate of skyscrapers and golden sand: 'Be careful and be aware of what happened to me - it could very, very easily happen to you.'

When 63-year-old Albert Douglas landed at Heathrow airport after four years languishing in prison in Dubai, the first thing he did was kiss the ground

Albert Douglas, 63, reuniting with his son, Wolfgang, 39, in Heathrow Airport, December 2025

Albert and Wolfgang Douglas with his grandchildren following his years of hell in Dubai prison

Albert's message to ambitious emigres arrives at a salient moment, where countless foreigners who settled in Dubai for a better life have witnessed their hopes crumble around them amid the crisis in the Middle East.

Ever since the Israeli-US war on Iran broke out, expats are seeing a repressive and dictatorial side to their rulers, after warnings from the authorities that they faced fines or even imprisonment for sharing footage from 'unknown' sources related to the conflict.

So far, 21 people  including a 60-year-old British tourist  have reportedly been charged in relation to sharing content related to Iranian attacks, as influencers scramble for the first flight they can get their hands on out of the warzone and into safety.

After his four years of incarceration in Dubai, Albert has one piece of chilling advice to those considering the move: 'If you get in trouble, and you're a British citizen in the United Arab Emirates, forget the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

'It can't help you. They'll give you a lot of comfort in soft words, but that's it. No more.'

When he first made the move himself, he believed the rule of law would protect him, as a law-abiding citizen.

It was only after his life was snatched away in seconds that he realised the scale of corruption in the judicial system.

'I assure you, I'm not the only one. There are dozens, even hundreds of people that are in the same situation. It's endemic in their system: not a one-off, it's accepted.'

But when Albert emigrated permanently to Dubai with his wife Naomi in 2002, it seemed like he was entering a different, better world to the one he left behind in London, and was soon living the high-life with his Rolls Royce, enjoying the city's futuristic skyline.

His flooring business - Alomi Real Wood Floors - was thriving, so much so that he encouraged his son Wolfgang to ditch the UK, join him in Dubai and set up his own company, TimberWolf Flooring.

Together, the father and son enjoyed great success, supplying wooden flooring for mega-projects such as the Burj Khalifa, La Mer beach and City Walk and enjoying life on the world-renowned man-made island of Palm Jumeirah, shaped like a palm tree.

The family were originally embraced by the Emirati elite, and invited to exclusive dinners and parties. The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, even gifted them a pet tiger cub, Snowy, which eventually grew too large to handle.

Albert himself lived in a 6million mansion on the Palm Jumeirah island and soon most of the family was living there too, where celebrities including David and Victoria Beckham and Brad Pitt own villas.

But gradually, it became increasingly difficult for Wolfgang to recoup the payments for the multi-million-pound government-related projects he was doing, and he soon became unable to pay back his creditors.

The 39-year-old briefly left the city in 2019 and went back to the UK for medical treatment after an emergency, but back in Dubai, police had begun to seize his goods without paperwork.

Albert joined him in London, but made the fateful decision to return to Dubai that same year to resume his own business.

Unable to reach Wolfgang, the UAE authorities arrested the grandfather at Dubai international airport, ordering him to pay a 2.5million fine and handing him a three-year prison sentence.

He had no association with his son's company when he was arrested, apart from being listed on a legal document of the flooring business, set up in 2007.

The authorities later produced a bounced cheque the 63-year-old is alleged to have signed, which Albert vehemently denies (this was later verified by a forensic report, but the evidence was never acknowledged by the court).

In 2025, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention ruled following a four-year investigation that Albert's detention was arbitrary and had no legal basis under international law.

But it seems that expats arriving in the UAE to do business are always playing a risky game, where the cost could be their life.

While generally a civil matter elsewhere, debt can lead to immediate jailtime, and the legal system can be manipulated to punish foreigners who fall out of favour with the Emirati upper echelons.

Radha Stirling, the founder of Detained in Dubai who supported the family throughout the case, told the Daily Mail: 'As an expert witness, I have testified that success makes you more vulnerable in Dubai.

'Investors become targets in a system that allows baseless allegations to be used as a premise to strip entrepreneurs of their assets, wealth and their freedom.

'The lack of transparency, fair trials, and the prevalence of arbitrary detention, discrimination and human rights abuses are the reasons UK courts have continuously refused extradition requests, and why so many entrepreneurs have found themselves behind bars in what is promoted as a safe investment hub.'

She said that if someone wants to steal your assets and money in Dubai, all they need to do is make a complaint at a police station.

'Due to the lack of judicial process and entrenched corruption within law enforcement, that is often all that is required. The UN has now cleared Albert and his son but its not enough. They are seeking real accountability.'

The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, even gifted the father and son a pet tiger cub, Snowy, which eventually grew too large for Wolfgang to handle

Albert and Wolfgang were originally taken in by the Emirati elite, and invited to exclusive dinners and parties. Pictured together following Albert's release

Released on bail, a distressed Albert took his case to the supreme court, but when that failed, the family hatched a plan for him to escape.

With the help of a shadowy group of people smugglers, Albert attempted to cross the border from Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, over to Oman in the early hours of February 17, 2021.

But as he was creeping along the barbed wire fence, trying to locate a pre-cut hole to climb through, gunshots abounded and he was quickly apprehended by UAE soldiers closing in on him.

Then began the start of his nightmare, he claims. He was arrested, stripped and hooded, before being jailed in Abu Dhabi's Al Ain Prison, where he was beaten until he was unconscious by three guards.

According to the family, it was that attack that caused him to develop Alzheimers disease and suffer from several strokes.

At one point, he said, he was forced outside in the baking sun for 72 hours with no food, and forced to drink water from a toilet to quench his thirst.

Over the next years, he was incarcerated in several high-security facilities across Dubai - including Bur Dubai police station, Al Barsha and Al Awir Central Prison - where, he claims, he was tortured by guards, deprived of food, water and medical treatment, and witnessed the rape and suicides of fellow inmates.

On one occasion, he was trying to connect to his family from an Al Barsha prison phone when another inmate attacked him from behind.

'Everyone was thrown in there. There were murderers, rapists, drug dealers, and the ones that were most scary were people who were mentally impaired,' Albert said.

'I'm not going to use "insane", because most of them could quite easily have been treated with the right medication, but because there is no medication given to you - no proper care - these people were mentally unstable.

'It was one of them that attacked me and tried to kill me. They wrapped a wire around my neck and attacked me with a stick,' he said. The only reason Albert survived the assault was because of the bravery of another prisoner who stepped in to save him.

He described Al Barsha as dismal, so overcrowded inmates could barely walk. 'You had to sort of tippy-toe along a little, tiny corridor, because people slept on the floor, slept in the toilet, slept anywhere.'

One day, he decided to count the number of prisoners, reached 200, then lost count. 'I was in that particular facility for three months, and I never saw daylight, because there's no windows.

'I remember the first day I went into it, they opened the door. It was like: "Oh, the smell!" Just sweat. After a time, I couldn't smell anything. You do learn to live with it, but obviously that smell was still there.'

The prison was so filthy that Albert, like countless other inmates, developed scabies.

And when the rape of other prisoners occurred, it happened 'less than a stone's throw away, just a few metres', by a gang of men who routinely 'preyed on young people'.

Albert was on the bottom bunk bed, and the victim was on the top, suffering through the horrific attacks every night.

The grandfather said a fellow inmate, a British man from Liverpool, attempted to intervene and stop the rape, but he was in turn beaten up by the perpetrators as punishment for speaking out.

In June 2021, after swapping between different facilities, Albert was transferred to Al Awir, Dubais central prison, an enormous complex on the outskirts of the city, where he would spend most of his sentence.

When asked how he survived in such squalid conditions, the businessman said he managed to put himself into a kind of daily coma so that he'd just sleep throughout the lonely day and night.

'All the prisoners used to say, "How do you do it? What's your trick?" I don't know how I did it, but I did, and I can only assume I blocked it out.

'You're locked up for 23 to 24 hours a day. More often than not it's 24 hours... and there are no facilities that really exist, they have a library, you have to wait three months to go.

'They have a gym. I think I went twice in four years... There's nothing to look forward to, the food is inedible, every meal comes with a side order of cockroaches.'

Sleep, he said, was the only way to survive.

Albert pictured having surgery in a hospital in the UAE after being physically attacked by prison guards, who beat him up until he was unconscious

Back in London, Wolfgang was campaigning for his father's release, and has altogether spent 4million in legal fees along the way. From lobbying MPs to organising protests and working closely with the UN, he stopped at nothing to see the freedom of his father.

Before Albert landed in Heathrow in December, Wolfgang spoke to the Daily Mail, saying: I've worked and given my whole life in the pursuit of clearing his name. I took a name badge the day [he got arrested] which said: Advocate of Albert Douglas. I would give the pennies I didn't have to save my father.

Now that Albert is safe and home, Wolfgang is not wasting a single second getting to know his father again, and spends his days accompanying him to endless hospital appointments as part of his rehabilitation.

He was told by countless legal experts that 'getting your father out of this prison would be the equivalent of putting your hand in a grave and bringing someone out', because being in one of these 'debtors' prisons' is the equivalent to being a 'dead man walking'.

Indeed, Albert at one point shared a cell with two well-known British citizens who are still languishing in UAE prison today due to the alleged corruption of the system: property developer Ryan Cornelius and his business partner Charles Ridley.

They were imprisoned in 2008 after a fraud conviction related to a loan from Dubai Islamic Bank and handed a 10-year sentence. Meanwhile, the bank seized assets worth $1.6billion  three times the value of the original loan  including Corneliuss family home in London.

But in 2018, their sentence was extended by a further 20 years, and there are no signs pointing to their imminent release.

Albert was sure he'd share the same fate - of being stuck with an ever-increasing prison sentence with no end date in sight.

In February 2021, he was handed a sentence of two years, reduced to 18 months, but ended up being incarcerated right up until May 2025.

By then, the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention had taken up the case and submitted its findings to the UAE authorities.

Albert was finally released from prison, but handed a travel ban, barring him exit from the city until his deportation to the UK in December.

It took that long, despite the fact that the grandfather was pardoned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum back in November 2023.

'As far as I'm concerned, I was in a prison for just shy of five years, for a two year sentence, which should have been 18 months. I was way over my sentence; I was being arbitrarily detained,' he said.

Now free, Albert has a message for the UK Foreign Office, who he believes completely gave up on him because of the economic pressure it was under to maintain a good trade relationship with UAE authorities.

'The FCDO did nothing for me. They provided me five years of soft words. Always comforting, but in reality, they did zero.

'And I now understand why, and it's because they've been given two jobs to do at the same time. One, to look after my rights, and by doing so, they have to take it up with the UAE authorities...

'But if they do that, they're doing it with the same people that they've been tasked to "woo" to get investment. So on one hand, they have to cuddle up to these people and be nice to them, and on the other hand they have a stick to beat them.'

This double-bind means Albert felt he was sacrificed by his own government, and while he's safe now, he's 'not the only one' who has suffered, and countless other British citizens still remain arbitrarily incarcerated in the region.

The family's frustration with the British government is why Wolfgang plans to bring legal proceedings against the FCDO, in an attempt to get compensation but also a formal change to the travel advice given to UK citizens about the UAE.

He believes the government didn't do enough to secure the freedom of his father and willfully misled the press about the torture and mistreatment he was experiencing.

'Arab dictators don't shock me when they act like Arab dictators... You shouldn't be shocked when they use their draconian laws in their favour,' said Wolfgang.

'But the shock was the Foreign Office. The shock was how we berate Donald Trump day in, day out, on the media, but we sell human rights for pennies.'

He continued: 'What scares me is how we bow to them so easily. How Westminster is so weak and soft on foreign policy. And it was only until the point I got to Westminster that I realised just how soft and how weak we are.'

He firmly believes that if US President Donald Trump was handling the case, Albert 'would have been out straight away'.

'He would have picked up the phone to say: "What evidence? Is it real? Is it not? That's enough. Get him out." But not us.'

Albert Douglas on a previous birthday with two of his grandchildren, before his incarceration

At the moment, Albert is enjoying the simple pleasures of his new existence, as he adjusts to 'a new life, a life that I never thought for one moment I would ever experience again'.

'You can eat what you want, drink what you want.' The day we spoke, he had eaten a bacon sandwich with HP Sauce for breakfast. 'Totally unhealthy, but also totally delicious.'

Another new joy, but one he's still adjusting to, is being able to think and speak freely.

'In the UAE, there are basically no human rights. Speaking your mind in any way detrimental to the government of the UAE can get you put in jail, and when you are in jail, you are under scrutiny all the time.'

After years of being trapped in Dubai, the grandfather still feels 'indoctrinated in that way of thinking', so it doesn't feel natural to talk without first thinking carefully about whether it's safe to say what he wants to say.

'I still think before I speak,' he says, and it'll be a long time before talking freely feels normal again, but he's enjoying the process of feeling more psychologically free.

He has also spent a great deal of time reconnecting with his five grandchildren, particularly his daughter's autistic son.

'He's an absolute delight. I'm learning about autistic behaviour. I've got a long, long way to go, but I would hope that I'm giving her a little support, even if it's only moral support, and I take that very seriously. That takes up most of my time.'

As for the prison T-shirt he refuses to part with, Albert says he's in a constant Tom and Jerry-style competition with his daughter-in-law, who is 'always threatening to put it in the dustbin, and I actually have to go in sometimes and retrieve it'.

'It's this constant battle,' he says. 'She actually destroyed the towel that came from the prison. She got the towel and she destroyed it, but she was telling me it was in the wash. So now I have to keep this away from her,' he added, clutching the white shirt.

Clearly, Albert has a long road ahead of him as he continues to grapple with the PTSD incurred from his imprisonment. Crucially, he knows he's not alone, and he keeps his past inmates in his heart as he embarks on this new phase of life.

'The case of Albert Douglas, which we took to the United Nations, and in which his detention was found to be arbitrary, demonstrates the severity of the risks involved and how quickly a successful foreign businessman can be deprived of his freedom and be subjected to grave human rights abuses,' Stirling told the Daily Mail.

'Once an individual becomes a target, the situation can rapidly escalate beyond legal pressure into detention conditions where there is a real risk of ill-treatment and torture.

'I have long warned investors that the risks go far beyond financial loss. They do not just stand to lose their money and life savings, but also their freedom and, in the most serious cases, their lives.'

When contacted by the Daily Mail for comment, an FCDO spokesperson said: 'We supported a British man in the UAE and were in contact with his family.'
For 168 years, residents of the leafy St Louis suburb of Kirkwood have gazed in awe at the beauty of the Marquitz-Garesche House.

The elegant white clapboard home, whose 1858 construction predated the American Civil War by three years, is such an architectural gem it has been designed an official local landmark since 1982.

Its presence as the oldest house in the North Taylor neighborhood was instrumental in the entire area being added to the National Register of Historic Places.

So when health startup CEO Harlee Sorkin, 52, and his Pilates teacher wife Annelle, 51, bought the property for $635,000 last February, its former owner Mary Glen was delighted to hear them suggest they would be proud future stewards of the 19th century home.

But the Sorkins, who live with their three sons in an enormous $1.4 million mansion in nearby Topping Estates, now face a frosty welcome in their new neighborhood after unveiling an updated plan for the three bed, two bath home that will see it flattened.

A rendering obtained by the Daily Mail shows a larger replacement home, with a stone-clad exterior and ultra-modern black window frames of the sort made famous by reality TV homebuilders Chip and Joanna Gaines.

Despite the Marquitz-Garesche House's storied history, there is no local ordnance preventing its destruction, although Glen and other locals have made repeated attempts to try and save the property from the Sorkins' wrecking ball.

Glen, who lived in the Marquitz-Garesche House for 49 years between 1976 and 2025 with her late husband is so incensed that she wrote an angry local letter about the Sorkins to her local newspaper.

The Marquitz-Garesche House in the historic St Louis suburb of Kirkwood is set to be demolished at the behest of its wealthy new owners, outraging neighbors

CEO Harlee Sorkin and his Pilates teacher wife Annelle insist they planned to preserve the 1858 home after buying it, but say that the renovations it required would have ruined it anyway

She claims the couple initially told her they had planned to add an extension to the existing home that would preserve its historic looks and character.

Sorkin and Annelle countered by saying they were concerned about potential asbestos insulation in the attic, lead paint and piping, as well as a narrow staircase.

Sorkin, who leads heart health startup InterShunt Technologies, also complained that there is just seven inches of clearance between the door and bathtub in one of the home's two bathrooms, rendering it completely impractical.

But Glen, who says she spent $1.3 million on maintaining the home during the half-century that she lived there, insisted she had the attic insulation tested - and that no asbestos was found.

Pointedly, she added: 'I conveyed this information to the Sorkins, so when they say they are unaware, that is either untrue or an oversight on their part.'

Addressing the Sorkins' other concerns, Glen said that the 'narrow' staircase they complained of is a historic period feature and that it is structurally sound.

She said 'every square inch' of the house has since been repainted with unleaded paint and that the property does not suffer damp, any issues with its wiring or roof and that its lead pipes were replaced with copper ones.

Speaking to the Webster-Kirkwood Times, the stricken widow added: 'I loved that place for 50 years. It's a shame it's being torn down.'

Harlee Sorkin submitted this rendering of the planned replacement home last July. The larger property is clad in stone and features ultra-modern black window frames

The Sorkins' proposed new home bears more than a resemblance to the $1.4 million mansion where they currently reside in Topping Estates, another ritzy St Louis suburb

The Marquitz-Garesche House has been designated a landmark by the City of Kirkwood since 1982, with its presence instrumental in the entire neighborhood's addition to the National Register of Historic Places

Addressing a public hearing last July, Harlee Sorkin insisted he and his wife had initially planned to preserve the house, even hiring an architect and builder to do so, only to realize that the scale of work required would destroy its appearance anyway.

'Nobody looks at a historic house and says, "I want to tear this down,"' Sorkin said at the time. 'When we purchased the house, there was no expectation that we would live in it as is. The question was what would it take to make this workable for us...

'We ultimately determined it would be a challenge due to loss of historical integrity, incompatibility of modern living standards and, ultimately, safety.'

The Sorkins first applied to the Kirkwood Landmarks Commission to demolish their home in May last year, three months after buying it.

When locals caught wind of what was afoot, Kirkwood resident Erin Mariscal launched a Change.org petition to try and stop the demolition, which has so-far gained 1,500 signatures.

Mariscal, who works as a dentist, also questioned whether the Sorkins really tried to preserve the home.

'There was clearly no intent to restore this property,' she claimed.

'The new owners lack of due diligence should not result in our community losing a landmark.

The Marquitz-Garesche House is regarded as one of the crown jewels of Kirkwood - but its destruction is now imminent after planners and a legal challenge ruled its owners were perfectly entitled to demolish it

An interior shot of the home. Former owner Mary Glen says she spent $1.3 million on repairing the property in the 49 years she lived there and is outraged by the Sorkins' plans to demolish it

'The reasons cited by the new owners are not acceptable reasons to warrant demolition.

'Many residents in Kirkwood live in old homes that are not up to modern code. What makes these homes old and unique is why they are landmarks.'

Another neighbor called Reba Luhrs told the Daily Mail: 'There are a lot of us who are upset.'

Luhrs, who has lived in the area since 1994 and has a 'Protect Historic Kirkwood' yard sign said: '[Sorkin] claimed he bought the house then found out it was unlivable. He had no intentions of living in it, he just wanted to demolish it.'

When she was shown the renderings for the intended new build on the property, she scoffed that it didnt fit in with the style of the neighborhood.

'Were just so disappointed that theyre taking that house down. Those people can find another lot, but we cant find another house that was built in 1858. Its just selfish,' she added.

Another local, who wished to remain anonymous, said: Were not happy about it, its just very disappointing. Its a trend that we are seeing that is upsetting. Its a beautiful home.

A month after Harlee Sorkin applied to demolish the home, the commission voted to withhold approval of his plan for the maximum amount of time allowed - 270 days.

Yard signs in Kirkwood calling for the historic neighborhood to be protected. If the Sorkins end up moving into their new home, they'll likely find themselves very unpopular with their immediate neighbors

No timeline for the Marquitz-Garesche's house demolition has been set, with many locals distraught at the prospect of seeing it flattened by a wrecking ball

They did so in a bid to encourage an alternative plan to preserve the property, but none emerged in the time frame, leaving the Sorkins free to hire a demolition crew.

A group of angry residents - including four immediate neighbors of the house - subsequently sued in a last-ditch attempt to force the City of Kirkwood to block any demolition.

That effort failed last Friday, when St Louis County Circuit Court Judge John N Borbonus ruled that those opposed to the demolition 'do not have the requisite standing' to prevent the Marquitz-Garesche House from being destroyed, the St Louis Post-Dispatch reported.

Lawyers for the Sorkins defended the couple, highlighting that they had consistently stuck to the City of Kirkwood's own rules and done nothing wrong.

The Sorkins declined to comment further when approached by the Daily Mail.

No further details on when the Marquitz-Garesche House will be demolished have been shared.

As the drama unfolds, the Sorkins remain ensconced in their enormous Topping Estates mansion, away from the disapproving glares of their new neighbors.

It is unclear whether Harlee and Annelle Sorkin still plan to move into the Kirkwood home themselves - and if they will sell their existing mansion when they do so.

Earlier this week, the Daily Mail saw Annelle Sorkin driving her black Porsche Cayenne SUV from her Craftsman-style mansion to the Pilates studio where she teaches stretches and breathing techniques.

She and her husband may well require both in the coming months to help them cope with the stress of moving to an area where many locals now actively dislike them.
On the latest episode of the Daily Mail's War on Tape, foreign correspondent Chris Pleasance breaks down the military options available to America for seizing the Strait of Hormuz by force and why each would come at a devastating price.

Since the launch of Operation Epic Fury, a joint US-Israeli bombing campaign of Iran, the regime retaliated by blocking the Strait, a vital waterway that accounts for about 20 per cent of the world's oil and gas flows.

Using rudimentary defences: a mix of deep sea mines, primitive drones and speedboats, Iran has been able to bring the world economy to its knees. At its peak, Brent crude was selling for $126 a barrel, a faster price rise than during any other conflict in recent history.

On Tuesday, Trump announced a two week ceasefire with Iran, having threatened days earlier to destroy Iranian civilisation if the regime kept the Strait closed.

On the latest episode of the Daily Mail's War on Tape, foreign correspondent Chris Pleasance breaks down the military options available to America for seizing the Strait of Hormuz

Looking at the US's options for reopening the Strait by force, host Pleasance explains why Tuesday's ceasefire may have come as a relief to both sides

On Tuesday, Trump announced a two week ceasefire with Iran, having threatened days earlier to destroy Iranian civilisation if the regime kept the Strait closed

Looking at the US's options for reopening the Strait by force, host Pleasance explains why Tuesday's ceasefire may have come as a relief to both sides.

'In order to reopen the Strait, the US would need to send warships loaded with troops', he began.

'There they will face three layers of defences, each designed to exploit a different geographical feature of this unique terrain.

'The first are naval mines. These are explosive devices that sit on or under the water's surface and explode if a ship passes by.

'These devices exploit the narrowness of the Strait, which is just 35 miles across at its narrowest point. This makes it very easy to mine.

'Just a handful of explosives would make it extremely dangerous to sail through.

'The next are anti-ship missiles and aerial drones. These weapons exploit the high mountains on the Iranian shore, which give good visibility over the waters below.

'The mountains provide plenty of opportunities for hidden launch sites, from which weapons can get into the air.

'Finally, there are sea drones and attack speedboats. Small craft armed with either missiles, machine guns or loaded with explosives.

'In a straight fight a US warship would easily overpower them, but deployed as a swarm from close range, they can cause significant damage.'

Pleasance noted that any invasion force would first need to neutralise all three threats before a single boot could hit the ground.

If that is even possible without enormous casualties, US forces would then be left with four unenviable options.

'Thousands of marines could seize the small islands on the inside of the Strait', he explained.

Even if the US were successful in taking territory, utilising it to control the Strait poses its own problems

WATCH THE FULL EPISODE: Iran war: Why the Strait of Hormuz is a death trap

'This would involve using Osprey aircraft, hovercraft and landing boats to get troops and armour onto the shore.

'A second option would see marines attack the larger islands much closer to the Iranian shore. These are heavily defended, so fighting here would be harder and would likely result in far greater casualties.

'A third option would see marines, alongside special forces, invade the Iranian mainland to eliminate the bulk of drone and missile launch sites in one go.

'This option carries the most risk. Fighting up mountains against a well emplaced enemy with reinforced defences is very hard work.

'The wildcard option is to invade Kharg Island. The island is important to Iran because it refines 90 per cent of its crude oil. Taking it would not reopen the Strait, but it would hand America a major bargaining chip.

'Iranian defences on the island are thought to be substantial. These include ship killing missiles, which could fire at warships and landing craft.'

Even if the US were successful in taking territory, utilising it to control the Strait poses its own problems.

'The islands are within range of Iranian drones, missiles and even certain kinds of long range artillery firing from the mainland', Pleasance said.

'The islands are fixed so they will not be difficult for Iran to hit and US troops would have to work very hard to defend themselves.

'Almost certainly, more of them will be killed, putting further pressure on Trump's already unpopular war.

'Sending troops seems more likely to escalate the war with Iran than to end it. The US appears out of good options and easy wins.'

Hear Pleasance's analysis in full by subscribing to the Daily Maill World YouTube channel.
A married North Carolina mayor said he won't resign after he was accused of sneaking another woman into the town's hall late at night.

Mooresville Mayor Chris Carney, 54, was plunged into scandal after he was allegedly caught ushering local journalist Jaime Gatton into the building in October 2024, according to a lawsuit filed by former IT employee Jeff Noble in January 2026.

At the time, Noble spotted the pair together after noticing the mayor swiped his ID to access the building at odd hours, prompting him to investigate further.

It remains unclear what Carney and Gatton, 48, got up to inside the town hall, but Noble claimed the local politician was wandering the hallways without pants on, per the legal filing.

Now, two months after Carney's alleged skeletons came out of the closet, he refuses to resign from his seat in office.

On Monday, Mooresville commissioners voted 4-2 in a vote of no confidence against Carney after a series of lawsuits were brought against the quaint town following the allegations.

Commissioners then adopted a resolution that formally requests Carney step down, but Carney decided he would serve until his term ends in about 19 months, seemingly blaming the scandal on issues he was facing in his personal life at the time.

'Youve got to remember, this was in 2024. Its been so long ago, and obviously, as I tell people, I was fighting through a lot of stuff at the time,' Carney, who is married to his wife Francie, told Queen City News.

Mooresville Mayor Chris Carney (pictured alongside his wife Francie) said he will not retire from his position despite being told to do so over a scandal that saw him sneak another woman into town hall late at night in October 2024, a recent lawsuit stated

He was allegedly caught ushering local journalist Jaime Gatton (pictured) into the building, according to a lawsuit filed by former IT employee Jeff Noble in January 2026

Under North Carolina state law, Carney can technically stay in the role because there is no statutory mechanism to remove a mayor from office.

Still, Mooresville commissioners are prepared to continue their fight against Carney.

'There are things, further actions that the board can take to continue to communicate to him that we stand behind the resolution, but I don't feel like it's appropriate to comment on what those actions are at this time,' Commissioner Dana Tucker told the outlet.

Tucker said he created a presentation about all the ways he believes the mayor went against the board's ethics, which is what prompted the no confidence vote from commissioners.

He also said the presentation could help take further action against Carney.

Meanwhile, Carney talked about the three lawsuits that arose from former employees claiming they were fired after raising concerns about the town hall incident.

'At the end of the day, each person is just trying to survive on their own political merit. I know this has been a lot, and although we keep saying let's let the truth come out in the lawsuits, they've had to answer to some questions. I'm sure they're tired of it,' he stated.

Carney also made a dig at those looking to oust him.

It remains unclear what Carney and Gatton, 48, got up to inside town hall (pictured), but Noble claimed the local politician was wandering the hallways without pants on, per the legal filing

In his suit, Noble (pictured) claimed that Carney and other officials actively worked to suppress the surveillance video and worked against him before he was fired from his job in July last year

'One thing our board did that people dont realize is they asked me to step out, and they hired a complete independent group to look into it.

'We have a whole report that says it just never happened. The sad part is I think these people are going to realize they did this to themselves.

'Because through that investigation they found out about the next person. And then through that investigation they found out about the next person,' he added.

According to Noble, Carney and Gatton remained inside the building for four-and-a-half hours even after local police responded when motion detectors were triggered.

At that point, Gatton retreated into the mayor's office and hid, Noble said, with officers not searching the office or the surrounding area.

Noble said he reported his discovery to his supervisors in the city IT department, saying he believed it was a security breach, a misuse of municipal property, and violated mayoral ethics.

In his suit, he claimed that Carney and other officials actively worked to suppress the surveillance video and worked against him before he was fired from his job in July last year.

Carney admitted to being inside the building that evening, telling the Iredell Free News in December 2024 that Gatton has been a friend of his for 20 years.

He told the outlet he was out for dinner that same night and had drinks with a town commissioner and his aides before meeting Gatton for a margarita at a bar.

After deciding to leave, he claimed he felt sick and decided he could not drive home, opting instead to go to the town hall to pick up a cell phone.

In his most recent comments about the ordeal, Carney stated he has said all he's needed to

He and his wife Francie share three children, Rachel, Maddie, and Will, together, according to his profile on the town's website

Carney said Gatton went with him as she was concerned for him, telling the outlet that as he entered the building: 'I got worse, I got dizzy, I felt nauseous.'

He claimed that the prescription medication for anxiety he was taking, coupled with the drinks he had consumed, had made him sick.

According to Carney, the pair decided to stay inside the building for several hours until he felt safe enough to drive home.

'I felt I was doing the right thing and not driving impaired. I came here because I thought it was a safe place', he told the outlet.

He and his wife Francie share three children, Rachel, Maddie, and Will, together, according to his profile on the town's website.

Carney and his wife live in a home worth $400,000 in Mooresville, North Carolina

The couple resides in a comfortable four-bedroom home near a lake in the town with an estimated value of $400,000.

In his most recent comments about the ordeal, Carney stated he has said all he's needed to.

'Ive made all the statements about that I want to make. I am sorry for the distraction, but as any commissioner who wants to be honest with you, I owned it the next day.'

He continued: 'Im in a so much better place and Im really thankful actually, he said. It was a great turning point for me.'

The Daily Mail contacted Carney and Gatton for comment.
It has seen deadly ICE shootings on the streets and is home of the 'biggest theft of taxpayer dollars in US history' and now a millionaire has lifted the lid on just how dysfunctional Minnesota has become.

At every political turn since Donald Trump retook office last year, the Tim Walz-led state has reeled from scandal after scandal with the president regularly taking aim at it.

At his State of the Union address in February Trump blasted: 'When it comes to the corruption that is plundering America, there has been no more stunning example than Minnesota - where members of the Somali community have pillaged an estimated $19 billion from the American taxpayer.'

At the end of last year at least 86 people were alleged to have taken part in stealing public funds from a program meant to feed children, assist the homeless, and provide autism therapy.

It has since been revealed that Representative Ilhan Omar and Walz had connections with at least some of the Somali refugees charged in the massive scheme.

Once again it is under the spotlight for more reported fraud involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), as one millionaire found a loophole that allowed him to qualify for food stamps and then spend the money on luxury items.

And earlier this year, Minnesota quickly became the state on every Americans' mind after Renee Good and Alex Pretti were shot dead by ICE agents at separate protests.

It fueled further protests across the nation and caused tensions between political parties over how much freedom ICE agents should have to continue their immigration crackdown.

All eyes have been on Minnesota in recent months as it has been rocked with scandals. Pictured is an aerial view of Minneapolis

Minnesota, which is run by Tim Walz, has made several headlines this year, from deaths at ICE protests, Somali immigrants committing fraud, and the mayor of the state's biggest city being pushed to the front lines as the Trump Administration attacked his city

Millionaire, Rob Undersander, found a loophole in SNAP in 2016 that allowed him to apply for it, despite his wealth. The program only needed to know his income, which was low due to being in retirement. It did not ask about his assets

Many online have blasted the Midwestern state as being full of 'dysfunctional degenerates' and called it a 'clown world.'

'Minnesota is a dysfunctional state in steep decline with lots of delusional leftist cult members and larping theater kids,' one wrote on social media.

The Daily Mail takes a look at all the scandals that have earned the state the 'most dysfunctional' title.

SNAP loophole

Millionaire Rob Undersander long ago retired from his engineering days and lives off his retirement income and various assets that bring his total worth in the millions.

But he has now revealed to Fox News Digital that in 2016 he discovered a loophole in the SNAP system that allowed him to apply and get approved.

The system only needed to know his income, which is low due to being retired. It didn't take into account his assets.

For more than a year, he gathered thousands in SNAP benefits, which he donated to charity.

'One might call the current eligibility rules fraud by design,' he told Fox. 'I have purchased lobster and filet mignon on my EBT card. Isn't that crazy?

'And given the current climate of fraud and abuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Minnesota, I'm hoping that there will be a new bipartisan effort to reduce and eliminate both.'

Last year, the federal government spent $99.8billion on SNAP, with the average monthly benefit being $187 a month.

Join the discussion Do YOU think fraud scandals are the biggest issue facing the state?

Zamzam Jama (left) was sentenced to six months in jail for her role in the Feeding Our Future scam, where more than 80 people were accused of stealing public funds

Abdul Abubakar Ali pled guilty to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud

Somali fraud

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller called the Somali fraud scandal the 'single greatest theft of taxpayer dollars through welfare fraud in American history.'

Last month, a second Somali immigrant who stole half a million dollars, was handed a mere six months in jail by a Minneapolis judge, just a day after one of her co-conspirators was sentenced to a year for fraud.

Zamzam Jama was ordered to pay back $491,000 and will spend half a year in jail for her role in the Feeding Our Future scandal on March 31.

She was sentenced by Judge Nancy Brasel, who gave her co-conspirator Abdul Abubakar Ali a one-year sentence just the day before.

Jama and Abubaker are just two of the dozens of fraudsters in the case. Jama is the first of six in her family to be sentenced.

The Jama family ran their scheme out of Brava Restaurant and Cafe in Rochester, Minnesota. The Jama family has been accused of stealing $5.6 million of taxpayer cash by falsely claiming to be feeding children.

Jama used the money to buy a $480,000 home in Rosemount and a Toyota Rav4 with the stolen money. Those possessions, as well as $150,000, have been seized from her bank account, Raguse said.

Her family members have pleaded guilty and are awaiting their sentencing.

Renee Nicole Good, 37, (pictured) was shot three times in the face in January

Alex Pretti was killed weeks after Good by a border patrol officers at a protest

The Justice Department accused the defendants of stealing $250 million by exploiting the federally funded child nutrition program from 2019 to 2021.

The group was indicted in September 2022 and accused of using the nutrition program to launder millions, instead of using the money to feed children, as was intended by the program.

ICE Shootings

In January, Good was shot dead by ICE agent Jonathan Ross while she was inside her SUV at an immigration protest.

The Trump Administration says Good was a 'professional agitator' who had been stalking federal agents.

But Democratic officials in Minneapolis said her shooting was murder.

Her death sparked protests across the nation, with state and local officials demanding ICE leave Minnesota after Good's death. But former Homeland Security boss Kristi Noem said agents are not going anywhere.

Weeks later, Pretti, an ICU nurse, was shot and killed by a border patrol agent at a protest in the same city.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told the Daily Mail that agents were in the area attempting to apprehend an illegal alien wanted for violent assault when they were approached by Pretti.

According to DHS, Pretti was armed and carrying a gun with two magazines at the time he was detained. The agency later released a photograph of a ninemillimeter semiautomatic handgun it said was recovered during the clash.

Officials claimed officers attempted to disarm Pretti, but that he violently resisted before a Border Patrol agent fired the fatal shot.

Pretti was pronounced dead at the scene.

Multiple videos of the incident do not show Pretti reaching for his gun. In the videos, Pretti is seen with only a phone in his hand. None of the footage appears to show him with a weapon.

Trump has long set his eyes on the Midwestern state, but has since backed off after the ICE shootings

Rob Undersander said he applied to SNAP in 2016, qualified through a domestic violence brochure, and collected benefits for 19 months before donating the money

Fugitive fraud suspect

Minnesota's 'largest ever fraud prosecution' has been thrown in to doubt after its main suspect failed to show up to court.

Abdirashid Ismail Said, 50, is accused of conspiring with two others to pull off an $11 million scam between 2019 and 2023.

He was due to appear in a Hennepin County court for a pretrial hearing for ten felony counts on Tuesday.

After he failed to appear, a judge ordered him to forfeit his $150,000 bond and issued a warrant for his arrest.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison described Said's disappearance as, 'a deeply frustrating setback.'

Minnesota fraud suspect Abdirashid Ismail Said failed to show at court for a hearing in his alleged $11 million Medicaid fraud case

Trump's wrath

The president has long had his eye on Minnesota. It's home to Governor Walz, who went up against him with Kamala Harris for the White House ticket.

He's threatened to send the National Guard to the state, and has sued Minnesota for allowing transgender athletes to participating in girls' sports.

The administration has filed similar lawsuits against Maine and California, and has threatened the federal funding of some universities over transgender athletes, including San Jose State in California and the University of Pennsylvania.

Minnesota officials have long resisted the federal push to ban trans athletes from girls' sports.

However, after the ICE shootings, Trump has since backed down on Minnesota, with his border czar Tom Homan announcing in February that Operation Metro Surge would end.
When Susan Philippart slipped as she followed her partner up the stairs from the hotel bar to their room and fell backwards, banging her head, her injuries were clearly so serious that staff immediately dialled 999.

The primary school teacher, 61, was duly rushed to intensive care, but sadly some ten days later Mrs Philippart died.

The notes taken by the paramedic who attended  which recorded that both the mother of four and her partner, Mansel Usher, had been drinking  then provided the basis for both the police and later a coroner to find that her death had been an accident worthy of no substantive further inquiry.

But there was one little loose end that Mr Usher hadn't volunteered to any of them: as well as her boyfriend, he was also her parish priest.

And he had been introduced to the divorcee in that capacity, to provide counsel ahead of her proposed marriage to another man.

Father Mansel Usher managed to keep this rather compromising detail out of the public eye throughout the subsequent inquest but it did eventually come to the attention of the Catholic church hierarchy, ultimately leading to him being forced to leave the priesthood, the Daily Mail has learned.

Mrs Philippart's death happened six years ago, just days before Britain went into lockdown, but Father Usher's status as a priest in the context of his sexual affair has never been made public before.

It has finally come to wider attention as a result of her adult children's ongoing quest for answers about her death.

Primary school teacher Susan Philippart, 61, was killed by a freak accident falling down the stairs on the day of her mum's funeral, an inquest heard

Father Mansel Usher was Mrs Philippart's boyfriend as well as her parish priest

The Norton Hotel, where Mrs Philippart slipped as she followed her partner up the stairs from the hotel bar to their room and fell backwards, banging her head

The stairs in Norton House where Mrs Philippart fell down and died after her mother's funeral

The Philippart family want a fresh investigation and for Father Usher  who they say had promised he would quit the priesthood so he could marry their mother  to face further questioning.

Susan, a devout Catholic and church fundraiser, had been divorced from her husband since 1990, but wanted to have the marriage officially annulled so that she could finally marry her fiance of 18 years, one Dai Pearson.

As part of that annulment process, she was told to have counselling sessions with Father Usher at local church Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Swansea, where he was the priest.

But instead of preparing her for marriage, Father Usher instead seduced her.

Soon Susan admitted to her family she had fallen in love with the younger priest, and said that he had declared his love for her too  and she wanted to marry him instead of her fiance.

The pair then carried on a secret affair, meeting up regularly and staying in country hotels away from his parish in Wales, to avoid a local scandal, it's said.

It is also claimed that the Priest would say to his secret lover in intimate moments: 'If only the congregation knew what I was doing with you right now.'

Once the Church finally became aware of the case, Father Usher was found to have breached the Catholic Church's safeguarding standards by having the sexual relationship with a parishioner he was meant to be counselling.

It was also found that he had not been open about his status as a priest to the police and the coroner  and that he had benefited financially from the relationship, though it is still unclear how.

A leaked document from the Archdiocese of Cardiff-Minevia stated: 'Father Usher is alleged to have had a close to potentially romantic relationship contrary to 'Caring Standards for Others' [a church policy].

'Father Usher failed to understand or comply with the need for clear personal boundaries in the workplace.

'Father Usher received gifts and/or money contrary to 'Caring Standards for Others' pastoral standards and safe conduct in ministry.

'Father Usher behaved in a way that undermined the trust placed in him by virtue of his position.

'Father Usher failed to disclose that he was a priest to HM Coroner and police following the death of Susan Philippart.'

Here Susan is pictured with Father Mansel Usher during a Church event

The Archdiocese of Cardiff-Minevia formally confirmed that Father Usher is no longer in active ministry and is not now connected to any Catholic Church.

A spokesman said: 'As there is an ongoing canonical review it would be inappropriate to make any comment on this case.'

Swansea Council also held a safeguarding hearing into the relationship between the priest and Mrs Philippart but refused to disclose any details.

The secret relationship only emerged when tragedy befell Susan in March 2020  something which, in a curious twist, happened on the evening after she had attended her own mother's funeral.

The secret couple had booked into a hotel on The Mumbles, a popular strip of pubs, bars and restaurants just outside Swansea, famous for its nightlife.

Susan had been drinking wine at the wake before they returned to the hotel, the Norton, where they had further drinks in the bar until some time between 11.30pm and 11.45pm.

Susan was later described as having been 'very tired' that evening, after dealing with the 'stress and fatigue' of the funeral.

She went up the staircase in single file with Father Usher leading the way  only for her to fall.

Speaking at the inquest hearing at Swansea Guildhall, investigating officer PC Mike Jenkins said: 'It seems she lost her footing and fell backwards down the stairs but it was unwitnessed and there is no CCTV on the staircase.

'The fall was not deemed suspicious and police were not called to attend.'

Father Usher, a former carpenter, said he screamed for help after finding his lover motionless, lying on her back with her eyes staring at him blankly and blood coming from her mouth, nose and ears.

But he would tell the inquest that he could not remember the sequence of events 'with any precision'.

He said: 'Having gone up several steps, perhaps even reaching the first landing I turned to Sue asking if she was OK, only to see her lying at the bottom of the stairs.

'I do not remember hearing her cry out loudly or any sound of falling.

'I do, however, think I remember hearing a sound which could have prompted me to turn around to Sue. That sound could have been a moan or a heavy sigh.

'I do not know how many steps Sue had taken on the staircase.'

Father Usher later told Susan's family he believed she suffered some sort of blackout on the stairs while 'tired' and 'tipsy', they say.

Paramedic Kevin Holmes, who was first on the scene, told the inquest Susan's 'partner'  now revealed to have been a priest  was also under the influence of alcohol.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded by acting senior Swansea Coroner Colin Phillips, who described the events as 'tragic'.

But, now, six years later, Susan's daughter Rebecca Philippart is calling on police to reopen the case.

Rebecca, 43, said: 'I can't let this go until I know what happened that night.

'There are a lot of unanswered questions including information from the hotel that she may have been moved because blood was found elsewhere.

'The police never went to the scene, they took the word of a paramedic who thought it didn't look suspicious.'

She added: 'It [the staircase where she fell] is not that narrow, there is carpet, the lights were on  it's not a steep staircase where someone could topple to the bottom.

Sue died in hospital from a traumatic head injury two weeks after the fall. Pictured: Sue with one of her daughters, Rebecca

'There was no forensic examination of the scene, it was treated as an accident and Father Usher played the part of a worried partner until my mum passed away 10 days later.'

Rebecca, 43, claims that while her mother was in intensive care at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and the family were keeping a vigil, Father Usher had several times behaved in ways she found inappropriate.

Rebecca, also from Swansea, said that Father Usher had blurred the roles between being her partner and her priest during this period.

She said: 'He acted as if he was next-of-kin so that he was getting her health updates  and he told me and other family members that he intended to marry mum.'

She said at one point he had playfully slapped her unconscious mother on the thigh  and he had told them that in happier times he had nicknamed her his 'Botticelli' after the Renaissance painter who was famous for sensual nudes.

She said that this blurring of roles culminated just before her death: 'At the end he performed the last rites on her as a priest  and then added "goodbye darling".'

Rebecca said her mother had disclosed personal details about their sexual relationship saying the priest seemed to 'get a kick' out of living a double life  and that he would tell her: 'If only the congregation knew what I was doing with you right now,' when they were together in bed.

She added: 'Mum had strongly believed he shouldn't give up the priesthood for her and I know that was troubling her.'

Rebecca went on: 'I can remember mum saying that things didn't add up and that's how I feel about the way she died. I feel like I'm in limbo until I know for certain what happened that night.

'I feel that because there is a priest involved no one wants to look into this properly. I've been sent from pillar to post and no one really cares how my mum died.'

'Over the last six years I have asked the police three times to reopen the case and I have been to see the coroner twice.'

Rebecca said her mother had disclosed personal details about their sexual relationship saying the priest seemed to 'get a kick' out of living a double life

She hopes that they will finally look at the case again now, she said.

But a South Wales Police spokesman said: 'We can confirm that neither Ms Philippart's fall or death in 2020 were reported to South Wales Police and following a full coronial investigation later that year, a coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death.

'Concerns regarding this verdict are a matter for the Coroner.'

The Coroner and Mr Usher have also been contacted.
In the pictures they regularly posted on social media their faces were always wreathed in dazzling smiles. On Facebook and Instagram, where they documented their adventures as 'The Sailing Hookers,' Brian and Lynette Hooker appeared to be the blissfully happy couple, enjoying the retirement of their dreams as they spent the past few years sailing on a yacht appropriately named Soulmate.

And yet since Lynette, 55, vanished in the Bahamas a week ago and her 59-year-old husband was arrested after he came up with a curious story to explain how she fell out of their dinghy in strong winds and powerful, shark-infested currents, the sparkle has rapidly disappeared from the Michigan couple's 25-year marriage.

In its place is evidence of an altogether darker relationship with accusations of past drunken domestic abuse and violent threats that may - or may not - have some bearing on what happened to Mrs Hooker.

The Daily Mail can reveal new evidence of their apparently troubled relationship after obtaining an official police incident report showing that she - not he - was arrested for domestic violence by Kentwood police in Michigan in the early hours of February 1, 2015.

The papers record that while Lynette called 911, summoning police to their home, she was subsequently treated as the suspect.

According to the report, which was accompanied by a photo of Brian's bloodied hands, Mr Hooker suffered 'abrasions' but didn't need medical treatment.

Officers said both were drunk and that Lynette had no previous history of domestic violence.

Each accused the other of assault, although Lynette - who was 'highly intoxicated' - had no visible injuries while Mr Hooker had blood coming from a red and swollen nose.

On Facebook and Instagram , where they documented their adventures as 'The Sailing Hookers,' Brian and Lynette Hooker appeared to be the blissfully happy couple, enjoying the retirement of their dreams

The Daily Mail can reveal new evidence of the extent of their troubled relationship after obtaining an official police incident report showing that she - not he - was arrested for domestic violence by Kentwood police in Michigan in the early hours of February 1, 2015

Mr Hooker suffered 'abrasions' but didn't need medical treatment

The report was accompanied by a photo of Brian's bloodied hands

She, meanwhile, told officers that her children had locked themselves in a room upstairs. She said Hooker had hit her on the forehead and choked and punched her.

He told officers a different story: that his wife had believed that two people  one named as Jacob Hooker, believed to be her stepson, and the other whose name had been redacted in the report  were locked in an upstairs room and 'fooling around.'

Hooker said his wife tried to open the locked door but, when he tried to calm her down, she hit him in the face 'four to five times,' said the police report. A witness told officers she saw him come downstairs with a bloody nose.

'He stated he had never been hit like that in a long time. He started to cry and became emotional,' said the report.

Lynette was arrested on charges of assault and battery/simple assault, and spent a night in jail. Released on bond she had to agree not to contact Brian to whom she'd then been married for 12 years.

Ultimately no further action was taken due to 'insufficient evidence as to who started the assault.'

At the time, police said they later tried to contact Jacob and the other individual but they'd left the house and never returned their calls.

Questioned about the 2015 incident, Terrel Butler, Brian's attorney, told the Daily Mail: 'I have not discussed this with my client yet, but to my understanding she's the only one that was charged in that incident.'

'I will say this [arrest] clearly changes the image that has been portrayed of him as being violent or an aggressor.'

That will be for police and prosecutors in the Bahamas to decide, although Butler said her client 'categorically and unequivocally denies any wrongdoing.'

According to the Royal Bahamas Police Force, 5ft 10in Lynette went missing while traveling at sea with her husband in the Abacos - a group of small islands and cays in the northern Bahamas - last Saturday.

Brian Hooker said they left Hope Town, Abaco, around 7:30pm EDT on an eight-foot, hard-bottom dinghy en route to neighboring Elbow Cay and their yacht, according to police.

According to the police report, Hooker said his wife fell overboard with the boat's kill-switch key, causing the vessel's engine to shut off before strong currents carried her away. It is unclear if she was wearing a life jacket. He told his stepdaughter, Karli Aylesworth, that he threw Lynette a flotation device.

Lynette, 55, vanished in the Bahamas a week ago and her 59-year-old husband was arrested after he came up with a curious story to explain how she fell out of their dinghy in strong winds and powerful, shark-infested currents

Hooker told his stepdaughter, Karli Aylesworth, that he threw Lynette a floatation device

According to the police report, Hooker said his wife fell overboard with the boat's kill-switch key, causing the vessel's engine to shut off before strong currents carried her away

Unable to restart the engine, Hooker said he was forced to spend hours paddling the boat to shore after losing sight of his wife, who'd been wearing a black bathing suit.

Arriving on shore near a boat yard at around 4am on Sunday, he alerted the police. Rescue services have been looking for her ever since.

Initially, it appeared to be nothing more than a tragic accident at sea although there's growing evidence that Hooker didn't always appear too emotionally affected by the loss of his wife.

Edward Smith, the night watchman at the marina at Marsh Harbour close to where Hooker made it to shore in the dinghy, told the Daily Mail that there 'wasn't a lot of emotion' when the sailor explained what had happened.

'He wasn't crying or anything. He didn't seem stressed in that way. There wasn't a lot of emotion. There were no tears,' he said.

'He expressed nothing that you would imagine in those circumstances. He was more exhausted than emotional because he kept asking for water.'

Smith continued: 'I said to him, "Why on earth go out in that small boat in the dark and those conditions?" And he did show some emotion then when he said, "We were drinking, we were drunk. I should have known better. I shouldn't have done it."

'But he then added, "Whatever happened, happened. The wind was blowing so hard when it happened, she just went over."'

According to Smith, Hooker told him he fired two flares at passing boats but they didn't see them.

Hooker also had a somewhat unemotional Facebook conversation with a sailing friend of theirs, Daniel Danforth, who had got in contact on Monday after seeing him on the news.

Asked if it was true Lynette had fallen off their boat, Hooker only replied: 'Yes brother I'm afraid so.'

He went on: 'The wind blew me away from her and she swam towards the sailboat, and we lost sight of each other pretty quickly as it was just about sundown.

'I drifted and tried to paddle with one oar for the next 7 hours until I washed up behind the shore of the next Island over and was able to get some help finally.'

Curiously, given his wife had been missing for days, Hooker dwelt instead on what he called the 'huge burden' of being on the news. When Danforth told him he was in his prayers, Hooker said: 'Thank you friend. Our family is in hell right now.'

By Wednesday, Hooker was sounding more distraught in a social media statement he posted online. '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.'

That same day he was arrested in connection with Lynette's disappearance, officers suddenly handcuffing him after accompanying him out to his small yacht. Under Bahamas law, police can hold him for up to eight days if there are extenuating circumstances before they must charge or release him.

Terrel Butler, his attorney, described the development as 'shocking.' She said her client - who 'appears completely heartbroken and deeply distressed' - had cooperated with the authorities and had sat down for a long interview. 'The trauma of her disappearance, coupled with his current detention as a suspect, has left him in an extremely fragile state,' she said.

The investigators were clearly not satisfied with his account. He was taken out to his yacht to collect some clothes but, handcuffed and clutching his clothes, he lost his footing and fell overboard, said his lawyer.

He, at least, was swiftly retrieved from the Caribbean.

The US Coast Guard has opened a criminal investigation, and law enforcement sources say the Royal Bahamas Police Force has officially requested US assistance in the case.

His wife has yet to be found despite an extensive search involving Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, Hope Town Fire & Rescue and the United States Coast Guard, using drones and professional divers.

Meanwhile, Lynette's daughter, Karli, has not been at all helpful to her father's case, saying something 'just doesn't add up' about her mother's disappearance and calling for a 'full and complete' investigation.

She has said the couple had 'a history of not getting along, especially when they drink.' (It remains unclear whether they'd been drinking before or during their Saturday evening boat trip).

And 'not getting along,' she told Fox News on Wednesday, involved a history of domestic violence.

'There's also been a history of domestic violence in that relationship so I do believe something might have happened to her,' she said.

Asked to elaborate, she said: 'There's history of him choking her out and threatening to throw her overboard so the fact that this is actually happening makes me believe there's more to the story.'

She has listed myriad other reasons why she is suspicious: her mother was 'fit and strong,' and a good swimmer and she never drove the boat so wouldn't normally have the keys.

She said she also found it hard to believe that anyone would paddle back to shore while a beloved spouse was still out at sea. And she questioned why her stepfather told police he saw his wife swimming towards the shore. Surely, reasoned Karli, she'd swim towards the boat.

She told NBC News her mother was an experienced sailor who'd been on the water for more than a decade in a succession of boats, culminating in Soulmate, which the couple bought in Texas.

She insisted Lynette was used to being at sea and unlikely to 'just fall' overboard.

Karli also claimed Brian was not good with alcohol. 'He starts to act more smart-ay and more picking at you and like "I know this will irritate you so I'm gonna do that" type of attitude,' she said.

Karli said her father only left a brief voicemail message about her mother's disappearance three days later. In it, he can be heard saying: 'Hello, honey, it's Dad. I just got a call from Hope Town Search and Rescue, and they found the flotation device that I threw to mom when she fell overboard.

He ended: 'I love you. I'll talk to you later bye, bye-bye.'

Karli insisted Lynette was used to being at sea and unlikely to 'just fall' overboard

Hooker also had a somewhat unemotional Facebook conversation with a sailing friend of theirs, Daniel Danforth, who had got in contact on Monday after seeing him on the news

Danforth also found it odd that Hooker should be scrolling through social media and liking posts when Lynette had still not been found

She said that when she spoke to Hooker after the incident, he sounded 'monotone and relaxed,' providing the same description of events he gave police.

Back in Onsted, near Detroit, where the Hookers live, neighbor Jordan Plentz bore out Karli's claims about their turbulent marriage, saying she was told by Lynette's mother, who lived with the couple.

'I wasn't shocked when I heard about it,' Plentz told the Detroit News. 'They fought for a long time. ... The violence was pretty bad.'

Karli Aylesworth isn't the only one who knows the couple and is skeptical of Brian Hooker's account of what happened.

Daniel Danforth, the friend with whom Brian had that matter-of-fact Facebook exchange, told ABC News: 'Some of the things just don't add up.'

He said the couple - who he said had once separated for a while - were both 'very experienced at what they did,' adding: 'Dinghies don't really go very fast. That's not something you really take out in rough seas.'

And like Karli, he pointed out that the couple always carried phones around with them - often using them to post online - and questioned why there wasn't one on the dinghy with which Hooker could have summoned help.

He also found it odd that Hooker should be scrolling through social media and liking posts when Lynette had still not been found.

'You know, my wife's missing, Facebook's the last thing I'm worried about. You're going to find me on the water riding around,' Danforth told CBS News.

He also questioned why Hooker moved his boat from Elbow Cay, where it was anchored, shortly after Lynette went missing. And why, he asked, did his friend's account of what happened not tally with news reports?

While police have said Hooker recalled his wife being swept overboard and out to sea, Danforth said his messages reflected 'she was casually swimming back toward the sailboat.'

But not everyone familiar with the Hookers is so convinced that Brian's account is entirely incredible. John Waters, another friend of the couple, said they 'weren't that experienced' on the sea.

'Their new lifestyle was this boat that they picked up in Texas. They spent a year working on it,' he said.

Karli says she still harbors a faint hope that her mother may have made it to land but night watchman Edward Smith, a former fisherman, and a local boat skipper both told the Daily Mail that the bull sharks that infest those waters would have taken her within minutes.

'They can be monsters,' said Smith. Whether there was another brutal killer out there that night has yet to be determined.
President Donald Trump has reportedly promised his top advisors he will 'pardon everyone who has come within 200 feet of the Oval,' before leaving office.

A White House insider told the Wall Street Journal that the president announced that he would use his power in a recent meeting.

No details were given about who might benefit from the sweeping pardons, but they are an increase on the start of the year, when the president reportedly pledged them for anyone who had come within ten feet of the Oval Office.

The President told aides gathered in his private dining room that he would announce the pardons during a news conference near the conclusion of his term, according to the sources.

However White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt brushed off the report: 'The Wall Street Journal should learn to take a joke.

'However, the president's pardon power is absolute.'

The president notably gave nearly 1,600 people blanket pardons to those involved in the January 6 riot on the first day of his second term in office, which took place in 2025.

The White House described the January 6 defendants as 'unfairly targeted, overcharged, and used as political examples.'

President Donald Trump promised his top advisors he will issue sweeping pardon before leaving office a White House insider told the Wall Street Journal

President Donald Trump signing documents in January of 2025, issuing executive orders and pardons for January 6 defendants in the Oval Office

Trump pardoned nearly 1,600 defendants and issued six commutations for the January 6 riots

Trump has granted clemency to roughly 1,800 people since the beginning of his second term.

It is a stark increase on his first term when he signed fewer than 250 pardons and commutations.

Former President Joe Biden pardoned many in his final moments in office in January 2025.

Biden sparked fury as he issued preemptive pardons for Dr Anthony Fauci and all nine members of the January 6 Committee.

The 83-year-old Democrat also used his final moments in the Oval Office to give blanket protection to former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley, who Trump has said deserves to be executed.

At the time, Trump's initial reaction was to tell NBC's Kristen Welker that the pardons were 'disgraceful.'

Former President Joe Biden signed a pardon for his troubled son Hunter. He was pardoned for any crimes he may have committed from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024

'Many are guilty of MAJOR CRIMES!' he wrote in a text to the anchor.

January 6 panel Chairman Rep Bennie Thompson and former Republican Rep Liz Cheney were included in the pardon sweep, giving them immunity from any future actions by Trump's Department of Justice.

Biden also announced in December of 2024 that he would issue a presidential pardon for his troubled son Hunter, calling his prosecution 'selective' and 'unfair.'

Hunter was pardoned for any crimes he may have committed from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024.

The pardon was announced just weeks after the White House denied the president would make the drastic move in the final months of his presidency.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for comment.
Snaking for 110 miles across bleak, flat countryside is the barbed wire fence that Hungary built to keep out migrants. Designed to rip apart the flesh of humans who try to climb it, this monstrous edifice has stopped more than a million strangers illegally entering Europe over the past ten years.

The fence is hated by the European Unions bureaucrats in Brussels who refused to export to Hungary the steel spikes needed to help build it at the start of the migration crisis in 2015.

So, acting fast, the rebellious former Communist nation  which lies on a key transit route for Middle-Eastern refugees and economic opportunists crossing into western Europe via Serbia  defiantly built a factory to make its own.

Once the wall was in place, the rate of migration plunged by an extraordinary 95 per cent or more  from roughly 400,000 in 2015 to fewer than 18,000 by 2016. Today, the yearly tally is a trickle of less than 30, suggesting asylum seekers have given up on Hungary.

The now world-famous barrier, built in part by the hands of Hungarys criminals as part of prison labour, is the pride and joy of the countrys prime minister Viktor Orban.

In the run-up to crucial elections today, he declared: Only we built a fence. Only we said no to Brussels. Only we stopped mass migration. Our people decide who enters, our culture, our future.

In cold drizzling rain last week, I stood beside the border fence, a two-hour drive from capital Budapest. Stern-looking armed guards drove patrol cars up and down a track beside it.

Sue Reid visited the wall along the Hungarian/Serbian border where attempts to cross have massively diminished

The fence is hated by the European Union s bureaucrats in Brussels who refused to export to Hungary the steel spikes needed to help build it at the start of the migration crisis in 2015

The now world-famous barrier, built in part by the hands of Hungarys criminals as part of prison labour, is the pride and joy of the countrys prime minister Viktor Orban (pictured)

A white truck turned up, with workers unloading shiny new coils of spiked wire to mend holes through which a migrant on the Serbian side might try his luck to slip into the EU.

One border guard, Nadai Zoltan, later told a TV crew how the few who manage to breach the fence are treated. It is impossible here to give an illegal migrant a hotel room as you do in Britain.

We take them immediately to the border gate at the fence and tell them to leave.

At the peak of the invasion, they became aggressive. They attacked border guards with stones. On the other side in Serbia, the guards there have found migrants with guns shooting at them.

What happens if a migrant refuses to leave Hungarian soil?

They dont say no, another border guard explained.

The truth is they have no choice, faced as they are with Hungarian guards who push them back and force them to walk of their own accord into the hinterland leading directly to Serbia.

The fence cost millions of euros to build. It is electrified  a touch with so much as a toe on the Serbian side sparks a loudspeaker announcement in English to go away.

Any migrant who loiters near it soon finds a fleet of trucks carrying Hungarian guards arriving to chase him away from the border fence.

It seems Hungary has found a simple way to solve the problem cursing the rest of Europe.

For his defiance against Brussels in building the barrier, Viktor Orban and his ruling Fidesz Party of Christian nationalists are paying a price.

Stern-looking armed guards drove patrol cars up and down a track beside it. Migrants have no choice but to turn around

The fence cost millions of euros to build. It is electrified  a touch with so much as a toe on the Serbian side sparks a loudspeaker announcement in English to go away

The European Union fines Hungary one million euros  or 870,000  a day as a penalty for turning back illegals and refusing to offer them asylum. Orban also refuses Brussels demand that Hungary takes a share of so-called asylum seekers entering the bloc elsewhere each year. The result is that EU-Hungary relations are at an all-time low.

This weekend, crucial elections could end Orbans 16 years in power. It is a two-horse race between his ruling hard-Right party, and the upstart Tisza party run by former Orban devotee Peter Magyar, who has defected and now been labelled a puppet of Brussels.

Few outside Hungary had even heard of the middle-ranking civil servant Magyar until 2023, when he broke ranks, unleashing a blistering attack upon the Orban government.

The onslaught included the release of a tape-recording of Magyars ex-wife in conversation, when she was justice minister, alleging corruption among officials and ministers.

In an astonishing surge, Magyar has come from nowhere to lead in the polls ahead of the election  one recent poll had his party seven points ahead, although others suggest Orbans party has rallied in recent days.

Making hay out of the corruption allegations, Magyar has galvanised disillusioned voters across the political spectrum through his social media and on-the-ground speeches, turning the fledgling Tisza movement into a vehicle that could well end Orbans rule  as well as Hungarys hostility towards the EU.

Magyar has built up an image of a tough, masculine leader, posing, for example, in a Facebook post wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with the phrase The Man.

He has doubled down on campaigning, visiting six cities a day in the past fortnight, in an attempt to break through the tight control Orban maintains on much of the countrys media.

Peter Magyar, the leader of the opposition Tisza party attends a rally in Debrecen, Hungary. Magyar has been labelled a puppet of Brussels

Theres no doubt there is significant support behind Tisza, admits Andras Cser-Palkovics, the mayor of Szekesfehervar in central Hungary who is a member of Orbans Fidesz Party and considered one of the partys few independent voices. I think that this race is going to be a very tight one.

A Tisza victory would destroy Orbans powerbase, bring the country closer to Brussels and make it more hostile to Putins Russia, which Orban counts as an ally.

The true  and alarming  extent of that alliance may have been uncovered only last week by Bloomberg News, which claimed to have obtained a Hungarian government transcript of a call that took place between Orban and Putin just last October.

Orban reportedly compared their 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.

Critics have described Orban as Putins Trojan horse, suggesting that hes happy to assist the Russian leader in destabilising western Europe and the EU. This, however, did not prevent the US Vice President JD Vance endorsing Orban in a flying visit to Hungary last week  as we shall see.

Orban has openly sought to turn Hungary in to what he calls an illiberal democracy. And Magyar has played on this during the campaign, calling his government corrupt and authoritarian. The Berlin-based Transparency International Secretariat earlier declared Hungary the most corrupt country in the EU.

Yet the challenger claims to align with Orban on migration controls and on putting Hungarian families first. So will the upstart gain support from other parties?

Posters are seen in Budapest ahead of the Hungarian elections. Ironically, Hungarys election comes amid growing support for EU leaders who secure their borders

Views can be seen towards Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest city centre ahead of the Hungarian elections

We are not going to actually get into bed with Magyar, one Hungarian opposition politician said recently. Its just, you know, we need somebody to put Orban behind us. This is the first chance.

We are not voting for Tisza, we are voting against Fidesz, added a member of the Hungarian parliament from the Green Party who has stepped down to clear the way for a Magyar candidate.

Hungarians would vote for a goat at this point if it was running against Orban. On the ground meanwhile, I found voters in a state of deep indecision, whatever the polls tell us.

One 38-year-old truck driver and father of three whom I chatted to at a cafe with pretty awnings, on a squeakily clean Budapest street, summed up their dilemma.

We like Mr Orbans policies on protecting our family life, the tax breaks for mothers which encourage more births. But the rumours of corruption scandals are the continual problem with his Government. I have always voted for Orban, but this time it will be his rival Peter Magyar.

Last week Vance rode into town to support the Orban campaign. He extended his two-day stay by 24 hours to take in the magnificent sights of Budapest.

On arrival Vance warned against any interference by the EU in the election. His intervention triggered a three per cent drop in the polls for Orbans party, according to claims on political sites. However, not all may be what it seems.

President Donald Trump made a surprise phone call during one of Vances speeches in Hungary.

As soon as the audience of thousands heard Trumps unmistakable voice over the line, they erupted into deafening cheers of support for Orban.

Supporters of Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban at a rally on Monday March 30, 2026 during a very rainy day in the town of Szolnok

Signage can be seen for political parties in Budapest city centre ahead of the Hungarian elections

JD Vance greeted Trumps call with a big smile, saying Mr President, how are you? Trump replied with a simple Hi!  and that alone sent the entire room into pandemonium.

Vance then told Trump he was speaking live to about 5,000 Hungarian patriots, joking, I think they love you more than they love Viktor Orban!

Trump jumped right in with strong praise for Hungarys leadership: Viktor didnt allow people to storm in and invade your country like other people have.'

Ironically, Hungarys election comes amid growing support for EU leaders who secure their borders, put their own citizens first, and refuse to bow to asylum seekers insatiable demands.

Orban, whatever his faults, has devoted his life and politics to Hungary. Hungarians do not suffer from grooming scandals associated with Pakistani-heritage rape gangs here, the streets are clean, and girls can safely walk to meet friends in the evening.

Budapest is a fun and safe city to live in or visit.

If he is wrenched from power, it will be just as other European countries are turning to Orbans anti-immigration style of government. Right-wing parties such as National Rally and AFD top the polls in France and Germany as their people resist uncontrolled borders, mass inward migration, and the soaring birth rates of foreign newcomers.

It seems Hungary has found a simple way to solve the problem cursing the rest of Europe. Pictured: Security cameras at the fence

A sign written in Arabic warns migrans of the risks of touching the electrified fence on the Hungarian/Serbian border

We take them immediately to the border gate at the fence and tell them to leave,' one border guard said

This presents voters with a serious dilemma. If a coup takes place at the ballot box today and Magyar wins, the countrys family-friendly policies are predicted to remain in place which will be popular.

But whatever his partys claims about being anti-immigration, the reset in Hungary-EU relations that Magyar is determined to introduce will mean the countrys firm control over its borders could be reversed and the barbed-wire fence at the southern borders may go. If so, asylum seekers will jump into action, pouring in from Serbia and the rest of the Balkans.

We are worried that Hungary will become a vassal state of Brussels like all the other EU nations, a lady in her 70s coming out of a splendid Budapest church told me. We leave our keys in the door, crime is low, we feel safe. Why would we want to alter that by letting in everyone who wants to live here? Yes, the winds of change appear to be happening.

If Orban wins, there is talk of his Government attempting to loosen links, even split, with the EU. If he is thrown out, Hungarys brave stand against Brussels will be over. Whatever happens, todays vote is a pivotal moment.

But as to what the outcome will actually be, it is a question that no one seems able to answer.
The Government is being urged to investigate how a convicted rapist was allowed to leave an open prison unsupervised before attacking a woman with a knife.

Neil Trennan, who was serving two life sentences for separate attacks on women, had absconded from HMP North Sea Camp when he broke into the 19-year-old's home and threatened her with a knife in July last year.

The 61-year-old had been permitted to leave the Lincolnshire jail, where he was serving two life sentences, on unsupervised day release but did not return.

Instead, the prisoner travelled to Sheffield and armed himself with a knife before entering the woman's home, having realised the door was unlocked.

She found Trennan in the spare bedroom, where he claimed to be 'lost', but quickly grabbed her and tried to push her onto the floor.

As Trennan grabbed the knife from his pocket, the woman managed to knock it out his hand and escaped while he tried to retrieve it. She locked herself in the bathroom and quickly called for help.

The rapist quickly fled the scene and remained on the run from police for three days until he was snared in York on July 13.

Just over a month since Trennan was handed another life sentence for the violent assault, shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy has urged David Lammy to conduct an investigation into the 'preventable attack'.

Neil Trennan, 61, was serving two life sentences when he absconded from HMP North Sea Camp, broke into a 19-year-old's home and threatened her with a knife in July last year

David Lammy has been urged to investigate how the convicted rapist was allowed to leave an open prison unsupervised

In his letter, Mr Timothy accused the prison of failing in its 'first duty to protect the public' and demanded somebody 'must answer for the terrible decisions' that allowed the attack to take place.

'An investigation is urgently needed to hold the right people to account and ensure this does not happen again,' he added.

Mr Timothy also urged Mr Lammy to reveal who authorised Trennan's day release and on what basis, highlighting how the predator had 'continued to express violent sexual impulses as recently as 2024'.

He demanded the Justice Secretary provide answers 'as a matter of urgency', adding that criminals such as Trennan are 'too dangerous to ever be released from prison'.

The violent offender was handed his first life sentence in 1990 after breaking into the home of another woman in Sheffield, knocking her unconscious with a dumbbell and raping her.

Trennan was also on day release in June 2002 when he committed another violent assault by attacking student with a brick in a female toilet in Norwich College.

He was subsequently handed another life sentence for the attack, which Trennan claimed was not sexually motivated.

During his time in prison, Trennan admitted he was 'aroused by the violence' and enjoyed violent 'non-consenting' sex. In 2022, he also told a prison psychologist that he found committing offences 'more arousing than consensual one night stands'.

Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy (pictured) urged Lammy to conduct an investigation into the 'preventable attack'

During his sentencing remarks earlier this year, Judge Jeremy Richardson also questioned how Trennan was moved to an open prison despite his previous offences and remarks in prison.

He said it was an 'extremely surprising, and potentially wrong' decision for Trennan to be transferred to HMP North Sea Camp as he still posed an 'obvious risk of serious harm' and was 'massive danger towards women'.

'I have been given no adequate explanation why this decision was made and this is something which the Lord Chancellor may wish to investigate,' the judge added.

'It is astonishing to me that you were permitted to leave the prison in Lincolnshire on an unsupervised basis simply trusting that you would return.

'Given the history and the obvious risks you posed  and you were expressing as late as 2023 and 2024  it is astonishing you were subject to this liberal regimen.'

The Daily Mail has contacted the MoJ for comment.

A spokesman for the department told the Sun: 'These were horrendous crimes and our heartfelt sympathies remain with all the victims affected. Neil Trennan has rightly received the full weight of the law for his actions.

'Protecting the public and victim safety is always our priority and transfers to open conditions are operational decisions put forward by the independent Parole Board, and after careful consideration, officials could find no clear grounds to reject this recommendation.

'We have not yet received the judge's sentencing remarks, however when we do, we will closely review the judge's comments to understand exactly what happened and to identify whether any procedures relating to this specific case need strengthening.'
An inquiry report into the Southport horror killing of three little girls is expected to be highly critical of public services that ignored the threat posed by the murderer.

At least six public bodies are expected to be heavily criticised in tomorrows report, including two police forces, two NHS mental health services and the local councils family and social services.

Axel Rudakubanas parents, the X social media company and four retailers who let him buy knives and machetes without properly checking his age also face censure.

Rudakubana was 17 when he stabbed to death Bebe King, six, Elsie Stancombe, seven, and Alice Aguiar, nine, at a Taylor Swift dance class on July 29, 2024. He was jailed for life in January last year.

The inquiry, chaired by former judge Sir Adrian Fulford, heard he had been involved with public bodies from age 13 and admitted taking a knife into school at least ten times, leading to his permanent exclusion.

Joanne Hodson, special educational needs co-ordinator at Acorns pupil referral unit, said she was very concerned about him and hoped they were going to get help but one by one the agencies peeled away.'

By the time of the killings, he had not been seen by family or mental health services for months after each abandoned attempts to see him.

Axel Rudakubana stabbed Bebe King (left), Elsie Stancombe (centre) and Alice Aguiar (right) to death at a Taylor Swift dance class in 2024

An inquiry report into the Southport horror killing is expected to be highly critical of public services that ignored the threat posed by Rudakubana (pictured)

No consideration was given to a child protection order which could have removed him from the family home, despite evidence his parents could not cope with his violence.

His school made three referrals to the Prevent deradicalisation programme but each was dismissed.

Just before he left his house to attack the girls, Rudakubana, from a Christian family, went on X to view a video of a knife attack on a bishop in Australia by a 15-year-old teenager.

On the day of the attack, his father heard him leave the house in Banks, near Southport. He sobbed as he told the inquiry: I was just clinging to the hope that hes going for a walk.
Keir Starmer faced a chorus of mockery for abandoning the surrender of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius in the face of deteriorating relations with the Trump administration.

The controversial handover, which had been expected to feature in May's King's Speech, has been delayed indefinitely because the US has withdrawn its backing.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch called it 'another humiliating U-turn from a government that has no strategic direction', while Nigel Farage described the capitulation as 'very good news for global security'  as the islands include the strategic UK-US military base of Diego Garcia, and Mauritius is an ally of China.

Donald Trump, once supportive of the deal which would see the UK pay up to 101million a year to lease Diego Garcia, changed his mind after relations soured between the two allies over the Middle East.

Earlier this month, after Sir Keir refused allow US forces to use Diego Garcia or any UK airbases for the initial raids on Iran due to doubts about the legality of the strikes, the US President said he was 'very disappointed' by the 'very woke thing'.

The former head of the diplomatic service said on Saturday that the Prime Minister had 'no choice' but to abandon his plan to hand over the Chagos Islands in the face of an 'openly hostile' Mr Trump.

Simon McDonald, who was in charge at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office when the UK was advised to hand back the Indian Ocean island archipelago to Mauritius, said the plans would now go 'into the deep freeze'.

Lord McDonald said: 'The UK had two objectives. One was to comply with international law. The second was to reinforce the relationship with the United States.

Keir Starmer (pictured) faced a chorus of mockery for abandoning the surrender of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius in the face of deteriorating relations with the Trump administration

The controversial handover, which had been expected to feature in May's King's Speech, has been delayed indefinitely because the US has withdrawn its backing. Pictured: An aerial image of Diego Garcia, the largest island of the Chagos Archipelago

'But when the President of the United States is openly hostile, the Government has to rethink.'

Mr Farage also criticised Sir Keir for blocking essential life-saving goods from reaching the Chagos Islands, after footage of British police and customs officers intercepting a boat packed with items such as water sanitisers and mosquito nets was shared online.

The video was filmed by former Conservative MP Adam Holloway, who joined a small number of Chagossians in resettling the archipelago in February.

DONALD? SORRY, WRONG NUMBER! Who's on the phone? A narky US President, angered by Sir Keir Starmer's wretched handling of the Chagos deal? Or is the PM, pictured ahead of his beloved Arsenal's home humbling at The Emirates on Saturday, simply letting his nerves get the better of him as he lays into a hapless aide while the Gunners' title charge crumbled in a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth?

Calling it 'shameful', Reform UK leader Mr Farage said: 'This is disgraceful, vindictive behaviour against the Chagossians on the island from a government who supposedly say they are concerned with human rights.

'Let the Chagossians resettle their homeland and right a terrible wrong'.

Four Chagossians arrived on the shores of their homeland two months ago, along with Mr Holloway, refusing to obey a removal order issued by British authorities.

One video showed police and customs officers on a resupply boat, who went through 'every single box' and denied the Chagossian sailors items such as an emergency solar water maker, bedding, mobile phones, clothes and an ice maker.

Mr Holloway warned that the confiscation could prove the difference between life and death for those on the island, adding: 'Are we to die of thirst?'

Barrister Kareesha Turner, who represents the humanitarian mission, called the situation 'deeply concerning', while the Chagossian interim First Minister, Misley Mandarin, accused Sir Keir of denying his people their dignity.

He said: 'Let me speak plainly, there is no justification for denying our people the most basic provisions needed to live safely and with dignity, Keir Starmer.

'You call yourself a human rights lawyer, Mr Starmer?'

Speaking at a defence conference in London on Saturday, Ms Badenoch said: 'This is yet another humiliating U-turn from a government that has no strategic direction.

'That deal should have never been on the table  paying 35billion to give away territory we already own, at a time when so many in this country are dealing with the cost of living, shows they were not in any way thinking clearly.

'This has only happened because Conservatives have been fighting every step of the way in the Commons, in the Lords, making it very difficult for them to pass this legislation. So I welcome the news  we've won, we've got a U-turn.'
The Royal Navy will be forced to ask the French for help intercepting Russian vessels in British waters because the UK fleet is struggling to meet 'operational commitments', senior defence sources have revealed.

With Vladimir Putin putting on increasingly brazen displays of Russian military might around the UK, naval planners have told The Mail on Sunday they 'need help' from Paris to deal with the threat.

It was revealed last week that the Kremlin had sent three submarines into waters north of the UK as part of a plot to sabotage British undersea cables while HMS Dragon, Britain's only available destroyer, was in the eastern Mediterranean.

The Russian President also defied Sir Keir Starmer's threat to seize sanctioned Russian vessels by sending the Admiral Grigorovich warship to escort a pair of his 'ghost fleet' ships through the Channel.

The Navy is understood to have just one submarine and two frigates available for immediate operations.

Earlier this year the German navy was forced to step in and replace HMS Dragon as the flagship of a Nato task force after the destroyer was sent to the Mediterranean.

On Saturday night, the Ministry of Defence denied Britain needed France's help, saying: 'UK waters remain protected and monitored 24/7, and we have the resources needed to keep the UK safe.'

But this newspaper understands that naval staff officers at Navy Command Headquarters at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth have been working on contingency plans to counter Russian shadow fleet tankers since the Prime Minister announced last month that the UK would interdict (board and seize) them.

The Royal Navy will be forced to ask the French for help intercepting Russian vessels in British waters because the UK fleet is struggling to meet 'operational commitments', sources say. Pictured: HMS Somerset, HMS St Albans and a Merlin helicopter track a Russian vessel

Russia has thumbed its nose at Sir Keir Starmer's threats to seize its sanctioned vessels by giving them naval escorts. Pictured: The PM takes a call during the Arsenal match on Saturday

French President Emmanuel Macron. The UK faces asking the French for assistance in protecting British waters

They have concluded they need the French to help with potential boarding operations by Royal Marines and 'overwatch' by surface fleet vessels.

There are around 120 ships in the French Navy  some 45 more than the British have. France also has more frigates and destroyers  25  all of which can carry helicopters and are more modern than the British ones.

A senior military source said: 'We would have to ask our oldest enemy for help in the Channel.

'We simply don't have enough warship capability to secure the coastline without the support of the French.

'If politicians say we can do it on our own they are mistaken. We need help. Frankly, you don't need to be a rocket scientist to see the fleet is struggling to meet operational commitments.'

They added: 'We have been working on a plan to use French assets to boost intelligence and raise security in our waters. It would be based on the framework we have seen with the Joint Expeditionary Force, in which nations such as Sweden, Denmark and Norway share resources and intelligence to provide legal, political and military strength to harass these ships.

'We are short of frigates, destroyers and submarines  sadly that is a fact. Having said that, we plan and prepare  it is up to Downing Street to approve and direct us to carry out political policy.'

The news comes after Sir Keir suffered the embarrassment of being forced to shelve a deal to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after Donald Trump withdrew his support for the plan.

The British territory includes a joint UK-US military base on the largest island, Diego Garcia, which has been a source of contention between London and Washington over its potential use to launch bombing raids against Iran.

On Saturday night, Reform leader Nigel Farage said asking the French for military help was 'an act of national humiliation', while former Tory defence minister Tobias Ellwood said the UK needed 'a whole new approach to maritime defence  not a Nineties tribute band'.

Kemi Badenoch also accused the government of prioritising 'benefits over bullets' and said it was a 'national scandal' that plans on future defence funding have still not been published.

In a speech, the Tory leader claimed the government was 'woefully unprepared' to defend the UK and that the war in the Gulf 'must act as a wake-up call'.

She added: 'We have grown fat on welfare, prioritising benefits over bullets. Britain has overspent the peace dividend that followed the Cold War and politicians of all colours, as well as the electorate, prioritised day-to-day concerns over defence.'

Amid mounting alarm, John Healey, the Defence Secretary, admitted last week that he would like more money from the Treasury.

'Would I like more resources? Yes, I would,' he said. 'Every Defence Secretary would. Those [resources] will increase.'

But he failed to provide a deadline for when ministers will publish the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan, a blueprint for military spending over the next ten years.

The MoD has denied it needs French help to protect British waters. Pictured: A submarine bearing the ensign of the Russian navy

Russian president Vladimir Putin has been behind increasingly brazen displays of Russian military might around the UK

It was supposed to be unveiled last year following the release of the Strategic Defence Review.

The Daily Mail has exposed shortages in defence provisions as part of its Don't Leave Britain Defenceless campaign.

A French navy source told the MoS that it 'currently has one of the most formidable forward naval presences in Europe'.

They added: 'If the British need more help against the Russians, then France certainly has the capability to help.'

A senior source at the Armed Forces Ministry in Paris said France and Britain were already sharing intelligence to assist in the surveillance of Russian vessels.

However, international law, and a fear of provoking Russia, has prevented them from adopting more aggressive tactics  until now.

Sir Keir stated at last month's Helsinki Summit that he was stepping up the pressure on Moscow's shadow fleet of 'unregistered' oil tankers and announced that Britain would board sanctioned ships transiting UK waters.

Moscow's shadow fleet is reported to be made up of more than 1,000 ageing tankers. They illicitly ship oil and other goods out of Russia by flying the flags of other countries, with the aim of evading sanctions imposed by the West since the invasion of Ukraine.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: 'These claims are incorrect. UK waters remain protected and monitored 24/7, and we have the resources needed to keep the UK safe. Just this week, we exposed the details of a covert Russian submarine operation, which failed thanks to the work of the UK's Armed Forces.

'We continue to enhance plans to protect our cables and pipelines. We're providing an extra 100 million for vital P8 submarine-hunting aircraft and we've launched the Atlantic Bastion programme to combine the latest autonomous technologies with the very best warships and aircraft to create a British-built hybrid naval force.'
The main suspect in an $11 million Medicaid fraud case in Minnesota has disappeared after failing to show up to court.

Abdirashid Ismail Said, 50, is accused of conspiring with two others to pull off the huge scam between 2019 and 2023.

He was due to appear in a Hennepin County court for a pretrial hearing for ten felony counts on Tuesday.

After he failed to appear, a judge ordered him to forfeit his $150,000 bond and issued a warrant for his arrest.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison described Said's disappearance as, 'a deeply frustrating setback.'

'My Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is working with federal law enforcement to locate Said and ensure he faces justice for the fraud he committed,' he told Fox9.

'This is a deeply frustrating setback, however, I remain committed to doing everything I can to hold Said and other Medicaid fraudsters accountable.'

Said has been charged with racketeering and several counts of aiding and abetting theft by swindle.

Abdirashid Ismail Said, 50, did not appear in a Hennepin County court for a pretrial hearing for ten felony counts related to his alleged Medicaid fraud on Tuesday

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison described Ismail's failure to appear in court as frustrating and added that his Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is working with federal law enforcement to locate him

A judge ordered Ismail to forfeit his $150,000 bond and issued a warrant for his arrest

He has a previous Medicaid conviction from 2022 which saw him ordered to pay back $77,000 and barred from operating health agencies which use the welfare scheme.

Despite this, prosecutors allege that he defrauded the Medicaid program by billing for services which were not provided or were supported by false paperwork through multiple health agencies.

Prosecutors fear that the suspect may have fled overseas as his wife lives in Nairobi, Kenya according to court documents seen by CBS.

Said has been present for previous hearings, most recently on March 17, KSTP reports.

However, his disappearance throws the case, thought to be Minnesota's 'largest-ever Medicaid fraud prosecution' into chaos.

The Daily Mail has reached out to the Attorney General's office for comment.
Donald Trump issued a stern warning to China amid reports that the country is sending weapons to Iran during US peace talks.

The president's caution comes after several news outlets have reported that China is preparing to send air defense systems to Tehran in the coming weeks.

'If China does that, China is gonna have big problems,' he told reporters outside the White House on Saturday.

US intelligence sources told The New York Times and CNN that Beijing is shipping shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile systems, known as MANPADs, through third countries to mask their origin.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington denied the accusations in a statement to CNN.

'China has never provided weapons to any party to the conflict; the information in question is untrue,' the spokesperson said.

'As a responsible major country, China consistently fulfills its international obligations. We urge the US side to refrain from making baseless allegations, maliciously drawing connections, and engaging in sensationalism; we hope that relevant parties will do more to help de-escalate tensions.'

It comes as peace talks between the US and Iran began in Pakistan's capital city, Islamabad, on Saturday, following Wednesday's fragile truce between the two countries after six weeks of conflict.

Donald Trump warned China they would have 'big problems' if the country sends weapons to Iran

US intelligence sources told The New York Times and CNN that Beijing is shipping shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran

Trump acknowledged the 'very deep negotiations,' but told reporters that no matter what happens during the talks, the United States has already won.

'Regardless what happens, we win. We've totally defeated that country. And so, let's see what happens. Maybe they make a deal, maybe they don't. From the standpoint of America, we win regardless,' he said.

'With all of that, let's see what happens, but from my standpoint, I don't care.'

The president then took a dig at NATO while saying his next step is to open up the Strait of Hormuz.

'We defeated their leaders. Their leaders are all dead. Now all we do is we'll open up the strait, even though we don't use it. Because we have a lot of other countries in the world that do use it, that are either afraid or weak or cheap,' he said.

'I don't know what it is, but we were not helped by NATO that I can tell you.'

The US delegation to the peace talks is being led by Vice President JD Vance, along with Steve Witkoff, the special envoy and Jared Kushner, who is Trump's son-in-law.

The Iranian delegation is being led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.

Vice President JD Vance, with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, is leading the US delegation in the peace talks

The two are discussing how to advance the ceasefire already threatened by deep disagreements and Israel's continued attacks against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, a terrorist group, in Lebanon.

Trump has ordered that the Strait of Hormuz be open as part of the ceasefire deal.

Iran threatened to attack US Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday just after American warships passed through the strategic waterway for the first time since the war began.

The two American destroyers passed through without incident, according to The Wall Street Journal.

But Tehran has since warned Pakistani mediators that if the vessel continues to move, 'it will be targeted within 30 minutes, and the Iranian-American negotiations will suffer,' foreign ministry spokesperson Khabar Network told Fars News Agency.

The threat of near-immediate retaliation came just after reports revealed that multiple US ships crossed the strait in a bold move that 'was not coordinated with Iran.'

USS Frank E Peterson (DDG 121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) transited the Strait of Hormuz as part of a US Navy operation - not escorting commercial ships - in what was described as a freedom-of-navigation mission.

Iran threatened to attack US Navy ships (stock image) in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, just after American warships passed through the strategic waterway for the first time since the war began

Forces under US Central Command (CENTCOM) also announced that they had begun setting conditions to clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz previously laid by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

'Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce,' CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said in a statement on X.

Cooper also revealed that additional US forces, including underwater drones, will join the clearance effort in the coming days.
Prince Harry has strongly rejected claims lodged against him in a High Court defamation suit by the African charity he helped to found but sensationally quit after a boardroom battle.

The Duke of Sussex said the claims made against him by Sentebale of running an 'adverse media campaign against them' which led to 'false narratives circulating' were 'offensive and damaging'.

The charity's board of trustees is suing him and his former equerry Mark Dyer, who also walked out as a trustee of the charity, in a claim listed on 24 March as 'defamation  libel and slander'.

A spokesman for both men said: 'They categorically reject these offensive and damaging claims.'

The Duke's bullish response is a clear sign he is determined to fight any suggestion that he caused 'operational disruption and reputational harm' to the charity he co-founded in honour of his mother, Princess Diana, in 2006.

Sentebale was set up to support young people living with HIV and Aids in Lesotho and Botswana and was known to be close to Harry's heart.

He even gave the charity an extra donation of 1.2 million from the profits from his no-holds barred memoir Spare.

But a bitter public power struggle ensued for control after a dispute with its chair Sophie Chandauka, which led to Harry and his fellow founder Prince Seeiso, along with a group of trustees, resigning from the charity in March last year.

Prince Harry has strongly rejected claims lodged against him in a High Court defamation suit by Sentebale, the African charity he helped to found but sensationally quit after a boardroom battle with its chair Sophie Chandauka (right)

The charity's board of trustees is suing Harry and his former equerry Mark Dyer, who also walked out as a trustee, in a claim listed on 24 March as 'defamation  libel and slander'

The Duke's bullish response is a clear sign he is determined to fight any suggestion that he caused 'operational disruption and reputational harm' to the charity

The Charity Commission strongly criticised all sides when it published a report into the row, rapping them for playing out the dispute in public.

The regulator said that all trustees contributed to a 'missed opportunity' to sort out the issues, potentially causing wider damage to the charity sector by eroding public confidence.

However, while it acknowledged 'the strong perception of ill treatment' felt by some of the parties involved, it found no evidence of systemic bullying or harassment, including misogyny or misogynoir  discrimination against black women  at the charity.

A source said in August last year that Harry had been left emotionally devastated by the events, after 19 years of working with the charity.

In a statement, Sentebale said it was seeking the court's 'protection' because its work had been undermined 'following a coordinated adverse media campaign conducted since 25 March 2025 that has caused operational disruption and reputational harm'.

It said that Prince Harry and Mr Dyer had been 'identified through evidence as the architects of that adverse media campaign'.

It added: 'Sentebale has experienced the adverse media campaign as false narratives circulated through the media about the charity and its leadership, attempts to undermine its relationships with staff, existing and prospective partners, and the forced diversion of leadership time and resources into managing a reputational crisis not of the charity's making.'
Bridget Phillipson has been accused of prioritising her 'personal ambition' ahead of upholding guidance on women's right to single-sex spaces.

Baroness Kishwer Falkner has accused the Women and Equalities Minister of holding back from publishing guidance amid fears it could impact any potential promotion.

The former head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (ECHR) said delays in releasing the guidance on single sex spaces 'betrayed' women.

She described the Government's lack of action as 'cowardice', as the former chief of the human rights watchdog insisted women have a right to expect trans women are banned from single sex spaces.

In her scathing swipe at Labour, she also claimed Sir Keir Starmer had not upheld the legislation on women's single-sex spaces despite the Prime Minister previously being a lawyer.

Baroness Falkner's attack is the latest instalment in an intense row over the Government's failure to publish guidance after the Supreme Court ruled in April that the term woman in the Equality Act refers to a 'biological woman and biological sex'.

Before departing her role at the head of the EHRC in November, Lady Falkner submitted an updated code to be shared with businesses on managing single-sex spaces to the Education Minister.

However, nearly a year after the Supreme Court ruling, Ms Phillipson has not yet published the updated code despite it being sent for Government sign-off.

Lady Falkner has boiled the delay down to the Education Minister's 'ambitious nature' as she noted recent speculation about Sir Keir's role as the UK leader and a 'major reshuffle' in cabinet.

Kishwer Falkner (pictured), whose term as head of the Equality and Human Rights Commission ended last week, accused Brigetson Phillipson of prioritising her 'personal ambition' ahead of upholding guidance on women's right to single-sex spaces

Baroness Kishwer Falkner has accused the Women and Equalities minister (pictured on March 26, 2026) of not publishing guidance amid fears it could impact any potential promotion

Explaining how she believed Ms Phillipson did not want to 'alienate the activist MPs', she said the Education Minister had been 'set back' after her loss to Lucy Powell in the Labour deputy leadership race last year.

'She is putting her personal ambition ahead of her role as the minister for women and equalities, and that is a very sad and sorry state of affairs for our country in terms of the message it sends about this Government,' she said.

Meanwhile, she took aim at Sir Keir, claiming he was unable to uphold the law ' in its most visible form', which she said was legal guidance provided by an independent regulator of that legislation - the EHRC.

'There has to be a long, deep reflection on whether we're going to continue as a society to uphold what I call muscular liberalism in that we balance rights  everybody's rights  properly, and are not afraid of calling out wrongdoing because we're intimidated by upsetting one group or another,' she told The Telegraph.

The former head of the Civil Service, Sir Chris Wormald, also faced criticism from Lady Falkner after he refused to get rid of rules which allowed transgender women to use female toilets in Westminster.

She advised Dame Antonia Romeo, the current head of the Civil Service, to utilise her 'reforming zeal' to revise the role of gender ideology within departments in Whitehall.

However, a Labour source claimed Baroness Falkner had demeaned the EHRC with 'these disgraceful personal comments'.

They said her comments sought only to 'further stoke the culture wars that have inflamed and divided our country'.

'Labour is doing things properly, providing the sober and grown-up leadership on these issues needed to ensure organisations and businesses need to uphold the law and everyone is treated fairly and compassionately, with dignity and respect,' they added.

It comes after she accused Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden of 'dissembling' a new code of practice on single sex spaces and claimed it had been submitted in April.

At the time, Mr McFadden said the Government only received the code of practice in September.

Baroness Falkner told Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme in December: 'They've had it since April - the eighth, to be exact.

'It's not only about sex and gender. It's an update on the 2011 code... which is way out of date - 14 years out of date - in nine protected characteristics: disability, age, race, the whole gamut.

'They had the whole thing. We spent two years on it from 2022, they had the whole thing on April 8.'

She added: 'So the Supreme Court verdict was on April 16, a few days after we gave it in to them. They knew we were going to update 10 per cent. That's all we needed to update in terms of the Supreme Court verdict.'

Baroness Falkner said the EHRC code was just a 'navigational tool' and 'the law of the land was determined on April 16, we're nearly eight months now'.

She added: 'These are profound, foundational and fundamental rights. And it is serious. And I don't believe this Government is taking it seriously.'

But Mr McFadden denied the Government was stalling.

'The guidance will have to apply across a whole range of sectors and organisations,' he added.

'It's important to get this right, because if you don't get it right, organisations will end up in further legal jeopardy.'

He said he had the EHRC's draft guidance but, when asked about the publication date, replied: 'We'll get it right, rather than give an arbitrary date.'

The Daily Mail has approached Labour and Bridget Phillipson for comment.
An Aussie has slammed the country's migration program after it was revealed dog grooming is among the 'skilled' jobs foreigners can apply for to get a visa.

Sustainable Population Australia spokesman Michael Bayliss said the government's skilled migration jobs program lists nearly 700 occupations that have no genuine skills shortage.

He said visas should not be granted where no genuine job shortage exists.

'The skilled migration list is a complete and utter cluster f***,' he said.

'The federal government has such a low opinion of your skillset that it is willing to look overseas for qualified dog groomers and zoo keepers.

'If this sounds farcical to you, it's because it is.'

Mr Bayliss said it was time the skilled migration list was culled.

'For the past two decades, governments have been systematically slashing tertiary training within Australia,' he said.

Sustainable Population Australia spokesman Michael Bayliss (pictured) said the government's skilled migration jobs program lists nearly 700 occupations with no genuine skills shortage

The government continues to recruit foreign workers for everyday jobs Australians could do from grooming dogs to saving swimmers (stock image)

'They then cry foul claiming we have no option but to gather skills from overseas.

'This is a case of politicians finding solutions for the problems they created in the first place.'

The Home Affairs working visa skills list also includes actors, dancers, acupuncturists, antique dealers, beauty therapists, deer farmers and lifeguards.

Other listed occupations included real estate agents, caravan park managers, horse racing officials, marriage counsellors, funeral directors and flower growers.

SPA describes itself as an 'independent not-for-profit organisation seeking to protect the environment and our quality of life by ending population growth in Australia and globally'.

President Peter Strachan called on the government to require overseas applicants to be sponsored by an employer before being granted a skilled visa.

He said the argument for population growth failed to grapple with an increasingly volatile global environment.

'At a time of increasing global uncertainty and rising risks associated with conflict, weather extremes, fractured trade logistics and the prospect of rising food insecurity, a policy of rapid population expansion would be foolish in the extreme,' he said.

Lifeguards are listed on the Home Affairs website as skills in demand in Australia

Last month, Australia set a new immigration record with almost half a million people arriving in the country last year, according to conservative think tank The Institute of Public Affairs (IPA).

The IPA, which includes former prime minister Tony Abbott as an affiliate, published its analysis of the latest Overseas Arrivals and Departures database from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

It found net permanent and long-term arrivals to the country totalled 494,540 in the 12 months to January 2026, the highest in recorded history.

IPA senior fellow Dr Kevin You said the arrivals were people who had moved to Australia with a declared intention to stay for a year or longer.

'Records continue to be smashed with this government's promise to cut migration in absolute tatters,' he said.

'The number of people coming to settle in Australia reached record highs, as the size of Australia's migrant population is growing larger than ever.

'The Albanese government has been unable or unwilling to genuinely reform our migration system.'

Home Affairs data shows there were 2.98million temporary visa holders staying or residing in Australia on January 1.

Home Affairs data shows there were nearly 3million temporary visa holders staying or residing in Australia on January 1

IPA noted this was the highest number on record, marking a 4.24 per cent growth from the previous year.

While promising to reduce net figures, the government is focusing on a 185,000-place permanent migration program for 2025-26, tightening temporary visa pathways to manage housing and infrastructure strain.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the nation's migration rate while also claiming his government had significantly lowered the total number of people moving to Australia.

'When it comes to migration numbers, we have cut the net migration figures by over 40 per cent in a year,' he said.

'The number of people arriving now is lower than it was under the Coalition.

'The latest population statement released in early January confirmed that population growth is expected to slow to 1.3 per cent in the current financial year.'

One Nation's federal party proposes deporting about 75,000 migrants currently residing in Australia on overstayed visas, capping visas to 130,000 a year, and banning migration from countries 'known to foster extremist ideologies'.
Woke activists are calling for a boycott of a beloved taco chain after learning its Latino CEO supports the MAGA movement.

A backlash has been growing against Roberto's Taco Shop ever since the political leanings of its CEO Reynaldo Robledo came to light.

Robledo has met Donald Trump at least three times, most recently at a 'Latinos for Trump' Roundtable in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2020 and frequently likes his social media posts.

He took over the business from his parents, who opened the first Robertos Taco Shop in San Diego in 1964. Today the chain spans 49 franchise locations across the West Coast.

But recently, the business has been thrust into the spotlight by TikTok user @harrie835, whose biography states she is dedicated to 'Exposing Latino MAGA business that want to profit off La Raza [the race].'

'Did this CEO forget that all of his restaurants are based on Mexican dishes, which wouldn't have made it here without the immigrants that are currently being affected by the current administration that you are supporting?' she fumed.

The video sparked fury online with many customers vowing never to return after learning of Robledo's political persuasion.

Reynaldo Robledo, CEO of Roberto's Taco Shop, was at the center of controversy after an anti-MAGA TikTok user exposed that he supports the president

Woke activists are now calling for a boycott of his taco chain, Roberto's

A group of Roberto's employees stand in front of the company logo inside a shop

Join the discussion Should a CEO's political beliefs impact where you choose to eat or shop?

'As a Nevada local, this is really depressing,' one person wrote.

'No! That was my go-to food,' another said.

'Was going to try the one close by. Wont due to being enlightened. Will continue to support my small local spot,' a third person said.

Amid the furor, Roberto's issued a statement attempting to distance itself from Robledo's views.

'Roberto's Tacos is proud to be a Latino-owned and operated franchise that serves diverse communities across Nevada,' it read.

'While our CEO may hold personal political beliefs, it is important to note that each of our 49 franchisees operates their stores independently.'

However, @harrie835 remained unconvinced by their comments.

'As we all know people are going to say that I'm jealous, that I am a hater, that I cannot see my own people thrive, but the question is ask yourself when they voted for MAGA what does it say about them because they cater to the immigrant community they understand that we the Latinos have a big impact within your wallets,' she said.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Roberto's Taco Shop for comment.
A prosecutor is accused of having sexual relationships with prison inmates and accessing hundreds of confidential files in alleged breaches.

Taxpayer-funded solicitor Vanessa O'Bryan, 32, was granted bail after spending months on remand following her arrest in November 2025, The Sunday Telegraph reported.

After months of suppression, it can now be revealed while employed with the NSW Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), O'Bryan allegedly engaged in a relationship with convicted gangland killer Joshua Baines who she had previously represented as a criminal defence lawyer as well as several other inmates.

Baines is serving 27 years over his role in the murder of Pasquale Barbaro, a crime figure killed in Earlwood, in Sydney's inner west, in 2016.

A police document alleges O'Bryan improperly accessed hundreds of confidential files for no legitimate legal purpose.

'The accused is a DPP solicitor and former defence solicitor who has had access to high-level criminals on a professional and personal level,' it alleges.

'The extent of the impact of the information that she has provided to these persons is not known and (is) potentially extremely damaging to other court matters and/or the safety of individuals.'

A police prosecutor told the court last year that O'Bryan had no legitimate reason to contact prison inmates as a DPP solicitor.

Solicitor Vanessa O'Bryan (pictured) is alleged to have had intimate relationships with prisoners including a gangland murderer jailed for 27 years

'Between May 8, 2023 and January 16, 2025 there were (hundreds of) conversations with Joshua Baines for the purpose of carrying out intimate sexual relations,' the police prosecutor said.

'She's not only willing to have sexual relationships with inmates, but also compromise police investigations as a result of those relationships.

'Police don't know what the actual impact of her accessing the records is  because they are still investigating.'

O'Bryan allegedly had an intimate relationship with another inmate Terry Sampson.

She is accused of effectively dobbing herself into police after she reported receiving abusive texts from Sampson's girlfriend at the time Sharna Cain.

'I swear you and Terry aren't getting away with this hahaha big lawyer I'm coming for you,' Cain wrote.

Cain pleaded guilty and was handed a 12-month community correction order for intimidation.

The police document alleges during a three-way call between O'Bryan, Cain and Sampson, O'Bryan made comments which indicate she was having a sexualised relationship with Sampson.

Joshua Baines (pictured) was sentenced to jail over his role in the murder of wannabe mafia boss Pasquale Barbaro

'O'Bryan sent Cain, via message, a selfie image of Sampson shirtless with the caption 'I love you so much Vanessa' in order to prove to Cain that she was in a relationship with Sampson,' the police document read.

The DPP launched a probe after Cain reported O'Bryan.

O'Bryan allegedly accessed 1,439 pages relating to 284 other criminal matters she had no affiliation with.

OBryan was initially charged with misconduct in public office, illegal access to restricted data and hindering evidence, and released on police bail.

She was later remanded after being hit with more serious allegations of benefiting from a criminal group and concealing crime proceeds, but has since secured bail.

In the NSW Supreme Court on Friday, Justice Sarah McNaughton lifted the suppression orders.

'There is a higher public interest in open justice where a solicitor has been charged with serious criminal offences,' she said.
Aspiring California governor Eric Swalwell is reportedly being investigated by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office over allegations of sexual assault.

It comes after the married Democratic lawmaker was hit with bombshell accusations by four women including a former staffer on Friday.

Swalwell has staunchly denied the claims but has been urged to drop out of the race by his party colleagues, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, among others.

On Saturday, more than a dozen of his staffers released an unsigned statement condemning the 'abhorrent' alleged behavior detailed in the reports.

'We stand with our former colleague, and the other women who have come forward,' the statement reads.

'We believe you should stand with them, too. The behavior detailed in these reports is abhorrent, beneath the dignity of those serving in public office and betrays the trust of all Californians.'

It has now emerged that the congressman is facing an investigation from the DA's office, NBC reports, over one of the alleged incidents which is reportedly took place in New York City.

A spokesperson for the DA's office urged 'survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373. Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators, and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner.'

Eric Swalwell was accused of sexual assault by former staff members on Friday, prompting an investigation from the Manhattan District Attorney's office

One accuser Ally Sammarco went on the record with CNN. Her husband, Adam Parkhomenko, has supported her via social media

Swalwell issued a video denying the women's claims on Friday, calling the reports 'flat false.'

He also suggested a conspiracy, pointing out that they were released 'on the eve of' the June 2 primary, in which he claimed to be 'the frontrunner,' though Real Clear Politics' average shows him trailing Republican Steve Hilton in the primary.

The allegations began with claims from a former staffer who alleged she was raped by Swalwell when she was too intoxicated to consent.

She told CNN that in April 2024, after a night of heavy drinking in New York City, she woke up to Swalwell having sex with her in his hotel bed.

'I was pushing him off of me, saying no,' she said, adding that it happened after she stopped working in his office. 'He didn't stop.'

At least four women have now accused the Congressman of sexual misconduct, including the former staffer.

Another of the alleged victims, Ally Sammarco, went on the record with CNN and alleged that the gubernatorial candidate sent her unsolicited nude messages.

The DC-based political content creator messaged Swalwell in 2021 in hopes of discussing politics.

The 28-year-old said the congressman 'became very inappropriate, like saying about how hot he thought I was, insinuating we should get together and hook up.'

'I thought I was the only one that had this experience with him,' she told NBC.

'These people have authority, and they're abusing it. I want to validate what these women are saying, and I feel like he needs a public reckoning in some way, or he's just going to continue doing this.'

She was supported by her husband, Adam Parkhomenko, who took aim at Swalwell following his video denial.

Sammarco claimed that Swalwell set her unsolicited nude photos and 'became very inappropriate' over text

Swalwell has denied all allegations against him and has said he will fight the accusations

'I would just like to reiterate that if Eric Swalwell and his attorney believe any statements that my wife and I have made are not true, he should sue us immediately,' he wrote on X.

'He can DM me, and Ill let him know where to serve us. But this will never happen.'

Sammarco alleged that Swalwell would 'drunk text' her and send her photos of himself in bed or shirtless, along with the nude images.

'I truly never thought he would respond  I had like 1,000 followers at the time,' she told CNN. 'And he responded.'

The pair went back and forth, eventually exchanging phone numbers and messaging practically every day, she told the outlet.

Another woman said that Swalwell kissed her and touched her leg without consent.

She said she woke up naked the next morning in his hotel room without realizing it was his, and said she still has flashbacks of the representative grabbing her as she told him 'no.'

Swalwell has said he plans to 'fight' the allegations 'with everything that I have.'

He addressed his wife of 10 years, Brittany Watts, in the video, saying that he apologized to her 'deeply for putting her in this position.'

'I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I'm a saint, I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife,' he continued.

Swalwell has been married to Brittany Watts for a decade. The couple shares three children together

The Congressman apologized to his supporters if any of the allegations had made them doubt their support for him.

Several politicians and public figures have withdrawn their support of Swalwell and called on him to drop out of the race.

Longtime Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, incumbent Governor Gavin Newsom, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries were among those calling for him to drop out.

A spokesperson for Pelosi said she called for the 'extremely sensitive allegations' to be 'appropriately investigated.'

'The young woman who has made serious allegations against Congressman Swalwell must be respected and heard,' she said.

'Mr. Swalwell should end his campaign and resign from Congress immediately. His conduct is incompatible with elected office. The women who came forward deserve to be heard and deserve justice,' Bass said.

Swalwell's attorney, Elias Debaie, told CNN that he 'intends to continue his campaign,' despite the calls to drop out, per Politico.

He plans to spend time with his wife and their three children over the weekend, and Debaie said it is 'not clear' when he may return to campaigning.

Debaie added that the congressman 'takes accountability for potential lapses in judgment' but 'questioned the timing of these allegations, 25 days out from an election.'

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi urged Swalwell to end his campaign

However, he appeared to suspend fundraising via ActBlue on Friday.

Politico reported that at least four Swalwell staff members have already abruptly departed.

In their statement, the anonymous staff members said that 'any decision of staff members to remain in their roles in the interim should not be viewed as support for Eric Swalwell.'

'Not everyone can immediately forfeit their income and benefits without significant personal risk or consequence,' it read.

The Daily Mail has approached Swalwell, Sammarco, Parkhomenko and the Manhattan District Attorney's Office for comment.
An aircraft engineer is 'lucky to be alive' after falling 35ft out of a passenger plane door at Manchester Airport.

The man, believed to be in his 60s, plunged from the back of the Jet2 aircraft when he mistakenly believed there would steps on the other side of the door.

Pictures from the scene on Saturday morning show the rear door of the plane wide open, while a set of stairs could be seen a few metres away.

Several emergency vehicles and ambulances from the North West Ambulance Service attended the scene and the victim was taken to hospital.

The plane had been due to fly to Tenerife before the incident occurred at around 8.05am.

A man who works at the airport and witnessed the fall said the engineer was told the steps were on the left side of the plane, but ended up opening the wrong door.

After realising his mistake, the man tried grabbing the door but 'strong winds' pulled outside and he fell towards the tarmac 'face first', the worker added.

He is believed to have broken both legs, his elbows and eye sockets, which has supposedly caused swelling on the brain.

Emergency services gather at Manchester Airport after an aircraft engineer fell 35ft out of a passenger plane door

Pictures from the scene on Saturday morning show the rear door of the plane wide open, while a set of stairs could be seen a few metres away

The Manchester Airport worker told the Sun: 'To stop the brunt of the fall he put his knees and arms out, that's what's caused his injuries.

'At the time we didn't realise how bad the injuries were. The drop from that aircraft is about 35ft, so he's lucky to be alive.'

The man was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary and friends say he is currently in operation, they added.

A Jet2 spokesperson said on Saturday: 'We are aware of an incident that took place at Manchester Airport this morning (Saturday 11th April) involving an individual from a third-party provider.

'We are unable to confirm further details at present, however, can confirm that a full investigation has been launched.

'We are doing our best to provide support to everyone who needs it.'
Thousands of migrants from Asia, Africa and the Middle East have entered Britain under a Government scheme that offers free visas for Ukrainian refugees.

Nearly 3,500 visas have been granted to people from 112 countries, including Iran, Iraq, India, Afghanistan, the Palestinian territories and Nigeria, under two separate schemes giving refuge to Ukrainians fleeing Russia's full-scale invasion.

Under one option, Ukrainians could come to the UK if they had family living in Britain, or they could enter the country if they had been offered accommodation under the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship programme.

Both schemes were set up under the previous government, but have continued under Labour as Russia's war in Ukraine rages on into its fifth year.

The number of visas given to non-Ukrainians is now almost one in every 80 of the 279,223 applications granted by the Government.

Russians make up the biggest number of non-Ukrainians to have entered the UK under the visa scheme at 588, while Nigerians made up 408, Afghans 294, Iraqis 161, Moldovans 152, Turks 149, Indians 124, Belarusians 107, Iranians 107 and Egyptians 106.

Other nationalities entering Britain under the Ukrainian visa scheme included Ghanaians (81), Syrians (65), Libyans (34), Palestinians (27), Vietnamese (18), Yemenis (17), Chileans (seven) and Argentines (three).

Critics say the Government should not be allowing non-Ukrainians to enter the UK under the visa scheme.

Thousands of migrants from Asia, Africa and the Middle East have entered Britain under a Government scheme that offers free visas for Ukrainian refugees

Nearly 3,500 visas were issued to non-Ukrainian migrants under a scheme designed to allow entry to Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia's full-scale invasion. Pictured: Ukrainian refugees take shelter in a school in Przemysl, near the Ukrainian-Polish borders on March 14, 2022

A Home Office spokesman said: 'The Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme is primarily for Ukrainian nationals.

'Third-country nationals can only be eligible if they apply as part of a family group, which must include an immediate family member who is a Ukrainian national, and they must apply at the same time.

'The Ukraine schemes remain temporary, in line with the Ukrainian government's strong desire for the future return of its citizens, and do not lead to settlement.'

The recent Home Office data, analysed by The Telegraph, comes after a Palestinian family fleeing the war in Gaza won a court ruling last year allowing them to come to Britain through the Ukrainian refugee scheme.

The family argued that they should be allowed entry to the UK and live with a relative under the Ukrainian visa scheme because there was no other way for them to seek refuge in Britain.

Philip argued that in this case, the European Convention of Human Rights had been abused to allow the Ukrainian scheme to be 'twisted into a route for Palestinians to come to the UK.'

The Ukrainian visa schemes were set up by the previous government, but have continued under Labour.
The transport minister has confirmed the Albanese government has spent months developing a model for a national road user charge aimed at electric vehicle drivers.

Catherine King was pressed on the matter on Sunday as ABC Insiders host David Speers asked when drivers should expect the new tax.

Electric vehicles are currently exempt from the 52.6cent fuel excise that petrol car owners have to pay when refuelling their vehicle at a petrol station.

A road user charge is a system where EV drivers would be required to pay for using roads based on distance travelled, vehicle weight or location.

'My department has been working on the model for what a road user charge might look like,' King said.

'That was flagged in the MidYear Economic and Fiscal Outlook and we've been working on that since December.'

The fuel excise raised about $15.7billion in 2023-2024. EV sales have grown with 15,839 cars sold in March, marking a 42 per cent increase on the previous month.

As Australians increasingly shift to EVs, that revenue from the fuel excise is shrinking, and economists warn it is creating an inevitable fiscal black hole.

Catherine King (pictured) said the government was considering a road-user charge

Treasurer Jim Chalmers publicly flagged the issue last year, arguing Australia can no longer rely on fuel excise alone as petrol vehicles are replaced by EVs.

After a government economic reform roundtable in August, Chalmers said road-user charging was 'an idea whose time has come', making clear the government is considering how to introduce the policy.

Any rollout is likely to begin cautiously, with a trial focused on heavy electric vehicles rather than everyday motorists.

Despite ongoing policy work, King insisted the government isn't ready to implement the measure yet.

'We're trying to encourage as much electric vehicle uptake as we possibly can,' she said.

'We don't want to disincentivise that at all.'

Speers pressed her repeatedly on timing, asking when Australians should expect to start paying.

'So when will the government finally introduce a road user charge?' he asked.

Speers (pictured) questioned King over when the government would introduce the charge

King argued that now may not be the right time, politically or economically, to introduce a new tax, especially as high fuel prices and government incentives are driving surging EV sales.

'It may not be the time for it right now. There's a balance to be struck,' she said.

Parliamentary reality is another complicating factor, with King admitting any national charge would require new legislation, and she's unsure it would pass.

'It's obviously going to have to be legislated through the parliament. I'm not clear that there's a pathway for it at this stage,' she said.

The government's caution is already causing friction with the states.

Both New South Wales and Western Australia have signalled they'll introduce their own EV road user charges from July next year unless Canberra acts first.

That risks a muddled system where drivers face different costs depending on their location.

'If there is such a scheme, it does need to be national,' King said. 'But that's a matter for states and territories.'

The road user charge would target electric vehicle owners, who aren't charge the fuel excise (stock image)

King noted previous High Court rulings have cast doubt on whether states even have the constitutional power to introduce such charges.

This looming tax debate comes as the government reviews generous EV policies, including the popular fringe benefits tax exemption on novated lease, a measure critics say largely benefits the wealthy.

Asked directly whether that tax break would survive the budget, King refused to say.

'That's a matter for the budget,' she said.
Aspiring California governor Eric Swalwell has been accused of violating immigration law to keep his Brazilian migrant nanny employed and using campaign funds to pay her, according to recently filed complaints.

The married Democrat, who is currently a sitting member of Congress in the House of Representatives, was hit with bombshell accusations of sexual assault and misconduct by four women including a former staffer on Friday.

Swalwell has staunchly denied the claims but has been urged to drop out of the race by his party colleagues, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi among others.

Now, he has been accused of violating immigration and employment laws to keep his Brazilian nanny, Amanda Barbosa, in the US after her temporary work authorization allegedly expired.

Barbosa was legally authorized to work as the Swalwell nanny from January 2021 to December 2022, according to complaints to the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Labor filed by reporter and documentary maker Joel Gilbert.

Federal Election Commission (FEC) records first obtained by the New York Post and the Daily Mail indicate Barbosa received $46,930 in campaign funds in 2022.

When her visa ended, Swalwell and his wife, Brittany Watts, began the process of applying to sponsor her for a green card and Barbosa enrolled in community college, according to the complaint.

However, the complaint claimed that Swalwell kept Barbosa employed between January 2023 and February 2025, despite her allegedly not having the proper visa status.

Aspiring California governor Eric Swalwell has been accused of paying his immigrant nanny with campaign funds amid reports of sexual assault and misconduct from four women

Swalwell is accused of violating immigration and employment laws to keep his Brazilian nanny, Amanda Barbosa in the US after her temporary work authorization expired

Photos from Barbosa's since-deleted Facebook page included in the complaint obtained by the Daily Mail showed her traveling and spending time with the Swalwell family, including several trips to the White House, during that time frame.

Between 2023 and 2024, Barbosa was not listed in FEC records, but Swalwell wrote off $9,713.42 for 'Payroll Tax for Campaign Childcare Reimbursement.'

Barbosa's permanent labor certification was approved in 2024 and by 2025 she received $38,905 in campaign funds, FEC records show.

The Daily Mail contacted Swalwell, the Department of Labor and the Department of Homeland Security for comment.

Swalwell was among the leading Democrats in the race to replace outgoing Governor Gavin Newsom.

But now, he is facing calls to resign and an investigation from the Manhattan District Attorneys Office.

On Friday, CNN reported that a former staffer of Swalwell accused him of having sex with her when she was unable to give consent.

The DAs office has since revealed that it is probing allegations stemming from the accusers claim that she awoke to him having sex with her in 2024 after a night of drinking.

Barbosa was legally authorized to work as the Swalwell nanny from January 2021 to December 2022, but continued to post pictures working with the family through 2025

Swalwell has staunchly denied the sexual assault claims but has been urged to drop out of the race by his party colleagues. Pictured: Swalwell with wife Brittany Watts

'We urge survivors and anyone with knowledge of these allegations to contact our Special Victims Division at 212-335-9373,' the office said in a statement to CNN.

'Our specially trained prosecutors, investigators and counselors are well-equipped to help you in a trauma-informed, survivor-centered manner,' it added.

The woman told the outlet that in April 2024, after a night of heavy drinking in New York City, she woke up to Swalwell having sex with her in his hotel bed.

'I was pushing him off of me, saying no,' she said, adding that it happened after she stopped working in his office. 'He didn't stop.'

Swalwell has denied the allegations of sexual assault and misconduct as his campaign hangs in jeopardy.

He shared a video on social media in which he appeared visibly shaken and addressed his wife, Brittany Watts.

'A lot has been said about me today through anonymous allegations and I thought it was important that you see and hear from me directly,' Swalwell said.

'These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened, and I will fight them with everything that I have.'

He then apologized 'deeply for putting her in this position.'

A series of photographs showing Barbosa with the family were included as part of the complaints submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor

He also suggested conspiracy when he pointed out that the allegations were released 'on the eve of' the June 2 primary in which he claimed to be 'the frontrunner,' though RealClearPolitics' average shows him trailing Republican Steve Hilton in the jungle primary.

'I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I'm a saint, I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife,' he continued.

The Congressman apologized to his supporters if any of the allegations had made them doubt their support for him.
The family of the Victorian grocer who created Gentleman's Relish fear the recipe will be lost forever after it was axed by the makers after 177 years.

The British anchovy paste  which is also known as Patum Peperium  has outlasted six monarchs and two world wars.

But due to dwindling sales, the condiment has been discontinued after nearly 180 years, with its manufacturer saying its production was not 'commercially viable'.

However, the great-great-great-grandchildren of its creator, John Osborn, have called for AB World Foods to make the secret recipe public.

It comes as the discontinuation of the paste, created by the grocer in 1828, has sparked outcry, with both top chefs and politicians calling for its preservation.

The spread was created by Osborn, an expat in Paris, and included a mixture of anchovy fillets, rusk, butter and a secret selection of herbs and spices.

But now his descendants no longer have the recipe after his great-grandchildren sold his business in 1971.

His granddaughter, Georgina Hamilton-Fletcher, attempted to buy a pot, but it was already sold out and placed for auction on sites such as eBay for 50.

Gentleman's Relish has ceased production after 177 years, owing to struggling sales (stock image)

The paste, first conceived of deep into the Victorian era, is made mainly of anchovies, along with spices and butter (stock image)

'I hope the recipe is saved and sold or given to somebody who thinks they can make a go of it on a small scale,' she said.

'It would be a shame for it to die. I would hope the brand name can be taken up by someone else, but if not, it should be shared.

'I've seen people online are swapping recipes and trying to re-create it.'

The recipe for the paste was passed down with each half of the instructions shared between Osborn's two sons, Newton and Harold, Ms Hamilton-Fletcher explained to the Telegraph.

The duo manufactured the product by hand, with just one other worker, in a bid to keep the product exclusive.

But eventually her grandfather retired at the age of 75 in 1971, opting to sell the business, and in the process, the secret recipe was lost, she added.

A pot could sometimes last up to six months, which was not good for business, Ms Hamilton-Fletcher explained.

Despite disappointment at being unable to buy the past for the final time, the family has managed to collect special-edition pots of the Gentleman's relish, as well as souvenirs from Elizabeth II's 1953 coronation.

The family's collection also includes a note from Admiral Sir Sidney Smith asking for three pots of the relish in his Paris hotel, as well as advertisement clippings.

It also includes price lists from C Osborn and Co Ltd branding it as 'the greatest of all table delicacies since The Reign of William IV'

In 2001, the relish was purchased by G.Costa which was later bought by AB World Foods.

Despite creating the product in 1828, Osborn did not market it until 1849, eventually launching it at the Paris Food Show.

To make it seem distinguished, he called it Patum Peperium, a sort of mock Latin for pepper pate.

AB Foods, which acquired the manufacturing rights to Gentleman's Relish two decades ago, said: 'While this Victorian relish has a niche and loyal following, it sadly does not have wider commercial appeal and, despite our best efforts, retailer distribution has dwindled.

'With Gentleman's Relish no longer commercially viable and unable to secure a buyer for the brand, we regrettably stopped production earlier this year.'

James Bond author Ian Fleming was a fan, and would order the paste when dining at Scott's, the historic London restaurant, served on toast with scrambled egg  a dish known as Scotch woodcock.
Iran revealed it has no plans for further negotiations with the US after JD Vance left 21 hours of talks without reaching a deal.

Tehran also warned there will be no change in the effective blockade on the Strait of Hormuz as Iran is 'not in a hurry.'

The comments came after Vice President Vance revealed the negotiations in Pakistan's capital Islamabad had failed.

No program has yet been announced for the time, place, or next round of negotiations, Nour, the news agency of Irans Supreme National Security Council, said.

'We leave here with a very simple proposal: a method of understanding that is our final and best offer. We'll see if the Iranians accept it,' Vance said.

Following news that the American delegation was returning to the US, Iran said there will be no change to the Strait of Hormuz until it gets an acceptable offer, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Iran is not in a hurry, and until the US agrees to a reasonable deal, there will be no change in the situation of the Strait of Hormuz, an unnamed Iranian official told the Fars News Agency.

Peace talks between the US and Iran began on Saturday following Wednesday's fragile truce between the two countries after six weeks of conflict.

Vice President JD Vance revealed that Iran has not accepted a deal after the almost 24 hours of historic peace talks

Nour, the news agency of Irans Supreme National Security Council, said there are no plans in place for the countries to meet again. Pictured: Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (left)

The US delegation to the peace talks was led by Vance, along with Steve Witkoff, the special envoy, and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law.

The Iranian delegation was being led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

Irans Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, told state news agency IRNA the negotiations included discussions on the Strait of Hormuz, Irans nuclear program, compensation for damage from the US-Israeli strikes and sanctions on Iran.

However, he also said that Iran struggled to trust the US after previous rounds of nuclear talks were disrupted by confrontations with Israel.

'We have not forgotten and will not forget the bad faith and ill intentions of the United States,' he said.

While speaking to reporters outside the White House on Saturday, Trump acknowledged the 'very deep negotiations,' but seemed unbothered about the outcome.

'Regardless of what happens, we win. We've totally defeated that country. And so, let's see what happens. Maybe they make a deal, maybe they don't. From the standpoint of America, we win regardless,' he said.

'With all of that, let's see what happens, but from my standpoint, I don't care.'

According to Vance, they were unable to reach an agreement because Iran would not commit to stopping its pursuit of nuclear weapons

Following news that the American delegation was returning to the US, Iran said there will be no change to the Strait of Hormuz until it gets an acceptable offer

The president then took a dig at NATO, saying his next step is to open the Strait of Hormuz.

'We defeated their leaders. Their leaders are all dead. Now all we do is we'll open up the strait, even though we don't use it. Because we have a lot of other countries in the world that do use it, that are either afraid or weak or cheap,' he said.

'I don't know what it is, but we were not helped by NATO, that I can tell you.'

Vance did not elaborate on the next steps in the negotiations or address concerns over the Strait of Hormuz.

'The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, and I think that's bad news for Iran much more than it's bad news for the United States of America. So we go back to the United States, having not come to an agreement.'

Vance added: 'That is the core goal of the president of the United States. And that's what we've tried to achieve through these negotiations.'

He said he spoke with Trump 'a half dozen times, a dozen times, over the past 21 hours' and was in contact with other US leaders during the peace talks.

'We were constantly in communication with the team because we were negotiating in good faith,' Vance said before departing Islamabad.

Vice President JD Vance met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ahead of Saturday's meeting

According to Vance, they were unable to reach an agreement because Iran would not commit to stopping its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

We've made very clear what our red lines are, what things we're willing to accommodate them on, and what things we're not willing to accommodate them on, and we've made that as clear as we possibly could, and may have chosen not to accept our terms,' he said.

'We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon.
The husband of a woman who went missing in the Bahamas after going overboard from a dinghy described the events before as a 'cascade of failures' in a phone call to a friend.

In the April 7 call, Brian Hooker, 58, can be heard calmly recounting how Lynette Hooker, 55, allegedly fell overboard two days prior.

'It was a cascade of failures and it's something I'm never going to forgive myself for,' he told the unidentified friend during the call.

'We stayed too long, we left too dark. All kinds of s***. No life jackets.'

The couple took out an eight-foot motorboat from Hope Town on April 5 but only Hooker returned.

He told authorities that his wife fell overboard with the boat keys as they were returning to their yacht Soulmate, causing the engine to shut off and forcing him to paddle to the shore.

But in a shock twist, he was detained earlier this week by Bahamian police and remains in their custody.

'She basically just bounced off the dinghy in the middle of a little blow,' he can be heard telling his friend in a phone call verified by CBS.

Brian and Lynette Hooker had been married for more than two decades and lived in Onsted, Michigan

Hooker told police that he planned to stay in the the Bahamas until his wife was returned to him

The couple had been making their way back to their sailboat Soulmate in an 8ft dinghy when Lynette fell overboard

Brian Hooker, whose wife, Lynette, went missing on April 5, after allegedly falling overboard while the couple was traveling in the Bahamas, was recorded speaking to a friend on April 7. During the call that CBS News has verified, he described the events from that night as a pic.twitter.com/k4vBVqLQ6n  CBS News (@CBSNews) April 12, 2026

The sun set ten minutes after she fell overboard, Hooker said, making it difficult for him to search for her. Neither of them were wearing life jackets at the time.

'The wind blew us apart so fast that I think she tried to swim back to our sailboat which was probably 1,000 yards,' he added.

'I yelled to her that I lost the oar and I threw the anchor out and anchored the dingy.'

Hooker told his friend he quickly lost sight of his wife and threw her a flotation cushion in hopes that she would grab onto it. Authorities are still looking for the cushion.

He said it was hours before he could get back to the island to ask for help and even longer before police arrived to assist him.

The Royal Bahamas Police said Hooker was questioned 'on probable cause' and was taken into custody as a suspect in connection with his wife's disappearance, but he has not been formally charged.

Hooker seems adamant that he had nothing to do with it.

'The cops called me today and they asked how long I would be in the Bahamas,' he told his friend over the phone. 'Until I get my wife back.'

'That's my goal, I canceled everything we were going back home for,' he added. 'I'm gonna renew my visa and stay here.'

Join the discussion Should families trust official accounts after loved ones disappear in mysterious boating accidents abroad?

Lynette Hooker was said to have fallen from a dinghy as she and her husband Brian were making their way back to their sailboat, Soulmate

Authorities said Hooker paddled to shore and alerted someone about the incident early Sunday

Hooker's attorney Terrel Butler said his client 'categorically and unequivocally denies any wrongdoing' in his wifes disappearance, saying he 'has been cooperating with the relevant authorities as part of an ongoing investigation.'

In a statement to the Daily Mail, Brian Hooker said he is 'heartbroken' by his wife's disappearance, describing the incident as a 'boat accident in unpredictable seas and high winds.'

'Despite desperate attempts to reach her, the winds and currents drove us further apart,' Hooker said. 'We continue to search for her and that is my sole focus.'

It was announced Tuesday that the search-and-rescue mission for Lynette had become a recovery mission.

'She was the best part of this relationship, frankly,' he added in the call to his friend.

Lynette's daughter Karli Aylesworth and mother Darlene Hamlett are skeptical of Hooker's account, each calling for an investigation into her death.

Hamlett said she was 'glad to hear' Hooker had been arrested and claimed he failed to notify her of her daughter's disappearance.

'It would be a miracle if [shes rescued], but Im still counting on one,' Hamlett added.

Hooker said his wife was 'the best part of this relationship' in a call to his friend

Aylesworth said 'prior issues' lead her to believe a 'thorough investigation' was necessary.

'If this truly was an accident, I can understand and live with it,' she told Fox News Digital.

'However, there needs to be an intensive review of the facts and circumstances of this tragic incident before that can be determined.'

The investigation remains ongoing as the search for Lynette continues.

The couple had been married for more than two decades and lived in Onsted, Michigan.

They traveled often, frequently posting social media pictures of their adventures.

The Daily Mail contacted the Royal Bahamas Police for comment.
A Brisbane training college is facing court action after it was accused of ripping off a Brazilian migrant worker, forcing her to secretly hand back more than $23,000 of her own wages in an unlawful cash buyback scheme.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has launched proceedings in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia against the Warwick Institute of Australia which operates campuses in Sydney and Brisbane offering courses in business, IT and real estate.

Lawyers representing Institute director Charles Shiao and Xiaowen 'Eva' Xu, a former finance manager within the Times Education Group, said they will be 'actively defending' the court proceedings brought against them.

The regulator claims while the Brazilian national was employed as a marketing officer at the institute's Brisbane CBD campus between July 2019 and February 2022 she was forced to make a series of cash repayments to her employer.

It is alleged the training college initially employed the worker as a marketing officer on a casual basis for about seven months before engaging her full-time under a subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage visa.

The Department of Home Affairs granted Warwick Institute permission to sponsor the worker, with conditions including the company pay her an annual salary of $65,000.

It is alleged shortly after securing the visa, the worker paid $6,796 in cash to Mr Shiao in February 2020, purportedly to cover sponsorship-related costs.

The FWO alleges further cash payments totalling at least $16,569 were made to the Warwick Institute over the course of her employment.

Institute director Charles Shiao (pictured) will face court over the allegations

The Warwick Institute of Australia (pictured) operates campuses in Sydney and Brisbane offering courses in business, IT and real estate

It is alleged Ms Xu and Mr Shiao were involved in the cashback scheme, on behalf of Warwick Institute, including communicating to the worker the requirement to make the cashback payments.

Fair Work Ombudsman Anna Booth said the alleged treatment of the migrant worker was serious conduct that would not be tolerated.

'Unlawful cashback schemes are some of the most blatant, and can be some of the most appalling, forms of worker exploitation,' she said.

'In this case, we allege the worker was required to pay back more than $23,000 of her own money, including $16,569 from wages that she should have been able to keep.

'Employers need to be aware that taking action to protect potentially vulnerable workers, including visa holders, is among the Fair Work Ombudsman's top priorities.

'All employees in Australia are entitled to receive  and keep  the minimum lawful entitlements that apply to their employment position, regardless of their visa status.'

The company faces penalties of up to $66,600 per contravention and Mr Shiao and Ms Xu face penalties of up to $6,600 per contravention.

The Fair Work Ombudsman is also seeking a court order requiring the company to return the cashback payments to the worker plus interest.

The Fair Work Ombudsman investigated after the worker lodged a request for assistance.

Breaches of pay slip laws are also alleged.

A directions hearing is scheduled in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Sydney for 10 June 2026.
Meghan Markle held hands with Netflix boss Ted Sarandos' wife as the Sussexes attended a star-studded party in Montecito this weekend.

The Duchess of Sussex, 44, appeared close with Nicole Avant as the pair and their husbands posed for photos at the Beef Season Two Tastemaker event in California on Friday night.

Meghan donned an olive green dress with brown sandals while Nicole, 58, wore a black and white floral gown.

Other famous faces at the party included Orlando Bloom, Katy Perry, Justin Trudeau, Riverdale star Charles Melton and British actress Carey Mulligan. Melton and Mulligan both star in the popular Netflix drama Beef.

Meghan and Harry's appearance at the event came after Sarandos quietly unfollowed the Duchess and her lifestyle company As Ever on Instagram - around the same time her brand was purged by the streamer, the Daily Mail revealed last month.

Netflix's boss was one of the first big names to follow Meghan when she returned to social media at the start of 2025.

In March last year, her lifestyle business's Instagram account launched, first as American Riviera Orchard and then As Ever, which Sarandos added to his list of around 450 accounts he follows.

But he unfollowed both Meghan and As Ever around February time - as did his creative chief, Bela Bajaria.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex pose for a photo with Netflix boss Ted Sarandos and his wife Nicole Avant in Montecito on Friday night

Meghan donned an olive green dress in a satin material while Nicole, 58, wore a black and white floral gown

Meghan and Nicole embrace each other as they pose for a picture at the star-studded party

Both have been extremely positive about Meghan previously, with Sarandos calling her 'the rock star' as recently as last spring.

Sarandos' wife Nicole does still follow Meghan on Instagram - but not As Ever. A Netflix source previously told the Daily Mail: 'Nicole and Meghan are still friends.'

Sarandos has been Co-CEO of Netflix since 2020, after being promoted from Chief Content Officer. He has been with Netflix since March 2000.

Last month, a friend and former Suits co-star of the Duchess insisted Meghan will return to acting after the unravelling of her exclusive deal with the streaming giant.

Veteran actor Eric Roberts said he believes a Hollywood comeback by the former TV star will 'blow everybody's mind'.

'She will come back,' Julia Roberts' brother said, speaking on the red carpet at a charity gala in March alongside his casting director and manager wife Eliza.

'It is time. And Meghan needs to come back to work. I feel like her whole family will support it, and she is amazing,' Eliza added.

Meghan, wearing an olive green dress and sandals, smiles for a photo with Netflix boss Ted Sarandos

Orlando Bloom poses for a picture with Sarandos and his wife Nicole at the party

Bloom's ex Katy Perry also attended with her new partner, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Riverdale star Charles Melton (right), Oscar Isaac (left) and British actress Carey Mulligan (centre) at the event

Sex and the City star John Corbett with Nicole Avant at the party on Friday night

Roberts, 69, who played shady billionaire Charles Forstman on the legal drama, developed a friendship with Markle while shooting the hit USA Network show.

'Meghan is a star,' added Eliza. 'From the second you see her, she just has star quality. It doesn't matter. It was always going to happen.'

Eric Roberts was definitive in his opinion about Markle's potential comeback.

'I think she's going to be fantastic and blow everybody's mind,' he said.
More than half of Keir Starmer's Cabinet ministers would lose their seats if a general election was held today, a new poll has found.

The More in Common survey found 16 out of the 22 Labour MPs who form the Prime Minister's top team would be kicked out of the House of Commons.

Twelve of them would lose their seats to Reform UK, three would lose their seats to the Green Party, and one would lose to an independent, the research suggested.

The MRP (Multilevel Regression with Post-stratification) poll was based on voting intention data from more than 15,000 Britons.

It projected that, overall, Reform would win 324 seats at a general election - putting Nigel Farage's party far ahead of Labour (101 seats), the Tories (81), Liberal Democrats (62), SNP (26) and Greens (22).

However, Reform's projected tally of seats is one short of a majority in the Commons and 57 seats fewer than in More in Common's previous model in January.

The Greens currently only have five MPs but their recent surge in support under 'eco-populist' leader Zack Polanski has led to warnings Labour 'now faces a very real war on two fronts'.

The findings will ring alarm bells for Sir Keir ahead of May's local elections, in which Labour faces a dismal set of results amid the twin threat of Reform and the Greens.

A More in Common MRP poll projected Reform UK would win 324 seats - putting it far ahead of Labour (101 seats), the Tories (81), Liberal Democrats (62), SNP (26) and Greens (22)

It also found 16 out of the 22 Labour MPs who form the Prime Minister's top team would be kicked out of the House of Commons

Among those Cabinet ministers projected to lose their seats at a general election are Rachel Reeves, Yvette Cooper, John Healey, Lisa Nandy, Bridget Phillipson and Ed Miliband.

They are all projected to lose to Reform UK, while Hilary Benn, Darren Jones and Peter Kyle are set to lose to Green candidates and Wes Streeting to an independent.

David Lammy would just hang on to his Tottenham constituency against the Greens, while Angela Rayner - his predecessor as Deputy PM - would lose to Reform, the research found.

Ahead of elections on 7 May for the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd and English councils, More in Common found Labour is 'under siege' in its traditional strongholds.

The MRP showed Labour losing in Welsh seats they have held for more than a century, while Sir Keir's party would hold just 46 of London's 75 seats.

The Greens were projected to do well in parts of the capital, as well as in Bristol, Manchester and Sheffield.

Luke Tryl, UK director of More in Common, warned there 'doesn't appear to be anything such as a safe seat' for Labour.

He said: 'Labour may breathe a sigh of relief they are back above 100 seats in this latest projection, while Reform have slipped back and would now just sit on the cusp of a majority.

'But if anything what this latest model shows is that Labour, in a mirror of what faced the Tories in 2024, now faces a very real war on two fronts.

'Losing 100s of seats to Reform, while at the same time being threatened by Polanski's Greens in their former urban strongholds.'

Reform's projected tally of seats is one short of a majority in the Commons and 57 seats fewer than in More in Common's previous model in January

Mr Tryl added: 'For the Tories this is the second of our MRPs in a row where their seat total has climbed back, though they would still be heading for well under 100 seats.

'While the party appears to be stabilising and even regaining some ground in some of its more affluent Home Counties seats, at the same time struggling in their former Brexit voting heartlands of Essex and Lincolnshire, and Tory leader Kemi Badenoch could lose her seat to Reform on these numbers.

'Meanwhile Reform remain well over 200 seats clear of their closest challenger and the only party that could viably form a Government.

'But it is possible that the Donald Trump effect and some of their more high-profile controversies have alienated wavering voters.

'They will be hoping for a strong local election performance to give them a renewed burst of momentum.'

More in Common surveyed 15,482 British adults between 1 to 30 March.
Its fish and chips and shepherd pie have filled theatregoers' bellies for over a century with well-heeled Londoners and celebrities queuing up to get a taste of the restaurant's classic British menu.

But now the Ivy - which has expanded from its original West End location to branches across the British Isles - is evolving once again as owner Richard Caring, once dubbed the 'King of Mayfair', sells his empire to an Abu Dhabi sheikh in a 1.4billion deal.

The businessman's majority stake has been snapped up by Diafa, an affiliate of huge holding company IHC Group.

The group is owned by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi and the UAE's national security advisor.

Diafa will inject a 1bn investment into the hospitality empire - which also boasts London private members' club Annabel's - as part of the major deal.

The Ivy has long been a hotspot for the capital's elite and even welcomed stars of the stage including Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh in its mid-century heyday.

Under Mr Caring's ownership, it now boasts 16 locations across the city as well as restaurants in Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Diafa and IHC are believed to be keen on expanding the newly popular Ivy Brasserie concept to the US.

The Ivy has long been a hotspot for the capital's elite and even welcomed stars of the stage including Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh in its mid-century heyday

Its owner Richard Caring, once dubbed the 'King of Mayfair', pictured in 2018, is selling his empire in a 1.4billion deal

Former owner Mr Caring, 77, will remain as executive chairman of the group, the Financial Times reports.

In the wake of the deal, the businessman said: 'I am delighted to partner with the visionary Diafa team, and I am confident thatwe will bring our world-class brands to new markets and continue to elevate our vision for hospitality to exciting new heights.

'Diafa's commitment to investing in exceptional luxury brands makes them the right partner, and I look forward to building something truly enduring together.'

As for the buyer, Diafa will be helmed by the former chair of LVMH's Asia business Ravi Thakran.

He said: 'This transaction marks the beginning of a new chapter in global luxury hospitality.

'We are curating a portfolio of the worlds most iconic and culturally defining brands, with the ambition to shape how the next generation experiences dining, social connection, and lifestyle. Together with Richard Caring, we are building a platform of enduring value and global influence.'

Mr Caring is getting rid of his entire hospitality empire in the blockbuster deal, which also includes Harry's Bar, Scott's George and Mark's Club.

It represents a rare boost to the sector in Britain amid soaring taxes, regulations and labour costs.

The 1.4bn valuation of the collection of restaurants and clubs dwarfs last year's earnings, with Troia (UK) Restaurants - representing the restaurant portion of the businesses sold - posting adjusted earnings of 58million on 303m turnover last year.

Mr Caring and the Ivy Collection have been contacted for comment. The Daily Mail has also approached IHC for comment.

It was first reported that billionaire Mr Caring was planning to sell off a sizeable stake in his empire in 2023.

He has also been a shareholder in the company which owns the Soho House chain of private members' clubs. The businessman is widely regarded as the most successful investor in upmarket hospitality assets of his generation.

A flamboyant figure, Mr Caring paid 150,000 in 2019 to dine with Boris Johnson at his own venue, Mark's Club.

He made the donation to the Conservatives during their fundraiser at the Hurlingham Club in Fulham, south-west London, where he sat next to then-prime minister Theresa May.

Mr Caring's rags-to-riches career started in clothing, before buying the Caprice Holdings group for 31.5m in 2005 to start his restaurant business.

In 2020, Mr Caring pledged to feed thousands of NHS workers and the critically vulnerable by opening up the kitchens of his restaurants.

Together with his wife Patricia and The Caring Foundation, he said he wanted to help feed those in need during this 'tunnel of darkness'.

Some 5,000 meals a week were made in Annabel's four kitchens and distributed to staff at London hospitals including the Chelsea & Westminster, West Middlesex University Hospital, St Thomas' and St Mary's.

The mogul's stake has been bought by Diafa, whose holding group is fronted by UAE's national security advisor Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, pictured with Donald Trump in 2025

Mr Caring pictured with (L-R) Goldie Hawn, Lady Shakira Caine and Sir Michael Caine at Annabel's, which is also part of the deal, in 2016

Victoria and David Beckham pictured coming out of The Ivy in March 2001

He also partnered with The Felix Project  London's biggest food redistribution charity  to help feed 20,000 isolated elderly people, families with no income and NHS workers.

The IHC affiliate's sprawling hospitality portfolio already includes the Azumi Group's high-end restaurants Zuma and Roka, as well as Los-Angeles based hospitality company h.wood Group.

Sheikh Tahnoon is the brother of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and is also the UAE's national security advisor.

IHC is the most valuable company on Abu Dhabi's stock exchange and now includes around 1,500 subsidiaries - from property development to chicken farms - after years of rapid growth.
Labour's Wes Streeting today branded Donald Trump's social media posts as 'incendiary', 'provocative', and 'outrageous' - but suggested Brits should ignore them.

The Health Secretary said the US President should be judged on 'what he does, not just what he says' following his expletive-laden comments about the Iran war.

Mr Trump recently vowed to bomb Iran 'back to the Stone Ages' if it did not agree to end its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

He also used his Truth Social site to order Tehran to 'open the f****' Strait', and followed it up with warnings that a 'whole civilisation will die' without a deal.

The US and Iran eventually agreed a two-week ceasefire, but huge doubt has been cast over a longer-term deal after a 21-hour session of peace talks, hosted by Pakistan, ended without an agreement being reached in the early hours of Sunday.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Streeting said it was 'obviously disappointing' there had been no breakthrough in Islamabad, while also admitting the Iran conflict had 'strained' relations with Mr Trump's administration.

But, despite the US President's regular attacks on the Prime Minister for failing to offer greater military help, Mr Streeting insisted the so-called 'special relationship' between Britain and America remained.

'You have to distinguish between some of the rhetoric which people might find shocking, and then the reality,' he said.

Labour's Wes Streeting branded Donald Trump's social media posts as 'incendiary', 'provocative', and 'outrageous' - but suggested Brits should ignore them

The Health Secretary said the US President should be judged on 'what he does, not just what he says' following his expletive-laden comments about the Iran war

Mr Trump has used his Truth Social site to order Tehran to 'open the f****' Strait', and followed it up with warnings that a 'whole civilisation will die' without a deal

Keir Starmer spoke with Mr Trump on Thursday night about the need for a 'practical plan' to get ships going through the Strait of Hormuz again amid suggestions Iran wants to charge vessels for passage.

In a phone call with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq al Said on Sunday morning, the PM 'urged both sides to find a way through', according to a Downing Street spokeswoman.

She added that the two leaders agreed the US, Israel and Iran should avoid 'any further escalation'.

'His majesty updated on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, and the PM thanked him for Oman's efforts to rescue sailors from vessels in distress in the region,' the No10 spokeswoman said.

US Vice-President JD Vance is in Pakistan for peace negotiations with Iran this weekend, but he said Tehran had refused to commit to not build a nuclear weapon, casting uncertainty over the shaky two-week ceasefire.

Mr Streeting said: 'It's obviously disappointing that we haven't yet seen a breakthrough in negotiations and an end to this war in Iran that is a sustainable one.

'But as ever in diplomacy, you're failing until you succeed. So while these talks may not have ended in success, that doesn't mean there isn't merit in continuing to try.

'Clearly when you look at the impact of the war in Iran on this country, on other countries around the world who have no part in this war, it is in all of our interests for there to be a breakthrough and an end to this war.'

Asked about Mr Trump's frequent social media posts throughout his increasingly-disastrous military action against Iran, Mr Streeting added: 'Over the course of the last week, President Trump has said some pretty bold  in 'Yes Minister' language  incendiary, provocative, outrageous things on social media.

'I think we've all come to learn that you judge President Trump through what he does, not just what he says.'

The Health Secretary admitted disagreements over Iran, Greenland and the Chagos Islands had 'undoubtedly strained things with the Trump administration'.

But he added: 'On so many other things our interests as the UK and the US are intertwined.

'We are old and close friends, and we've got a shared outlook as democratic countries, and we've got shared security interests.

'So all of that work, all of that partnership continues to go on. And the point I'm making is you have to to distinguish between some of the rhetoric, which people might find shocking, and then the reality.'

Join the discussion Should Brits ignore Trump's posts and focus on his actions instead?

US Vice-President JD Vance is in Pakistan for peace negotiations with Iran this weekend. But a a 21-hour session of talks ended without an agreement being reached

Energy prices have risen sharply during the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world's oil was transported prior to the Middle East crisis

It came as Chancellor Rachel Reeves warned the Iran war will 'come at a cost to British families and businesses'.

She said that although the scale of the costs were not known, the Government was committed to providing support to those who need it.

Energy prices have risen sharply during the ongoing closure of the Strait, through which one-fifth of the world's oil was transported prior to the US and Israel's decision to attack Iran.

Ms Reeves wrote in The Times: 'I am going to be straight with people the war in Iran will come at a cost to British families and business.

'These are not costs I wanted, but they are costs we will have to respond to. As Chancellor, I have vowed that my economic approach to this crisis will be both responsive to a changing world and responsible in the national interest.

'We don't yet know the full scale of those costs, but the immediate priority must be to ensure that the ceasefire holds.

'That is the best protection we have against higher costs at home and at the IMF meetings in Washington this week I will be working with allies on the action we can take to guarantee freedom of navigation, including the Strait of Hormuz, to keep energy supplies moving again.

'But I know rising prices are being felt now. So, we are taking action to keep costs down for families and provide support for those who need it most.'
A convicted rapist on the run for five days after escaping immigration detention while awaiting deportation has been caught.

Michael Angok was being transported from Villawood Immigration Detention Centre to a western Sydney hospital for medical treatment when he escaped on Wednesday.

An initial search by NSW Police found some of his personal items thrown onto the road a few hundred metres away, but the 30-year-old disappeared.

Officers tracked him down on Sunday, about 25km away in northwestern Sydney, in the suburb of Seven Hills.

He was captured in a dramatic confrontation about 4pm after he tried to make another run for it.

Angok was convicted of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in a gang rape at Doonside park in 2014 with four other males.

He had served his sentence for the offence and was being held in custody as an immigration detainee awaiting deportation.

Immigrants who have served a prison sentence for crimes committed in Australia have become a hot-button political issue since 2023, when the High Court found keeping them in indefinite detention was unlawful and a number were released.

Michael Angok escaped from Bankstown Hospital on Wednesday and was caught on Sunday

Michael Angok was one of four males involved in a night attack on the girl at a park (pictured)

While some of the detainees had serious criminal convictions, including murder and rape, others were convicted of less serious charges.

They had finished serving their sentence behind bars before being placed in immigration detention over visa issues.
A museum has been accused of 'rewriting history' after it told visitors that boys in the Victorian era who wore dresses could be gender fluid.

The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, County Durham, claimed 'gender fluidity is not a recent development' because some boys aged between four and seven wore dresses in the 19th century.

Despite admitting the outfits were worn for 'practical reasons', the museum compared the fashion trend, known as breeching, to a modern version of gender nonconformity.

Campaigners have accused the institution of 'desperately rewriting history' in a ploy to present new gender ideologies as centuries old.

The museum's 'LGBTQIA+' leaflet, titled 'challenging stereotypes', questions assumptions about historical gender norms.

It reads: 'It's often assumed that gender binaries (the classification of gender into two opposing categories: male and female) have always been strictly enforced and that gender fluidity is a recent development.

'However, this is not true. Throughout history, gender distinctions in children's clothing were less rigid, especially in early childhood.

'Both boys and girls commonly wore dresses during infancy and toddlerhood for practical reasons. The transition from dresses to trousers, known as 'breeching', marked an important cultural milestone for boys, typically occurring between ages four and seven, depending on family traditions.'

Some boys aged between four and seven wore dresses in the 19th century as part of a fashion trend known as breeching

The museum's 'LGBTQIA+' leaflet, titled 'challenging stereotypes', questions assumptions about historical gender norms

Critics have branded the pamphlet 'absolute nonsense' for suggesting Victorian children were 'gender fluid because of practicalities relating to clothing'.

Helen Joyce, director of advocacy at Sex Matters, said: 'The so-called 'opposing categories' of male and female, as the museum puts it, are to do with biology and have nothing to do with little boys wearing dresses instead of trousers because elastic was a brand new invention and not widely used.

'This is the latest example of the cultural sector desperately rewriting history to pretend that the fantasies of gender ideologues aren't a modern invention.'

Alka Sehgal Cuthbert, the director of Don't Divide Us, accused the museum of having an identity crisis.

She said: 'It seems to think its job is to reflect back lived experience of particular groups.

'It might be what a therapist would do, but a museum's job is surely to curate and care for artefacts of interest that shed light on Britain's past, whether national or local.'

The Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, County Durham, claimed 'gender fluidity is not a recent development

The 134-year-old museum has an LGBTQIA+ working group of staff and volunteers who work to 'recover untold stories that relate to our own lived experiences with the aim of revealing the diversity of sexuality and gender present in the collection.'

The leaflet also mentions Hercules and claims the Greek and Roman god's 'legend often downplays his romantic relationships not just with women, but with men too.'

But it does not mention his pederasty, an ancient practice where men had sexual relations with adolescent boys.

A spokesperson for the Bowes Museum said: 'As part of our commitment to equity, we established an LGBTQIA+ community working group to explore the stories and emotions held within the collection through lived experience.

'The group has selected and researched artworks reflecting LGBTQIA+ histories, co-producing a new trail that offers fresh perspectives for all visitors. This trail has been available in the museum for over a year.'
A father who rushed to help his wife who was fatally stabbed in front of their daughter during a stabbing rampage at Bondi Junction is one of eight people to be recognised with bravery awards.

Governor General Sam Mostyn AC on Monday will announce eight awards for heroes who acted selflessly during the horrific mass stabbing at Westfield Bondi Junction, in Sydney's east, on April 13, 2024.

The announcement will mark two years since crazed knifeman Joel Cauchi killed six innocent people and injured several more.

Those victims were 25-year-old Dawn Singleton, 47-year-old Jade Young, 38-year-old Ashlee Good, 30-year-old Faraz Tahir, 55-year-old Pikria Darchia, and 25-year-old Cheng Yixuan.

Ms Young's husband, Noel McLaughlin, will receive an award for confronting Cauchi in a desperate attempt to reach his wife and child.

Their daughter had called him after Ms Young was stabbed and as he rushed through the shopping centre he encountered the attacker and warned others that he 'had a knife' so they moved away, likely saving lives.

The attack ended when Detective Inspector Amy Louise Scott fatally shot Cauchi.

An independent Australian Bravery Decorations Council compiled the list of eight heroes who put themselves in danger to help other Australians on the day of the attack.

Noel McLaughlin (centre) will be one of eight Australians awarded for their bravery during the stabbing at Bondi Junction in 2024

Mr McLaughlin's wife, Jade Young (above), was killed during the attack on April 13, 2024

Two of those awards are given posthumously.

Governor General Mostyn said the recipients are 'characterised by their selfless, courageous, and determined response in unspeakable and horrific circumstances'.

'Every one of them showed strength, and profound courage, as they placed the safety of others above their own, demonstrating ultimate care for others,' she said.

'Their acts of bravery reflect the best of us, and remind us of the valour, compassion and service that are enduring and present across our communities.'

'We also pay tribute to the 12 people injured, for their recovery and wellbeing, and all those whose lives were changed forever by the violence they witnessed on that terrible day.'

Six Bravery Medals and two Commendations for Brave Conduct will be awarded.

Silas Despreaux and Damien Jean Guerot - Bravery Medals

Silas Despreaux and Damien Jean Guerot entered Westfield Bondi Junction on the ground level at about 3.30pm.

Knifeman Joel Cauchi (above) killed six people before he was fatally shot, ending the rampage

They saw people running down an escalator from level one and talking about a knifeman inside the centre, so Mr Despreaux and Mr Guerot went to locate the offender.

Upon seeing Cauchi with a knife on the third floor, the pair grabbed metal bollards to protect themselves.

They followed Cauchi on level four and ran to the escalator that was going down to level three. Mr Despreaux and Mr Guerot called out to members of the public and told them to come up the escalator, not down.

Mr Despreaux and Mr Guerot approached the top of the escalator on level four, each armed with a bollard, while Cauchi was coming up.

Mr Despreaux threw a bollard at the offender, hitting him on the leg. Then Mr Guerot threw a bollard at Cauchi, hitting him on the arm.

Cauchi did not appear to be affected so the pair ran from the shopping centre to Oxford Street and approached a police officer, Detective Inspector Amy Louise Scott.

Mr Despreaux and Mr Guerot walked with Insp Scott to Cauchi's last location while telling her about his attack.

When Insp Scott found Cauchi, Mr Despreaux armed himself with a plastic shopping cart and Mr Guerot picked up a chair - ready to help if the officer needed them.

Ashlee Good (above) will be posthumously awarded a bravery medal for saving her infant daughter during the attack

Ashlee Good, posthumous - Bravery Medal

Ashlee Good was shopping with her baby daughter when she was attacked from behind by Cauchi.

Cauchi then began to attack Ms Good's baby, who was in a pram.

The brave mother charged at him with both arms outstretched, pushing him in the chest and away from the pram. She was stabbed again before Cauchi fled.

Despite her serious injuries, Ms Good removed her injured baby from her pram and handed her to bystanders taking refuge in a nearby store.

Sadly, Ms Good then collapsed and later died from her injuries.

Detective Inspector Amy Louise Scott - Bravery Medal

Detective Inspector Amy Louise Scott was on duty and driving on Bondi Road when she heard a priority broadcast on police radio advising multiple calls, multiple stabbings, multiple locations at Westfield Bondi Junction.

Detective Inspector Amy Louise Scott (right) single-handedly ended the attack by shooting Cauchi after he ran at her with a knife

Insp Scott arrived at the Oxford Street entrance and saw people running out and waving her down. They asked for her help, telling her that there was a person with a knife and that he was stabbing and killing people.

She met two men - Silas Despreaux and Damien Jean Guerot - who'd earlier confronted Cauchi and followed them to the knifeman's last location.

At an escalator near the entrance from level four to level five, the group spotted Cauchi.

Insp Scott unclipped her service firearm and ran up the escalator, hearing screaming to her right as she reached the top.

The NSW Police officer saw the armed offender about 15 to 20 metres away and yelled at him to stop. Cauchi then ran in the opposite direction.

With Mr Despreaux and Mr Guerot following her, she ran after Cauchi along level five and then left towards an airbridge.

Cauchi paused after spotting a stationary civilian and raised his knife, but continued moving before he stopped suddenly, around 15 metres ahead.

Insp Scott ushered people in the vicinity behind her and into nearby stores and gestured with her hand for a female with a pram ahead of her to move. She yelled out to draw the knifeman's attention, which caused him to turn around and face her.

A total of eight awards will be handed out to honour those who showed bravery during the attack (pictured is a memorial at Westfield Bondi Junction on April 19, 2024)

Cauchi ran at Insp Scott while holding the knife. Insp Scott retreated backwards and drew her firearm, discharging three rounds, two of which struck Cauchi. He fell to the ground in front of her. Cauchi did not survive.

Muhammad Taha and Faraz Tahir, posthumous - Bravery Medal

Muhammad Taha and Faraz Tahir were on-duty security officers at Westfield Bondi Junction when the attack unfolded.

The pair were stationed on level four when they were alerted to an incident by people running from the airbridge and past them. Those fleeing told them someone armed with a knife or gun was attacking shoppers and pointed them in the offender's direction.

Mr Taha and Mr Tahir both heard 'Code Black' broadcast over their radios and then walked towards the airbridge to investigate.

The pair spotted Cauchi armed with a knife and proceeded towards the airbridge.

Mr Taha was walking about two metres behind Mr Tahir when Cauchi lunged at Mr Tahir and stabbed him in the stomach.

Cauchi then jumped at Mr Taha, who positioned his body to the side to tackle him and then felt a stabbing pain on the left side of his stomach.

Security guard Faraz Tahir (above) will be posthumously awarded for confronting Cauchi

Mr Taha made a radio broadcast that he and Mr Tahir had been stabbed and made at least two phone calls to other security officers.

Members of the public assisted until paramedics arrived.

Mr Taha survived the attack while Mr Tahir tragically died from his injuries.

Noel McLaughlin - Commendation for Brave Conduct

Noel McLaughlin was inside Westfield Bondi Junction when he received a phone call from his daughter, informing him that his wife, Jade Young, was stabbed on level four.

Mr McLaughlin ran towards where his wife and his daughter were and encountered Cauchi on level three.

As Cauchi moved closer to him, Mr McLaughlin shouted repeatedly that he was also armed with a knife.

Cauchi, about a metre from Mr McLaughlin, responded by raising the knife towards Mr McLaughlin.

Governor General Sam Mostyn AC on Monday will announce eight awards on Monday (pictured is a candlelight vigil for the victims on April 21, 2024)

The father asked Cauchi what he was doing before turning away to run in the direction of his wife and daughter.

Cauchi continued along level three before moving to level four via the escalator.

Ms Young was unresponsive by the time Mr McLaughlin reached her. He called triple-zero and performed first aid alongside another member of the public.

Officers from NSW Police arrived soon after and assisted in performing CPR and applying pressure to Ms Young's wounds.

Sadly, she did not survive the attack.

Catherine Ann Molihan - Commendation for Brave Conduct

Catherine Ann Molihan was sitting in a cafe on level four at Westfield Bondi Junction when she heard people screaming behind her.

She ran into the closest shop with others fleeing the attack and a store worker locked the door.

Ms Molihan saw two injured men on the ground outside the store and asked the manager to open the doors, explaining that she was a nurse and needed to assist them.

The manager told her if he opened the doors, he didn't know if he could let her back in. Ms Molihan insisted and immediately went to provide first aid to the two men, understood to be Mr Taha and Mr Tahir.

She remained with them through the attack and worked with police officers to provide first aid while waiting for paramedics.

Mr Tahir sadly died from his injuries.
Britain's military bases are not up for negotiation with Cyprus despite the country demanding 'frank' talks over the 'colonial' outposts, a Labour minister has insisted.

Al Carns, the Armed Forces minister, said the legal status of the UK's bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia is 'rock solid'.

It comes after Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides questioned their future last month in the wake of an Iranian drone strike on RAF Akrotiri.

The suicide drone is said to have been launched by Iranian proxy group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

A treaty signed on Cyrpiot independence in 1960 saw Akrotiri and Dhekelia retained as British sovereign territory.

They have been used to conduct operations in the Middle East, with RAF jets having recently conducted sorties from the island to protect against Iranian strikes.

But relations with Cyprus appear to have been strained by the delay in sending a warship to defend the island amid the Middle East crisis.

The drone attack on RAF Akrotiri also raised concerns in Cyprus that the bases could be a threat to the island's security, with protesters taking to the streets.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides questioned the future of British bases last month in the wake of an Iranian drone strike on RAF Akrotiri

Al Carns, the Armed Forces minister, said the legal status of the UK's bases at Akrotiri and Dhekelia is 'rock solid'

Speaking at a European Council meeting in Brussels in March, Mr Christodoulides called for an 'open and frank discussion' about the future of the bases.

'The British bases in Cyprus are something that is a colonial consequence in the island,' he said.

'We have more than 10,000 Cypriot citizens within the British bases, we have a responsibility for these people.'

But, during a visit to RAF Akrotiri, Mr Carns has dimissed the idea that Labour could enter talks to hand over control of the bases.

'We have to be really clear on this, the legal status of the sovereign base areas is rock solid,' he told The Telegraph.

'What we're seeing because of the threat that has been posed, for the first time in a long time, is the Cypriots, the Brits and other allies coming together to work on an integrated plan to defend the capabilities here,' he added.

'I think we'll see a lot of positives. We can understand some of the frictions but the reality is the legal basis of these sovereign territories is non-negotiable.'

Mr Carns also addressed US President Donald Trump's demands for NATO allies to help clear the critical Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively shut by Iran in response to US and Israeli strikes.

Energy prices have risen sharply during the ongoing closure of the Strait, through which one-fifth of the world's oil was transported prior to outbreak of the Iran war.

Mr Carns, a former Royal Marine, said: 'To clear or secure the Strait of Hormuz in the midst of a conflict is exceptionally difficult with a range of subsurface autonomous threats, naval mines and would require a large military effort.'

Asked whether the two-week ceasefire agreed between the US and Iran was too short to organise such a mission, he replied: 'This needs to go longer and we welcome it going longer.'

Mr Carns also hit back at Mr Trump's recent claims that British aircraft carriers are 'toys', saying: 'Our aircraft carriers are some of the most capable in the world.'
The boater whose wife vanished in the Bahamas will remain in police custody after investigators were granted a 72-hour detention extension.

Brian Hooker, 59, was arrested by the Royal Bahamas Police Force on Wednesday - after his wife Lynette, 55, allegedly fell overboard into the waters off the Abaco Islands.

Under Bahamian law, authorities have four days to decide whether or not to charge him with a crime before they must release him.

But investigators were granted a special 72-hour extension that will keep Hooker jailed until around 7.30pm tomorrow, his attorney Terrel Butler said.

The extension came after the lawyer revealed that Hooker requires medical attention after he fell overboard from a police transit.

'He was submerged in the cold water and took in a significant amount of seawater before his life jacket brought him to the surface. He had to be rescued from the water by the police,' Butler told the Daily Mail.

'As a result of this fall, Brian sustained an injury to his knee, which has caused him to limp, as well as a visible abrasion.'

Hooker - who has not been charged and denies any wrongdoing in Lynette's disappearance - is being questioned in relation to the Bahamian crime 'causing harm resulting in death.'

Brian Hooker, 59, will remain in police custody until tomorrow evening after investigators were granted a 72-hour detention extension

His wife Lynette Hooker, 55, has not been seen since she fell overboard during a nighttime trip back to the couple's sailboat

Under the extension, the deadline for Hooker's release is now Monday night - though he could be released before then if police decide not to charge him.

'This extension was granted under Section 19 of the Criminal Procedure Code, of the Bahamas, which allows a Magistrate to authorize further detention for up to 72 hours where an investigation is incomplete,' Butler revealed Friday.

She reiterated his innocence and said his wife has not been found.

Butler said police had just finished an intensive four-hour interview with him in which she described him as continuously asking about his wife.

'He was a bit puzzled because he was uncertain as to why they were questioning him about causing harm or possible murder when they had not given him any information in terms of where she is, if they had recovered her,' she said.

Hooker was detained on the Abaco islands four days after he returned from the expedition without her, claiming she fell overboard.

Authorities first interviewed Brian and released him, then brought him back in as a witness for further questioning.

He was later brought in for questioning a third time, as a suspect, according to Butler.

The couple were on a dinghy headed back to their 50ft sailboat Soulmate (pictured) when Lynette apparently fell over

Hooker said he is 'heartbroken' by his wife's disappearance, describing the incident as a 'boat accident in unpredictable seas and high winds'

Hooker himself fell after being arrested on Wednesday night, his attorney told the Daily Mail.

'Under conditions of heavy rain and strong-force winds, he was taken by boat to his boat, the Soulmate for a police search,' she said. 'Despite the choppy and dangerous sea conditions, he was kept in handcuffs.

'While attempting to move sideways across the wet, unstable flooring of the boat to maintain his balancewith a bundle of clothes in his restricted handshe lost his footing and fell overboard.'

He sustained an injury to his knee, and instructed Butler to request 'immediate medical attention' on his behalf.

He is understood to have been transported to Rand Memorial Hospital for treatment and a full medical assessment.

Butler, who said she is monitoring his condition, added that her client appears 'completely heartbroken' and 'deeply distressed' by Lynette's disappearance.

'His primary concern and source of intense frustration is his inability to continue the search for his wife of 25 years,' she said.

'The trauma of her disappearance, coupled with his current detention as a suspect, has left him in an extremely fragile state.'

Brian and Lynette Hooker have been married for 25 years and while the couple is seen smiling, laughing and joking in social media videos of their voyage, they have a history of contention

Hooker was detained on the Abaco islands four days after he returned from the expedition without Lynette, claiming she fell overboard

Hooker told police that Lynette fell overboard Saturday night from a small dinghy that was carrying the couple from Hope Town to Elbow Cay, small islands on the eastern end of the Bahamas.

He had been alone in the eight-foot vessel after Lynette plunged over the side around 7.30pm, taking with her the engine's kill-switch key which was attached to her by a cord. That cut the tiny vessel's power.

Hooker staggered ashore hours later and admitted that he and Lynette had been 'drinking' and 'were drunk,' boatyard security guard Edward Smith told the Daily Mail.

Smith said Hooker showed little visible emotion as he shared how Lynette had been 'thrown' from their small dinghy in darkness and rough seas as they headed back to their moored vessel in the Abaco Islands.

He said the couple had been returning to their 50-foot sailboat, Soulmate, from Elbow Cay when, 'my wife was just thrown out of the boat' in atrocious weather, the watchman recalled.

'He wasn't crying or anything. He didn't seem stressed in that way. There wasn't a lot of emotion. There were no tears,' Smith told the Daily Mail.

'He expressed nothing that you would imagine in those circumstances. He was more exhausted than emotional because he kept asking for water.

'He drank and kept asking for more. He had some water from my cooler, I then gave him another liter. He drank that down and then he wanted even more.'

Hooker was arrested Wednesday but has denied any wrongdoing following his wife's disappearance in rough seas

Authorities said Hooker paddled to shore and alerted someone about the incident early Sunday

Hooker ditched the dinghy just south of the boat yard where Smith works in Marsh Harbour on the main Great Abaco Island around 4am Sunday and stumbled along rocks until he found rescuers.

According to his account to the security guard, Hooker battled more than eight hours and with just one paddle to cover around seven miles to shore on the main island after 'losing sight of my wife'.

Authorities say they are in a recovery operation to find Lynette's body, but there has still been no sign of her.

The US Coast Guard's high-tech imaging aircraft has scanned the entire area in a systematic grid without any results, the Daily Mail has learned.

Smith believes sharks will have pounced within minutes  a belief backed up by a highly experienced high-end boat skipper who also spoke with the Daily Mail.

Bahamian authorities have released few details about the case, but say the investigation into Lynette's disappearance remains ongoing.

The US Coast Guard has also opened an investigation that is separate from the one by Bahamas authorities.

In a statement to the Daily Mail, Hooker said he is 'heartbroken' by his wife's disappearance, describing the incident as a 'boat accident in unpredictable seas and high winds.'

'Despite desperate attempts to reach her, the winds and currents drove us further apart,' he said. 'We continue to search for her and that is my sole focus.'

Hooker said his wife was 'the best part of this relationship' in a call to his friend

Lynette's distraught daughter Karli Aylesworth has said it's unlikely her mother would 'just fall' from a boat.

And while the couple is seen smiling, laughing and joking in social media videos of their voyage, they have a history of contention.

Brian and Lynette Hooker accused each other of assault in 2015, according to a Kentwood, Michigan police report.

Brian Hooker, who was intoxicated and bleeding from the nose, told police his wife had struck him multiple times in the face, the report said.

He told officers Lynette also was drunk. She was arrested for assault and spent the night in jail. A warrant was denied because it wasn't clear 'who started the assault.'

In an interview with Fox News, Aylesworth referenced 'prior issues' in Lynette and Brian's marriage and claimed they had a 'history of not getting along, especially when they drink.'

'There is a history of him choking her out and threatening to throw her overboard. So, the fact that this is actually happening makes me believe there's more to the story,' she told the outlet.

'There has also been a history of domestic violence in that relationship, so I do believe something might have happened to her.'

Aylesworth has not responded to the Daily Mail's multiple requests for comment.

Butler said, in a statement, that Brian's denial of wrongdoing includes in particular 'the allegations recently made by Karli Aylesworth.'
A married school social worker has avoided jail after she pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting an underage student.

Chloe Rose Castro, 29, was sentenced to 20 years to life of Sex Offender Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) on April 2 after having a sexual relationship with a sixth-grade boy. Sixth-graders are typically aged 11-12.

Castro, of Lakewood, Colorado, will also serve three years in community corrections before probation, and must register as a sex offender for life.

Additionally, the 29-year-old, who appeared in her mugshot wearing pigtails, will pay more than $14,000 to the victim for restitution.

The former social worker was taken into custody after the boy's parents notified the Arvada Police Department on October 29, 2024.

They handed over evidence that showed Castro, a former employee at Jeffco Public Schools District, engaging in an inappropriate relationship with their child, whose exact age remains unclear.

An affidavit, reviewed by 9News, revealed that the child's parents discovered inappropriate Instagram messages between their son and Castro.

The married woman met the unnamed student at the end of his sixth grade year and soon asked him to be her boyfriend, the child said, according to the affidavit.

Chloe Castro, 29, of Lakewood, Colorado, was sentenced to 20 years to life of Sex Offender Intensive Supervision Probation after having a sexual relationship with a sixth grade boy

When the boy's parents tried to take his phone from him, they said their child logged out of all his accounts and changed the passwords, according to the affidavit.

The child's father told police he saw messages from a 'Chloe Castro', as well as multiple exchanges with a 'Jeremy', the outlet reported.

During his interview, the juvenile confirmed that he saved Castro's number under the name 'Jeremy,' and that they met when he was finishing up sixth grade.

The student confessed that Castro asked him to be her boyfriend, and that they had planned to move to New Mexico together, according to the affidavit.

He also revealed that Castro is married, but she and her husband have an understanding that she wants to have two partners, the legal filing stated.

The court acknowledged dozens of letters from the outraged community demanding the maximum sentence for the disgraced social worker.

'There is no sentence that I could ask for which will give the community their trust back in Jefferson County Public Schools,' the prosecutor said in court.

She met the unnamed student at the end of his sixth grade year and soon asked him to be her boyfriend, despite being married, the affidavit showed

'There is not a sentence that will take away the trauma this child suffered,' they continued.

Castro, addressing the court, said she is committed to treatment and added that she will never work with children again.

The court ordered that Castro be taken into custody and supervised by Intervention Community Corrections Services.
The billionaire boss of Tesla and SpaceX has weighed in for a second time on the saga surrounding Australia's most decorated soldier being charged with war crimes.

Ben Roberts-Smith was arrested at Sydney's domestic airport last week after he landed on a flight from Brisbane with his two teenage daughters.

The Victoria Cross recipient was later charged with five counts of war crime - murder over alleged incidents in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012.

His arrest was the result of a costly five-year-long investigation conducted by the Australian Federal Police and the Office of the Special Investigator.

Elon Musk last week said the situation sounded 'insane' and he repeated the same phrase on Sunday night when he reposted an X post by political activist Drew Pavlou.

Pavlou had linked to a Daily Mail article which revealed two of the five Afghans that Roberts-Smith is alleged to have murdered have never been identified, despite the $318million bill for the investigation.

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 an April 12, 2009 operation at Kakarak.

Elon Musk has weighed in again on the arrest of Ben Roberts-Smith following a lengthy investigation said to have cost north of $300million

Musk is highly active on X, the platform which he bought for billions

The two-metre-tall former elite soldier was handcuffed and marched through Sydney Airport following his arrest by the AFP

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 his prosthetic leg was then used 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.

The allegations have previously been published in newspapers and Roberts-Smith has long maintained his innocence.

He is being held in jail as he awaits a bail hearing on April 17.
A wealthy tech entrepreneur and his family were tied up and robbed at knifepoint after thieves demanded cryptocurrency.

Oliver von Landsberg-Sadie, his wife Sarah, and their two children were allegedly restrained by the group as they demanded the keycode to the businessman's electronic wallet.

The suspects, including an alleged perpetrator police believe to be in his late teens, left without the digital currency but 'trashed' Mr von Landsberg-Sadie's sprawling five-bedroom home in Maidenhead, Berkshire.

They made off with cash, silver and jewellery following the terrifying ordeal on April 2.

The businessman, 47, told the Mail: 'It's the sort of thing you see on the movies and never think will happen to you.

'They were only after crypto.'

The brazen thieves bypassed the Aston Martin on the family's driveway and initially only demanded crypto details.

'They had no interest in the car, for example, because that's traceable,' he said.

'Crypto is of course not the only thing burglars target but it's true that it can be as vulnerable to theft as cash or jewellery if not kept securely.'

Oliver von Landsberg-Sadie, former chief executive officer of BCB Group, was tied up at his family home

The South African businessman, pictured in London last year, said thieves demanded crypto

He added: 'In my case, to the burglars' disappointment, I securely kept zero crypto.

'We live in a pretty safe country here but I'm from South Africa and nothing like this ever happened to me there.

'People who are in a particular position or who have public-facing profiles have to be more vigilant.

'It's not just about crypto, it's about anything of value.'

He also warned fellow tech entrepreneurs to keep safe.

In a social media post, he said: 'This is an urgent warning to all my fellow founders, CEOs, people with any public profile at all in the crypto space, there is clearly an organised campaign right now and I ask you to be more vigilant with your personal safety.

'I am ok, my family are ok, my house is trashed but the police are all over it.

'It is my duty to get this message out as quickly as possible, no idea who is next on their list. Be safe.'

In a social media post, fellow tech entrepreneur Didar Bekbauov wrote: 'Glad you and your family are safe.

'This is a serious and growing threat for anyone with public exposure in crypto.

'Physical security is something most founders don't think about until something like this happens. Take care of yourself.'

Thames Valley Police said the thieves broke into the three-storey detached home, valued at around 1.5 million, at around 10pm while the homeowners were in the kitchen.

Some of the suspects wore gloves and a face covering, detectives said.

They were described as a black man in his mid-20s, a black male in his late teens, an Asian man in his late 20s or early 30s, and a black man in his early 30s.

No arrests have been made.

Mr von Landsberg-Sadie said the men were 'only after crypto' and had no interest in the Aston Martin car parked on his driveway.

But they made off without any digital currency because he does not have it, he said.

The South African national is chief executive of Greater Things, a company using AI to help tech start-ups.

He previously founded leading London-based crypto firm the BCB Group.

A cryptocurrency is a decentralised digital currency that can be used for transactions online.

It is the internet's version of money - unique pieces of digital code that can be transferred from one person to another.

Unlike centralised currencies such as the Pound, there is no governmental authority that manages cryptocurrencies or how much they are worth.

Crytocurrencies use what is known as blockchain technology - an open ledger that records transactions in code.

They are particularly popular with criminals seeking to keep assets hidden from authorities.

Iran is currently demanding shipping companies pay enormous tolls in cryptocurrency to access the Strait of Hormuz.
A North Carolina woman played a prank on her convicted felon boyfriend that made him believe she cheated on him - but it backfired horribly after he took her seriously.

Shyhied Ivey, 20, shot at a packed car with five people inside on April 5 in Charlotte after his girlfriend, Nevaeh Covington, decided to pretend that she was romantically involved with another man, according to an affidavit reviewed by the Daily Mail.

Officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department responded to Columbus Circle after being dispatched over a report of assault with a deadly weapon just after midnight.

Covington told police that she and four others - Gernala Covington, Quimya James, Damion Rann, and Nadiya Cousart-Thompson - were at Camp North End, a local shopping mall, getting food together earlier that night, according to records.

She and Rann then decided to 'play a prank' on Ivey, her boyfriend of five months, which involved Rann calling Ivey and 'pretend to be cheating' with Covington.

After relaying the message to Ivey, the five friends drove away, but soon realized they were being followed by Ivey in another car, as Covington had shared her location with him through Find My iPhone, she told police.

An irate Ivey, who was arrested six times in 2024, then called Covington and started 'driving recklessly attempting to get them to pull over' while appearing to fire a handgun into the air multiple times.

Covington and her friends pulled up to the intersection of Freedom Drive and Wesley Village Road, in the left turning lane, when her angry boyfriend pulled his vehicle up next to theirs and fired approximately three shots at Gernala Covington's red Nissan Altima.

Shyhied Ivey, 20, has been charged with five counts of assault with a deadly weapon after he shot into a packed car on April 5. He did so after his girlfriend, Nevaeh Covington, played a prank on him, making him think she was cheating

Covington and her friends pulled up to the intersection of Freedom Drive and Wesley Village Road, in the left turning lane, when her angry boyfriend pulled his vehicle up next to theirs and fired approximately three shots at Gernala Covington's red Nissan Altima

The suspect then fled the scene. Gernala's rear right window was shattered by the bullets, and no injuries were reported.

Rann told police he also received a text message from Ivey around 1.32am, stating: 'Stop playing wimme bro.'

Detectives were able to locate Ivey after finding footage captured by DOT cameras that showed his black Nissan Sedan pulling up on the right side of the red Nissan, the affidavit said.

The clip also showed 'three bright bursts' coming from Ivey's vehicle as glass shattered inside Gernala's car.

Officers also discovered a shell casing that 'appeared fresh and had no road marks' at the scene of the shooting, the report stated.

Ivey has been charged with five counts of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, discharging a firearm into an occupied conveyance in operation, domestic violence, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

He was sentenced on April 9 to 24 months of supervised probation.

Ivey is a convicted felon who also pleaded guilty to larceny of a motor vehicle for a crime he committed on December 6, 2023, in Mecklenburg County. He is seen in two of his mugshots

He was also arrested on March 24 for violating his probation and later released. Ivey was arrested six times in 2024 for several crimes, including breaking and entering a motor vehicle and felony conspiracy

Ivey has an extensive criminal history, as he was arrested six times in 2024 for several crimes, including breaking and entering a motor vehicle and felony conspiracy, records showed. He was released for all of them.

He was also arrested on March 24 for violating his probation and later released.

The felon also pleaded guilty to larceny of a motor vehicle for a crime he committed on December 6, 2023, in Mecklenburg County.

He is set to appear in court on April 23.

The Daily Mail contacted the Mecklenburg County District Attorneys office and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department for comment.
Donald Trump has announced the US will blockade the Strait of Hormuz after peace talks with Iran collapsed.

'Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,' Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday.

The President said that Iran was 'unwilling to give up its nuclear ambitions' as Vice President JD Vance returned from peace talks in Pakistan empty handed.

'I have also instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran,' Trump added. 'No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas.'

'Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!' Trump said.

The President, speaking separately on Fox News, announced that NATO would 'begrudgingly' support the US in securing the Strait. He called NATO 'shameful,' claiming that 'they weren't there for us, and they won't be there for us.'

Trump said he was 'very disappointed' in the UK, comparing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to infamous Adolf Hitler appeaser Neville Chamberlain. '[Starmer] made a public statement: "We will send equipment after the war is over." That's a Neville Chamberlain type statement,' Trump told Fox.

NATO has been reluctant to enter the powder-keg Strait of Hormuz. Just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, filled with mines and within striking distance of missiles and drones fired from a labyrinth of Iranian mountains  any move by the US Navy to blockade the waterway would risk heavy losses.

President Donald Trump speaks with Secretary of State Marco Rubio during UFC 327 at Kaseya Center on Saturday night in Miami, Florida

US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, April 11, as two US Navy guided-missile destroyers conducted operations

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh on April 12

Vice President JD Vance walking on the tarmac for a planned refueling stop in Ramstein Air Base in Germany, Sunday

Trump is under soaring pressure to bring the war to a close as the price of gas hit $4.20 per gallon  up by more than a dollar since the war started. Other countries, especially in Asia, are more reliant on the Strait  through which a fifth of the world's crude flows.

Asked whether oil and gas prices would come down before midterm elections in November, Trump told Fox: 'I hope so. I mean, I think so. It could be the same or maybe a little bit higher.'

Fox's Maria Bartiromo also grilled Trump about his threat last week to annihilate Iran's 'entire civilization' if they did not make a peace deal.

The statement sparked widespread backlash, including from Republican lawmakers, who warned that taking civilian life was unacceptable.

'I'm fine with it because it brought them to the table,' Trump said of his ultimatum.

'For years, I've had to hear them say death to America. We've had regime change. When I say about a civilization, it really has changed.'

Trump in his statement earlier in the morning insisted that Iran no longer had the military capability to sustain its stranglehold over the Strait of Hormuz.

'They say they put mines in the water, even though all of their Navy, and most of their "mine droppers," have been completely blown up,' Trump said.

'They may have done so, but what ship owner would want to take the chance? There is great dishonor and permanent harm to the reputation of Iran, and what's left of their "Leaders," but we are beyond all of that,' Trump added.

'As they promised, they better begin the process of getting this International Waterway Open and Fast! Every Law in the book is being violated by them,' Trump said.

Trump also said the US is ready to 'finish up' Iran at the 'appropriate moment, stressing that Tehran's nuclear ambitions were at the core of the failure to end the war.

Face-to-face talks ended earlier Sunday after 21 hours, leaving a fragile two-week ceasefire in doubt.

US officials said the negotiations collapsed over what they described as Iran's refusal to commit to abandoning a path to a nuclear weapon, while Iranian officials blamed Washington for the breakdown of the talks without specifying the sticking points.

An F/A-18E Super Hornet launches from the flight deck of the US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln during the Operation Epic Fury attack on Iran April 1

Vessels and a boat at the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman's Musandam province, April 12

Two F/A-18 Super Hornets launch from the flight deck of the US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in support of the Operation Epic Fury attack on Iran from an undisclosed location March 3

Both said their positions were clear and put the onus on the other side, underscoring how little the gap had narrowed throughout the talks.

Join the discussion Do YOU support the US blockading the Strait of Hormuz?

Neither side indicated what will happen after the 14-day ceasefire expires on April 22. Pakistani mediators urged all parties to maintain it.

'We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon,' Vice President JD Vance said after the talks.

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Iran in the negotiations, said it was time for the United States 'to decide whether it can gain our trust or not.'

He did not mention the core disputes in a series of social media posts, though Iranian officials earlier said the talks fell apart over two or three key issues, blaming what they called US overreach.

Iran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons but has insisted on its right to a civilian nuclear program.

It has offered 'affirmative commitments' in the past in writing, including in the landmark 2015 nuclear deal.

Experts say its stockpile of enriched uranium, though not weapons-grade, is only a short technical step away.

Since the US and Israel launched the war on February 28, it has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,020 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and caused lasting damage to infrastructure in half a dozen Middle Eastern countries.

Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz has largely cut off the Persian Gulf and its oil and gas exports from the global economy, sending energy prices soaring.
An American influencer known for 'looksmaxxing' - using questionable and even dangerous methods to maximise appearance - has stormed out of an interview with an Australian reporter.

Braden Eric Peters, known as Clavicular online, has made a name, and a fortune, for himself by stirring controversy on social media. He is said to rake in as much as $100,000 a month.

He has reportedly used methamphetamine to 'suppress appetite', and regularly taps a hammer on his face for 'bone-smashing' under the pseudoscientific claim it makes bones heal stronger. He has taken testosterone since he was 14.

Peters' beliefs centre on the idea that appearance is the basis for all success, particularly when it comes to getting attention from women.

It's a belief the looksmaxxing community shares with incels, or involuntary celibates, who are men who blame women for their non-existent sex lives.

The misogynistic aspects of both communities view dating as a blood-sport where only the most ruthless, and shallowest, will win.

When 60 Minutes reporter Adam Hegarty asked 20-year-old Peters about the link to incels, he immediately became defensive.

Braden Eric Peters (above), known as Clavicular online, walked away from an interview with Australian reporter Adam Hegarty

In a 60 Minutes episode aired on Sunday, Hegarty (above) question Peters about his ties with Andrew Tate and the incel community

'I'm not linked to that group in any way,' Peters said of incels.

'Looksmaxxing is self-improvement, right? So it's about potentially ascending out of that category and so that would be one of the goals is to disassociate from being an incel and overcome that.'

However, the interview further deteriorated when Hegarty asked Peters about Andrew Tate.

Tate is a self-proclaimed 'misogynist' influencer who is set to stand trial for alleged human trafficking in Romania.

He was spotted at a nightclub in Miami with Peters and white nationalist commentator Nick Fuentes in January.

Tate and Peters also filmed a gym video together in February.

But on Sunday's 60 Minutes, Peters abruptly ended his interview with Hegarty as soon as Tate was mentioned.

'You've obviously shared company with Andrew Tate and other, dare I say, rather controversial figures,' Hegarty said.

Peters (left) stood up from the interview when asked about Tate (right) and told Hegarty, 'I didn't have time to look into who your wife cheated with'

Tate (above) is a self-proclaimed misogynist who's set to face trial for alleged human trafficking in Romania

'Why do you spend time with people like that?'

Peters immediately cut short the interview, saying 'all right, have a nice day' before standing up and walking over to his livestream setup.

'Are you trying to - I see, you wanna make this political,' Peters said.

'Too bad I didn't have time to look into anything about potentially, you know, who your wife cheated with, but don't try to go down that line of questioning with me. I'm not doing anything political.'

Hegarty replied he wasn't married.

'Maybe you gotta looksmax. I could teach you about looksmaxxing and then maybe you could switch that up.'

As he stood up to go, Peters added: 'Thanks for your time, appreciate the interview.'

The odd attempt at an attack fell flat on Hegarty, which only seemed to make Peters more frustrated.

As he returned to his livestream, which had filmed throughout the 60 Minutes interview, he continued ranting about the Aussie reporter.

Peters (pictured during a livestream) later clarified to his viewers, 'We've got no problem associating with Andrew Tate'

'What a slimy bastard. That guy, piece of s***. I didn't like him,' Peters told his viewers.

And just in case his viewers were confused about Peters' relationship with Tate, he added: 'Of course, Tate's my boy and we're going to be doing a collab soon.'
A construction worker has died after being buried alive when a utility trench collapsed at a subdivision in the Houston suburbs.

The worker, whose name has not been released, was working on the drainage at a development in Conroe, Texas, when it caved in Saturday morning.

He and a colleague became trapped after being buried by dirt that had fallen into the trench, the Conroe Fire Department said in a press release.

Crews worked for more than an hour to rescue the workers, deploying specialized equipment to pull them from the dirt.

One worker was extricated from the trench just before 1pm and transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

The second worker was recovered about 15 minutes later, but did not survive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the operation, a third construction worker at the scene suffered a medical emergency. He was treated by paramedics on site and released.

Conroe Police Chief Jon Buckholtz has issued his condolences to the deceased worker's family and vowed to carry out a 'thorough investigation' into the incident.

Firefighters rushed to the construction site of the Marygold Homes development in Conroe, Texas on Saturday morning after a trench collapsed

Two construction workers were trapped under dirt when the utility trench collapsed

Rescuers from several Houston area emergency departments were dispatched to the construction site at 11.55am

Firefighters were dispatched to the construction site at 11.55am for reports of two workers trapped in a trench.

Crews arrived on scene by 12.02pm but due to difficult terrain faced challenges reaching the ditch, which was situated about 1,000 feet from the main road.

When rescuers finally reached the site, they determined two victims had been buried under the dirt.

'The construction workers on site were determined to dig their co-workers out and were successful in digging one co-worker out alive,' Conroe Police Sgt. Sergio Jasso told the Houston Chronicle.

'Unfortunately, when the other co-worker was dug out, he was deceased.'

Multiple agencies were called to assist including Montgomery County Emergency Service Districts 9 and 1, The Woodlands Fire Department and the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management.

The incident remains under investigation by the Conroe Police Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified.

Chief Buckholtz said the department will release more details as they become available.

Crews worked for over an hour to rescue the workers, deploying specialized equipment to pull them from the dirt

Authorities said one worker was pulled from the trench just before 1pm and transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition

A second worker was recovered about 15 minutes later, but did not survive. He was pronounced dead at the scene

During the operation, a third construction worker at the scene suffered a medical emergency. He was treated by paramedics on site and released

OSHA's investigation will examine whether there was proper work equipment in the trench when the collapse happened.

Officials have not identified anyone involved in the tragedy, which occurred on the construction site for the Marygold Homes development on Loop 336.

The Marygold Homes project will see condos built across 19 acres on the eastern portion of Loop 336.

Artemis One Development, the company that owns Marygold Homes, describes the community as a place where residents will be able to enjoy a 'hassle-free lifestyle.'

'From the moment you step into the Marygold Homes community, you'll know you're right where you belong,' the firm wrote on its website.

'Whether you want to relax, stay active, or socialize, we have it covered. Enjoy stunning landscaping, take a dip in the sparkling pool, and make the most of the exceptional amenities.'

It was not immediately clear which construction company Artemis has hired to complete the build. The Daily Mail has approached the development firm for comment.

The incident remains under investigation by the Conroe Police Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been notified
Police have charged a man with murder after film student Finbar Sullivan was stabbed to death on Primrose Hill.

Oliuwadamilola Ogunyankinnu, 27, has been charged with the murder of Finbar, 21, after he was killed on April 7 at the popular north London beauty spot.

Ogunyankinnu, of Southbury Road, Enfield, was arrested on Friday, April 10, and charged with murder on Sunday, April 12.

He will appear at Stratford Magistrates Court on Monday, April 13.

A 25-year-old who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender was released with no further action.

Finbar, the grandson of legendary cinematographer Michael Seresin, was stabbed to death after a fight broke out at Primrose Hill on Tuesday afternoon.

Police were called to the scene at 6.41pm, just two hours after Finbar had left his home in Maida Vale with his brand new camera equipment, telling his father, artist and musician Chris Sullivan, he would be home for dinner.

The London Screen Academy student, who sought to follow in his family's footsteps in the world of film and already produced drill rap videos, suffered multiple stab wounds.

Finbar Sullivan, 21, studied at the London Screen Academy and produced music videos for drill rap artists under the name Sully Shot It

Finbar Sullivan, centre, with his mother Leah Seresin and father Chris Sullivan. Film student Finbar was fatally stabbed on Tuesday

Paramedics and members of the public attempted to save his life but he sadly died at the scene.

A second man in his 20s, believed to be a friend of Finbar's, also suffered stab wounds and was found nearby by police.

He was rushed to hospital where it was confirmed that his injuries were not life-threatening.

At the time of the violence, the park was packed with families and friends enjoying the unseasonably warm weather following the Easter weekend.

Police are asking for witnesses, or those with footage or information about the incident, to get in touch quoting reference 6448/07Apr.

Speaking to the Daily Mail this week, Finbar's father said: 'He was just a little groovy 21-year-old who loved movies and making films. He didn't drink, he didn't smoke, he didn't go out.

'He'd stay at home editing his films six nights a week. He wanted to follow in his [grandfather's] footsteps and be a cameraman.

'He recently did a video for Joseph Corre, Vivienne Westwood's son.

'We were just about to start a company together he was going to do his showreel today with me. And now he's dead.'
A father who rescued his daughter from sex traffickers in a Taken-style plot has filed a $10 million lawsuit against two psychiatric facilities, alleging she was assaulted by staff during her recovery.

Frank Gervasi, 50, tracked down his daughter Emmarae - who was 14 at the time - from the clutches of traffickers on a yacht close to Long Island after she had been missing for nearly a month in December 2024.

Gervasi filed a civil suit on April 3, alleging two employees at Sagamore Childrens Psychiatric Center and Brentwood Residential Center assaulted his daughter while she was in their care following her rescue.

The father is demanding more than $10 million in damages, claiming he and his now 16-year-old daughter suffered physical and emotional trauma, according to the complaint obtained by Daily Mail.

Sagamore mental health therapist, 43-year-old Deshaun McClean, is accused of inappropriately touching the teen on multiple occasions.

He was arrested and charged with child sex abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

Officials at the psychiatric center reportedly alerted Gervasi about the 'inappropriate contact,' but the suit alleges the abuse continued.

'Less than a week later...defendant Deshaun McClean, whom the facility was warned about, and the father was assured would not be a threat to his daughter, sexually assaulted the minor while she was in the care and custody of Sagamore,' Gervasi's attorney wrote in the lawsuit.

Emmarae was 14 when she disappeared in December 2024, after 26 agonizing days her father rescued her from a yacht where she had been sex trafficked

Emmarae is seen being held by her father, Frank, in a photo from when she was younger

State worker Darryl Joyner, 58, is also accused by Suffolk Police of offering Emmarae drugs in exchange for seeing her nude while she was in the care of the Brentwood Residential Center, according to a criminal complaint obtained by Newsday.

The lawsuit also alleges a third state worker 'assaulted' the girl while she was at Brentwood, though that individual has not been criminally charged, according to the outlet.

McClean and Joyner, both free on cash bail, were charged in separate criminal complaints and are set to return to court in late April.

Emmarae, from East Patchogue, disappeared on December 9, 2024, after she went to retrieve some items from a Jeep outside her home on Tyrrell Street.

A large-scale search operation for the missing teenager ensued with her father working closely with local police to track her down.

In a surprising development, Gervasi discovered Emmarae 26 agonizing days later, aboard a large boat just off Main Street in Islip after he received an anonymous tip about her whereabouts.

In a video posted to Facebook, Frank Gervasi, Emmarae's father, gave thanks to all those who helped in the search for his girl

Gervasi has now filed a $10 million lawsuit against two psychiatric facilities, alleging she was sexually assaulted by staff after she was rescued

Emmarae with her father Frank Gervasi and her stepmother Alyson

Pictured: The ship Buckheit allegedly held Emmarae captive in

The 56-foot yacht belonged to Francis Buckheit, pictured above. He was arrested on rape and kidnapping charges

'I did find her myself before police got there. It was the end of 26 days of hell seeing her alive in my arms. It was a gift from God. I can't describe the feeling I had when I grabbed her,' Frank told News 12 at the time.

The 56-foot yacht belonged to Francis Buckheit, who was arrested on rape and kidnapping charges in connection with Emmaraes case.

Over a two-year period, 23 people have been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged sex ring that trafficked the teen, Newsday reported.

Across two states, 19 men and four others have been accused of involvement in the trafficking network, per the outlet.

At least seven people have been indicted in connection to the case, according to Gervasi's complaint.
Hyundai has issued an urgent warning to drivers as they recalled nearly 300,000 cars over a life-threatening glitch.

The car company made the announcement Friday for the driver and front passenger seats after discovering that the seatbelt anchors can detach.

They added that this increases the risk of injury and, in the event of a car accident, can leave occupants poorly restrained.

Hyundai identified more 294,000 vehicles as part of the recall.

The list includes 20232025 Hyundai Ioniq 6 models, 20232026 Genesis G90 vehicles, and 20242026 Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid models.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said dealers will 'inspect and reinforce or replace the seat belt anchors, as necessary,' at no extra charge.

While owner notification letters will be mailed on June 5, 2026, affected Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) have already been searchable on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website since Wednesday.

Hyundai Santa Fe model, 20242026 Hyundai Santa Fe and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid models are affected by the seatbelt glitch

A warning on Friday for the driver and front passenger seats after discovering that the seatbelt anchors can detach (stock)

This follows another recall by Hyundai affecting drivers in Australia, involving batteries in its electric vehicles.

This recall impacted nearly 5,000 vehicles on Friday due to a fault in its battery management software that could spark a fire while the car is charging or parked.

The recall involves two Hyundai models: the Kona EV manufactured between 2018 and 2023, and the IONIQ EV made between 2018 and 2022.

The announcement comes after the company began warning vehicle owners worldwide in March, and almost five years after Hyundai IONIQ vehicles were recalled in Australia over a separate battery issue.

The federal transport department announced the recall of 3478 Hyundai Kona electric cars and 1402 IONIQ EVs, warning drivers they would be contacted by the manufacturer to organize an assessment.

Two Hyundai models: the Kona EV and the IONIQ EV (pictured) have been recalled in Australia

'A software issue in the Battery Management System may cause an electrical short circuit while charging or parked, leading to a vehicle fire,' the recall said.

'A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders.'

Australian Hyundai dealers will diagnose the car batteries and issue a software update or hardware fix to address the fault.
Horrifying footage shows the moment three Indian teenagers slipped from rocks at a waterfall and drowned.

The girls, all believed to be between 16 and 17 years old, were playing and laughing while being filmed from the bank when they lost their footing and drifted into deeper water.

The tragedy happened on Thursday at the Mulagummi waterfall, a forested area close to Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh state, India Today reported.

The deceased were named in the Indian press as Trisha, 17, Ratna Kumari, 16, and Pavitra, 16.

There were also reports of a forth girl being rescued, but she does not appear to feature in the clip made available online.

The footage, posted on social media, shows the girls paddling and affectionately wrestling one another close to the water's edge.

One of the girls, dressed in pink, loses her footing on the slippy rocks and falls backwards into deeper water.

Another of the teens, wearing black, is able to clamber back on to the rocks - laughing for the camera, unaware of her friends floundering in the water behind her.

The video shows the three girls playing and laughing in shallow water while being filmed from the bank

Two of the girls can be seen drifting out into deeper water - with all three reportedly unable to swim

One of the girls clambers back on to the rocks, laughing for the camera before realising the plight of her two friends and returning to water to try and retrieve them - but becoming a victim herself

She then turns around to see both of the other girls in danger and wades back in to attempt to retrieve them.

All three teens' heads slip beneath the surface as the person filming the scene places her phone down and can be heard screaming for help.

None of the three girls were able to swim, local officials said.

Locals rushed to save the young women but they were swept away by the current, NDTV reported.

Their bodies were taken away by police for a postmodern and an inquiry is said to be underway.

The four girls were all from Jambuvalasa village in Hukumpeta and had gone on an outing to take pictures at the waterfall, according to Indian media.

Andhra Pradesh police have been contacted for comment.
Fuel protests are being planned across Britain as pump prices carry on soaring because of the Iran war, it was claimed today.

Farming organisations were reportedly discussing how to carry out similar protests that have brought roads to a standstill in Ireland over the past week.

It comes as average diesel prices nudge closer to a record 2 a litre after more than 40 consecutive days of price rises, although dozens of forecourts are already charging this.

The Sunday Telegraph quoted a source involved with the discussions as saying: Weve hit the 2 mark on a litre of diesel.

Thats a scary place to be. It will be a matter of time before people in this country start to go out and protest.

Since the Iran war started, the cost of filling the average 55-litre tank in a family car with petrol has surged 14 and nearly 30 for diesel

Farmers are the last people who want to go out and protest. You have to remember this is a very busy time of the year for us.

But with the inheritance tax protests, youve got the groups that have been set up. The infrastructure is there to mobilise.

Discussions have been had and there will be a few people coming together at the beginning of next week to see what can be done.

Ministers are said to be drawing up plans for how to deal with mass protests over the cost of living crisis sparked by the conflict in the Gulf.

The protests in Ireland have resulted in farmers and truckers blocking major roads in protest at sky-high fuel prices.

But the National Farmers Union in the UK said weve not heard about fuel protests within the farming community similar to those in Ireland, adding: Its not something were hearing from our members about.

Since the Iran war started, the cost of filling the average 55-litre tank in a family car with petrol has surged 14 and nearly 30 for diesel.
The Biden staffer accused of killing his girlfriend has had his dark relationship history revealed in claims by the victim's distraught father.

Nation Wood, 25, was charged with involuntary manslaughter after Samantha Emge, 22, was shot dead in their San Francisco apartment on March 24.

Wood told police he was 'dry-firing' his pistol, which he believed had been unloaded, when it accidentally fired - but Emge's father Bill Phipps has now claimed there was a history of abuse in the pair's relationship.

'Their relationship was not good, and he was an abusive boyfriend. Samantha had been trying to break up with him for a while,' Phipps told the California Post.

Phipps claimed that Wood had become 'emotionally and physically abusive' towards his daughter, whom he described as being 'unable to break up with him.'

Emge reportedly staged an intervention and demanded Wood get sober, and previously moved out of a shared house due to his alleged abusive behavior.

Wood recently joined the National Guard and was expected to leave for basic training just two weeks after the fatal shooting, Phipps told the newspaper.

'All of her friends were constantly trying to tell her she should break up with him,' Phipps added, noting that Emge had been 'looking forward to him going away.'

Samantha Emge, 22, was shot dead on March 24 at the San Francisco apartment that she shared with her boyfriend Nation Wood

Wood told police he was 'dry-firing' his pistol, which he believed had been unloaded, when it accidentally fired

Police found Emge with gunshot wounds inside the apartment at 10.43pm on March 23, the district attorney's office said. She was transported to a nearby hospital where she later died.

The aspiring interior designer had just gotten out of the shower when Wood allegedly fired his pistol into the bathroom wall, according to a police report obtained by the Post.

Emge had only moved into Wood's apartment a few days before her death, Phipps claimed. She was going to live in the unit while he was away.

Phipps told the Post that the couple previously lived together in a shared home with roommates, but claimed she moved out because she 'couldn't tolerate his behavior'.

It is unclear exactly when that alleged cohabitation occurred.

Two of Emge's friends have echoed Phipps' accusations of abuse, telling the San Francisco Chronicle how he would yell at her during drunken episodes.

They also accused him of making racist and homophobic comments.

Her friends further alleged that Wood was controlling, citing how he frequently called and texted her demanding details about her whereabouts.

He also allegedly imposed a 10pm curfew for her, even when they lived separately, her friends added.

Nation Wood, 25, a former security staffer for President Joe Biden, has been charged with allegedly shooting and killing his girlfriend in San Francisco

During his time working with the White House, Wood (second from right) shared a picture of himself posing alongside Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff in front of a presidential jet in 2024

Wood's attorney Paula Canny, however, has portrayed their two-and-a-half-year-long relationship as one in which the pair were deeply in love.

'Samantha told Nation's family how much she loved Nation and how much she loved being a part of their family,' Canny told the newspaper. 'Nation's family is devastated by this tragedy and their hearts go out to Samantha's family and loved ones.'

The lawyer confirmed Phipps was 16 months sober at the time of the shooting and alleged he has been 'suicidal' since Emge's death.

Wood was charged with involuntary manslaughter soon after the shooting. He pled not guilty and has since been released to a psychiatric hospital in San Francisco on a $300,000 bond.

According to Wood's LinkedIn page, he previously worked as a part-time security staffer for President Joe Biden's White House security team starting in November 2023.

The US Secret Service told the Daily Mail that he was not a member of the Secret Service.

He described his work as an 'independent pre-event site security advisor' at the White House for almost two years before leaving in July 2025, leaving under President Donald Trump.

During his time working with the White House, Wood shared a picture of himself posing alongside Kamala Harris and her husband Doug Emhoff in front of a presidential jet in 2024.

Wood wrote on his LinkedIn page that in his capacity at the White House, he was providing 'external advisory site security assessments for events with VIP attendance.'

Emge was a recent graduate of San Francisco State University and worked in interior design

'Experience includes site walkthroughs and advance coordination alongside US Secret Service for senior government and high-net-worth principals,' Wood wrote on his profile.

In his picture with Harris and Emhoff, he said he was 'very grateful' for the opportunity to work with the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee on a trip to an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation event in San Francisco.

Emge was a recent graduate of San Francisco State University and worked in interior design.

The Daily Mail has approached Wood's attorney for comment.
A probe has been launched into social media posts by an NHS England manager after they were shown to have hurled a racist slur at Tory leader Kemi Badenoch.

Lucy Hunte, national programme manager for apprenticeships at NHS England, used a series of coconut emojis when sending a message on X to Mrs Badenoch.

Other posts by Ms Hunte  revealed in a dossier of her social media activity seen by the Daily Mail  include her appearing to downplay the fears of Jewish people during pro-Palestinian marches in London.

In one post she suggested that 'normal Jewish people' were not concerned by the marches, but 'only those who support genocide'.

Ms Hunte also publicly supported Bob Vylan after the band led 'death to the IDF (Israel Defence Forces)' chants during their controversial performance at Glastonbury Festival last summer.

The term 'coconut' is widely viewed as a racist slur and is seen to accuse someone of being a 'race traitor'.

Ms Hunte used three coconut emojis in a message to Mrs Badenoch in August last year, when the Tory leader supported the flying of St George and Union flags across towns and cities in England.

NHS England said it was 'urgently investigating', while Mrs Badenoch told the Daily Mail that Ms Hunte's post 'tells you all you need to know about the culture that has taken root in many of our public services' and vowed her Conservative Party would tackle 'bigotry'.

Lucy Hunte, national programme manager for apprenticeships at NHS England, used a series of coconut emojis when sending a message on X to Tory leader Kemi Badenoch

Mrs Badenoch told the Daily Mail that Ms Hunte's post 'tells you all you need to know about the culture that has taken root in many of our public services'

Ms Hunte is an 'award winning national programme manager  apprenticeships at NHS England', according to her LinkedIn profile

The Tory leader said: 'The fact that an NHS manager felt comfortable hurling racist abuse at me for loving Britain and our flag tells you all you need to know about the culture that has taken root in many of our public services.

'If she'd do that to a high-profile politician, imagine what she's doing to the ethnic minority colleagues unfortunate enough to work with this cretin.

'The far-Left has spent years embedding itself in our institutions, and the result is NHS managers who think patriotism is a provocation and racism is progressive.

'They can't see the bigotry for the buzzwords and the Conservatives will root it out.'

Ms Hunte sent the message to Mrs Badenoch on 24 August, posting: 'Are you really this dumb?! It's the likes of you they are up in arms about?!

'They don't see it as "our" country even if we are born and bred here?!'

The NHS England employee's post was in reply to the Tory leader sharing a newspaper article she had penned to celebrate English flags being flown 'proudly as symbols of unity, nationhood, and optimism'.

Campaigners put UK and England flags on display last summer following an online movement called 'Operation Raise the Colours'.

But it sparked a row after some local councils took them down from council-owned infrastructure such as lampposts, while the campaign was also linked to far-Right groups.

Ms Hunte posted the racial slur despite her having previously been vocal about racism on social media.

She has used the hashtag #NoRoomForRacism and also complained that 'xenophobia and racism is rife'.

In one post, Ms Hunte expressed her hope that 'racists decide to boycott the NHS' as she suggested they might find 'too many brown faces' in a new NHS careers advert.

Join the discussion What should be done when public sector staff use racist language or support extreme views online?

In one post, Ms Hunte suggested that 'normal Jewish people' were not concerned by pro-Palestinian marches but 'only those who support genocide'

The NHS England employee also publicly supported Bob Vylan after the band led 'death to the IDF' chants during their controversial performance at Glastonbury Festival last summer

In one post, Ms Hunte expressed her hope that 'racists decide to boycott the NHS' as she suggested they might find 'too many brown faces' in a new NHS careers advert

In September last year, Ms Hunte responded to a fellow X user who said Jewish people 'completely avoid London' as a result of 'pro-terror' marches in the capital since the October 7 attacks on Israel.

Ms Hunte replied: 'No not normal Jewish people only those who support genocide!'

She expressed her support for Bob Vylan during a major row over the band's Glastonbury performance in June.

The Prime Minister condemned the UK punk duo for urging 'death' to Israeli troops in what he called 'appalling hate speech'.

But, posting on X in response to Avon and Somerset Police announcing they were assessing the comments, Ms Hunte said: 'Haven't you got anything better to do?! Genocide is the actual crime!'

The police investigation later concluded with no further action taken.

Ms Hunte has often expressed her party political leanings on social media.

She criticised the decision by Keir Starmer to block Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing as Labour's candidate in the recent Gorton and Denton by-election.

Ms Hunte also expressed her disappointment about 'infighting' during the launch of Your Party, the new Left-wing movement fronted by ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.

Since NHS England and Ms Hunte were approached about her social media posts, Ms Hunte appears to have deleted her X account.

An NHS England spokesman said: 'Any form of racism or discrimination by members of NHS staff is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are urgently investigating these posts.'
Catholic nuns who have been looking after dying patients for decades have sued the state of New York over gender laws which could see the carers jailed.

The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne filed a lawsuit against Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday opposing a bill that requires facilities to assign rooms by gender identity, not biological sex - something the nuns said clashes with their religion.

Hochul signed the bill into law in November, 2023, which states that long-term care facilities and their staff cannot discriminate against 'any resident on the basis of a resident's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or HIV status.'

'New York's seniors should be able to live their lives with the dignity and respect they deserve, free from discrimination of every kind,' Hochul said on the press release at the time.

'LGBTQIA+ and HIV-positive seniors are among our most vulnerable populations, and today we are taking steps to ensure that all New Yorkers- regardless of who they are, who they love or their HIV status - find safety and support in places where they need it most. Hate will never have a place in New York.'

However, the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne claim that the bill forces them to choose between their mission and faith and facing fines, license loss or jail time.

The group takes patients into their care at the 42-bed Rosary Hill Home in Hawthorne, New York and 'provide comfort and nursing care for patients who are poor or suffering from incurable cancer.'

'We are consecrated religious Sisters and have one mission,' Mother Marie Edward OP told Fox News. 'It is to provide comfort and skilled care to persons dying of cancer who cannot afford nursing care.'

The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne filed a lawsuit against Governor Kathy Hochul on Tuesday opposing a new bill that prohibits long-term care facilities from turning away HIV-positive LGBTQ+ people

The group take patients into their care at the 42-bed Rosary Hill Home in Hawthorne, New York and 'provide comfort and nursing care for patients who are poor or suffering from incurable cancer'

Hochul, seen above, signed the bill into law in November, 2023, which states that long-term care facilities and their staff cannot discriminate against 'any resident on the basis of a resident's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or HIV status'

Mother Edward went on to say that their work is supported by 'the goodness of our benefactors,' and it hasn't discriminated against anyone on the basis of race, religion or sex

'We do not take insurance or government funds or money from our patients or families. The care is totally free.'

Mother Edward went on to say that their work is supported by 'the goodness of our benefactors,' and it hasn't discriminated against anyone on the basis of race, religion or sex.

'We do it because Jesus taught us that, when the least among us are sick, we should care for them, as if they were Christ himself,' she told the outlet.

The religious group claims that the law forces them to assign rooms to patients by gender identity and not biological sex, allow expression, relationships and identity practices, and use preferred pronouns.

It also requires staff training in gender ideology, post a public notice of compliance with the law and allow opposite-sex bathroom access, a press release stated.

'We Sisters have taken care of patients from all walks of life, ideologies and faiths.

'We treat every patient with dignity and Christian charity. We have never had any complaints. We cannot implement New York's mandate without violating our Catholic faith.'

Join the discussion Should religious care homes be forced to choose between their faith and state gender rules?

The group claim that the law forces them to assign rooms to patients by gender identity and not biological sex, use preferred pronouns, require staff training in gender ideology, post a public notice of compliance with the law and allow opposite-sex bathroom access

The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne faces fines up to $2,000 per violation, up to $5,000, court-ordered forced compliance, and loss of licensing and up to one year in prison and fines up to $10,000

'The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne and Rosary Hill Home are members of the Catholic Benefits Association,' the release added.

'They have, through legal counsel provided to them by the CBA, asked the New York State Department of Health for an exemption from these mandates because they infringe upon their Catholic values, burden their exercise of religion and compromise their free speech rights.'

According to the release, Martin Nussbaum of the First & Fourteenth law firm said: '...New York's law provides religious exemption for long-term care facilities affiliated with the Christian Science Church but not for similar Catholic facilities.'

The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne faces fines up to $2,000 per violation, up to $5,000, court-ordered forced compliance, and loss of licensing and up to one year in prison and fines up to $10,000, Fox News reported.

Sister Stella Mary, administrator at Rosary Hill Home, said in the release: 'Our foundress Mother Alphonsa Hawthorne charged us to serve those who are "to pass from one life to another" and to "make them as comfortable and happy as if their own people had kept them and put them into the very best bedroom."

'We intend to continue honoring this sacred obligation but need relief from the Court to do so.'

In a statement to Fox News, the New York State Department of Health said: 'While the Department does not comment on pending or ongoing litigation, the NYS Department of Health is committed to following state law, which provides nursing home residents certain rights protecting against discrimination including, but not limited to, gender identity or expression.'

The Daily Mail reached out to the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne and Governor Kathy Hochul's Office for comment.
Hungarians are today casting ballots in what is set to be one of the most consequential elections in Europe this year, which could spell the end of Trump ally Viktor Orban's 16-year reign.

Polls opened at 6am local time (7am UK time) and are scheduled to close at 7pm local time.

After the first five hours of voting, turnout was at a record 66%, according to the National Election Office.

This is far higher than in 2022, an election that saw 900,000 fewer voters casting their ballots by 3pm.

Orban, at once Europe's harshest critic and its longest-serving leader, has ruled the country with an iron fist for more than a decade-and-a-half.

The populist leader has launched harsh crackdowns on minority rights and media freedoms, subverted many of Hungary's institutions, and been accused of siphoning large sums of money into the coffers of his allied business elite - an allegation he denies.

He also has heavily strained Hungary's relationship with the EU, seeming to revel in using his veto power to stymie the 27-member bloc's important decisions.

Most recently, he blocked a 90billion (78.5billion) EU loan to Ukraine, prompting his partners to accuse him of hijacking the critical aid.

After winning four consecutive elections with a two-thirds majority for his party in Parliament, signs have emerged that Orban's near-absolute control over Hungary's politics may be reaching its end.

His greatest challenger is Peter Magyar, a rapidly rising star in Hungarian politics who heads the centre-right Tisza party, which is leading in independent polls.

The 45-year-old has been campaigning on issues affecting ordinary voters, including the faltering public health care and transportation sectors, and what he describes as rampant government corruption.

Hungarians cast their ballots at a polling station in Solymar, 12 miles from Budapest, at the general election in Hungary, on April 12, 2026

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban leaves after casting his vote during the Hungarian parliamentary election in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026

Peter Magyar talks to media after casting his vote at a polling station during the general election in Budapest on April 12 2026

Magyar was once an insider in Orban's Fidesz party, choosing in 2024 to quit and form his own movement.

Since then, he has toured Hungary relentlessly, holding rallies in settlements big and small in a campaign blitz that recently had him visiting up to six towns daily.

Magyar has said the election is a 'referendum' on whether Hungary continues on its drift towards Russia under Orban, or can retake its place among the democratic societies of Europe.

He bluntly said after he cast his ballot this morning that the election is 'a choice between East or West, propaganda or honest public discourse, corruption or clean public life.'

He added: 'I urge all Hungarian citizens to exercise their right to vote.'

Tisza won 30% of the vote in European Parliament elections in 2024, and Magyar took a seat as an EU lawmaker.

Tisza is a member of the European People's Party, the mainstream, centre-right political family with leaders governing 12 of the EU's 27 nations.

Even with this support, Magyar and Tisza face a tough fight. Orban's control of Hungary's public media, which he has transformed into a mouthpiece for his party, and vast swaths of the private media market give him an advantage in spreading his message.

The unilateral transformation of Hungary's electoral system and gerrymandering of its 106 voting districts by Fidesz also will require Tisza to gain an estimated 5% more votes than Orban's party to achieve a simple majority.

Additionally, hundreds of thousands of ethnic Hungarians in neighbouring countries have the right to vote in Hungarian elections and traditionally have voted overwhelmingly for Orban's party.

Magyar (pictured) has said the election is a 'referendum' on whether Hungary continues on its drift towards Russia under Orban

Orban's (pictured) control of Hungary's public media, which he has transformed into a mouthpiece for his party, and vast swaths of the private media market give him an advantage in spreading his message

There also have been comments ahead of the election that external meddling and internal fraud could taint the result. Fidesz and Tisza both have launched platforms for reporting irregularities, accusing their opponents of planning to commit election abuses.

Russian secret services have plotted to interfere and tip the election in Orban's favour, according to numerous media reports including by The Washington Post.

The prime minister, however, has accused neighbouring Ukraine, as well as Hungary's allies in the EU, of seeking to interfere in the vote to install a 'pro-Ukraine' government.

Such accusations are part of why many in the EU who see Orban as a danger to the bloc's future hope he loses and a new Hungarian government under Magyar will prove a better partner.

The election is being closely watched in countries around Europe and beyond, which is a testament to the outsize role Orban occupies in far-right populist politics worldwide.

Trump and his MAGA movement are all-in for another Orban term. Trump has repeatedly endorsed the Hungarian leader and US Vice President JD Vance made a two-day visit to Hungary last week meant to help push Orban over the finish line.
Spanish authorities have launched an urgent search for a 70-year-old British pensioner who vanished without a trace from a holiday home.

Retired builder and locksmith Paul Daniel Strange, 70, disappeared on Thursday from the coastal town of Palomares in Almeria, where he had been enjoying a getaway at a friend's apartment.

The 'devoted' family man from Leigh-on-Sea was expected to begin the long journey back to the UK in his van that morning, but he failed to make contact, sparking an urgent police search.

Today, his frantic loved ones revealed a puzzling twist in the investigation, while a neighbour spotted Mr. Strange leaving the property, a friend who later entered the apartment discovered his computer and clothes had been left behind.

The distraught son of missing father-of-three Mr Strange, who is also named Paul, has issued a heartbreaking plea for information as the family faces an 'agonising' wait for news.

Speaking of the family's nightmare, he said: 'We're obviously extremely worried and have already contacted police in Essex who have been in touch with Interpol.'

He added that he understands British authorities have now made contact with Spanish police so they can 'begin searching' for the beloved pensioner.

'We just want him to get in touch with us if he sees this message.

Retired builder and locksmith Paul Daniel Strange, 70, disappeared on Thursday from the coastal town of Palomares in Almeria

'His phone was switched off on Thursday and the following day a message came up saying it was unavailable.

'It's extremely unlike Dad not to stay in touch.

'He drives down to Spain regularly to see friends so he knows his way around and when he makes the return journey he always rings my mum every few hours and relies on her to book somewhere for him to stay on the way.

'This time there's been nothing. He was due to leave his accommodation last Thursday to drive to Calais.

'He drives a silver Sprinter van which is about six or seven years old and has a picture of a Carp fish on the back.

'It's a UK-plated vehicle with the registration YE19 FAU. My dad's originally from east London so speaks with a London accent, and he's got a birth mark on his left temple.

'What we can't fathom is the fact that a neighbour saw him leaving the place where he was staying on Thursday which was the day he was due to start the drive home after arriving in Palomares on Good Friday.

'But when a friend got into the apartment to check up on him he saw he'd left belongings inside including a laptop and clothes.

'He had a small bag with money and his passport on him but the stuff he'd left are not the sort of things someone wouldn't take with them if they weren't planning on coming back.'

He added: 'My dad is a healthy, happy bloke and not someone with any reason to voluntarily disappear.

'This is obviously completely out-of-character and very worrying.'

Mr Strange's son and son-in-law flew to Spain last night.

His worried wife Diane said: 'They're flying to Alicante and then they're going to head to Palomeras to the apartment where he was staying.

'He'd left a glass of orange juice and biscuits on the table alongside a black top and his glasses.

'And he'd not locked the place up properly apparently.

'It's as if he'd just got up and walked out. It's so unlike my husband. We're all so worried.'

Palomares, located on the Almerian coast of Andalusia, is situated in a region renowned for its rich maritime heritage and diverse fishing opportunities.

The town is nestled between the traditional fishing hubs of Garrucha and Villaricos, making it an excellent base for various angling styles.
Vladimir Putin strolled into an Easter Sunday service attended by Elon Musk's father in Moscow last night, after violating a Kremlin-declared ceasefire.

The Russian president casually walked into the midnight cathedral service, apparently wearing heavy makeup, and looking weary and tired.

Putin's annual appearance at the Christ the Saviour Cathedral near the Kremlin, to mark Orthodox Easter, came soon after he called a 32-hour ceasefire in the war - which his own troops violated.

The Easter ceasefire was broken by Russia after it attacked Ukrainian positions with drones on Saturday.

Ukraine's military command reported nearly 470 Russian violations of the truce.

In a festive message at the Sunday service, Putin said: 'The great holiday of Easter fills the hearts of millions of people with sincere joy, faith in the all-conquering power of life, in the triumph of love, goodness, and justice, and unites us around centuries-old paternal traditions, undeniable spiritual, moral values, and ideals.'

As his troops broke his declared ceasefire, he praised 'our heroes - the participants and veterans of the special military operation'.

The service was also attended by Elon Musk's father Errol, 79, who is a regular visitor to Russia.

President Putin attended the Easter Sunday midnight service at the Christ the Saviour Cathedral near the Kremlin last night, hours after breaking the Russia-declared ceasefire with Ukraine

Elon Musk's father, Errol, 79, watched on. The South African businessman is a regular visitor to Russia

Putin appeared tired and weary and wore heavy makeup in the annual outing. Pictured: Putin (left) next to Moscow's mayor Sergey Sobyanin

Errol Musk has previously praised Putin and even blamed his son for falling out with President Donald Trump.

He is in Russia on a two week trip focusing on 'research projects with Russian scientists', according to Moscow Times.

President Putin on Thursday declared a 32-hour ceasefire over the Orthodox Easter weekend, ordering Russian forces to halt hostilities from 4pm on Saturday until the end of Sunday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky promised to abide by the ceasefire, describing it as an opportunity to build on peace initiatives. But he warned there would be a swift military response to any violations.

Russia quickly violated their own ceasefire after attacking Ukrainian positions with drones on Saturday evening, as Serhii Kolesnychenko, a communications officer for Ukraine's 148th Separate Artillery Brigade, said: 'The ceasefire is not being observed by the Russian side.'

Mr Kolesnychenko said that while artillery fire had paused in the sector where his brigade was working, at the junction of the Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, Russian forces continued to use drones to strike Ukrainian positions.

Ukrainian forces were responding with 'silence to silence and fire to fire', Mr Kolesnychenko said.

Hours before the ceasefire was due to begin, Russia launched drone strikes across Ukraine. Pictured: A view of the aftermath following a Russian airstrike using KAB-250 guided bombs in the city centre of Kramatorsk, Ukraine, on April 11, 2026

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia targeted Ukraine with 160 drones overnight, of which 133 were shot down or intercepted, hours before a proposed Easter ceasefire was due to come into force

Ukraine's military command said on Facebook: 'After 4:00 pm, 469 ceasefire violations were recorded, namely: 22 enemy assault actions, 153 shelling attacks, 19 strikes by attack drones... and 275 strikes by FPV drones.

'Today in total, the enemy carried out 57 air strikes and dropped 182 guided aerial bombs. In addition, it deployed 3,928 kamikaze drones and conducted 2,454 shelling attacks on populated areas and positions of our troops'.

The latest flare-up comes despite Moscow and Kyiv both signalling that the end of the war in Ukraine may be in sight.

Russia's hardline foreign minister issued a surprise statement that 'the prospect of a political and diplomatic settlement is on the horizon.'

At the same time, Ukraine's top negotiator Lt-Gen Kyrylo Budanov, 40, made clear Russia is shifting its stance. 'They all understand the war needs to end. That's why they are negotiating,' he told Bloomberg. 'I don't think it will be long.'
A California teenager has been killed and four others seriously injured in a horrific car crash that investigators believe was caused by drunk driving.

Multiple 911 calls came in reporting the collision in Novato, about 45 minutes outside of San Francisco, on Saturday around 1am after a Toyota Camry slammed head-on into a metal utility pole on San Marin Drive.

Four of the teenagers, all aged 16 to 18, were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Another died from their injuries, the Novato Police Department said.

According to authorities, the driver, 17, 'was determined to be under the influence of alcohol' at the time of the collision, which left the car crushed, with a shattered windshield, and all its airbags deployed.

Sources close to those involved in the crash told the Daily Mail the teenager who lost his life was Niko Vargas Ortiz, and he was with his school friends at the time.

A GoFundMe has since been launched for his family. The other teens have not been identified.

The car was traveling at around 102mph when it collided with the pole, and the group of teens all attended a Quinceanera celebration before the accident, the source added.

Just days before the tragedy, the schools attended by the teenagers held an 'emotional' course that showed students the 'lasting impact of impaired driving'.

Five California teenagers were involved in a terrifying car crash on Saturday around 1am in Novato. Four of them were severely injured and one of them died

A source close to those involved in the crash told the Daily Mail the teenager who lost his life in the crash was Niko Vargas Ortiz. A GoFundMe page has since been launched to help support his family

Though it remains unclear whether all of the victims attended the 'Every 15 Minutes' seminar, during it, emergency personnel showed students what happens when someone under the influence gets behind the wheel, the agency shared on Instagram.

The program was held on Thursday and Friday, as firefighters and paramedics acted as if they were at a real drunk driving scene to show teens the consequences.

'This impactful program, years in the making, brought together first responders, school staff, chaplains, therapy dog teams, and community partners to deliver a meaningful message about responsibility, choices, and the lasting impact of impaired driving,' the agency wrote in their post alongside videos and pictures of the exercises.

'Remember: Every 15 Minutes Someone in America Dies Because Someone CHOOSES to Drink and Drive.'

A female crash victim suffered such intense injuries that 'they don't know if she will ever walk again,' according to the source.

Maite Iturri, the superintendent of the Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District, confirmed in a Facebook post that four of the teens, including the one who died, were students at Rancho Cotate and El Camino high school.

The fifth was a former Rancho Cotate student.

John Koo recalled hearing what he described as a 'big pop' around the time the car crashed near his home.

Just days before the tragedy, the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety held an 'emotional' course that showed students the 'lasting impact of impaired driving'

According to authorities, the driver, 17, 'was determined to be under the influence of alcohol' at the time of the collision.' The dented power pole is seen after being struck by the vehicle

'It was like a big pop, that you heard the crash, like a big firecracker went off. Our power went out for a few seconds,' Koo told ABC7 News.

Koo added: 'We heard donuts before, screeching,' referring to when a driver intentionally spins a vehicle in a circle.

Sandy Evans, another local who heard about the fatal crash, said she prayed for those involved as soon as she heard about it.

'Last night, I prayed - I'm a Buddhist. I pray everyone was alive. We lost one,' she told the outlet.

Sandy Evans, another local who heard about the fatal crash, left flowers at the scene

She placed flowers at the scene of the crash, accompanied by her husband, Sean Evans.

'It's too bad. I feel for the families. We have 20-year-olds. We tell them, "Slow down and don't drink and drive",' Sean said.

Lieutenant Alan Bates with the Novato Police Department told the Daily Mail that the driver will be facing charges, including vehicular manslaughter, gross negligence, DUI causing injury, and child endangerment.

The case remains under investigation.
Four men have been arrested following the murder of a Scottish businessman whose body was found dumped in a sack of pineapples in Kenya.

Campbell Scott, 58, vanished from the country's capital of Nairobi last year, where he had travelled for a work conference.

Mr Scott, from Dunfermline in Fife, was discovered by local herders in the Makongo Forest, around 60 miles from Nairobi, with his hands and feet tied.

Now, four suspects have been arrested following an intelligence-led, multi-agency operation in the costal town of Ukunda, detectives in Kenya have confirmed.

It comes following a separate probe into a violent robbery involving an American national in Nyali, a residential area within Mombasa City.

Prior to his disappearance, Mr Scott - a senior director at credit scoring firm FICO - was due to attend a three-day workshop with senior officials from the UK, US and several African countries to discuss markets for new products.

After failing to meet colleagues for a presentation at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi's Westlands area, he was reported missing.

Mr Scott is known to have visited the Havana nightclub the previous evening.

Campbell Scott (pictured) was discovered in the Makongo Forest with his hands and feet tied to a sack of pineapples

Four suspects (pictured) have been arrested following an intelligence-led, multi-agency operation into Mr Scott's murder, detectives in Kenya have confirmed

He was suspected to have been taken to a property in a slum area known as the Pipeline district, approximately 1.3 miles from his hotel, before his body was dumped.

A post-mortem examination of his body was 'inconclusive', however, pathologists said Mr Scott's injuries were 'too minor' to have caused his death.

In March last year, two men believed to be among the last to see the businessman alive were arrested.

An appeal was then launched by officers to find three further suspects.

Among them was Samuel Musembi, who later stabbed himself to death while on the run from police.

Musembi - who initially tried to poison himself - was in hiding at a friend's house who was unaware of what he had done.

He was brought to hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Samuel Musembi (pictured) a suspect in the killing of Mr Scott, stabbed himself to death after he first attempted to poison himself

Mr Scott (pictured) vanished from a hotel in Nairobi while he was in the Kenyan capital to attend a conference

In a statement, Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the latest suspects were linked to Mr Scott's murder and other violent robberies.

They said: 'The suspects, Bernard Mbusu, Isaac Kinoti Kobia, Evans Muthengi Mutaki and Kelvin Mwangi Njoroge were apprehended at Ideal Apartments, Ukunda.

'The suspects have also been forensically linked to another robbery with violence incident in Watamu, Malindi Sub-County.

'A search at the residence led to the recovery of stolen items, including an HP laptop, mobile phones, assorted foreign currencies, multiple credit cards, cheque books from various banks and PDQ [card reader] machines.'
Airline passengers were left vomiting and passing out after becoming stranded in Milan amid border control chaos.

Around 100 easyJet customers were abandoned at Linate airport while waiting to board a flight to Manchester on Sunday with three-hour queues plaguing travellers as new EU border rules come into force.

The airline said the situation was 'outside of our control' and issues with the EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) had caused the delays, adding that the hold-ups were 'unacceptable'.

The system requires travellers from third-party countries, including the UK, to have their fingerprints and photographs taken as they enter the Schengen Area, which consists of 29 European countries mainly in the EU.

Passengers travelling across Europe were hit by delays and cancellations over the weekend with travel chaos reported by those heading back to the UK from Geneva, Lisbon and Malta.

Border control also severely held up those passing through Brussels, with the airport telling customers to expect delays amid the rule change roll-out.

And furious travellers took to social media to complain of two-hour plus queues to get through passport control at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, with the airport's website confirming 'long queues' on Monday.

The Daily Mail understands easyJet delayed the Milan flight by 52 minutes to allow customers extra time but, with the crew approaching the end of their safety-regulated working hours, the flight was forced to head off half empty.

Passengers left behind in Milan Linate airport yesterday due to border control chaos

Around 100 easyJet customers were abandoned at Linate airport while waiting to board a flight to Manchester on Sunday

The saga left customers scrambling for alternative means of getting home with some only discovering they had missed their flight once it had left without them.

One passenger travelling with her boyfriend said only 30 people made it onto the plane, leaving 100 stranded at the airport.

Kiera, 17, told the BBC: 'We got here at 7.30am for our flight at 11am so were super early.

'We got to Border Control and it was a massive queue of people. I wasn't feeling great anyway because I think I'd got food poisoning.

'At about 10.50am they brought some water over for people, and when we got to the front of the queue someone asked us if we were going to Manchester, and told us our flight had just gone.'

The student added she and her boyfriend were in the middle of a 20-hour wait for another flight, leaving today and costing her mother 520.

And to make matters worse, the rearranged flight is set to land at Gatwick instead of Manchester.

Kiera said easyJet had only offered 12.25 in compensation, roughly the price of a sandwich at the airport.

Meanwhile, Vicky Chapman, 26, from Wirral, was left abandoned in the Italian city along with her son Fredrik, five, her partner Adam Hoijord, mother Lynne Chapman and brother Dan Chapman.

She told Liverpool Echo: 'We got to the airport with more than enough time, and got to our gate at 9.30am, but we were totally refused entry through passport control.

'We were then told that we are a "no show" on our flight because we did not get to the gate on time, even though passport control had issues and they would not let us through.

'We were passed from pillar to post for three hours and no-one helped us. It was so hot in the airport, people were vomiting, people were almost passing out. We're being told that Tuesday is the earliest we can get back, and that we have to fly to Gatwick. We've had to pay out of pocket for an Airbnb.'

Adam Lomas, 33, was holidaying in Milan with his wife Katy, 33, and their baby daughter when they got stranded.

He said he attempted to contact the airline but could not get through to a human operator - only chatbots who 'hung up' on him after 'five or 10 minutes' because there were 'audio issues and they couldn't hear me'.

The father said his family were now trying to a find a hotel and book new flights back to London where they would then have to get the two-and-a-half-hour train to Manchester.

He added that easyJet and the airport had 'spent hours arguing with each other about who is to blame'.

The airline said it informed customers of the new system and advised them to check their travel documents, allow extra time at airports, be ready for biometric checks, and factor in extra waiting time when planning onward travel.

Join the discussion Would YOU be furious if your flight left without you after hours in a queue?

The Daily Mail understands easyJet delayed the flight by 52 minutes to allow customers extra time but the flight was forced to head off as crew approached their shift-limit time

The new biometric Entry Exit System machines at Malaga Airport in Spain

Travellers are also being encouraged to arrive early, clear security as soon as possible and head to the gate when called.

An easyJet spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'We are aware that some passengers departing from Milan Linate today experienced longer than usual waiting times at passport control and we advised customers due to fly to allow additional time to make their way through the airport.

'We have been doing all possible to minimise the impact of the airport queues, holding flights to allow customers extra time and providing free flight transfers for any customers who may have missed their flight including EJU5420 to Manchester.

'We continue to urge border authorities to ensure they make full and effective use of the permitted flexibilities for as long as needed while EES is implemented, to avoid these unacceptable border delays for our customers.

'While this is outside of our control, we are sorry for any inconvenience caused.'

It comes after tourists reported chaotic scenes and lengthy delays at airports across Europe earlier this week as the new digital border controls came into effect  with exasperated travellers saying they had been forced to wait 'for hours' at terminals, including in Lisbon, Milan and Paris, to clear immigration.

Two travellers at Lisbon airport were among those facing a long wait at passport control.

Ex-UK and EU diplomat Rupert Joy said the new system was in disarray in the Portuguese capital's major transport hub.

He wrote on social media platform X: 'Complete chaos at Lisbon airport. Loads of people missing flights despite arriving hours in advance because of insanely long queues to passport control.

'No one seems to be in control or to have any idea what to do.'

Another traveller said he had experienced a similar scenario, writing: 'Having the machines at the start of the queue before going through passport control just caused a massive queue leaving Lisbon.'

Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary, pictured, described the rollout of the new system as a 's*** show and a shambles'

In Paris, a parent travelling with a child, believed to be at Charles de Gaulle airport wrote: 'Absolutely ridiculous queue for passport control. EU passport with a child under 12, Ive been queuing for over two hours and still theres at least a hundred people ahead of me.'

At Milan's Malpensa airport, it was a similar scenario.

'Two hours after landing and Im still an hour from clearing passport control. Good job. Good try,' another delayed passenger fumed.

Controversial Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary this month accused the EU of punishing British holidaymakers over Brexit by subjecting them to hours-long passport control queues.

The chief executive, who backed Remain in the referendum, claimed the bloc was 'undoubtedly' forcing Britons to endure longer waits at airports as payback for leaving the EU in 2020.

UK holidaymakers jetting off to Europe have been warned of up to four-hour delays at airports as countries ramp up the deployment of a new border system.

Mr O'Leary said there had been 'significant disruption' at passport control since the new system was first introduced in October last year.

The system is being introduced in stages, with full operation expected from April, but has already caused backlogs and increased waiting times for passengers.

'We are beginning to see significant disruption. That's the next big issue. And EES has just been a s*** show and a shambles,' the Ryanair CEO told The Times.
Sir Keir Starmer has refused to join Donald Trump's naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which is due to start on Monday after Iranian peace talks failed.

The move signals growing tensions between the UK, other NATO members and the United States, as hostilities in the Middle East look set to continue - with Israel's military moved to a heightened state of readiness on Sunday to prepare for further conflict with Iran.

Trump on Sunday vowed to send American military vessels to the waterway  one of the most important oil and gas shipping lanes in the world  following failed negotiations with Iran in Pakistan over the weekend.

He wrote on his Truth Social platform that the US military would start 'blockading any and all ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz'.

The President said the US navy would also 'seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas'.

He added in a Fox News interview following his announcement: 'I understand the UK and a couple of other countries are sending minesweepers.'

But Britain will not play a part in the move, the Daily Mail understands.

A Government spokesman said: 'We continue to support freedom of navigation and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is urgently needed to support the global economy and the cost of living back home.

'The Strait of Hormuz must not be subject to tolling. We are urgently working with France and other partners to put together a wide coalition to protect freedom of navigation.'

Donald Trump (pictured) vowed to send American military vessels to the Strait of Hormuz

Sir Keir Starmer (pictured) has refused to join the US' military operation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Daily Mail understands

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important oil and gas shipping lanes in the world (file image)

Trump earlier claimed that the UK and other nations were were sending minesweepers to assist the US in the Strait

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has said that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will begin at 3pm UK time on April 13.

It said in an update shared on X that 'all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports' will be blocked on April 13 at 10am ET.

It added: 'The blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

'CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports.'

Downing Street on Sunday said that Starmer stressed 'the need to work with a wide range of partners to protect freedom of navigation' in the Strait of Hormuz in a phone call with French president Emmanuel Macron.

The latest statement reiterates previous messaging from the Labour leader, who previously said that 'as many partners as possible' must be involved in coming up with a 'viable plan' to reopen the maritime pinch point, pointing to the UK's role in hosting talks on the issue with a coalition of countries.

The third such meeting convened by Britain is set to take place this week, following a virtual meeting of more than 40 nations chaired by the Foreign Secretary and a gathering of allied military officers.

The Prime Minister said UK mine hunting systems were already in the region.

Sir Keir  who faced fresh personal criticism from the US president  earlier on Sunday urged the US and Iran 'to find a way through' after their 21-hour negotiations in Islamabad collapsed, casting uncertainty over the shaky two-week truce.

In a readout of the Prime Minister's call with the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: 'They discussed the peace talks held in Pakistan over the weekend and urged both sides to find a way through.

'It was vital there was a continuation of the ceasefire, and that all parties avoided any further escalation, the leaders agreed.'

Trump meanwhile continued to pour scorn on NATO and the UK over their refusal to support offensive operations against Iran, calling the defensive alliance 'shameful'.

The Republican leader again compared Sir Keir to Neville Chamberlain, whose premiership was defined by his 1930s appeasement of Nazi Germany.

Trump told Fox News: 'He made a public statement that "we will send equipment after the war is over"  that's a Neville Chamberlain statement'.

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted an area in the southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh on April 12

US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, April 11, as two US Navy guided-missile destroyers conducted operations

The President said talks in Pakistan involving US vice-president JD Vance 'went well, most points were agreed to, but the only point that really mattered, nuclear, was not.'

Israel's military was moved to a heightened state of readiness on Sunday to prepare for further conflict with Iran, as it continued to pummel Lebanon with missiles.

Eyal Zamir, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) chief, said response times would be shortened in case further air strikes were needed.

It echoes his words following the announcement of a ceasefire last week, when he said Israel remained in a state of war and that forces could return to fighting at any moment, and in a very powerful way.

On Wednesday, hours after the ceasefire was agreed, it launched 100 deadly strikes on Beirut, Lebanon, killing 300 people including at least 33 children.

Lebanons president Joseph Aoun, who has made disarming terror group Hezbollah a key priority, branded the strike a massacre.

Meanwhile, Israeli bombing raids continued in the south of Lebanon, home to Hezbollah.

The IDF yesterday said it had struck and dismantled a rocket launcher that was positioned and ready to launch towards Israel.

There has been disagreement over whether the ceasefire between the US and Iran includes Lebanon, but Donald Trump called Israels conflict with Hezbollah a separate skirmish. Israel and Lebanon are set to hold talks next week in Washington.

Despite President Trump's plans for a US blockade, NATO has been reluctant to enter the powder-keg Strait of Hormuz.

Just 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, filled with mines and within striking distance of missiles and drones fired from a labyrinth of Iranian mountains  any move by the US Navy to blockade the waterway would risk heavy losses.

Face-to-face talks ended on Sunday after 21 hours, leaving the already-fragile two-week ceasefire in doubt.

US officials said the negotiations collapsed over what they described as Iran's refusal to commit to abandoning a path to a nuclear weapon, while Iranian officials blamed Washington for the breakdown of the talks without specifying the sticking points.

Neither side indicated what will happen after the 14-day ceasefire expires on April 22. Pakistani mediators urged all parties to maintain it.

'We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, and they will not seek the tools that would enable them to quickly achieve a nuclear weapon,' Vance said after the talks.

Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Iran in the negotiations, said it was time for the United States 'to decide whether it can gain our trust or not'.

He did not mention the core disputes in a series of social media posts, though Iranian officials earlier said the talks fell apart over two or three key issues, blaming what they called US overreach.

Iran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons but has insisted on its right to a civilian nuclear program.

It has offered 'affirmative commitments' in the past in writing, including in the landmark 2015 nuclear deal.

Two F/A-18 Super Hornets launch from the flight deck of the US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in support of the Operation Epic Fury attack on Iran from an undisclosed location March 3

An F/A-18E Super Hornet launches from the flight deck of the US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln during the Operation Epic Fury attack on Iran April 1

Experts say its stockpile of enriched uranium, though not weapons-grade, is only a short technical step away.

Since the US and Israel launched the war on February 28, it has killed at least 3,000 people in Iran, 2,020 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states, and caused lasting damage to infrastructure in half a dozen Middle Eastern countries.

Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz has largely cut off the Persian Gulf and its oil and gas exports from the global economy, sending energy prices soaring.

As a result, Trump is under increasing pressure to end the war as soon as possible.

Asked whether oil and gas prices would come down before midterm elections in November, Trump told Fox: 'I hope so. I mean, I think so. It could be the same or maybe a little bit higher.'
President Donald Trump has sent US Navy ships into the Strait of Hormuz to create a blockade - something experts warn could put American lives at risk.

Trump announced the move via Truth Social on Sunday, saying the naval assets would 'begin the process of blockading any all ships trying to enter' the Strait.

US Central Command confirmed the blockade of 'all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports' will start on Monday at 10am ET.

Vessels using the strait to travel to and from non-Iranian ports will not be impeded, CENTCOM said in a statement.

The president claimed that the threat posed by the Iranian Navy is 'gone' from the key waterway thanks to the US military assault on the nation since February 28.

However, experts have warned that though much of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' large battleships have been destroyed, the smaller boats that control the Strait are still intact.

This means the US servicemen sent to the narrow waterway - which is only about 35 kilometers wide - will be sitting ducks for attacks by the IRGC.

Farzin Nadimi, an Iran-focused senior fellow with the Washington Institute, told the Wall Street Journal that more than 60 percent of the IRGCs fast-attack craft and speedboat fleet is still operating.

US President Donald Trump makes a fist upon arrival at Miami International Airport in Miami, on April 11, 2026. Trump is traveling to Florida to attend a UFC event and spend the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago residence

This handout natural-colour image acquired with MODIS on NASA's Terra satellite taken on February 5, 2025 shows the Gulf of Oman and the Makran region (C) in southern Iran and southwestern Pakistan, and the Strait of Hormuz (L) and the northern coast of Oman (bottom)

An Iranian Revolutionary Guard jet boat sails around a seized tanker in Bandar Abbas, southern Iran, July 2019 (reissued August 2019)

U.S. Marines, with the Battalion Landing Team 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines (3/1), 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), conduct a live fire evolution on the flight deck of San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New Orleans (LPD 18), while underway, February 11th, 2026

David Des Roches, a former director responsible for Persian Gulf policy at the Defense Department, also noted that Iran's 'asymmetrical strategy is working.'

The smaller, more nimble boats are well versed in controlling the crucial chokepoint by deploying missiles and mines, and by harassing commercial ships.

'Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,' Trump announced via Truth Social Sunday morning.

'Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!' he added.

'Iran knows, better than anyone, how to END this situation which has already devastated their Country.

'Their Navy is gone, their Air Force is gone, their Anti Aircraft and Radar are useless, Khamenei, and most of their Leaders, are dead, all because of their Nuclear ambition. The Blockade will begin shortly.'

It comes amid a tenuous two-week ceasefire deal Trump struck with Tehran, which agreed to stop fighting in exchange for the opening of the strait.

Iran warned by marine radio that any unauthorized ships trying to cross the strait in the meantime would be destroyed.

Only four ships passed on day one, and Iran plans to limit traffic to about a dozen daily, down from more than 100.

Tehran has also warned of possible antiship mines, urging vessels to follow new coastal routes with Revolutionary Guard guidance.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces began setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz, April 11, as two U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers conducted operations

A vessel at the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman's Musandam province, April 12, 2026

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told the Journal that the U.S. had completed 'the largest elimination of a navy over a three-week period since World War II.'

She also noted that the 'U.S. military has destroyed Iran's ability to shoot ballistic missiles or produce more, which will help secure the free flow of energy in the long term.'

The USS Franklin Petersen and the USS Michael Murphy are the two American destroyers currently in the Strait.

In his Sunday Truth Social post, Trump also said that Iran was 'unwilling to give up its nuclear ambitions' as Vice President JD Vance returned from peace talks in Pakistan empty-handed.

A US official familiar with the deliberations told The Daily Mail that at the outset of the talks, it was clear that the Iranians did not properly apprehend America's core objective, which was that any potential deal has and always would have at its center the fact that Iran would never obtain a nuclear weapon.

Over the course of the deliberations, the Vice President corrected this misunderstanding and used his time with his counterparts to probe their own assessments of their positions, per the US official.

The official also conveyed that the Iranians need to recognize that the realities on the ground do not reflect the assumptions they held when they arrived at the negotiations before they will be ready to entertain a serious offer.

The Vice President still believes that a deal remains on the table, and that it is on the Iranians to accept it.

Vice President JD Vance, right, speaks during a news conference after meeting with representatives from Pakistan and Iran as Jared Kushner, left, and Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy for Peace Missions listen, on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Islamabad, Pakistan

US Vice President JD Vance speaks to journalists as seen in a televised address before he leaves Islamabad, Pakistan, 12 April 2026. The United States and Iran did not reach a deal after long talks in Islamabad, and Washington says it has already made its final offer. The main disagreement is over Iran's nuclear program, with the US demanding long-term limits and Iran insisting on its right to peaceful nuclear activity and relief from sanctions

U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrives for a meeting with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, Pakistan, for talks about Iran on Saturday, April 11, 2026

Vice President JD Vance, left, talks to Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshall Asim Munir, right, and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, center, before boarding Air Force Two after attending talks on Iran on April 12, 2026 in Islamabad, Pakistan

US Vice President JD Vance (R) walks across the tarmac during a scheduled refuelling stop at Ramstein Air Base in Germany on April 12, 2026 following his departure from Islamabad after talks on Iran. Iran and the United States failed to strike a deal on April 12 to end the war in the Middle East, but there was no immediate return to hostilities and the region clung to hope that a fragile truce would hold

Trump also noted on Sunday morning that he instructed the US Navy 'to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran,' Trump added. 'No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas.'

'Any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!' Trump said.

The President, speaking separately on Fox News Sunday Morning Futures, announced that NATO would 'begrudgingly' support the US in securing the Strait. He called NATO 'shameful,' claiming that 'they weren't there for us, and they won't be there for us.'

Trump said he was 'very disappointed' in the UK, comparing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to infamous Adolf Hitler appeaser Neville Chamberlain.

'[Starmer] made a public statement: "We will send equipment after the war is over." That's a Neville Chamberlain-type statement,' Trump told Fox.

A UK government spokesperson pushed back against Trump's claims, noting that the UK will not be involved in the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

'We continue to support freedom of navigation and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, which is urgently needed to support the global economy and the cost of living back home,' the UK government spokesperson noted.
Hungarian leader Viktor Orban last night conceded defeat to his rival Peter Magyar, after he was beaten in national elections.

Magyar, the 45-year-old upstart politician, took to Facebook and revealed that Orban, an ally of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin who has held an iron grip on the country for 16 years, 'congratulated us on our victory over the phone'.

He added: 'Thank you Hungary!'

Magyar later said at his victory speech that the 'healing' of the nation will begin today and that Orban's 'puppets' need to go.

He added that Hungary 'will no longer be a country without consequences' and that those who 'stole from the country have to face consequences'.

Conceding the election, Orban told his supporters: 'The result of the election is clear and painful.'

The 62-year-old, who was Europe's longest serving leader, added: 'We don't have the weight of governing the country so we have to rebuild our communities.

'We never give up, this is one thing people know about us, we never give up. The days ahead of us are for us to heal our wounds.'

Hungarians came out in force for the election, the first since 2022. After just five hours of voting the turnout was at a record 66 per cent, according to the National Election Office.

This is far higher than in 2022, an election that saw 900,000 fewer voters casting their ballots by 3pm.

While supporters of Magyar's Tisza party were seen celebrating over the defeat of one of Europe's fiercest critics, many of Orban's supporters were seen weeping upon hearing that he had conceded.

Peter Magyar was last night elected prime minister of Hungary, defeating incumbent Viktor Orban

Orban, an ally of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin who has held an iron grip on Hungary for 16 years, admits defeat to his supporters

Supporters of Magyar, leader of the opposition Tisza party, celebrate in Budapest after partial results were announced last night

Top European figures posted in celebration of the major political upset.

Sir Keir Starmer celebrated Magyar's victory, writing on X: 'Congratulations [Peter Magyar] on your election victory.

'This is an historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy. I look forward to working with you for the security and prosperity of both our countries.'

Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission said almost immediately after Orban conceded defeat: 'Hungary has chosen Europe. Europe has always chosen Hungary. A country reclaims its European path. The Union grows stronger.'

French president Emmanuel Macron also congratulated Magyar on his victory, writing on X: 'I just held a meeting with Peter Magyar to congratulate him on his victory in Hungary! France salutes a victory of democratic participation, of the Hungarian people's attachment to the values of the European Union, and for Hungary in Europe.

'Together, let us advance a more sovereign Europe, for the security of our continent, our competitiveness, and our democracy.'

And German chancellor Friedrich Merz said in post to X: 'The Hungarian people have decided. My heartfelt congratulations on your electoral success, dear [Peter Magyar].

'I am looking forward to working with you. Lets join forces for a strong, secure and, above all, united Europe.'

Join the discussion Does this result mark a turning point for Hungary after 16 years?

Orban saluted the crowd as he gave a speech conceding the election to 45-year-old upstart Magyar

Hungarians revelled following the announcement that Orban has conceded to his opponent

Tisza supporters were seen celebrating Magyar's win in the capital city of Budapest last night

As Hungarians went to polling stations across the nation from 6am local time, Magyar said the election was a 'referendum' on whether the country continues to drift towards Russia's sphere of influence.

He bluntly said shortly after casting his own vote that the election was 'a choice between East or West, propaganda or honest public discourse, corruption or clean public life'.

He added: 'I urge all Hungarian citizens to exercise their right to vote.'

The nation was also voting on Orban's track record and his political ideology, which have undergone a massive transformation through his years in politics.

Once a liberal, anti-Soviet firebrand, he slowly but surely became a Russia-friendly nationalist admired today by the global far-Right.

His move towards authoritarianism saw him launch harsh crackdowns on minority rights and media freedoms, and subvert many of Hungary's institutions.

Orban has had tight control of Hungary's public media, which he has transformed into a mouthpiece for his party, and vast swaths of the private media market.

He has also long been accused of siphoning large sums of money into the coffers of his allied business elite  an allegation he denies.

The populist figure put significant strain on his nation's relationship with the EU, seeming to revel in using his veto power to stymie the 27-member bloc's important decisions.

A couple kiss on the street in Budapest last night after partial results indicated Magyar would claim victory

Revellers celebrate the resounding Tisza party win in the Hungarian parliamentary elections

A Magyar supporter lights a firework in celebration as crowds gather along the River Danube last night

Most recently he blocked a 90billion (78.5billion) EU loan to Ukraine, prompting his partners to accuse him of hijacking the critical aid.

He has also been accused of cozying up to Russia. In the run-up to this year's pivotal elections, media outlets alleged Russian secret services plotted to interfere and tip it in Orban's favour.

The Hungarian election was being closely watched across the world, particularly in Europe. In the US, Orban has long been supported by Trump and his MAGA movement.

The President has repeatedly endorsed the Hungarian leader and US Vice President JD Vance made a two-day visit to the country last week in a bid to help push Orban over the finish line.
An Australian man has drowned in a hotel pool while holidaying in Bali.

Emergency services were called to a hotel in Legian on Sunday afternoon after the man, 74, was found unresponsive in the water.

He was unable to be revived, despite the desperate efforts of hotel guests, staff and paramedics.

'Based on the external examination by the Denpasar Police Identification Team, no signs of violence from sharp or blunt objects were found on the victim's body,' Gede Adi Saputra said.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the man's exact cause of death.

The man and his wife arrived in Bali on Friday for a two week holiday.

Police said the couple had just returned to the hotel after visiting Kuta Beach.

The man decided to go for a swim and jumped in the pool.

An Australian man has drowned in a hotel pool while holidaying in Bali (stock image)

The man and his wife had just returned to their Legian hotel after a day at Kuta beach (pictured)

He began swimming laps but did not resurface, prompting his wife to scream for help.

Hotel guests pulled the man from the pool and commenced CPR but were unable to revive him.

The latest tragedy comes just days after another Aussie tourist died in Bali.

Jamie Cusack, 30, from the Gold Coast was found hanging on a hotel balcony in popular tourist hub Seminyak last Wednesday morning.
TEHRAN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Negotiations between delegations from Iran and the United States will be extended for another day at Pakistan's proposal and at the two sides' consent, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported early Sunday.

The report said given the "illogical and excessive demands" of the United States and the Iranian delegation's insistence on ensuring national interests, Pakistan proposed to hold another round of negotiations on Sunday and the two sides agreed.

This occurred at the end of the latest round of Pakistani-mediated talks that ended early Sunday in Islamabad, and after the two delegations exchanged texts, according to Tasnim.

The negotiations started at 1 p.m. local time (0800 GMT) on Saturday and continued for more than 14 hours, the report said.

Tasnim said earlier that certain serious differences still remain between the two sides, adding that "the ball is now in the U.S. court to put aside its usual excessive demands and replace its ambitious approach with a realistic one."

It quoted an informed source as saying that despite the initial progress achieved in the negotiations between the two sides' expert teams, the delegations still have "serious" differences over the Strait of Hormuz and a number of other issues, and no tangible change has occurred in the talks due to the U.S. "excessive demands."

The report stressed that some Western media are exaggerating the talks' "positive atmosphere" to control global energy prices.

Regarding the latest round, Tasnim said: "Given the U.S. excessive demands, this round appears to be the last chance given by the Iranian team to the Americans to achieve a joint framework."

Delegations from Iran and the United States are in Islamabad for talks aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East following a ceasefire reached earlier this week after more than a month of fighting. 
The Prime Minister will try to shore up supplies of fuel and other essential commodities in a four-day trip to key trading partners.

Anthony Albanese will travel to Brunei and Malaysia on Tuesday as efforts to safeguard the flow of petrol, diesel and other critical imports ramp up amid ongoing instability spurred by conflict in the Middle East.

Both nations play important roles in Australia's fuel-supply chains and the trip will build on a recent visit to another vital exporter, Singapore.

Albanese said bolstering ties with regional partners was essential to maintaining energy security during uncertain times.

'We are taking every step to reinforce relationships and engage with key partners to keep our fuel supply flowing,' he said.

Albanese will meet the sultan of Brunei to discuss energy, food security and the movement of essential goods.

Brunei provides about nine per cent of Australia's diesel imports.

Talks will also focus on deepening an existing partnership that was formed in 2023.

Albanese said bolstering ties with regional partners was essential to maintaining energy security during uncertain times (pictured, Albanese with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong)

The prime minister will meet the sultan of Brunei to discuss energy, food security and the movement of essential goods (pictured, Albanese boarding a plane to Singapore last week)

He will meet his Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, to discuss fuel supply.

Malaysia is Australia's third-largest source of refined fuel and supplies 10 per cent of Australian fertiliser imports.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong will also meet her counterparts from Malaysia and Brunei on the four-day visit.

The trip comes as the government begins rolling out a $20 million advertising campaign asking the public to help conserve fuel by changing their driving habits or leaving the car at home.

But Curtin University sustainability expert Peter Newman criticised the move, saying similar campaigns had been evaluated in the past and shown to have virtually no impact.

He also described as 'desperately stupid' a West Australian government plan to develop a state-based diesel stockpile, independent of national fuel reserves.

'It's going to be very expensive and difficult to even access that (extra) diesel and petrol (on the global market),' Professor Newman told AAP.

In comparison, he said it was a 'no brainer' for Australia to speed up the transition to electrified transport.

'We can be a world leader in that, not a world leader in how much (petrol and diesel) we can store up,' Prof Newman said.
Sunrise host Nat Barr has summed up what millions of Aussies really think of a new taxpayer-funded ad urging motorists to do their bit during the ongoing fuel crisis.

The Albanese government's 'Every little bit helps' campaign is set to play on television and appear on billboards across Australia from Monday at a cost of $20million.

The ads will encourage drivers to ditch their cars and use public transport or find alternative options like riding a bike, in an effort to reduce fuel consumption.

Barr clashed with Tanya Plibersek during a fiery segment on Monday after the Social Services Minister insisted the campaign would be a good investment.

'Do you really Tanya?' Barr asked.

Plibersek responded: 'Yes, I absolutely do.'

Barr suggested the Albanese government could have promoted the message for free when their ministers appeared on TV or radio for an interview throughout the week.

'We have a minister on this program on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,' she said.

Sunrise host Nat Barr has blasted the Albanese government of its new 'Every little bit helps' campaign during the ongoing fuel crisis

Barr clashed with Tanya Plibersek during a fiery segment on Monday after the Social Services Minister insisted the campaign would be a good investment

'(Energy Minister) Chris Bowen wouldn't come on this program for three weeks.

'Now you're going to spend $20million telling us to pump up our tyres.

'Are people really going to watch this ad?'

Plibersek cited the wealth of misinformation on the internet to insist that Aussies will watch the ad.

'People need to know where to go for the right information,' the minister said.

'And when you compare $20million to the $340million that the Liberals spent on the Unchain My Heart ads for industrial relations.

'It's a pretty small investment to give people believable, credible, detailed information about our national fuel security plan.

'We've got at least 16 measures out there, including big investments like cutting the fuel excise in half, getting rid of the heavy vehicle user charge completely, releasing the reserve stocks of fuel.

Motorists can do their bit by checking their tyre pressure, taking off the roof racks if they don't need them and having less in their car boot

'We've got cracking down on price gouging, giving the ACCC more powers to crack down on price gouging. We're doing all of that. It's important that people know that those actions are underway, and it's important that people know where they can go for good information about what they can do to help.'

One Nation MP Barnaby Joyce mocked some of the government's suggestions to conserve fuel, which include removing roof racks.

'Every little bit helps, Barnaby,' the minister replied.

Joyce continued: 'After the statement to the nation of five minutes of nothingness, we get this ridiculous ad.

'All it does is inspire people to go, "they have not this under control."'

The minister also assured that Australia has enough fuel, despite Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about to embark on his second visit to Asia within days to secure more supplies.

It comes amid concerns that Asian fuel producers may start to prioritise their own domestic markets if the ongoing war in the Middle East continues to affect global fuel supply.

'We've got a month's worth of diesel, jet fuel and petrol and we've got 57 ships on the way,' Plibersek said.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended the new campaign as he prepared to return to Asia to secure more fuel supplies

'We continue to have enough and receive enough fuel, but it's a very wise precaution for the Prime Minister to be on these diplomatic missions to Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, just to remind our neighbours that we have a strong reliance on fuel from from them, just as they rely on us for natural gas, and that we are a reliable trading partner when it comes to energy security.

'What we really need to see is for this ceasefire to hold and for the situation in the Middle East to be resolved diplomatically.

'It's had a very significant effect, not just in Australia, but around the world on fuel security and other goods like fertiliser.'

But Joyce disagreed.

'We're in a bit of strife now,' he said.

'We wouldn't be having a stupid ad telling people not to use fuel if we weren't confident that we had enough.'

Later on the program, Albanese defended the new campaign.

'Prime Minister, $20million is a lot of money and people are telling us it feels like a waste,' Barr told the Prime Minister.

'I think this is the first time you've come on our show since this crisis began.

'We would have had you on for free, and you could have told everyone to pump up your tyres and use less fuel.'

Albanese replied: 'I've done press conferences just about every day, as you know, and I'll do another one later today.

'It is about keeping the economy going and giving people that direct information, which is so important at this point in time.'
The late wife of John F Kennedy Jr has long had a fan in Meghan

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Ryan Murphy's sleeper hit about John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's tragic love story has already earned its place among the best shows of 2026.

The eight-part FX drama, set against the backdrop of '80s New York, delivered power-packed performances, crackling chemistry and a heavy dose of nostalgia that left viewers enthralled from start to finish.

It also resparked what was known as the 'Carolyn Bessette Effect' as a new generation of women became starstruck by the former Calvin Klein publicist's effortlessly chic and minimalist style.

But Carolyn, who died alongside her husband JFK JR and sister Lauren Bessette after their plane crashed over Martha's Vineyard, has long had a fan in the Duchess of Sussex.

Meghan Markle famously described Carolyn's inimitable Narciso Rodriguez wedding dress as 'everything goals' and even used it as inspiration for her own royal wedding to Prince Harry in 2018.

Since then, the Duchess has channelled Carolyn by recreating some of her most famous looks at the height of CBK mania.

White shirt and maxi skirt

In early 2019, Meghan attended the Endeavour Fund Awards in an ensemble that was straight out of the Carolyn Bessette Kennedy look book. The duchess, who was pregnant with son Archie at the time, paired a Givenchy white button-down shirt with a floor-length black skirt. It was strikingly similar to a look worn by Carolyn to a benefit gala in March 1999

In early 2019, Meghan took a leaf out of Carolyn's playbook when she attended the Endeavour Fund Awards.

The duchess, who was pregnant with son Archie at the time, put her own spin on one of Carolyn's most memorable red carpet looks when she paired a Givenchy white button-down shirt with a floor-length black skirt.

Carolyn famously elevated a men's white shirt into evening wear by pairing it with a floor-skimming tiered skirt from Yohji Yamamoto for a black-tie gala at the Whitney Museum of American Art.

The former Calvin Klein publicist left the top buttons undone, like Meghan, when she recreated the look 20 years after Carolyn's showstopping appearance at the New York benefit.

Ripped jeans

For her very first official public appearance as Prince Harry's girlfriend, Meghan kept it casual in ripped Mother jeans and a crisp white oxford by Misha Nonoo. Meanwhile, Carolyn dressed for Labour Day in 1996 in a similar oversized shirt with rolled up sleeves, ripped jeans, tousled hair and sunglasses

When Meghan made her first public appearance as Prince Harry's girlfriend in 2017, she picked a failsafe outfit formula: a white button-down with blue jeans.

The embodiment of 'quiet luxury', Meghan's blouse from Misha Nonoo  aptly named the 'Husband Shirt' - is worth 138, while her ripped Mother jeans come with a 160 price tag.

A white button-down is universally considered a wardrobe staple, but the garment also happens to have been a fond favourite of Carolyn.

An unforgettable photo of Carolyn on Labour Day in 1996 showed the quintessential 'It Girl' wearing a similar style, with rolled-up sleeves and ripped jeans.

Camel skirt

For her first royal event after her engagement to Harry was announced, Meghan paid homage to an outfit Carolyn wore in a similarly pivotal public moment. Carolyn wore her look in 1996 while making an appearance with her husband JFK Jr outside their Tribeca apartment following her own wedding

For Meghan's first royal event after her engagement to Harry was announced, Meghan paid homage to an outfit Carolyn wore for a similarly pivotal public moment.

In December 2017, the newly anointed royal fiancee charmed crowds in Nottingham when they visited the World Aids Day fair and youth project. For the high-profile visit, Meghan opted to wear a royal-approved look, comprising a camel skirt, knee-high boots and a black sweater.

It wasn't too far from the outfit Carolyn donned when she and JFK Jr posed for paparazzi outside their Tribeca apartment after their 1996 wedding.

The looks may be over two decades apart, but the basic elements are all there: a black sweater, a camel midi skirt and boots.

Meghan chose a Joseph skirt and Kurt Geiger to seemingly echo Carolyn's appearance.

Asymmetric necklines

Meghan wearing a 'Jackie O' dress in 2018 is a little bit of a hint towards her obsession with the Kennedy clan's fashion

Another aspect where Meghan Markle channels Carolyn is through her choice of sophisticated dresses that combine simplicity with a fashionable edge.

In 2018, she wore the Black Halo 'Jackie O' dress named after Carolyn's mother-in-law  1960s style icon and former US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

It featured the same asymmetric neckline as the gown Carolyn wore to The White House in 1998.

Black t-shirt and jeans

Accessories play a crucial role in drawing the fashion parallel between the two icons. Like Carolyn did, Meghan often dresses down in classic staples  such as at the Invictus Games in 2023 when she opted for a J Crew top and Frame skinny jeans (left). The look was similar to Carolyn's denim and t-shirt combination when she was spotted walking her dog shortly after her honeymoon in 1996

Accessories play a crucial role in drawing the fashion parallel between Carolyn and Meghan.

Like Carolyn did, Meghan often dresses down in classic staples  such as at the Invictus Games in 2023 when she opted for a J Crew top and Frame skinny jeans.

The look was similar to Carolyn's denim and t-shirt combination when she was spotted walking her dog shortly after her honeymoon in 1996.

Carolyn was known for her minimalist approach to accessories, often seen with simple gold hoops or a delicate chain necklace.

Meghan follows suit, usually opting for understated jewellery that complements her outfits without overwhelming them. Her go-to pieces include Princess Diana's Cartier Tank Francaise watch, the luxury label's Juste un Clou necklace, and a pinky signet ring.

She appears to share with Carolyn the style philosophy that less is undeniably more.

Monochrome

When launching her Smart Works charity collection in 2019, Meghan's Jigsaw trousers and Misha Nonoo shirt were reminiscent of Bessette's ensemble at Hyannis Port in 1998

Meghan also channels Carolyn in her love for monochromatic ensembles.

Carolyn was frequently seen in all-black or all-white outfits and Meghan has adopted a similar approach.

She often opts for monochrome looks that are both sophisticated and modern.

When launching her Smart Works charity collection in 2019, Meghan's Jigsaw trousers and Misha Nonoo shirt were reminiscent of Carolyn's ensemble at the Kennedy family home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, in 1998.

Strapless

Markle's preference for shoulder bearing strapless dresses is another nod to Bessette's influence. For an appearance in 2016, Meghan dressed in Cedric Charlier, echoing Carolyn's evening gala look at the Municipal Arts Society in 1998

Markle's preference for shoulder-bearing strapless dresses is another nod to Carolyn's influence.

Both women favour chic and polished dresses that emphasise structure and form.

For a red carpet appearance in California earlier this year, Meghan opted for a stylish navy strapless gown from Ralph Lauren that echoed Carolyn's evening gala look at the Municipal Arts Society in 1998.

The charity gala was the Duchess of Sussex's first public appearance since she took personal control of As Ever after her partnership with Netflix ended after a year.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor called his teenage nephew William a 'liar' who is 'full of bull' before joking about the young prince meeting 'beautiful women', according to a lip reader.

The relationship between the pair has come under renewed scrutiny following the fallout from the Epstein scandal and Andrew's arrest, with William said to have pushed the King to take decisive action against the disgraced former duke.

Tensions between the pair were already obvious when they attended the Duchess of Kent's funeral last September, with William edging away from Andrew on the steps of Westminster Cathedral and trying to avoid engaging in conversation.

Now it appears that their uneasy relationship could date back much further, with footage from Sandringham during Christmas 2000 revealing an awkward conversation between Andrew and his nephew, who was 18 at the time.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, lip reader Nicola Hickling claims the young Prince of Wales seemed to be telling his uncle about life at school, with Prince Philip making up the party.

The trio looked jovial and laughed as they chatted, with Andrew allegedly telling William: 'You're a liar... and your friends as well.'

Then, interrupting William's reply, according to the lip reader, he added: 'I'll tell you what, you talk some bull.'

It prompted more laughter from the other two, with the disgraced duke reportedly adding: 'You'll meet beautiful women for fifty days you will meet beautiful women.'

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor told an 18-year-old Prince William that 'he will meet beautiful women', according to a lip reader

To this, the young prince nodded. Nicola said that afterwards, Andrew added: 'Stop, he's alright, come with me.'

Replying, William used air quotation marks - and Andrew laughed once again.

'Was that the boss at school?' William then asked, according to the lip reader.

'Why why did you play in London?' Andrew allegedly replied, while Philip apparently said: 'Looks awful.'

'I don't know why you did it, disgusting,' Andrew continued - which sparked more laughter from his nephew.

Seemingly concluding the chat, the disgraced Duke then allegedly said: 'You have been unfortunate but you'll learn from it.'

The cordial conversation is a far cry from where William and Andrew's relations appear to stand today - and royal commentators believe things between them had likely been deteriorating for years.

In his latest book, Entitled, historian Andrew Lownie spoke to Palace insiders who alleged the Prince of Wales has felt animosity towards his uncle for some time.

William, his brother Prince Harry and Peter Phillips talk after a church service at Sandringham on Christmas Day in 2000

As the family gathered for Christmas at Sandringham in 2000, Andrew reportedly told Prince William he would 'meet beautiful women'

A source close to the prince said: 'There have been tensions between [William and Andrew] for years, partly occasioned by Andrew being rude about Kate, and William has long worked behind the scenes to evict his uncle from Royal Lodge: He thinks Andy is abusing the property and his privilege there. He also loathes Sarah Ferguson.'

They added that William 'can't wait for the day when Charles throws them both out'.

The source continued 'If Charles doesn't, I guarantee you the first thing William does when he eventually becomes king is to get them evicted.

'William refers to Andy as a "tosser", perhaps not as bad as the vile names his brother Harry uses.'

It comes during a turbulent time for the Royal Family, with Andrew being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office in February.

The former prince, who recently turned 66, was detained by officers during an 8am raid on his new home at Wood Farm. He became the first senior royal to be arrested since King Charles I nearly 400 years ago.

Thames Valley Police confirmed the disgraced former prince had been taken into custody just after 10am on February 19, marking one of the worst days for the family in recent history.

In a statement put out just minutes after Andrew's departure, Thames Valley Police said 'a man in his sixties' has been released under investigation  as images showed how the royal seemed to be trying to evade photographers following his bruising day in the cells.

Wide-eyed and with his hands clasped in front of him, Andrew cut a lonely figure as he ditched his traditional suit and tie attire in favour of a shirt and cardigan.

Police added that searches being conducted in Norfolk, relating to Andrew's new residence at Wood Farm have concluded.

It is understood Andrew was arrested in relation to allegations that he passed sensitive information to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein while acting as a trade envoy for the British government.

The King issued an unprecedented statement confirming his 'wholehearted support and co-operation' with the investigation into Andrew just hours after he was detained, with Buckingham Palace understood not to have known the former duke would be arrested.

The statement said: 'I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

'What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities. In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.

'Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.'
Locals are being priced out of a Wyoming ski town as the ultra-rich flock to the picturesque haven to buy up properties.

Jackson Hole has long been known as a great place to ski, but it is now becoming known as an even better place to live year-round, and it's rapidly attracting the wealthy who love the privacy and nature that the town of 10,700 residents provides.

According to a local realtor, on any given day, especially in the spring and fall, residents go out walking on hiking trails and will not see a single soul.

Realtor Greg Prugh, a Jackson native, said that even in tourist season when Jackson sees around five million visitors, the wealthy residents avoid the hustle and bustle as many of them live away from the center of the town.

'You may not see anyone at all on any given day,' Prugh told the Daily Mail. 'That's the reason people live here... Lifestyle is compensation here.'

As home prices continue to go up in the area, the wealthy are willing to pay more just to get their slice of paradise.

'They're not worried about a couple million extra dollars,' Prugh said. 'This is a lifestyle conversation. They want to own and spend time in Jackson, and benefit from the taxes, the lack of crime, and the lifestyle.'

Prugh's real estate company currently has listing in Jackson ranging from $1.4 million to $16.9 million.

Jackson Hole has long been known as a great place to ski. Now the super wealthy are snapping up properties for millions of dollars all year round. Pictured is 735 Upper Redmond Road that is currently on the market for $8.85 million

The average home price in Teton County, which contains Jackson Hole, is $3.21 million. But homes like 3790 McCollister Drive (pictured), which is selling for $16.9 million, are going for higher than the median price and increasingly so

A panoramic aerial view of Jackson Hole homes and its beautiful mountains on a summer morning

The gorgeous, cabin-like homes are surrounded by nature and with views of the mountains.

The serene environment with its pull of silence and privacy is what is drawing in the ultra-wealthy from states like New York, Texas, and California.

But it's also what is pushing out the locals, who can no longer afford to live in the area they once grew up in.

The average income of Teton County where Jackson is situated is around $124,000, according to US Census data. However, 70 percent of the homes in the county are worth more than $1 million.

The median listing price in Teton County is $3.21 million, as of February. Although it is down compared to last year, it's nearly double what it was in 2019, Reatlor.com reported.

With plenty of private jets landing in the area and black Escalades driving in the top one percent to their ritzy homes, locals says they are being driven out and can no longer afford to live in the area.

Jessica Sell Chambers, who has lived in Jackson for 16 years, told the Daily Mail: 'Every aspect of our community is being impacted by the influx of the wealthy.'

She and her husband purchased their home after her parents died in 2015 for between $800,000 and $850,000.

'Lifestyle is compensation here,' realtor Greg Prugh told the Daily Mail

Locals, like Jessica Sell Chambers, who has lived in Jackson for 16 years, are barely holding onto their beloved homes due to the property value continuing to rise as more wealthy folks move in

After the pandemic, the value of their home tripled in price, now estimated by Zillow at $2.2 million.

'That meant our property taxes went up commensurately,' Chambers told the Daily Mail.

The couple, who have a son, said they are currently managing to hold onto their home, but Chambers doesn't know how long they can do so.

'Our future is kind of unknown,' she said. 'Right now, we're stable, we're secure.'

Just the thought of losing her home is 'heartbreaking.' The couple is raising their teenage son in the home, they've embedded themselves in the community. Their roots are there.

Now, when the family goes on vacation, they say they ask themselves: Can I live here?

'We're constantly evaluating,' the mother admitted. 'It's just always a thought in the back of our minds.'

She said she has watched friends leave the community after being priced out and seen workers, like teachers and retail employees, leaving as well.

'I used to believe that if we just built more affordable housing, that would curtail things and help change, but you can't keep up with the pace,' Chambers said about the people being pushed out of the town

Although the town has employee housing built by many companies, it's simply not enough. And even new condos are being priced too high because the land value is so expensive, leaving units that were supposed to hold blue-collar workers empty.

'I don't know if there's anything they can [to keep the locals there],' Chambers told the Daily Mail.

'I used to believe that if we just built more affordable housing, that would curtail things and help change, but you can't keep up with the pace... That train has left the station.'

The number of home sold for more than $10 million reached a new high in 2025, increasing 131 percent, Realtor.com reported.

The top one percent of listings are hitting around $42 million for the area, it added.

Jackson is attractive to the wealthy due to its small airport that feels like a private space, the ultimate privacy on the outskirts of town, and the fact that Wyoming has no income tax, Prugh told the Daily Mail.

'It's difficult to live here,' he admitted. 'We're seeing more and more people coming from other places that don't have to work, or also have some means, whether they have a liquidity event, or they have some family help.'

Jackson becoming increasingly more expensive has caused neighboring towns, like Driggs, to gain more popularity.

Both Prugh and Chambers said it was 'difficult' to live in Jackson due to the price of everything

'Those areas are booming, because the prices, the farther away you get, they're less and less expensive. And that tracks with your suburban and urban areas,' the realtor said.

The typical Jackson buyer has a salary in the hundreds of thousands to millions, loves nature, and wants a lot of space.

A lot of the wealthy have fourth or fifth homes in Jackson, Prugh said so he expects that once the rich move in they intend to stay and build up a portfolio in town.
When Neil Armstrong first set foot on the moon in 1969, he made history with those famous words: 'That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.'

And as Artemis II's Christina Koch becomes the first woman to fly around the moon, the prospect of a woman following in his footsteps seems closer than ever.

When NASA returns to the lunar surface with Artemis IV, currently scheduled for 2028, it is almost certain that a female astronaut will be part of that crew.

But the big question remains: what words should that astronaut leave for the history books?

The Daily Mail has asked this question to 10 of the women leading the way in space science and exploration to see what they would say in that position.

We heard from British legends like Dame Dr Maggie AderinPocock, leading figures in the European Space Agency, and even future astronaut Meganne Christian.

Their responses range from witty jokes and cheeky plays on Neil Armstrong's legendary line to reflections on our place in the universe.

So, do you think any of their ideas would be a fitting tribute for the first woman on the moon?

As Artemis II's Christina Koch becomes the first woman to fly around the moon , the prospect of a woman following in his footsteps seems closer than ever

Dr AnnKathrin Vlacil, scientific project manager for the European Space Agency (ESA), says her first words would be: 'Gravity couldn't hold our curiosity. We return to the cradle of the night, not as visitors, but as daughters of the stars'

Dr AnnKathrin Vlacil

Dr Vlacil is a scientific project manager at the European Space Agency (ESA), with a special focus on human space exploration.

With years of experience overseeing scientific research on the International Space Station, Dr Vlacil is a key part of the teams that make human space travel a reality.

She told the Daily Mail her first words on the moon would be: 'Gravity couldn't hold our curiosity. We return to the cradle of the night, not as visitors, but as daughters of the stars.'

Dr Vlacil would want these words to focus on 'the act of nurturing discovery and seeking connection with the unknown.'

'Women have been analysing and calculating our way to the moon since the beginning but not many have heard about them,' she explained.

'From the minds that mapped the stars to the feet that now walk among them  the circle is finally complete.'

Dr Meganne Christian

Dr Meganne Christian is a member of the ESA's astronaut reserve pool. She says her first words would be: 'It's about time!'

Dr Meganne Christian is part of the ESA's astronaut reserve, a group of highlytrained specialists who could be called on to journey into space if the right mission arises.

In addition to being a potential future astronaut, Dr Christian is also the UK Space Agency's Senior Exploration Manager.

Asked what she would like to say as the first woman on the moon, Dr Christian had a simple answer: 'It's about time!'

Dame Dr Maggie AderinPocock

Dame Maggie AderinPocock, from University College London's Department of Physics and Astronomy, is a renowned British space scientist.

Since 2014, she has been best known for presenting The Sky at Night, but she is also a highly accomplished researcher, having managed the observation instruments for the ESA's Aeolus satellite.

Dame AderinPocock told the Daily Mail that she would like her first words on the moon to be a play on those spoken by Neil Armstrong over 50 years ago.

She says her words would be: 'That's one small step for a woman, one giant leap for humankind.'

Dame Maggie AderinPocock, a renowned British space scientist, says her first words would be: 'That's one small step for a woman, one giant leap for humankind'

Molly Moore

When the Daily Mail approached The Royal Institution, Britain's oldest scientific institution, director Katherine Mathieson decided to open the question to all female members of staff.

From all of those responses, Ms Mathieson chose her favourite, selecting the words of sales and events assistant Molly Moore.

Ms Moore told the Daily Mail she would want her first words on the moon to be: 'Nevertheless, she persisted.'

She explained that these words were famously used by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to silence his female colleague Senator Elizabeth Warren, and have since become a feminist rallying cry.

She says that these words 'speak to a culture of women not being quiet and succeeding in spite of injustice and oppression.'

Portia Bowman

However, not everyone believes that the serious approach is best.

Molly Moore, sales and events assistant at The Royal Institution, had her suggestion selected by the institution's director, Katherine Mathieson. Those words would be: 'Nevertheless, she persisted'

Portia Bowman is a space systems engineer and CEO of Growbotics. She says her words would be: 'I had the perfect joke ready but there's no atmosphere and I don't think it would land'

Portia Bowman is a space systems engineer and CEO of Growbotics, a British space technology company.

Ms Bowman told the Daily Mail that, as the first woman on the moon, she would like to tell a joke.

Her first words would be: 'It's my job to say something historic. Something quotable. Something for every little girl who didn't think they could make it.

'I had the perfect joke ready but there's no atmosphere and I don't think it would land.'

While the tone might be light, Ms Bowman believes this strategy would be the best way to get the world to pay attention.

'Changing a system requires courage to challenge the status quo,' Ms Bowman says.

'Doing something unexpected in a friendly way with a smile on your face could go a lot further to change minds than anything predictable and boring.

'I also, unfortunately, think the first words for a woman on the moon are less likely to make headlines than the first person's were  maybe this would help.'

Libby Jackson, former ESA mission controller and head of space at the Science Museum, says her first words would be: 'This is for everyone on the spaceship we call Earth. Chase your passions wherever they may take you'

Libby Jackson

With nearly two decades of experience at the forefront of space exploration, Libby Jackson is one of the UK's leading experts in human spaceflight.

Ms Jackson spent seven years at the ESA in Mission Control for the International Space Station before joining the UK Space Agency and becoming Head of Space Exploration.

Now head of space for the Science Museum, Ms Jackson told the Daily Mail: 'For me, it's not just about the moment itself, but who it inspires.

'I'd want my first words to be something like: "This is for everyone on the spaceship we call Earth. Chase your passions wherever they may take you."'

Professor Marianna Maiaru

Professor Maiaru, director of the Guggenheim Initiative for Aerospace Structures at Columbia University, told the Daily Mail: 'If I were the first woman to walk on the Moon, I would be very aware of what that moment represents  but not just for me.

'I would see it as the result of generations of people who made it possible, and of a collective effort that brought us there.

Professor Maiaru, director of the Guggenheim Initiative for Aerospace Structures at Columbia University, says her words would be: 'We came to the Moon. Now on to deep space'

Kate Breach, business director for ispaceEurope, told the Daily Mail she would like her first words on the moon to be: 'Today I take just one step in a journey started by pioneering women scientists, engineers and explorers throughout history'

'At the same time, I understand that being in that position carries a responsibility  it shows others what's possible, and helps open the door a little wider.

'And in that moment, standing there, I would keep it simple: "We came to the Moon. Now on to deep space."'

Kate Breach

After serving as an officer in both the Royal New Zealand Air Force and Her Majesty's Royal Air Force, Kate Breach left the military for a career in space exploration.

She has worked for the New Zealand Space Agency, regulating the launch of both rockets and satellites, and is now business director for ispaceEurope, the company developing the ESA's upcoming MAGPIE lunar rover.

Ms Breach told the Daily Mail she would like her first words on the moon to be: 'Today I take just one step in a journey started by pioneering women scientists, engineers and explorers throughout history.

'With this one step, let all humankind continue our journey together to explore, learn and thrive in our Universe.'

She adds that these words would be a 'final statement that for future human exploration beyond our planet  no longer represented by only half of the population of the planet.'

Dr Cody Paige, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University, says her first words would be: 'These first steps back on the Moon mark humanity's first leap on towards Mars'

Dr Di Giulio is a biomedical engineer from King's College London and an expert on the physiological challenges of human space travel. Her first words on the moon would be: 'This moment belongs to all humanity'

Dr Cody Paige

Dr Cody Paige, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Columbia University, is a leading researcher developing the systems to enable a permanent human presence in space.

She told the Daily Mail that her first words on the moon would be: 'These first steps back on the moon mark humanity's first leap on towards Mars.'

Dr Irene Di Giulio

Dr Irene Di Giulio is a biomedical engineer from King's College London and an expert on the physiological challenges of human space travel.

Her first words on the moon would be: 'This moment belongs to all humanity: we are living proof that through science, care, and a passion for cooperation through diversity, there is no limit to the future we can shape together.'

She told the Daily Mail that she would want her words to focus on what the moment would mean for all humankind.

She added: 'Human spaceflight has inspired millions, and we have recently seen the energy and excitement generated by the Artemis II mission. I hope that this is not shortlived, and that energy can drive for scientific progress and shared growth for everyone.'
There are places that seem to get everything right, and Turkiye's Aegean coast is one of them.

Turquoise waters, sensational cuisine, and history at every turn. Yet, despite all these blessings, it never feels overdone - instead, it embodies simple pleasures and a life lived in the moment.

This is a land of slow living, where the focus is on the essentials - and getting them exactly right.

You see that in the food culture, with fresh, local ingredients prepared with care, accompanied by a glass of exceptional Turkish wine.

You feel it in the rhythm of daily life - from long mornings spent enjoying a hearty Turkish breakfast of fresh bread, cheese and cay (black tea), to afternoons enjoying live music at a beachside bar.

Turkiye's Aegean coast offers turquoise waters, sensational cuisine, and history at every turn (pictured is Oludeniz, Fethiye)

Outdoor adventures abound on Turkiye's Aegean coast, from wandering around the ruins of a UNESCO World Heritage Site to exploring hidden coves in a gulet (a traditional wooden sailing boat).

Chic and sophisticated, yet serene (and remarkably good value to boot). Welcome to life, Turkaegean style.

Paradise found

With its golden beaches, crystal clear waters, and soaring cliffs sheltering hidden coves, Turkiye's Aegean coast is every inch a seaside paradise.

The region is popular with watersports enthusiasts of all kinds, including kitesurfers and scuba divers. But nothing has shaped the Turkaegean lifestyle quite like sailing.

The sleek marinas of Bodrum and Marmaris are at the heart of local yachting culture, with trendy beach clubs and late-night bars catering to upscale clientele.

This magical corner of the country is where the term 'Blue Voyage' was first coined in the 1960s, capturing the essence of a leisurely cruise through secluded bays and seaside villages.

The coastal town of Alacat in Cesme is particularly popular among the yachting set, with its cobbled streets lined with galleries and designer boutiques.

A street of whitewashed houses on the island of Bozcaada in Canakkale Province

Bodrum Marina - one of the centres of Turkiye's sailing scene

The wonders continue inland, where sun-drenched olive groves encircle ancient cities and hillside villages buzz with the sound of stallholders selling handmade crafts and local produce.

If you're in search of an adrenaline hit, the world-famous paragliding hub of Mount Babadag offers breathtaking aerial views of Oludeniz with its impossibly blue lagoon.

Or, for a more grounded experience, the adjoining Butterfly Valley (Kelebekler Vadisi) is a secluded canyon only accessible by boat. It's home to a spectacular waterfall and around 100 species of butterflies, including the rare Jersey Tiger.

Farm to fork

Extra-virgin olive oil, wild herbs, and fresh local produce - these are the core ingredients of Turkaegean cuisine, and in the right hands, they create culinary marvels.

The quality of the region's gastronomy has generated international attention, with a host of local restaurants earning recognition in the Michelin Guide.

Urla and Bodrum are centres of high-end dining, with talented chefs crafting Aegean flavours into exceptional fine-dining experiences. But there are plenty of accessible offerings too, with many restaurants offering phenomenal value for money.

Fresh seafood, olive oil and wild herbs are the core ingredients of Turkaegean cuisine

Further south, Gocek's hidden bays shelter waterfront restaurants accessible only by boat - serving up freshly caught karavida (a type of crayfish) paired with moreish wood-fired bread.

Other delights include chargrilled octopus and Lor Tatls, a syrupy dessert made with tangy lor cheese.

If you love seafood, don't miss a trip to the lively market at Fethiye, where you can buy fish directly from local fishermen and have it grilled to perfection in a cosy meyhane (tavern).

And let's not forget that other regional delicacy - wine. The famous Aegean wine route, stretching from Canakkale to Mugla, takes you through vineyards that account for more than half of Turkish wine production - with many putting on tours and tastings.

The countryside surrounding Akyaka, a beautiful, unspoilt town in Mugla - a key wine region

Taking it slow...

The fast pace of modern life can leave us with little time to focus on the essentials, but not so here!

The Turkaegean features Turkiye's highest concentration of Cittaslow towns.

Explainer: What are Cittaslow towns?

Cittaslow is a worldwide network that requires its members to support a gentler, more mindful approach to life. Key goals include encouraging high quality food and drink, supporting local heritage decreasing traffic.

They include Akyaka, a lovely, unspoilt coastal community known for its tranquil atmosphere and traditional wooden Ula-style houses.

Named by UN Tourism in its 2025 list of the 'Best Tourism Villages', it has an outdoorsy atmosphere and an vibrant kitesurfing scene, while the adjoining Azmak River is perfect for lazy boat rides or refreshing dips.

Other highlights include Sgack, a historic coastal citadel on the outskirts of Seferihisar, Turkiye's first slow city.

Try to pop along for its farmers' market on Sunday to pick up homemade jams, hand-pressed olive oil, and freshly baked boyoz - a buttery, flaky savoury pastry.

Relax and take time to enjoy the stunning coastline of the Bodrum region

A heroic history

Wherever you go on Turkiye's Aegean coast, history is all around you. The whole region is effectively a giant living museum, where the remains of ancient civilisations unfold at every turn.

This is the mythical land where the legendary city of Troy inspired the epic tales of Homer's Iliad, giving us terms like 'Trojan horse' or 'Achilles' heel' that are still in use today.

It also once boasted two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World  the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus in Bodrum, the ruins of which can still be visited today.

The spectacular Library of Celsus in the classical port city of Ephesus

The hillside theatre of Pergamon, which is one of the steepest in the world

The Turkaegean has a remarkable collection of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the dramatic hillside theatre of Pergamon - one of the steepest in the world - and the Sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidaurus, an ancient healing centre dedicated to the god of medicine.

Other wonders include the classical port city of Ephesus, with its marble streets, iconic Library of Celsus, and grand terrace villas that once housed the city's monied elite.

With so much to see and do across the region, it can be tempting to rush around. But follow the locals and take things slow. After all, you can always come back!

For more travel inspiration, visit aegean.goturkiye.com
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Airlines used to be in the business of selling plane tickets. It was a simple, relatively stress-free transaction, which your local travel agent often would do for you.

And, then, along came the likes of Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air and Norwegian Air, charging extra for taking a bag into the cabin and even more for checking one into the hold  with more readies required for reserving a particular seat, opting for 'priority' or 'speedy' boarding, car hire, indigestible food and drink, hotel accommodation and so on.

Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's feisty boss, even said he might start giving tickets away for free and just rely on what's known in the trade as 'auxiliary revenue' to keep the company airborne. At one point, he suggested passengers might have to spend a few pennies to spend a penny. Cheeky rascal.

It's time to fight back  and here's how. I've just checked to see what it would cost to put a bag in an overhead locker for a Ryanair flight from London Gatwick to Alicante in Spain this summer  and it comes to 36.50, a price that could easily double by the time July comes round. That's already an extra 146 for a family of four.

Mind you, EasyJet wants to charge more than that; 47.98 for a bag just 5cm bigger than the one allowed by Ryanair, on a flight from London Luton to Bodrum in Turkey.

And it's a similar story with all the other so-called low-cost airlines, who lure you in with cheap fares and then open up their digital shopping centres, bombarding you with all manner of extra services.

But I have other ideas, inspired somewhat by the example of Laura Poole, 33, who, rather than paying Ryanair 30 to travel with her belongings from Bristol to Glasgow, took matters into her own hands, sending them in advance by post for the princely sum of 2.29, considerably less than a flat white at an airport Pret.

Of course, posting stuff abroad is more expensive and more complicated. There's a risk you might never see your clothes again. Which is why I'm waddling off to London Gatwick looking as if my already sizeable girth has expanded to epic proportions.

Fly guy: Mark Palmer has made it his mission to beat budget airlines' carry-on restrictions

Mark packs his 16-pocket coat with his clothes

I just hope my neighbours don't catch sight of me squeezing into the back of an Uber with a sheepish look on my face. I can hear the mutterings coming from behind the plantation shutters. 'He's really let himself go now, poor love.'

But I couldn't care less because I'm travelling with a full week's worth of clothes and accessories  and paying absolutely nothing to do so.

This is thanks, primarily, to a cleverly designed long coat, which looks perfectly normal from the outside but conceals no fewer than 14 zipped pockets on the inside, plus two deep ones at the front.

Into this pocket-filled parka, I am placing the following: a pair of black trainers, five shirts, one pair of trousers, two T-shirts, two polo shirts, various socks, swimming trunks, six pairs of boxer underpants, shorts, a wash bag and a notebook.

In addition, I have purchased on Amazon what appears to be a flimsy piece of polyester with a zip, which, when stuffed with 10 pairs of socks and more underpants, becomes a bulky scarf that clasps around my neck.

I can't claim it's comfortable  and might look silly in high summer - but it does the job.

On my Ryanair flight to Dublin, I am allowed to take on board for free a small bag that fits under the seat in front of me.

For this purpose, I have acquired a new backpack, but not just any old backpack. This one comes with a pump that sucks out any surplus air  vacuum packed, in other words.

Mark has enough clothes on him for a week  although you'd never know

It's still on the large side and I'm concerned that the Ryanair police might take a dim view  and, so, I deploy the old trick of buying a WHSmith shopping bag at the airport and decanting a few items from the backpack into it.

This will work a treat because the authorities assume you've bought everything at the airport. A duty free bag would be even more effective.

At Gatwick, I shuffle into the South Terminal feeling like I'm wearing the heaviest of duvets.

What's more, in addition to my coat of many pockets I'm wearing several layers of clothes, including another T-shirt, thick sweater and gilet, the latter also stuffed with various goodies.

At security, my coat lands in a tray with a mighty thud and the cheery man on the other side of the conveyor belt says: 'Is that gold in there, Sir?' Well, sort of, I tell him.

Rather than wearing the coat, I could carry it now that I've successfully negotiated security but due to its weight, the easier option is to wear it, along with the rucksack strapped to my back, leaving both hands free, one clutching the WHSmith bag.

I'm a candidate to star in any new version of Victor Hugo's Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Unlike Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, I sweat  and by the time I reach the departure gate I'm beginning to drip, but am happy to do so in the circumstances.

I'm saving around 40 and it will only take four to five trips to make up the 257, which was my initial outlay on the coat.

The coat itself is waterproof and comes with a hood. What's pleasing is that it won't just be deployed for plane journeys  because when there's nothing in the pockets, it looks sharp, almost rapper cool  the sort of garment actor Timothee Chalamet might wear. It's unique, too.

'It took two years to come up with something that was both practical in terms of carrying the entire contents of a carry-on case and stylish enough to wear once all the pockets have been emptied,' says Diana Yanes, boss of Wear to Fly, which makes the Fly On jackets in her design studio in Milan.

She launched the company in 2024 after travelling around Europe for work and growing weary of being charged for hand luggage.

Ms Yanes experimented with 30 different types of material and came up with nine prototypes before opting for the product she is now selling  at the moment only online, but she's hoping shops will start ordering soon.

Pictured: What Mark managed to fit into a coat, backpack and carrier bag

The parka jackets ('more than a jacket; less than a big fee' is the sales pitch) are made from recycled plastic bottles and ocean waste known as seaqual. They come in bottle green, navy blue, black and sandy brown.

'The key thing is to distribute the weight and the bulk,' says Ms Yanes. 'If you do this, then it should be possible to do up the coat as normal.'

I've ordered an XL but should have gone for a XXL or even XXXL (the biggest are XXXXXL). By the time I've put my trainers in the bottom pockets and my shirts and trousers in the middle section, there's no way I can do it up. But, at least, the weight is evenly distributed  though no one could say I look stylish.

Fortunately, I'm one of the first to board the plane. It takes a little longer than normal to walk down the aisle, and placing the coat in the overhead locker requires a certain amount of muscle power (imagine lifting a sack of potatoes)  but I've put far more into it than the friendly Irishman sitting next to me has stuffed into his carry-on. And he, unlike me, has paid for the privilege.

We get chatting. 'I'm travelling garment heavy but fiscally light,' I tell him. Which could be another marketing line for Ms Yanes.

'Sounds good to me  I'll check it out,' he says. 'I should have worn my fishing vest. That's got big inside pockets, too.'

On landing in Dublin, I feel triumphant at not having to wait for a baggage carousel to crank into action. I wave goodbye to my Irish neighbour, hoping his bag appears soon  and am off.

It's a relief to reach my hotel and ditch the coat, which I spread open on one side of the double bed and try to remember where I put various items. Practice will make perfect with this caper.

For example, for the flight back to London, I'll put all the boxer shorts crunched up in the middle pocket and find a home for my washbag in the airless backpack. I might place the trainers higher up, almost at shoulder height.

Of course, it's not just the price of carry-on and hold luggage that's so dispiriting. The evolving rules about the size of permissible on-board bags are such that it's only a matter of time before you're caught out and whacked with a hefty, punitive charge.

Mark was very pleased with himself at beating the restrictions

Ryanair currently allows you to bring onboard, for no charge, a bag measuring 40cm high and 30cm wide; on EasyJet, it's 45cm high and 36cm wide  but both these must be able to go under the seat in front of you. And that includes any wheels.

'Bags exceeding this size will be charged a fee of 48-55 to be placed in the hold,' is the stern warning from the Easy Jet website. But it also adds: 'Overcoats, umbrellas and airport duty-fee bags are permitted.' No mention of WHSmith bags, although mine hasn't raised any eyebrows.

I'm glad to have cottoned on to this wheeze. It's a way of saving money and it's not cheating. You're playing by the rules and making them work in your favour for a change.

But I fear it can only be a matter of time before the no-frills airlines start charging for coats, especially ones that are almost full length and packed with a wardrobe's worth of clothing.

Would they dare? Of course, they would. The rules of engagement with airlines are constantly changing. It's a relentless battle but, for now, I've won a small victory  and that's an exhilarating feeling.
Jack Whitehall took a swipe at Scott Mills' controversial sacking from BBC Radio as he made his Saturday Night Live UK hosting debut.

The BBC Radio 2 star was sacked by the corporation after it emerged he had been investigated by police seven years ago over alleged sex offences with a boy aged under 16, with the case later closed.

The BBC admitted it was aware of the investigation into Mills in 2017 - but only fired him after 'new information' came to light last week.

Sources have told The Mail On Sunday that many at the BBC are staying tight-lipped around the circumstances of Scott's sacking, with the star himself said to be 'fragile' in the wake of his axe. You can read the full story here.

And taking to the stage to host SNL, Jack referenced Scott while discussing his wedding to fiancee Roxy Horner, which takes place next week.

Complaining about the large cost of the nuptials, he said: 'It is honestly out of control. The flowers, the canapes, the band.'

Jack Whitehall took a swipe at Scott Mills' controversial sacking from BBC Radio as he made his Saturday Night Live UK hosting debut

He then added: 'We only and booked b****y Scott Mills as the wedding DJ. Not seeing that deposit again.'

Scott was sacked by the BBC in recent weeks, six days after being hauled off air following his final Radio 2 breakfast show.

The Daily Mirror linked the decision to fire Scott to a 2016 police investigation into 'serious sexual offences' against a teenage boy between 1997 and 2000.

The case was dropped around seven years ago due to a lack of evidence.

Since then he has been dropped from a string of other gigs, including his 190,000-per-year pantomime gig, an appearance on The Great Celebrity Bake Off, and a DJ set at Ibiza Symphonica in Harrogate this summer.

Elsewhere, viewers have appeared to spot episodes of Top Of The Pops, featuring Scott, who presented the series in 1999 have been removed.

Scott and his now-husband Sam won the second celebrity series of Race Across The World in 2024.

The DJ, who is paid between 355,000 and 359,999 a year by the BBC, took over the Radio 2 breakfast show from Zoe Ball in 2025.

In an extraordinary statement issued via his lawyers to the Daily Mail, Scott broke his silence to admit he was the subject of the investigation and did not deny the allegations.

The BBC Radio 2 star was sacked by the corporation after it emerged he had been investigated by police seven years ago over alleged sex offences with a boy aged under 16

The full statement read: 'The recent announcement that I am no longer contracted to the BBC has led to the publication of rumour and speculation. In response to this the Metropolitan Police has made a statement, which I confirm relates to me.

'An allegation was made against me in 2016 of a historic sexual offence which was the subject of a police investigation in which I fully cooperated and responded to in 2018.

'As the police have stated, a file of evidence was submitted to the Crown Prosecution Service, which determined that the evidential threshold had not been met to bring charges.

'Since the investigation related to an allegation that dates back nearly 30 years and the police investigation was closed seven years ago, I hope that the public and the media will understand and respect my wish not to make any further public comment on this matter.

'I wish to thank from the bottom of my heart all those who have reached out to me with kindness, my former colleagues and my beloved listeners, who I greatly miss.'

Mills was axed by the BBC over his 'personal conduct' but the corporation would not elaborate further.

It later emerged he was investigated by police in 2016 after claims of 'serious sexual offences' against a teenage boy aged under 16 between 1997 and 2000.

The case was closed in 2019 after the Crown Prosecution Service deemed there was insufficient evidence to bring charges.

After days of refusing to come clean about the extent of what bosses knew in regard to the police investigation into one of their star presenters, the BBC finally admitted it was aware of the probe.

Corporation chiefs felt they had 'no choice' but to dismiss Radio 2's flagship morning show host after 'new information' about his alleged conduct had been brought to them in recent weeks.
For the first time in Great British Bake Off's 16-year history, there were two Star Bakers in the tent.

On Sunday, Mark Wright and Sugababes' Mutya Buena were crowned winners of their heat for the Stand Up To Cancer Celebrity spin-off.

Judges Paul Hollywood and Cherish Finden were at loggerheads about who would get the title after impressing on three challenges.

Former TOWIE star Mark and Mutya were in the tent alongside actor Ralf Little, comedian Emmett J Scanlan and YouTuber Nella Rose.

The day started with the celebrities having to make pull-apart savoury rolls with yeasted bread dough in just two hours.

Before it began, Mark said: 'I've never baked. Not even a cupcake in my life'.

For the first time in Great British Bake Off's 16-year history, there were two Star Bakers in the tent. On Sunday, Mark Wright and Sugababes' Mutya Buena were crowned winners

Announcing the winners, host Noel Fielding said: 'Something weird has happened, this is has never happened before in Celeb Bake Off history'

The reality star made some Spanish inspired rolls and said he had big shoes to fill as his wife Michelle Keegan got star baker.

Mutya made cheese, garlic and spinach rolls with plenty of chilli.

For the technical challenge, the celebrities had to make vegan fruit tarts.

For the showstopper, celebrities were required to make a cake representing their most ridiculous purchase ever.

Mark made a swimming pool after splurging thousands on one for his dream home.

He said: 'It's pointless. It's just there to look at. It's too expensive to heat.'

The TV star made Victoria sponge with homemade jam and buttercream filling.

The judges told him: 'The buttercream has a little bit of graininess to it, but overall it's a great eat.'

Mutya impressed the judges with her vinyl orange zest cake for the show-stopper challenge

Former TOWIE star Mark and Mutya were in the tent alongside actor Ralf Little , comedian Emmett J Scanlan and YouTuber Nella Rose

Ralf Little made a Rolex watch cake and retold the story of how it was stolen from his bedside table while he was asleep

Nella created a bling ring cake made from red velvet and cream frosting. Paul branded her piping work: 'pretty good'

Emmett left the judges unimpressed with his baking skills

Ralf made a Rolex watch cake and retold the story of how it was stolen from his bedside table while he was asleep.

Emmett baked a Jaffa cake as a joke about his wife being the most ridiculous purchase ever.

But the judges branded it underbaked and were unimpressed by his home bought marmalade.

Nella created a bling ring cake made from red velvet and cream frosting. Paul branded her piping work: 'pretty good'.

Meanwhile, Mutya's was a vinyl in homage to her huge creation. She made an orange zest and almond cake.

Cherish told her: 'It's airy, light, moist, its Va Va Voom.'

Announcing the winners, host Noel Fielding said: 'Something weird has happened, this is has never happened before in Celeb Bake Off history'.

Of the result, Paul said: 'We've never had 16 years had two Star Bakers. this is unique. it's a privilege, so we thought "ah give it to the two of them it's for Stand Up To Cancer. It's all good'.

Mark took part in the show after being affected by cancer within his family, with his grandfather, uncle, and great-uncle all battling prostate cancer.

He also has raised awareness for regular health checks after having a 12cm tumour removal in 2021which was deemed cancer-free after a sarcoma scare.

It comes after Channel 4 scrapped Scott Mills' episode of The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer.

In February, the now-former BBC presenter had been announced as one of the stars set to enter the tent.

The 53-year-old was sacked by the BBC in recent weeks, six days after being hauled off air following his final Radio 2 breakfast show.

The Daily Mirror linked the decision to fire Scott to a 2016 police investigation into 'serious sexual offences' against a teenage boy between 1997 and 2000.

The case was dropped around seven years ago due to a lack of evidence.

His appearance on The Great Celebrity Bake Off For Stand Up To Cancer had yet to air - and it was unknown whether it would reach screens.

Channel 4 released a statement on Wednesday clarifying what will become of the installment.

The statement read: 'Having carefully considered the circumstances, weve taken the decision not to air the final episode of the 2026 series of The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer, featuring Scott Mills.

'Acknowledging the seriousness of the accusations that have been made against Scott, we dont believe it would be appropriate to air the episode at this time.

'An alternative episode of Celebrity GBBO will go out in its place.'
Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar speaks at an energy meeting in Kayseri, Turkiye on April 11, 2026. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)

ANKARA, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar on Saturday said Turkiye wants to cut its reliance on imported energy and produce more of its own supply.

Speaking at an energy meeting in the central city of Kayseri, Bayraktar said the country currently imports most of the energy it uses, including oil, natural gas, and coal.

"Turkiye imports two out of every three units of energy it uses," he said. "These prices are set outside the country."

He said reducing dependence on imports is important as demand for energy continues to grow.

"Without energy, the economy and industry cannot function," he said.

Bayraktar said the government is looking to expand a mix of energy sources, including renewables, domestic fossil fuel production, and nuclear power.

Official data show that Turkiye's solar power capacity has more than doubled since 2021, reaching over 21 gigawatts by early 2025. Wind power has also grown, while hydropower remains the country's largest source of electricity, with more than 32 gigawatts of capacity.

The government plans to further expand solar and wind power in the coming years, alongside other energy sources such as hydropower, geothermal, and biomass. 

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar speaks at an energy meeting in Kayseri, Turkiye on April 11, 2026. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
He is best known for his role as tyrannical media mogul Logan Roy.

And much like his character in HBO series Succession, Brian Cox is not afraid of speaking his mind - even as he approaches his 80th birthday.

The Scottish actor has doubled down on his no-nonsense approach, saying he 'doesn't want to be careful anymore'.

He previously said: 'I feel I've upset a few people over the years. The problem is, I can be quite a loudmouth. Sometimes I have been fairly volatile, and I think, "Why the f**k did you say that?"'

From criticising 'woke culture' to brutal digs at the acting world's biggest names, the Daily Mail takes a look at some of Brian's most explosive outbursts.

Brian Cox is best known for his role as the tyrannical media mogul Logan Roy, and much like his character in Succession he isn't afraid of speaking his mind

Over the years, Brian has been very open about his opinions on Hollywood stars, branding some 'overrated' and 'a***holes'.

And just last week he had some terse words when it came to Johnny Depp.

Brian reportedly turned down the role of the governor in the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise.

But, rather than feeling like he missed out on an opportunity, he said he was relieved.

He told The Times that he did not want to work alongside Johnny because he thinks the actor is 'so overblown' and 'so overrated'.

In one section of his memoir, Brian wrote: 'Personable though I'm sure he [Johnny] is, is so overblown, so overrated.

'I mean, Edward Scissorhands. Let's face it, if you come on with hands like that and pale, scarred-face makeup, you don't have to do anything. And he didn't. And subsequently, he's done even less.'

He also thought Edward Norton was 'a pain in the a**e', Kevin Spacey was 'a stupid, stupid man' and that Ian McKellen's acting was 'not to his taste'.

Brian also had harsh words for Once Upon A Time In Hollywood writer and director Quentin Tarantino.

'I find his work meretricious. It's all surface. Plot mechanics in place of depth. Style where there should be substance. I walked out of Pulp Fiction,' he shared.

The pair have never worked together but despite the criticism Brian admitted he would consider it if he was given the opportunity, adding: If the phone rang, I'd do it.'

He said fellow Scot Michael Caton-Jones was a ' complete a***hole', while David Hare was a 'see you next Tuesday'.

Brian also criticised the casting of Margot Robbie as Cathy in Emerald Fennell's recent adaptation of Wuthering Heights.

He poked fun at her Australian accent and claimed she's too pretty to play the role of Emily Bronte's protagonist in the 19th century romance novel.

Brian has described Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp as 'so overblown' and 'so overrated' and also claimed Edward Norton was 'a pain in the a**e'

Brian also criticised the casting of Margot Robbie as Cathy in Emerald Fennell's recent adaptation of Wuthering Heights

The Scot also said his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong's method acting was 'f***ing annoying' and 'really a cultural clash'

Even beloved figures like David Bowie couldn't escape Brian's barbs.

The two appeared together on the British military series Redcap in the 1960s, where the future music icon's acting didn't impress him.

The actor said he was 'a skinny kid, and not a particularly good actor' adding that he 'made a better pop star, that much is for certain'.

Although some actors are applauded for their dedication to method acting, Brian also reportedly said that his Succession co-star Jeremy Strong's approach was 'f***ing annoying'.

Reflecting on his comments, Brian explained that his wife had concerns about his no-nonsense approach to life and his willingness to express his opinions.

He said: 'I think, 'F*** it, I don't want to be careful any more! I'll be 80 this year. F*** it! I'm gonna say what I want to say'.'

Brian has been married to Nicole Ansari-Cox since 2002, and the pair have two sons called Orson, 24, and Torin, 21.

He may regret not taking his wife's advice, however, as he has previously rubbed stars up the wrong way with his blunt remarks.

Last year Daniel Day-Lewis hit back at Brian after the Scottish actor dismissed method acting as 'American s***'.

Daniel is famed for 'the process', an intense rehearsal technique through which he attempts to channel a given character's inner motivations and emotions through lived experience.

And Brian referenced this during a chat with Variety, in which he was bemoaning his co-star Jeremy's method acting on the set of Succession.

'It's really a cultural clash,' he said. 'I don't put up with all that American s***. I'm sorry. All that sort of "I think, therefore I feel". Just do the job. Don't identify.

'Of course, Jeremy was Dan Day-Lewis's assistant. So he's learned all that stuff from Dan.'

Responding to Brian's dismissive comments, Daniel told The Big Issue: 'Listen, I worked with Brian Cox once and got somehow drawn into this handbags-at-dawn conflict inadvertently.

'Brian is a very fine actor who's done extraordinary work. As a result he's been given a soapbox which he shows no sign of climbing down from.

'Any time he wants to talk about it, I'm easy to find.'

The trio all worked together in the 1997 film The Boxer, with Brian and Daniel taking on leading roles while a then-unknown Jeremy served as Daniel's assistant.

Daniel continued: 'If I thought during our work together I'd interfered with his working process, I'd be appalled.

'But I don't think it was like that. So I don't know where the f*** that came from. Jeremy Strong is a very fine actor. I don't know how he goes about things, but I don't feel responsible in any way for that.'

The actor previously admitted that he gets 'grumpy about politics', saying that Keir Starmer was 'not exactly the most charming of individuals'

And it's not just his fellow celebs that he aims at, with the actor previously admitting that he gets 'grumpy about politics'.

He told The Guardian: 'A lot of that makes me angry. The failure of the Labour party in particular.'

'Starmer is not exactly the most charming of individuals. He's not Mr Charm. He's not got the thing Tony Blair had, which served him brilliantly till hubris got the better of him. Starmer is minus one on that score.'

Last year Brian was said to have been reported to Equity, a trade union for performers and creatives, after losing his temper during rehearsals, according to The Times.

However, he claimed that actors from his generation would typically lose their temper while acting.

Reflecting on his entry into theatre, he recalled witnessing a fist-fight between two actors, including Excalibur actor Nicol Williamson.

He said the exchange would not be allowed to pass in modern times.

'It's this whole woke nonsense. You can't say boo to a goose, he told The Times.

'I mean, I just lost my temper and I said, 'I'm not losing my temper at you. I'm losing my temper at me. I'm the one who's having the problem, not you.'

While Brian can come across like he has no care in the world, back in 2010, he revealed he was receiving stress counselling to control his temper.

The Dundee-born star said he sought help as he became suspicious of others' motives.

He decided on a form of cognitive behavioural therapy known as logotherapy - a way to rediscover meaning in life.

'I have gone back into therapy after a period of 25 years because I've reached a certain age where there are certain elements of myself which I'm not quite happy with and I'd like to deal with,' he told The Times.

'I can get overreactive in certain ways and things can carry me, take me in a way which is not necessarily healthy and really at my time of life you've got to start being healthy.

'It's anger, loss of trust, loss of faith and 'poor me' you know, all of those kind of weaknesses.'
He is known to many for starring as Troy Bolton's (Zac Efron) best pal Chad Danforth in the High School Musical trilogy.

Yet Corbin Bleu has since transitioned into a successful West End and Broadway star, with the actor hoping to take home an Olivier Award this Sunday.

The American actor, 37, is among the hopefuls up for a Best Actor In A Supporting Role for his appearance in The Great Gatsby - A New Musical at the London Coliseum.

Two decades after he rose to fame on Disney Channel in his teens, Corbin is regularly seen performing on stage.

At just two-years-old Corbin began his career in commercials and modelling, working for brands such as Gap and Tommy Hilfiger.

He quickly followed in his father David Reivers' acting footsteps, who appeared as Corbin's real-life dad in High School Musical, Jump In! and Free Style.

He's known for starring as Chad Danforth in the High School Musical trilogy but he has since transitioned into a successful West End and Broadway star (pictured with Zac Efron in HSM 3)

The American actor is up for a Best Actor In A Supporting Role at the Olivier Awards for his appearance in The Great Gatsby where he starred alongside Amber Davies (pictured)

After joining theatre school, Corbin made his Broadway debut at 20-years-old as Usnavi de la Vega in In The Heights.

Corbin only made his West End debut last year as Nick Carraway alongside Amber Davies, who starred as Jordan Baker.

After transferring to London for The Great Gatsby, Corbin has returned to Broadway to reprise his role as Nick.

His other stage credits include Ted Hanover in Holiday Inn, Seaweed J. Stubbs in Hairspray and Jesus Christ in Godspell.

Corbin also appeared as Bill Calhoun/Lucentio in Kiss Me, Kate, where he gained a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actor.

Speaking on Amber's Call To Stage podcast, Corbin explained: 'I had my sights set on Broadway from a very early age.

'My mum kept so many of our school work papers and reports and there was one that I had written in my second grade and I talk about being on Broadway, it was so cool.'

'I know that will always be the major symbol on my flag and I am grateful for that. It is the gift that keeps on giving', he touched on High School Musical.

'I have things, projects and actors that I grew up with that shaped who I am and inspired me to do what I do.

'It's surreal to me that I'm apart of that, in a way I feel moved from it because there is no way that's me.

'But there is of course that we are 20 years out from it and I've had an entire career since then and there are people that it's all they can see.'

Corbin still remains very good friends with his onscreen High School Musical sweetheart Monique Coleman, who played Taylor.

Corbin now resides in the US with his long-time wife and fellow actress, Sasha Clements (pictured together)

Corbin still remains very good friends with his onscreen High School Musical sweetheart Monique Coleman, who played Taylor (pictured)

Aside from being stage royalty, Corbin was the runner-up on season 17 of ABC's Dancing With The Stars and has released two albums.

The pair even starred A Christmas Dance Reunion together back in 2021.

Corbin now resides in the US with his long-time wife and fellow actress, Sasha Clements.

The Olivier Awards 2026 returns to the magnificent Royal Albert Hall to mark the 50th anniversary on April 12.

The frontrunners for London's biggest theatre awards are Paddington: The Musical and Into The Woods, which each received 11 nominations.
One of the most memorable actors from an iconic 80s comedy made a rare public appearance in Los Angeles on Monday.

At 70, the actor who made waves with his controversial role as Long Duk Dong in Sixteen Candles, looked to be in great spirits while enjoying some retail therapy.

Dressed down in an Oxford shirt, cargo shorts, and a bucket hat, he looked a world away from his glamorous red carpet days, including his memorable role in 1986's Gung Ho alongside Michael Keaton.

Longtime fans will remember him for voicing the unforgettable Ling in Disneys 1998 Mulan.

Later, he captured hearts once again as the charming Nurse Yosh Takata on ER from 1997 to 2003.

Before we dive into the controversy surrounding his role in Sixteen Candles, which featured Molly Ringwald, can you name the mystery celebrity?

The actor, best known for his controversial role as Long Duk Dong in Sixteen Candles, made a rare public appearance in Los Angeles on Monday at 70, looking in great spirits while enjoying some retail therapy

Dressed down in an Oxford shirt, cargo shorts, and a bucket hat, he looked a world away from his glamorous red carpet days, including his memorable role in 1986's Gung Ho alongside Michael Keaton

Later, he captured hearts once again as the charming Nurse Yosh Takata on ER from 1997 to 2003

If you guessed Gedde Watanabe, youre absolutely right!

The character of Long Duk Dong, an Asian foreign exchange student staying with Sams (Molly Ringwald) grandparents, has faced significant backlash in recent years.

Critics have condemned the character as a racist caricature, leaning heavily on harmful Asian stereotypes.

His exaggerated antics, paired with the iconic gong sound that accompanied every appearance, made him unforgettable - yet, for some, problematic.

Over time, critics have come to see the role as a product of its era, built on tropes about Asian men: the 'nerdy and socially inept outsider.'

From the mockery of his name to the exaggerated portrayal of his broken English, Long Duk Dong was reduced to little more than a punchline.

Repeatedly referred to as 'the Chinaman,' his character was an example of how Hollywood leaned on crude racial humor for laughs.

While Long Duk Dong was a comedic sensation at the time, the characters legacy now sparks debates about the portrayal of Asian people in cinema.

If you guessed Gedde Watanabe, youre absolutely right! Pictured in 16 Candles in 1984 with Deborah Pollack

The character of Long Duk Dong, an Asian foreign exchange student staying with Sams (Molly Ringwald) grandparents, has faced significant backlash in recent years

Longtime fans will remember him for voicing the unforgettable Ling in Disneys 1998 Mulan

Watanabe's portrayal of Nurse Yosh Takata on ER became a standout

Despite the controversy surrounding the character, Watanabe continued to shine in Hollywood, showcasing his incredible comedic chops and acting versatility in later roles.

In 1989, he co-starred as Kuni, a karate instructor and abusive game show host in UHF with 'Weird Al' Yankovic, and later reprised the role on The Weird Al Show.

He also appeared on Sesame Street from 1988 to 1991 as Hiroshi, and voiced several Japanese characters on The Simpsons.

In addition, Watanabes voice work as Ling in Disney's Mulan became iconic, with returns in the 2004 sequel Mulan II and the 2005 video game Kingdom Hearts II.
Sometimes the best revenge is sitting back and watching the money roll in.

Just ask Sydney socialite Laura Hazzouri - the mother-of-three influencer who was subjected to private mockery among the eastern suburbs' 'old money' set over her showy 'day in the life' video earlier this year.

After we reported on the nasty chatter doing the rounds in elite WhatsApp groups, Laura's family has delivered a comeback for the history books.

They are now officially in the billionaires' club.

Laura's husband Charbel Hazzouri and his cousin Anthony El-Hazouri have debuted on The Australian's Richest 250 list for 2026, joining the ranks as billionaires for the first time with a combined fortune of $2.84billion.

The Hazzouris' wealth, built through their property firm Revelop, has been compounding for years.

Laura Hazzouri (left with husband Charbel) was subjected to private mockery among Sydney's 'old money' set months ago - but now her family is having the last laugh

Charbel and his cousin Anthony El-Hazouri (right) have debuted on The Australian's Richest 250 list for 2026, joining the ranks as billionaires for the first time with a fortune of $2.84billion

From a humble start in 2008, the cousins have grown their business into a heavyweight operation spanning more than 80 commercial properties.

Their portfolio stretches across key retail centres in Sydney, as well as major acquisitions in Adelaide and Melbourne, culminating in headline deals like the $122.5million purchase of Lake Macquarie Square.

For the snobs with intergenerational wealth who scoffed at Laura's 'nouveau riche' travel diary of her five-star trip to the Maldives, the timing is hard to ignore.

While certain members of the socialite set dismissed Laura's lifestyle as flashy or gauche - in light of her humble origins in Dubbo, in regional NSW - now the scale of her family's hard-earned fortune is impossible to ignore.

The infamous video that kickstarted the chatter followed Mrs Hazzouri as she got her nails done at a high-end salon before returning to her sprawling home to prepare for business-class travel with her husband, Charbel, and their three sons.

It was the kind of content to inspire envy and admiration in equal measure: two YSL beach totes worth $800 apiece were zipped into protective dust bags, thousands of dollars' worth of Cartier jewellery was carefully arranged in travel containers, and a Louis Vuitton beauty case valued at roughly $3,000 was highlighted in a close-up.

The family then bundled into a car packed with designer luggage, bound for the airport.

Mrs Hazzouri, whose maiden name is Marshall, filmed herself gliding through the terminal with her suitcase and a Goyard tote worth about $3,000, before they all settled into the Qantas Club ahead of take-off.

For the snobs with wealthy grandparents who scoffed at Laura's 'nouveau riche' travel diary of her family's five-star trip to the Maldives, the timing is hard to ignore

Mrs Hazzouri's origins in regional New South Wales added a compelling social edge to the jealous chatter. (She is pictured second from the right with a group of girlfriends)

For some in Sydney's more refined postcodes, however, the video read less like lifestyle inspiration and more like an embarrassing and unnecessary flex.

'Her "day in a life" is not real or relatable. You don't see Deb Symond O'Neil - who was born with a silver spoon in her mouth - sharing videos like that,' a well-connected society insider said at the time.

Mrs Hazzouri's origins in Dubbo added a compelling social edge to the jealous chatter - proving that the old-fashioned class system is still alive and kicking in the land of the 'fair go'.

While the specifics of her early years are unclear, she has almost certainly upgraded her lifestyle since meeting her husband Charbel.

The couple, who have been together for many years, have been living in a mansion in McMahons Point for more than a decade, but are planning to upsize after buying a $13.5million Kurraba Point home in 2020.

They have since knocked down the property and are building their dream house: a Luigi Rosselli-designed mansion with a swimming pool, landscaped outdoor areas and multiple living zones.

While the specifics of her early years are unclear, Laura (pictured on a night out in July 2023) has almost certainly upgraded her lifestyle since meeting her husband Charbel

According to a source, Mrs Hazzouri has previously indicated that she and her husband will keep their existing mansion even after making the move to Kurraba Point.

When the Daily Mail contacted Mrs Hazzouri for comment on some of the unkind chatter back in January, she insisted her social media content was misunderstood.

'I share parts of my life online, including travel, but social media is only a snapshot and not the full picture of who I am or how I live day-to-day,' she told us then.

'Like many families, we've worked hard over many years to build the life we have.

'My content is intended to be light-hearted and aspirational, not to alienate or offend, and I'm always mindful that people are facing different circumstances.

'I understand that not everyone will relate to every post, and I take feedback on board, but my intention is simply to share moments from my own life, not to make comparisons or statements about anyone else's.'

New to DailyMail+? Here are our most-read stories from the past week

Read NAB staffers' leaked private messages in the wake of their colleague's shocking suicide - as we reveal outrage about 'inadequate' CEO Andrew Irvine

Inside the final months of Sydney socialite Annabelle Price who was found dead in her apartment - and the chilling sign something was wrong

Will no one say the bloody obvious about Constance Hall and that feral 'Denim'? Her single-mum army will crucify me, but someone has to tell her: AMANDA GOFF

'Super toxic'. Manipulative. The REAL untold story of Tess Rowlatt's spiral from party girl to life of crime revealed by LUCY MANLY, who grew up with Melbourne's 'middle-class' drug queen now sharing a jail with Erin Patterson

The tragedy of Tess Crosley ended exactly like I said it would. What Jules said at the very start became a prophecy: JANA HOCKING

How NAB breaks staff: What drove married father John to the bank's Docklands rooftop with his last will and testament in his pocket.. as we reveal cruel redundancy process that employees compare to 'death row'

'Intense'. 'Unstable'. Minutes after leaving Scott, runaway MAFS bride Gia goes rogue in interview with ALI DAHER. We reveal the REAL story of their break-up - as she delivers a savage parting shot

Kathleen Folbigg and fiance seen for the first time after she spent two decades in jail over the deaths of her four children - amid rumours she's fallen out with the woman who helped free her

For years, I thought what my older sister did to me was just part of growing up. Later, I learned just how sick and twisted she really was

JFK Jr severed in half. Carolyn Bessette's unspeakable injury. Why these sealed crash scene details that've never been published must finally now be revealed: MAUREEN CALLAHAN
Posing by the pool with a glass of champagne in her beautifully manicured hand, Made In Chelseas Binky Felstead could not seem more at ease.

In Dubai with her wealthy husband, Max Darnton, and their three young children, she is clearly making the most of all that the luxurious five-star Banyan Leaf hotel and its stunning beach can offer.

How do I know? Well, like every one of her 1.4million Instagram followers, all Ive had to do is open up my phone.

In fact, virtually every aspect of 35-year-old Binkys break is laid bare, along with the caption: I thought there was something missing but turns out I just needed a holiday.

Yet the holiday  like so many Binky has taken over the last 12 months  was a freebie, gifted to her in return for a favourable post on her social media account. In recent months there has been a stay at the five-star Boca Raton hotel and private members club in Florida, plus a trip to Disney World in Orlando for her, Max and their children.

There was a mini-break in New York, where she stayed at the elegant Lowell hotel, a cruise with P&O, which took her to several locations including Malta. Then there was a little pick-me-up break at the luxury glamping safari lodges, The Nest, in Lincolnshire. Oh, and not forgetting the stay at the 500-a-night Beaverbrook hotel in Surrey Hills, as well as a sojourn at the Four Seasons in Hampshire, where her children went horse riding while she indulged in free massages and a spicy marg or two.

Even a 12 trip on Londons River Thames seemed too much to shell out for, seeing as it was courtesy of Citycruises.

Even the most cynical may have been shocked to discover how many aspects of Binky Felstead's life she expects for free

Binky was recently called out for asking the owner of luxury cake business for a gifted yellow train cake for her toddler Wilders third birthday in return for an Instagram post

All well and good, you may think. But even the most cynical may have been shocked to discover how many other aspects of Binkys life she also expects for free.

Step forward Reshmi Bennett, owner of luxury cake business Anges de Sucre in west London.

On Friday she called out Binky for asking for a gifted yellow train cake for her toddler Wilders third birthday. The cake was big enough to serve ten, which she wanted gratis in return for posting a picture of it on Instagram.

Wittily sticking the knife in, Reshmi set up a mock GoFundMe campaign with a goal of 1.4million  a reference to Binkys 1.4million followers  called Raise Funds for Binky Felsteads 3-Year-Olds Birthday Cake.

Accompanying an AI image of the requested train, Reshmi posted: We recently received a lovely request from the team of Binky Felstead for a very special cake  a yellow train creation for her soon-to-be three-year-old son.

We were genuinely thrilled. Childrens cakes are some of our favourites to make and this one sounded like a joy and that too for such a popular reality TV star.

However, there was just one small hiccup the proposed payment method was an Instagram story. Now, we completely understand that times are tough, especially for influencers

Unfortunately, our energy supplier is very old-fashioned and continues to insist on being paid in actual money rather than exposure or engagement.

Even more embarrassing for Binky, it also emerged that she had approached the owner of Funfetti London in 2021, asking the baker to make her a wedding and birthday cake in exchange for posts on her Instagram account. The cake maker claims she duly obliged, only to find herself ghosted. Even her 75 travel costs were turned down.

Even more embarrassing for Binky, it also emerged that she had approached the owner of Funfetti London in 2021, asking the baker to make her a wedding and birthday cake in exchange for posts on her Instagram account

Life is a dream for Binky, says one of her former associates. She loves a freebie. In fact youd think she doesnt like to pay for anything. If you look at all those holidays, you have to wonder if she has any time left to work. It is becoming disgusting these days. Reality stars expect small companies to give them free stuff in return for a plug.

But a spokesman for Binky said: Deals like this are widely used within this industry and usually mutually beneficial.

Indeed, Binky is not alone in her eagerness to cash in. Her friends and fellow Made In Chelsea stars Ollie and Gareth Locke, who yesterday whinged about their mental health after failing to pay 25,000 rent on their 4million house in Chelsea, are known for a love of freebies.

So is Millie Mackintosh, also one of the Made In Chelsea alumni. Other big liggers include Denise Van Outen, Stacey Solomon and former Strictly star Pete Wicks.

These people think they are above paying for anything, says a showbiz agent. They think they should be handed stuff for free. Nobody seems to see how grotesque it looks. They are just straight up and down grifters.

Sources close to Binky lectured me yesterday on how small firms are keen to work with her for publicity. They said they couldnt understand why Reshmi had turned down such an opportunity.

Still, the reality is that what Binky wants, she is inclined to get. The refurbishment of her new home is proof that she rarely gets turned down.

Her bedroom, living room, dining room and barn are decked out with furniture from Oka  a company she mentions several times on social media.

Her downstairs loo is thanks to Drummonds Bathrooms, while the bathroom tiles, flooring and paint are from Fired Earth.

Its unlikely she pays for much of her food shopping either, as she has a deal with M&S, which provides her with many of her meals.

Nice, if you can get it, mused one of her friends. She literally has no shame.

When I called Binkys spokesman to see if she wanted to comment, he told me she was on holiday. He didnt specify if she had paid for it, though that will undoubtedly become apparent if she posts about it on Instagram.
Married At First Sight's Alissa Fay has wasted no time moving on from her shock split with David Momoh - stepping out for a cosy date night with new boyfriend Nathan Ryles.

Nathan shared a loved-up photo taken at iconic Sydney eatery Bill & Toni's to Instagram of him and Alissa alongside fellow bride Bec Zacharia, showing the trio seated closely together and all smiles.

Alissa looked radiant in a sleeveless olive-toned zip-front top, wearing her blonde hair in soft waves and opting for a bronzed, glowing make-up look. She beamed at the camera, appearing relaxed and happy.

Meanwhile, Nathan kept things casual in a white T-shirt layered under an open button-up shirt, flashing a wide grin as he leaned in between the two women.

Fellow bride Bec Zacharia cut a chic figure in a sheer white sleeveless blouse, her brunette locks styled sleek and straight as she held her phone and smiled brightly.

The caption over the image read: 'Might need some earplugs' - hinting at a lively night out between the group.

Married At First Sight's Alissa Fay has wasted no time moving on from her shock split with David Momoh - stepping out for a cosy date night with her hot new boyfriend Nathan Ryles

Nathan shared a loved-up photo taken at iconic Sydney eatery Bill & Toni's to Instagram of him and Alissa alongside fellow bride Bec Zacharia, showing the trio seated closely together and all smiles. (Also pictured: Rachel Gilmore, Ali Daher and Rebecca Zacharia)

The sighting comes just weeks after Alissa's relationship with on-screen husband David dramatically imploded at Final Vows, where he blindsided her by ending things despite earlier declarations of love.

Behind the scenes, their relationship had been plagued by tension and trust issues, with David later admitting he had considered leaving earlier in the experiment.

But while viewers are only just watching the heartbreak unfold, Alissa has already well and truly moved on.

Daily Mail revealed she struck up a romance with Adelaide-based personal trainer and Australian Ninja Warrior star Nathan shortly after filming wrapped late last year.

The pair had known each other for years before reconnecting, with their relationship quickly escalating into something serious.

Friends say Alissa is 'besotted', with the couple already living together and exchanging 'I love you' just months into their romance.

Nathan has also publicly gushed over their connection, saying they bring out the best in each other.

The timeline may come as a surprise to viewers, but insiders insist the relationship has been building for months behind the scenes.

And if this cosy dinner date is anything to go by, Alissa is firmly in her post-MAFS glow-up era - surrounded by friends and a new man who appears more than happy to show her off.

Married At First Sight bride Alissa Fay, 33, has moved on with a new man after David Momoh, 31, dumped her during Final Vows

The Adelaide native, 33, debuted her romance with Australian Ninja Warrior star Nathan Ryles on Wednesday after they were spotted packing on the PDA at a beach.

Alissa called Nathan her 'soulmate' and said their 'connection is something I've never experienced before'.

'He was unexpected; we didn't plan for this to happen, you know, it just happened so naturally. I believe that he is my person,' she told New Idea.

'I thought that I knew what love was, and I thought that I had felt love before, but this is a whole other feeling.'

Nathan said he and Alissa 'bring out the best in each other', adding that he was 'oblivious' to her MAFS narrative because he didn't watch the show.

'She's treated me better than I've ever been treated, and I just love her so much,' he continued.

Alissa revealed the pair have been hiding their relationship since December so they didn't spoil the ending to her relationship with David on the Nine series.

The pair, who have already confessed their love for each other, said they had known of each other for years because they shared the same social circle in Adelaide.

However, things between them began to heat up shortly after Alissa finished filming for MAFS, when they finally met on 'a wine tour' for her gym.

The relationship debut will come as a shock to some Daily Mail readers who may remember Alissa vehemently denied being in a relationship with Nathan last week.

'What is going on, all this speculation, he is engaged! I follow him and his fiancee Tori on social media. We are friends, Adelaide is a small place,' she told Daily Mail.

'Adelaide is just like that, everyone knows everyone! It is just noise.'

Daily Mail does not suggest Nathan was engaged at the time he and Alissa began dating, only that Alissa used it as a cover story to hide their relationship.

Join the discussion Is it ever justifiable to hide a new relationship to protect reality TV secrets and reputations?

The Adelaide native debuted her romance with Australian Ninja Warrior star Nathan Ryles, 32, on Wednesday after they were spotted packing on the PDA at a beach

It comes after Alissa was left red-faced on Tuesday night's episode of MAFS after she was forced to deliver her final vows to an empty room.

After her groom David revealed he didn't see a future with Alissa outside of the experiment, he brutally left her standing alone at the altar to process the rejection.

It seemed to come as quite a shock to Alissa, who had earlier hinted that she was going to walk away and 'break his heart'.

Walking into Final Vows, Alissa was quietly confident David would choose to stay in the relationship but it seemed her mind was also made up.

'Today is going to be tough for David,' she said. 'He missed the mark because he was a "yes" man.'

'The ball is in my court today, and it breaks my heart knowing I'm going to be breaking his heart at the end of this.'

However, David beat his bride to the punch, brutally walking away before Alissa had a chance to read her vows.

He began his own vows praising Alissa and the strong connection the pair had forged during the experiment.

Alissa called Nathan her 'soulmate' and said their 'connection is something I've never experienced before', reported New Idea

David then told Alissa that his feelings about their relationship had changed during the final commitment ceremony.

'I finally spoke up,' he said. 'You accused me of blindsiding you and in that moment I realised something important.

'I wasn't being heard. You couldn't see I wasn't attacking you  I was finally standing up for myself.'

He added that their clash after the Grass is Greener challenge was the final nail in the coffin.

'You flirted, made inappropriate jokes and spoke poorly about me behind my back. I felt betrayed and disrespected by what I saw,' he said.

'I challenged you and you shut me down. It felt as though you wouldn't take any accountability for how I had felt.'

David added: 'Throughout all this, I've been patient, and I have done a lot of the listening, but I'm done listening.'

Admitting that he still loved Alissa, David then delivered the final blow, telling his bride he chose his own peace over Alissa.

The relationship debut will come as a shock to some Daily Mail readers who may remember Alissa vehemently denied being in a relationship with Nathan last week

'With you there was no version of me that could win. I've realised I can't be the man who constantly fights to be heard or constantly fights to prove his worth to someone who is still deciding if I'll be enough,' he said.

'Today I'm not walking away because I've stopped loving you, Alissa. I'm walking away because loving you shouldn't mean losing myself.'

With that, David walked out of Alissa's life, leaving her looking quite shocked and angry.

'You're not going to listen to my vows?' she asked as David continued to walk away in silence.

'That's a no?' she added. 'Wow, I just wasted three months of my life and he won't even listen to me.'

Alissa proceeded to read her vows aloud to an empty room, with David nowhere to be seen.

'David, you are everything I wanted and more. You are strong, you are kind, you are compassionate, you are a leader, but standing here today I can only be honest,' she said, her voice echoing around the room.

'I love you, David, for who you are but not for me.'
Mom-to-be Aubrey Plaza was the picture of maternal bliss as she stepped out for a dog walk in New York on Saturday.

The pregnant Parks and Recreation alum, 41, showed off her burgeoning bump in a comfortable-looking ensemble featuring a striped long-sleeved shirt and loose-fitting pants.

At one point, she stopped outside 180 the store in Tribeca to chat with a friend while caressing her bump all the while.

Plaza, who has found happiness again after struggling daily with her former husband's death, was apparently in the mood for a little retail therapy while out and about, judging by the shopping bag in her hand.

Earlier this week, Plaza's representative confirmed the star is expecting her first child with partner Christopher Abbott, 40.

The two were long-time friends and co-stars in the 2020 film Black Bear and the Off-Broadway play Danny and the Deep Blue Sea, and were first romantically linked in July 2025.

Mom-to-be Aubrey Plaza was the picture of maternal bliss as she stepped out for a dog walk in New York on Saturday

The former Parks and Recreation star, whose representative confirmed the star was expecting a baby with partner Christopher Abbott, stopped a moment to chat with a friend in front of 180 the Tribeca store

Their romance emerged roughly six months after the death of Plaza's husband Jeff Baena, from whom she had been separated since September 2024.

Plaza and Abbott have kept their relationship under the radar for the most part.

However, on Thursday, they made their first appearance together since the baby announcement as they attended the afterparty for opening night of the Broadway revival Death of a Salesman.

Earlier this week, a source told People that the pair are due to welcome their child into the world in the fall.

'It was a beautiful surprise after an emotional year. They feel very blessed,' the source said.

Aubrey's late estranged husband Baena, a screenwriter and film director, took his own life in January 2025 at age 47.

Late last year, Plaza opened up about how she learned to 'have fun and move forward' from her grandmother, which helped inspire her children's book Luna And The Witch Throw A Halloween Party.

Without mentioning her late husband by name, Plaza told the Today show, 'She taught me from a very young age that life is a party and no matter what happens, we have to have fun and move forward, and so I think this book was inspired by that.

Plaza and Abbott made their first appearance together after the baby announcement while attending the afterparty for the new revival of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman on Thursday

The actress set tongues wagging over a possible pregnancy with her fuller figure during Paris Fashion Week last month (pictured March 6)

Plaza and Abbott were long-time friends and co-stars in the Off-Broadway play Danny and the Deep Blue Sea before they were romantically linked in July 2025 (pictured in 2023)

The two also starred in the 2020 movie Black Bear (pictured in 2023)

'I think on both sides of my family, I have a lot of witchy women that raised me, so this is an homage to all the women in my life.'

The actress previously admitted every day has been a 'struggle' since her ex's death.

His body was discovered at his home in Los Angeles, California by his dog walker.

Asked how she is doing by her Parks and Recreation co-star Amy Poehler on her Good Hang podcast, Plaza said, 'Right in this very, very present moment, I feel happy to be with you. Overall, I'm here and Im functioning.

'I feel really grateful to be moving through the world. I think I'm okay, but it's like a daily struggle, obviously.'

She compared her grief to The Gorge, insisting it felt like a 'giant ocean of awfulness.'

'This is a really dumb analogy and it was kind of a joke at a certain point, but I actually mean it,' Plaza said.

'Did you see that movie The Gorge? Its like [an] alien movie or something with Miles Teller.

Plaza's pregnancy follows a tragic year, which saw her estranged husband, Jeff Baena, die by suicide in January 2025 (the couple was pictured in 2017)

The actress previously admitted every day has been a 'struggle' since her ex's death (they are pictured in 2017)

'In the movie, there's like a cliff on one side and there's a cliff on the other side, then there's a gorge in between and it's filled with all these monster people that are trying to get them.

'I swear when I watched it, I was like that feels like what my grief is like or what grief could be like,' Plaza shared.

'At all times there's like a giant ocean of awfulness, that's right there and I can see it. Sometimes I just want to dive into it, and just be in it.'

She added, 'Then sometimes I just look at it, and sometimes I try to get away from it. But, it's always there.'
After years out of the spotlight, Lisa Wilkinson is finally speaking out  and not just about the headlines that followed her, but the deeply personal reset that came in their wake.

In her first interview in several years, the veteran broadcaster, 66, opens up about stepping back into public life, the emotional toll of constant scrutiny, and the very unexpected project that helped her through it all.

'Probably a combination of slightly nervous and incredibly excited to have been working on such an extraordinary story,' she tells this week's Stellar magazine.

That 'extraordinary story' is her new book, The Titanic Story Of Evelyn  a passion project she admits arrived at exactly the right time.

'Spending a lot of time with lawyers, really, which I wouldn't suggest is a great way to live your life,' Wilkinson says candidly.

'This project came right in the middle of all of the court drama, and it was just an idea I came up with one day that made me lean in. I wasn't even looking for a project. I was just trying to get through every day.

After years out of the spotlight, Lisa Wilkinson is finally speaking  and not just about the headlines that followed her, but the deeply personal reset that came in their wake

'It was the most incredibly wonderful distraction to be able to delve into someone else's life  not my own  because I was everywhere in the press. I was sick of me. I can't imagine how the rest of the country felt.'

At the heart of Wilkinson's book is Evelyn Marsden  the only Australian-born survivor of the RMS Titanic sinking.

It's a story that resonated with Wilkinson, quickly becoming more than just historical research.

'I felt like that was all I was doing every single day  rowing against a tide,' Wilkinson says, explaining why she dedicated the book to 'every woman, like Evelyn, who has ever rowed against the tide'.

'That was the moment when I just fell in love with her and just knew that I had to do this story.'

Immersing herself in the tragedy of the Titanic  where more than 1500 people died  also gave her perspective.

'When you deal with tragedy on that level, it puts into perspective any troubles I might have been having.'

The past few years haven't been easy. Wilkinson found herself at the centre of intense public debate following her 2021 interview with Brittany Higgins on The Project.

In her first interview in several years, the veteran broadcaster, 66, opens up to Stellar magazine about stepping back into public life, the emotional toll of constant scrutiny, and the unexpected project that helped her through it all

Away from the cameras, Wilkinson has been embracing a simpler life with husband Peter FitzSimons

But she insists she never regretted telling the story.

'I don't think I ever had that thought, but I certainly had some very rough days,' she says.

'So every time it was, 'I'm OK, I'm not on the Titanic, not fighting to save my life. I'm just hoping to defend some work of mine.'

Looking back, she says one outcome still stands out.

'So when I look back on having done that story, that's probably the thing of which I'm most proud.'

As for Higgins herself, Wilkinson's words are simple but heartfelt:

'I really wish Brittany all strength because to go through what she's had to go through repeatedly She keeps standing up... I have nothing but admiration for her.'

Wilkinson also addressed her abrupt exit from The Project in 2022  and made it clear it wasn't her call.

'No, not at all. Channel 10 took me off air. It was their decision, not mine,' she said.

Being forced to announce her departure live on air was another moment she had to push through.

'I was given no choice. Sometimes in life when you're given no choice, you just steel yourself. You do it, you keep moving forward... that's what I had to do.'
Dax Shepard said he 'hated' the late actor Eric Dane when they first met before they later developed a close friendship.

The 51-year-old podcast host even recalled how he almost got into a 'fist fight' with the Euphoria actor when they attended the same AA meetings in the past.

Shepard added that they later grew close and he 'ended up loving him so much' prior to Dane's death in February at age 53 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

'Eric Dane, I can now say I met in recovery and we hated each other,' he recalled in an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper at the New Orleans Book Festival on Thursday, April 2. 'I hated him!'

Shepard said he 'thought [Dane] was a bit of a bully' initially but explained they ended up bonding over not having their respective fathers around in their lives.

About the genesis of his friendship with Dane, he said: 'We were in a meeting [and] he threatened a younger member of the group, and this had been simmering for a long time, and I said, "Let's go. Outside. Right now."

Dax Shepard revealed he initially 'hated' Eric Dane when they first met before they later developed an unexpected friendship; pictured in January

Shepard said he 'ended up loving him so much' prior to Dane's death in February at age 53 after battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); pictured in June 2025

'It was on. And we walked outside to a fist fight in the driveway of an AA meeting,' he recalled before explaining that other people ended up breaking up the fight.

Over time, Shepard said he started to understand him as he learned more about Dane while sharing stories in AA meetings.

'God bless both of us. We kept coming back to the same meeting,' he said. 'Over the course of the next two years, I found myself starting to kind of relate to him. I heard his story.'

He continued: 'His father shot himself in his house when he was a little boy. And his mom came upstairs and said, "I'll tell you what happened if you promise that you won't cry."

'So that little boy held onto that. And then that little boy grew up without a dad, like I grew up without a dad, and he was so in search of masculine validation, and it took all these shapes that I hated. That I'm sure he hated in me.'

Shepard recalled the turning point happened when Dane shared his honest thoughts about him during one particular meeting.

'I remember he had his share one time and I said, "I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but that's one of my favorite shares I've ever heard."

In a recent interview, he recalled meeting Dane in the same AA meeting and admitted he 'thought he was a bit of a bully' at first

He recalled how they almost got into a 'fist fight' before other people broke them up. Over time, he said he 'came to fall in love' with Dane as he gushed about his late friend

Shepard shared his admiration for his late friend and opened up about watching Dane battle ALS, calling it the 'bravest thing he'd done'; pictured in Brilliant Minds still

Dane previously revealed that he experienced symptoms of ALS about a year and a half before receiving his diagnosis in April 2025. He died at age 53 in February; pictured in September 2025

'Maybe a week or two later, one of his shares, he said, "I can't believe I'm gonna say this, but I think I've come to fall in love with Dax." And then we became friends.

'I came to fall in love with a very scared man trying and hoping he had become a man, and I related,' he said. 'I ended up loving him so much.'

During the interview, Shepard also opened up about dealing with the loss of his friend and gushed about the Grey's Anatomy star.

In April 2025, Dane was diagnosed with ALS - 'a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord,' according to the Mayo Clinic.

Dane previously revealed that he experienced symptoms of ALS about a year and a half before receiving his diagnosis. He died at age 53 nearly two months ago.

'For a person who was so hellbent on being hyper-masculine and incredibly fit, to have agreed to become the face of this disease, completely diminished, I found to be the bravest thing he'd done in all these pursuits of manliness.'
Kerry Katona looked as loved-up as ever with her boyfriend Paolo Margaglione on Saturday during their holiday to Spain.

The TV personality, 45, who recently revealed her miscarriage heartbreak, cosied up to the personal trainer, 33, as they enjoyed an evening out.

Kerry stunning in a bright yellow, ruched mini dress which she paired with matching strappy heels.

Topping off her summery outfit, she styled her hair into beachy waves and smiled as Paolo sweetly kissed her on the cheek.

The PT opted for a tightly-fitted polo neck top, a pair of smart trousers and trainers for the date night.

Kerry opened up on recent miscarriages during an interview with Paul C Brunson on his Need To Talk podcast, alongside her boyfriend.

Kerry Katona looked as loved-up as ever with her boyfriend Paolo Margaglione on Saturday during their holiday to Spain

The TV personality, 45, who recently revealed her miscarriage heartbreak, cosied up to the personal trainer, 33, as they enjoyed an evening out

She has been dating personal trainer Paolo since they met on the set of Celebs Go Dating, which began filming around April 2025 and it was on the show that she fell pregnant.

The couple went public with their relationship in June 2025 and moved in together two months later.

Paolo said: 'So Kerry was, unknowingly pregnant at the finale of Celebs Go Dating... I found out in the morning. I could smell it on her, like, weird. I said, "You're pregnant.'

Kerry said: 'I kept getting these hormonal spots. And we did a test in the night and it said no and I said I'll do it early morning.

'And so we had an apartment at the hotel. I got up early, Ill go do my meditation so I wont wake him up and I peed on the stick. This is an exclusive, Ive not gone public with this.

'Not told anybody this part from Anna. Don't get jealous. And nothing came up. So I went to do meditation, Im just gonna pop this spot, I went back and went [looks at pregnancy test] no, no, no, no way. I ran and woke him up. Seven years I never fell pregnant.'

Kerry said: 'And then the thought of having an abortion killed me. It felt like it was made from love And unfortunately I miscarried and then we tried.

'And I'd miscarried again, only at four weeks. And I didn't realise how much I wanted it then.'

Kerry opened up on recent miscarriages during an interview with Paul C Brunson on his Need To Talk podcast, alongside her boyfriend

Kerry bravely spoke about a previous miscarriage in 2022 which had happened around 2015.

She wrote in her memoir, Kerry Katona: Whole Again, that she fell pregnant from a 'rebound fling' following the death of her ex-husband George Kay.

Kerry had a brief romance with a mystery man, revealing she fell pregnant within two weeks.

She revealed that tragically she then suffered a miscarriage, but the baby remained in her womb so she underwent an operation to have the foetus removed.

Kerry is mother to Molly, 23, and Lilly-Sue, 22, with Brian McFadden, Heidi, 19, and Max, 17 with Mark Croft, and Dylan-Jorge, 10, with George.

Paolo is dad to two daughters, Milani and Nola, from a previous relationship.

Paul asked her: 'Can we talk about this year too. I know this has been a challenging year because you had a health scare at the top of this year. Are you open to talking about it?'

She said: 'Yeah. They said it's colitis. I've never even heard of it. But it was horrendous, I thought I was in labour. Paolo wasn't in, he was at work, I had to ring an ambulance. It was the night before we were meant to do our OK! Shoot together.

'I was getting my extensions done, it's night time. I'm like, I don't feel right and I have regular bowel movements, have my coffee in the morning, go to the toilet, that's my routine before I start meditating, just so you all know there's nothing else more I can share. That's it.

'And I was literally just on the toilet constantly and at the point that I was screaming when I say I was screaming the house down with pain.

'The ambulance came and gave me morphine and I had to have a CT scan and they said I had something called colitis But I've had no problems since.'
MOSCOW, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian armed forces have violated the Easter ceasefire for 1,971 times from Saturday when the truce was agreed until 8 a.m. local time (0500 GMT) on Sunday, said Russian Defense Ministry. 
Jacqueline Jossa looked radiant in a new picture posted on Saturday following her split from Dan Osborne.

The EastEnders star's separation from former The Only Way Is Essex star Dan, 34, was revealed last month.

It is understood Jacqueline, 33, was unable to move past Dan's past dalliances during their relationship and he could no longer cope with her 'behaviour'.

While she has yet to address their breakup publicly, the actress beamed in a new snap posted to Instagram.

Jacqueline was glowing as she posed by a lake, boasting a big smile on her face.

She wore a mid-calf blue denim dress which she paired with a cream jacket for the day out.

Jacqueline Jossa looked radiant in a new picture posted on Saturday following her split from Dan Osborne

While the mum, who shares daughters Ella, 11, and Mia with Dan, did not reveal where she was, she appeared to be in good spirits.

When news of Jacqueline and Dan's split emerged, sources close to the situation told the Daily Mail that while Dan has admitted to wrongdoing in the past, he is now a different man and had turned over a new leaf following his party-boy ways in his twenties.

They added that Dan's family means the world to him and the father of three is understandably struggling with the strain of the situation.

The couple have gone their separate ways after almost nine years of marriage following a troubled relationship, which was plagued with claims of Dan's infidelity.

A Mail+ article revealed that the ending came months ago, with a quiet admission from Dan that, after years of trying to repair the damage caused by his past, he simply 'couldn't do it anymore'. The full report is available here.

Dan was pictured crying in his car last month, appearing to be overcome with emotion following the end of his relationship.

He was accused of having a fling with Love Island: All Stars winner Gabby Allen, 34, in 2018 after they were pictured cosying up together on a yacht in Marbella.

The former ITVBe star was also accused of sleeping with a mystery woman months after his wedding to Jac, and partaking in a threesome with Celebrity Big Brother model Chloe Ayling, 28, and US reality TV star Natalie Nunn, 41, which he denied.

Six months later, he was seen kissing 2018 Love Islander Alexandra Cane on a London night out.

In 2019, during Jac's appearance on I'm A Celebrity, her fellow campmate Myles Stephenson, 34, who had previously dated Gabby, told the EastEnders star he believed Dan had cheated with the Islander.

A year later, Dan finally confessed to making 'mistakes' and said 'I've done things I shouldn't have done'.

It is understood Jacqueline, 33, was unable to move past Dan's past dalliances during their relationship and he could no longer cope with her 'behaviour'

He even admitted that if Jacqueline had behaved the same way he did, he would have walked out on their relationship, saying: 'If it was the other way around I'd be gone.'

However, over the years, Jacqueline publicly supported her husband and they tried to rebuild their relationship and move forward.

When she reprised her role as Lauren Branning and returned full-time to EastEnders in 2023, the balance of their family life shifted, with Dan increasingly taking on day-to-day responsibilities at home and childcare.

Alongside daughters Ella and Mia, Dan also continued to co-parent his son Teddy, 12, from his previous relationship with Megan Tomlin.
I have been silent for years and made every effort to keep these matters private. Unfortunately, my parents and their team have continued to go to the press, leaving me with no choice but to speak for myself and tell the truth about only some of the lies that have been printed.

I do not want to reconcile with my family. I'm not being controlled, I'm standing up for myself for the first time in my life. For my entire life, my parents have controlled narratives in the press about our family. The performative social media posts, family events and inauthentic relationships have been a fixture of the life I was born into.

Recently, I have seen with my own eyes the lengths that they'll go through to place countless lies in the media, mostly at the expense of innocent people, to preserve their own facade. But I believe the truth always comes out.

My parents have been trying endlessly to ruin my relationship since before my wedding, and it hasn't stopped. My mum cancelled making Nicola's dress in the eleventh hour despite how excited she was to wear her design, forcing her to urgently find a new dress.

Weeks before our big day, my parents repeatedly pressured and attempted to bribe me into signing away the rights to my name, which would have affected me, my wife, and our future children.

They were adamant on me signing before my wedding date because then the terms of the deal would be initiated. My holdout affected the payday, and they have never treated me the same since.

During the wedding planning, my mum went so far as to call me "evil" because Nicola and I chose to include my Nanny Sandra, and Nicola's Naunni at our table, because they both didn't have their husbands. Both of our parents had their own tables equally adjacent to ours.

The night before our wedding, members of my family told me that Nicola was "not blood" and "not family." Since the moment I started standing up for myself with my family, I've received endless attacks from my parents, both privately and publicly, that were sent to the press on their orders.

Even my brothers were sent to attack me on social media, before they ultimately blocked me out of nowhere this last Summer.

My mum hijacked my first dance with my wife, which had been planned weeks in advance to a romantic love song. In front of our 500 wedding guests, Marc Anthony called me to the stage, where in the schedule was planned to be my romantic dance with my wife but instead my mum was waiting to dance with me instead.

She danced very inappropriately on me in front of everyone. I've never felt more uncomfortable or humiliated in my entire life. We wanted to renew our vows so we could create new memories of our wedding day that bring us joy and happiness, not anxiety and embarrassment.

My wife has been consistently disrespected by my family, no matter how hard we've tried to come together as one. My mum has repeatedly invited women from my past into our lives in ways that were clearly intended to make us both uncomfortable.

Despite this, we still travelled to London for my dad's birthday and were rejected for a week as we waited in our hotel room trying to plan quality time with him. He refused all of our attempts, unless it was at his big birthday party with a hundred guests and cameras at every corner.

When he finally agreed to see me, it was under the condition that Nicola wasn't invited. It was a slap in the face. Later, when my family travelled to LA, they refused to see me at all.

My family values public promotion and endorsements above all else. Brand Beckham comes first. Family "love" is decided by how much you post on social media, or how quickly you drop everything to show up and pose for a family photo opp, even if it's at the expense of our professional obligations.

We've gone out of our way for years to show up and support at every fashion show, every party, and every press activity to show 'our perfect family.' But the one time my wife asked for my mum's support to save displaced dogs during the LA fires, my mum refused.

The narrative that my wife controls me is completely backwards. I have been controlled by my parents for most of my life. I grew up with overwhelming anxiety. For the first time in my life, since stepping away from my family, that anxiety has disappeared.

I wake up every morning grateful for the life I chose, and have found peace and relief. My wife and I do not want a life shaped by image, press, or manipulation. All we want peace, privacy and happiness for us and our future family.
Terri Irwin has shared a sweet tribute to her close friend Magda Szubanski in honour of the beloved comedian's 65th birthday, as the actress continues to recover from a rare form of cancer.

The reality TV star, 61, shared a precious throwback photo from the early 2000s to social media on Sunday, which captured Terri and her late husband Steve beaming as they posed with Magda at their Australia Zoo in Queensland.

The celebrity conservationists beamed from ear-to-ear as they proudly posed with the Kath and Kim star and introduced her to one of the zoo's most iconic reptiles - a large python.

Magda looked thrilled as she happily cuddled the reptile while Steve and Terri looked on.

Terri captioned the photo with some heartfelt words: 'Happy birthday to the fearless and fabulous @magda_szubanski.'

The Irwin family have long been friends with the iconic Aussie comedian, after she co-starred with Steve and Terri in the 2002 Australian movie Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course.

Terri Irwin has shared a sweet tribute to her close friend Magda Szubanski in honour of the beloved comedian's 65th birthday. The reality TV star, 61, shared a throwback photo to social media, which captured Terri and her late husband Steve beaming as they posed with Magda

In May last year, Magda announced on social media that she was battling a rare form of cancer known as Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

She appeared on camera with a shaved head after beginning her treatment to fight the disease.

'Hello my lovelies. So, the head is shaved in anticipation of it all falling out in a couple of weeks because I have just been diagnosed with a very rare, very aggressive, very serious lymphoma,' she began.

'It is one of the nasty ones, unfortunately. The good thing is I'm surrounded by beautiful friends, family and an incredible medical support team.

'Honestly, we have the best in the world here in Australia, particularly in Melbourne. I feel very fortunate.

'It's pretty confronting. It is full-on. But new treatments keep coming down the pipeline all the time.'

Magda said she had started a treatment called the Nordic protocol, which treats mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) by shrinking the tumours with a combination of drugs administered in five phases.

Fortunately, Magda responded to the treatment well and in February, she shared a very happy health update amid her battle with stage four cancer.

Magda looked thrilled as she posed with Steve and Terri

The Irwin family have long been friends with the iconic Aussie comedian, after she co-starred with Steve and Terri in the 2002 Australian movie Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course

The Babe star, who was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma in 2025, told followers that she is now in remission after completing chemotherapy.

Posting to her stories, the Kath and Kim star took a dig at trolls who had shared a cruel hoax that claimed Magda had passed away.

'What else do I have to say?' she said as she thanked fans for their support and paid tribute to her medical team.

'Im not dead, but I'll have to check that with social media because they know more about me than I do,' she quipped.

Magda looked lively as she described her news as 'fantastic'.
Ben Affleck enjoyed quality time with his children Samuel and Fin during a weekend outing in Los Angeles.

The 53-year-old actor - who recently reunited with ex-wife Jennifer Garner ahead of Easter - was spotted strolling with his kids after they stopped by a Roller Derby event on Saturday.

It comes just days after it was revealed that the Oscar winner gave his ex Jennifer Lopez 'his share of their $61 million marital mansion' - a little over one year after their divorce was finalized.

Affleck kept it casual in an off-white shirt as well as a gray outer piece and khaki trousers.

He completed his ensemble for the daytime excursion by slipping into a pair of comfy Nike sneakers.

The star was seen making his way down a sidewalk alongside Fin, 17, and Samuel, 14, as they headed to their next destination.

Ben Affleck, 53, enjoyed quality time with his children Samuel and Fin during a weekend outing in Los Angeles on Saturday

Affleck shares the teens as well as daughter Violet, 20, with ex Jennifer Garner - whom he was married to from 2005 until their divorce in 2018.

The former couple have since maintained a positive co-parenting relationship and have also been spotted reuniting on various occasions over the years.

Last week, the Good Will Hunting actor was seen stepping out with Garner as well as their son Samuel for an errand run together.

The trio strolled through the city with Affleck later picking up an iced coffee as he held a conversation with the 13 Going On 30 actress.

A few months earlier in February, the pair also reunited to celebrate their son's 14th birthday which took place at Combat Paintball Park in Castaic, California.

Garner recently opened up about raising their three children in separate households after their divorce.

She explained on Bustle's One Nightstand YouTube series that she tries to find a balance between 'conscientious upbringing' and 'appreciation.'

The star later added, 'Especially when your kids grow up in two separate households, I become mom and dad,' before noting that her ex does the same when their kids are with him.

Join the discussion Should Ben Affleck have signed over his share of the $61m mansion to Jennifer Lopez for free?

The star was seen making his way down a sidewalk alongside Fin, 17, and Samuel, 14, as they headed to their next destination

It comes just days after it was revealed that the Oscar winner gave his ex Jennifer Lopez 'his share of their $61 million marital mansion'; former couple seen in 2024 in Beverly Hills

Garner recently opened up about raising their three children in separate households after their divorce; seen with Affleck in 2013 in West Hollywood

'You kind of can't help it, right? Because you don't have the benefit of both sides of the yin and yang being in the same house.'

Garner further expressed, 'There's a little bit of loss in that, but there's also something gained in that. You also just learn. It's made me let go and not focus so much on bringing up.'

Affleck's latest outing on Saturday comes shortly after court documents suggested that he gave ex Jennifer Lopez his interest in their $61 million Beverly Hills marital mansion.

The exes - who purchased the sprawling estate in May 2023 for $60,850,000 - have been attempting to sell it since July 2024, with multiple price cuts along the way, shortly before Lopez filed for divorce.

According to legal documents obtained by the Daily Mail on Friday, the former couple quietly amended their property settlement, which had been filed in January 2025 when their divorce was finalized.

On April 9, they added a 'stipulation and order' to modify specific terms of their estate.

Although many of the terms remain the same, the updated terms state that Lopez 'shall be solely responsible for all expenses [associated] with any future sale of her interest in the Wallingford Residence, including but not limited to broker's commissions, applicable taxes, closing costs, etc.'

In addition, they note that there will be a 'transfer of property' at some point, but it is unclear when they plan on relisting their former marital home.

Affleck's latest outing on Saturday comes shortly after court documents suggested that he gave ex Jennifer Lopez his interest in their $61 million Beverly Hills marital mansion; seen in January in NYC

Lopez signed the agreement on March 31, while Affleck signed it on April 1, a move that appears to hint that he has relinquished his stake in the property.

Sources told TMZ the actor effectively 'gave up' his share of the compound 'for free,' leaving Lopez in line to take any profits from the sale.

Notably, the sprawling 12-bedroom, 24-bathroom Beverly Crest estate was taken off the market on January 26.

At the time, photographs obtained by the Daily Mail showed four large moving trucks parked in the driveway, though it is unclear what was taking place at the property.

The Daily Mail contacted representatives for Affleck and Lopez for comment.

The property was first listed for a hefty $68 million - around $8 million more than the couple originally paid.

At the time, an insider exclusively told the Daily Mail, 'Ben and JLo slashed the price on their Beverly Hills mansion for $8 million less than they paid for it, but this is nothing to Ben.'

'He really just wants this to be sold so that he can cut the final cord that keeps him and Jennifer intertwined,' the source added.

However, after a failed escrow and more than a year on the market without a buyer, Affleck and Lopez decided to pull the listing in July last year.

Sources told TMZ the actor effectively 'gave up' his share of the compound 'for free,' leaving Lopez in line to take any profits from the sale; seen in 2023 in L.A.

Affleck bought a $20 million bachelor pad in the Pacific Palisades in August 2024, just a short distance from ex-wife Jennifer Garner; seen in January in NYC

It was later listed in September for $52 million, before reportedly being taken off the market again just four months later.

Despite struggling to sell their former marital home, both stars have since moved on with new property purchases following their split.

Affleck bought a $20 million bachelor pad in the Pacific Palisades in August 2024, just a short distance from ex-wife Jennifer Garner.

Lopez, meanwhile, snapped up a $21 million home in Calabasas last year after finalizing the divorce.
Louise Thompson has revealed she believes the historic Artemis II space mission was a 'wild hoax,' despite the entire voyage being livestreamed online.

On Friday, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, finished a ten-day mission that carried them around the moon and farther than any human had ever travelled into space before.

The team safely touched down in the Pacific Ocean after a smooth return to Earth, with many fans praising the awe-inspiring moment.

However, Louise has now taken to Instagram Stories to question whether the mission truly took place.

She also questioned the legitimacy of some of the snaps of the splashdown, no doubt fuelling those who have questioned the 1969 moon landing and whether it was also a hoax.

Louise is currently away on a weekend retreat with her fiance Ryan Libbey and their son Leo, as well as her brother Sam Thompson and his girlfriend Talitha Balinska.

Louise Thompson has revealed she believes the historic Artemis II space mission was a 'wild hoax,' despite the entire voyage being livestreamed online.

She wrote: 'I just had a one hour nap and it was delicious. I happened to see something about the Artemis space mission when I woke up, and I can't help but think that it's all a wild hoax.

'I'm sorry but photos of part of the rocket landing in the Pacific just look a little,' followed by a confused emoji.'

The NASA crew behind the mission received a standing ovation on Saturday as they returned to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Texas, to speak out for the first time after splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.

Wiseman, the Artemis II commander, kicked off his remarks noting that the crew is 'bonded forever.'

'No one down here is ever going to know what the four of us just went through. It was the most special thing that will ever happen in my life,' Wiseman said.

He grew emotional as he explained how it was difficult being hundreds of thousands of miles away from Earth, but that the crew enjoyed the experience with each other.

'Man, this was not easy being 200,000 plus miles away from home. Like before you launch, it feels like it's the greatest dream on Earth. And when you're out there, you just want to get back to your families and your friends,' he said.

'It's a special thing to be a human, and it's a special thing to be on planet Earth.'

Koch added that she and crewmates are 'inescapably, beautifully, dutifully linked' after their mission to fly by the moon.

'This is the furthest I've been from Reid in a long time,' Canadian Jeremy Hansen teased as he spoke at the press conference.

Hansen said the crew embodied love 'and extracting joy out of that' as the four joined together to stand in a row, embracing one another.

On Friday, astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, finished a ten-day mission that carried them around the moon

Louise has now taken to Instagram Stories to question whether the mission truly took place, noting some of the images of the team's splashdown in the Pacific Ocean

'When you look up here, you're not looking at us. We are a mirror reflecting you. And if you like what you see then just look a little deeper This is you,' he said.

After being picked up from the Orion crew module and flown to the USS John P Murtha by helicopter, the history-making space explorers were greeted by cheering onboard crowds.

They returned to Earth late Friday night, landing off the coast of California after ten days in space.

It comes after last week Louise shared an emotional update on her health woes, as she continues to recover from post-traumatic stress disorder.

She is currently in therapy for her PTSD - with her latest victory coming with her returning to Antigua two years after she was forced to cut short a trip to the island to have her colon removed.

She was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in 2018 and in April 2024, was fitted with a stoma after falling ill during the trip to Antigua, where she was losing significant amounts of blood, could not walk or hold her son, and had to book an early flight home.

Now, Louise proudly revealed she has returned to the traumatic spot with son Leo, four, and her partner Ryan, saying: 'This was a beautiful opportunity to re-write those memories in better health'.

Alongside a lengthy caption detailing her emotions, Louise cosied up to her son while also sharing stunning scenery snaps showing the pair by the water.

In the caption, she wrote: 'I don't know where to begin but Antigua is very, very nice. I actually came out here 2 years ago but the trip was cut short because I had to fly back home to have my colon removed after reaching fulminant ulcerative colitis...

'This was a beautiful opportunity to re-write those memories in better health. If you've listened to the pod you'll know I was a little anxious in the run up...

'Travelling with ptsd can be hard. I experience major dissociation on day 2 when my brain panics post travel day (routined) when I suddenly have a lack of routine, but newsflash, I haven't felt bad ONCE in the almost two weeks that we've been here...

'I feel like I've turned a major corner in my recovery and I'm unimaginably happy about it. I hope this lil update provides hope to anyone going through the wringer atm. I have ALL the serotonin coursing through my body. No aids...

'Just movement, sunlight, seafood, happy thoughts, sleep. Lots of it. Oh and little to no screen time. My family are archaic so practically surviving on iPhone 6's and proper maps in the car...

'In case you didn't know 90-95% of serotonin is produced in the gut so it's unsurprising that when I was physically unwell for all that time my mental state was absolutely cooked...

'It also affects digestion and clotting and lots of other important processes. I'm going off on a tangent but I feel like I want to do some research around what happened to me re: ssri's, gut health, digestion, bleeding, the nervous system because they're all interconnected and I still bleed in weird places....

'Yes places I can see. Just not where I should as a woman once a month. It's a minefield. Anyway a few years ago I thought I'd never enjoy travel again but here we are like a totally normal family...

'I won't lie, I have a few safety nets to lean on. I think that's being sensible. I brought an armoury of lotions and potions, probiotics, magnesium balm, soaks, tea bags and things to make me feel like I am at home...

'Including a newfound dream cream for fissures. Who ever thought I'd be saying those words. Is it the air pressure? Last time I was here I basically had a prolapse so it's all up from 2024. I think it all helped.'

Last month, Louise shared an emotional letter to her stoma bag, two years after having the bag fitted while undergoing a life-saving procedure.

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic bowel condition where the colon and rectum become inflamed and small ulcers develop on the colon's lining, which can bleed.

A stoma is a surgically-created opening made on the abdomen, which is made to divert the flow of body waste into a medical device, which the person can then empty.

She named her bad 'Winnie' in a nod to Winnie The Pooh.
All eyes were on Stella Mickunaite on Sunday night, as she debuted head-turning cleavage at Daily Mail's Final Married At First Sight Dinner Party in Sydney.

The reality bride, 32, was all smiles as she arrived at the Ovolo Hotel in Woolloomooloo with her TV husband and real-life fiance Filip Gregov, 37.

Stella exuded confidence as she was reunited with her MAFS cast-mates, with the fan-favourite bride sporting a much fuller chest than she did during her time on the hit Nine series.

She flaunted her ample decolletage in a very low-cut white halter mini dress from Australian label Sheike.

The form-fitting dress featured colourful floral embellishments and clung to Stella's svelte form perfectly.

Finishing mid-thigh, the eye-catching garment showed off Stella's lithe legs and boasted a flirty flared hemline.

All eyes were on Stella Mickunaite on Sunday night, as she debuted head-turning cleavage at Daily Mail's Final Married At First Sight Dinner Party in Sydney

The reality bride, 32, was all smiles as she arrived at the Ovolo Hotel in Woolloomooloo with her TV husband and real-life fiance Filip Gregov, 37

She finished the look with a pair of strappy platform heels, and accessorised with a subtle gold necklace.

Stella also wore a light rose shade on her lip, a smoky eye and impeccably manicured brows.

Meanwhile, Stella and Filip's love was palpable the moment they arrived at the soiree.

As the couple sat down for dinner and a few games with their cast-mates, the couple were not afraid to pack on the PDA.

Stella sat in Filip's lap as he wrapped his arms lovingly around his fiancee's waist.

Stella certainly has plenty of reasons to smile, after Filip got down on one knee during Final Vows.

'Stella, I love you more than I ever thought possible, and have never felt more certain of anything,' Filip said to his bride before the big moment.

'I know what my heart wants.'

Stella exuded confidence as she was reunited with her MAFS cast-mates, with the fan-favourite bride sporting a much fuller chest than she did during her time on the hit Nine series

She flaunted her ample decolletage in a very low-cut white halter mini dress from Australian label Sheike. The form-fitting dress featured colourful floral embellishments and clung to Stella's svelte form perfectly

Filip's sweet words would be enough to have even the most cynical person swooning, however, he then went above and beyond by getting down on one knee.

He could barely get the words 'will you marry me' out before Stella embraced him and kissed him romantically.

As they became lost in the moment, Filip then broke off the kiss to get an answer from Stella.

'Wait a minute, hang on. Will you marry me?' he asked again to which Stella replied with an enthusiastic 'yes'.

Stella, still processing what just happened added: 'I can't believe this. I feel like I'm having an out of body experience.'

Speaking to Daily Mail this week, the loved-up couple revealed plans for an intimate overseas wedding  and exactly which of their co-stars will be scoring an invite.

'All the guys are welcome  honestly, pretty much all the men can come down,' Filip said.

But when it comes to the brides, Stella admitted the guest list is far more selective.

Meanwhile, Stella and Filip's love was palpable the moment they arrived at the soiree

As the couple sat down for dinner and a few games with their cast-mates, the couple were not afraid to pack on the PDA. Stella sat in Filip's lap as he wrapped his arms lovingly around his fiancee's waist

Stella certainly has plenty of reasons to smile, after Filip got down on one knee during Final Vows

'I think the girls would be Rachel [Gilmore], Alissa [Fay] and Bec [Zacharia] that's who I kept closest to post the experiment,' she said.

'I don't think there'll be many more on the women's side.'

The couple confirmed they are planning to tie the knot in Europe, with both their families based overseas.

'We always spoke about doing a European wedding,' Filip explained.

'Now that we've done an Australian one, it just makes sense  all of our family is either in Croatia or Lithuania.'

'It'll be something low-key definitely not on national TV, but who knows.'
Sir Mo Farah's 'adoptive' brother has told of his heartbreak watching his sibling tell of his child 'trafficking' drama when he was shipped over to the UK.

Ahmed Farah's mother Nimco Ateye brought Sir Mo to England in 1993 when he was 10 years old, using the name Mohammed Farah which was stolen from another child.

Ahmed has now said how upsetting he found Sir Mo's retelling of the story, where his campmates including Scarlett Moffatt were reduced to tears.

Sir Mo recalled how his father died in Somalia's civil war and his mother was unable to cope with eight children following his passing.

The Olympic runner revealed he thought he was going to live with a family in Holland but was instead sent to the UK with a fake name.

He told his campmates this week: 'I was child-trafficked to the UK. The lady, honestly . . . it was to do chores and look after her kids.'

Ahmed has now told the Sun that while he was too young to understand the situation at the time, he believes his mother acted with good intention to help Mo.

He said of Mo: 'I was never told he was our servant or anything. I'm sure he had chores to do around the house, but we all did.'

Sir Mo Farah reduced his I'm A Celebrity campmates to tears as he revealed he was trafficked to the UK as child - and now his 'adoptive' brother Ahmed has reacted

Ahmed Farah's (pictured) mother Nimco Ateye brought Sir Mo to England in 1993 when he was 10 years old, using the name Mohammed Farah which was stolen from another child

Revealing it was hard to watch Mo talk about their childhood, he said: 'I was dumbfounded. I can see why the other celebrities were in tears because what he described was horrendous.

'I've always seen Mo as my big brother and to hear him talk about it was really upsetting. My mum is the one that brought him to the UK, but I can assure you that she acted with the best of intentions.'

He insisted that his mother just wanted to 'help' Mo and give him a better life.

Ahmed travelled to London from Africa aged just three years old with Mo, who he believed at the time was the son of his father.

They arrived to live with Nimco and Ahmed's older brother Wahib. The family had won reunification visas in the Nineties after Muktar was granted asylum in the UK.

When the real Mo Farah was unable to make the flight for unknown reveals, his documents were passed to Mo, who was known as Hussein at the time.

Ahmed said he 'looked up' to Mo and still considered him a brother when he found out they were not related by blood when he was around 11 years old

The Somalia-born Olympian previously revealed how he was forced to work as a domestic servant. His father was killed in civil violence when he was just four.

He was born Hussein Abdi Kahin, but he was smuggled into the UK as an illegal immigrant under a false passport bearing his new identity 'Mo Farah'  a name that had been stolen from another child.

During Thursday's instalment of I'm A Celebrity All Stars, Mo discussed his traumatic childhood with his campmates, who were unaware.

Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts initiated the conversation, asking Sir Mo why he came to the UK.

The four-time Olympic gold medalist replied: 'It's a long story, but yeah I was living in Somalia when I was young and then the civil war kicked in and I lost my dad.

Mo's campmates were dumbfounded at his story, particularly Scarlett Moffatt as he said how he was made to do chores and look after children

'So when that happened, my mum just... she couldn't deal with us, there was like eight of us.

'I had a relative of mine living in Holland, at that moment I was just like "yeah I'm going to go see my relative" but it wasn't the case.

'My relative wrote details like "go with this lady" and then on the other side you get to meet your family. No, it was a whole different thing.'

He continued: 'Basically I was child trafficked to the UK.

'Lady comes in and she is like that "this is your name" and I was like "what".'

Sir Mo's campmates were dumbfounded at his story, particularly Scarlett Moffatt as he said how the lady made him do chores and look after her children.

Breaking down in tears, she said: 'Oh my god, that's awful Mo. That's horrific.'

She added: 'God you're amazing'.

Sir Mo is married to wife Tania and the couple have three children; daughters Rhianna, twins Aisha and Amani, and son Hussein.

Last November, the Mail on Sunday revealed that Sir Mo wrote a letter supporting the 'real' Mohamed Farah's attempt to at last be reunited with his family after the mix-up left him abandoned in Africa over 30 years ago.

Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts initiated the conversation, asking Sir Mo why he came to the UK

Sir Mo shared his story in BBC documentary, The Real Mo Farah, when he recounted how he was smuggled  'trafficked' is the word he actually uses  into Britain on visa documents bearing his own photograph but Mohamed's name.

After arriving, he said, he spent years in domestic servitude being treated as little more than a skivvy by the woman who brought him here.

Sir Mo, who, for entirely understandable reasons, had built a totally false narrative to hide his background.

Since sharing his story, he has been widely praised for bravely admitting the painful truth about his journey to the UK and his miserable childhood.

It was reported in 2019 that Ahmed was deported to Somalia and was living a life of poverty on the streets after serving four-years in jail for false imprisonment.

Ahmed was sent to his birthplace by British authorities after he was freed from jail for a knife raid in Southall, west London in 2010.

He served four-and-a-half years and was on the Home Office's radar for two years before being deported.

Speaking to the Sunday Mirror he said: 'I made a huge mistake, but why should I be double punished for something I've done?

'It's like they're saying 'Do the prison time but also do extra detention and be deported'.'

Ahmed said at the time he had not spoken to Mo for 10 years and doesn't hold a grudge but wondered whether his brother's celebrity status counted against him.

He added that he was proud of Mo and everything he has achieved and that he had nothing to do with his deportation.

Speaking about the crime he committed he said if he had known what the outcome would have been he would have acted differently on the night of the incident.

In 2011 Ahmed was jailed for false imprisonment over his involvement in a knife raid the previous year.

He was released on licence in 2014 but was not a British citizen and had his documents confiscated.

Ahmed claimed the authorities took all his papers  his NI number and everything that would have let him work.

Then in August 2016 officials detained him and triggered the deportation process, sending him back to where him and Mo were born - which is the fourth poorest country in the world.

Ahmed sayid he struggled to adapt when he had to live in Africa, after spending most of his life in London.
Freddy Brazier has 'jetted off to Gran Canaria', leaving his girlfriend Holly Swinburn at home with their newborn daughter following a dispute over his grandmother.

The son of late Big Brother star Jade Goody and TV presenter Jeff Brazier welcomed baby Isla Jade last month after rekindling his relationship with Holly, 22, ahead of the birth.

However, tensions are said to have escalated between the couple after Holly 'refused' to allow Freddys grandmother, Jackiey Budden, an opportunity to meet their daughter.

It was also claimed that Freddy, 21, had left the family home following the disagreement after he was pictured arriving at Jackiey's flat with a bag.

It's understood that the couple had separated for a second time just weeks after welcoming their baby daughter.

According to The Sun, Freddy has since travelled to the Canary Islands, while Holly remains in the UK with their child.

Freddy Brazier has reportedly jetted off to Gran Canaria, leaving his girlfriend Holly Swinburn at home with their newborn daughter

The son of late Big Brother star Jade Goody and TV presenter Jeff Brazier , 21, welcomed baby Isla Jade last month after rekindling his relationship with Holly, 22, ahead of the birth

A source told the publication: 'It's a bitter blow for Holly after their row and shows he's doubled down.

'They have unfollowed each other on Instagram and Holly is especially furious he has left her and their baby so soon after the birth.

'It's not how she imagined her first weeks of motherhood would be.'

The Daily Mail has contacted Freddy's representative for comment.

Holly is said to have concerns about Jackiey's lifestyle, reportedly believing she has been a negative influence on Freddy.

A source told the Sun: 'He has packed his bags and disappeared without telling Holly where he is.

'Holly loves Isla Jade and is taking motherhood really seriously, but Freddy is not the same  despite all the 'happy family' pictures they posted together on social media.'

The Daily Mail has contacted Freddy's representatives for comment, but they have refused to comment.

Freddy previously claimed that he had come to the realisation his grandmother had been lying to him in an explosive TikTok video.

However, tensions are said to have escalated between the couple after Holly allegedly refused to allow Freddys grandmother, Jackiey Budden (pictured) , to meet their daughter.

It has now been claimed that Freddy has left the family home following the disagreement

Reports have also emerged that they allegedly had already split just weeks after Islas arrival

Freddy seen visiting his grandmother's flat with his belongings

Freddy previously claimed that he had come to the realisation his grandmother had been lying to him in an explosive TikTok video

Big Brother star Jade, who is also mum to Bobby, died from cervical cancer on Mother's Day in 2009 (Jade pictured with her sons in July 2006)

However, in December appeared to have patched things up with her just in time for Christmas.

Freddy revealed the pair attended Albins memorial service in remembrance of his mother, Jade - who is also the late daughter of Jackiey.

Taking to Instagram, Freddy shared a photo of the large crowds attending the service, and some snaps as she strolled through South East London with his beloved dog.

His grandmother didnt feature in the images, but the model penned: Went to see my Mum with my Nana. We also took Pablo on a long walk around Bermondsey and down the river.'

In November, Freddy told his followers that he tried to end it all by crashing his car before his 18th birthday during a manic episode.

During the tell-all TikTok video he also shared a photo of his grandmother Jackiey and penned: 'Prioritised my relationship with my mum's mum not knowing she has been lying to me for years!'

Its no secret that the duo have had a tumultuous relationship in recent times.

Last year, Freddys father, Jeff tried to instil a court order to prevent Jackiey, from having contact with his son, as he feared she was a negative influence on him.

Since her death, Jeff, has looked after Freddy and his older brother Bobby.

Jackiey, 68, helped raise Bobby and Freddy following Jade's death but she and Jeff have clashed multiple times over the years.

Earlier this year, Jeff considered taking action in an attempt to legally block contact between his son and his grandmother, 'to keep him safe'.

However, the pair appear to have mended their relationship and Jeff publicly wished his son a Happy Birthday in September, stating he would always be there for him.

In a preview for the his own Load Of Old Cobblers podcast, Freddy admitted: 'I've been smoking since I was 12, l've been to rehab, l've been sectioned, l've had manic episodes, l've been sectioned.

'There's been a real journey and it's been a tough one.
This photo taken in November 2025 shows migratory birds at the Qilihai Wetland in north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Xinhua)

TIANJIN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- As spring returns, large numbers of migratory birds are stopping over at the Qilihai Wetland in north China's Tianjin Municipality on their northward journey, a testament to years of dedicated restoration work.

Flocks of rare species, including oriental storks and Baikal teals, have been recorded at the site, a crucial stopover on the East Asian-Australasian flyway, one of the world's major migratory bird routes.

"I often spot geese and swans flying overhead, along with some birds whose names I don't know," said Yu Yanting, 34, a resident of Jiefang Village located just over 700 meters from the wetland's core area in Ninghe District.

Wetlands, which cover about 6 percent of the Earth's land surface, play a critical role in supplying water resources, maintaining biodiversity and mitigating climate change.

However, wetlands have been shrinking globally, with 22 percent having disappeared since 1970, according to the Global Wetland Outlook 2025.

The Qilihai Wetland also suffered damage in the past. Reed cutting and aquaculture by surrounding villages led to water pollution and ecological degradation.

"Back then, villagers lacked ecological awareness. Fishing boats crisscrossed the wetland and fish feed was dumped directly into the water, which harmed the water environment," said Yu Wendong, Party chief of Jiefang Village.

Local authorities launched a large-scale wetland restoration campaign in 2017, demolishing illegal buildings, reducing human activities and reconnecting water systems.

The campaign came at a cost. Yu Yanting's family, who made a living harvesting water fleas in the wetland, lost their primary income when fishing boats were banned from entering the wetland, leaving them deeply uncertain about the future.

"At first, we couldn't understand why the government cut off our livelihoods," she said. "But village officials explained that protecting the environment would bring us better lives in the long run."

Notable progress has been made. By 2025, grassland, forest and water areas accounted for 46.63 percent of its wetland reserve, while water and air quality improved significantly, with high levels of negative oxygen ions.

"We now live at a natural oxygen bar. The air is extremely fresh here," said a villager named Wei Yilai.

The improved environment has helped to attract more wildlife. By the end of 2025, the number of bird species in the wetland had increased to 308, and that of wild plant species had risen to 183. Each migration season, between 500,000 and 600,000 birds make a stopover at the reserve.

The restoration has also helped to boost local livelihoods with booming tourism and sales of local agricultural products.

In 2022, Jiefang and its neighboring villages leveraged historical, cultural and ecological resources to create a 3.8-km study tour route.

Jiefang Village alone receives more than 20,000 visitors a year on average, generating about 2 million yuan (about 290,000 U.S. dollars) in tourism revenue and creating more than 6,000 local jobs, according to the village Party chief.

Yu Yanting is among those who have benefited. Once a stay-at-home mother facing financial pressure, she successfully secured a job as a guide for the tourism project.

"The job not only provides me with a steady income but also helps me find my own value," she said.

The benefits extend far beyond Jiefang Village. Thanks to cleaner water and richer soil in the wake of ecological restoration, local agricultural products like sweet potatoes, rice and crabs reported bumper sales, said Tian Xiujing, director of the Tianjin Qilihai Wetland nature reserve management committee.

Qilihai Wetland offers just a glimpse of wetland conservation efforts in China. According to China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the country has consistently strengthened the ecological conservation and restoration of its wetlands in recent years, with the country's total wetland area now ranking first in Asia and fourth globally.

The country is home to 22 accredited international wetland cities, the highest number globally. Additionally, 903 national wetland parks have been established, with approximately 90 percent offering free admission to the public, attracting around 320 million visitors annually.

More protection efforts are still underway. In March 2026, China's national legislature passed the country's first Ecological and Environmental Code. As China's second formal statutory code following the adoption of the Civil Code in 2020, the legislation aims to protect the ecological environment and promote green development through the strictest systems and the most rigorous rule of law.

During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), China will further improve its legal and regulatory framework regarding wetlands, strengthen monitoring and early warning systems for wetland protection, and accelerate the establishment of mechanisms to realize the value of wetland ecological products.

"Now we enjoy cleaner air, sweeter water and fuller wallets, all gifts from the Qilihai Wetland. A good ecological environment is a true blessing for us," said Yu Yanting. 

This photo taken in November 2025 shows migratory birds at the Qilihai Wetland in north China's Tianjin Municipality. (Xinhua)
TRIPOLI, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The headquarters of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) was officially reopened Saturday in Tripoli, the capital of Libya, years after its relocation outside the North African country.

Eleven foreign ministers from CEN-SAD member states attended the event. In his address, Libyan Prime Minister Abdul-Hamid Dbeibah said the return of the CEN-SAD secretariat to Tripoli marks a strategic step toward strengthening regional economic integration, which will help address shared challenges, consolidate stability, and promote collective security across the African continent.

CEN-SAD, an African regional economic community and trade bloc, was established in Tripoli in 1998 with six founding members and has since expanded to 25 member states.

Its secretariat and activities were gradually relocated to N'Djamena, Chad, after a NATO-backed uprising in Libya put an end to the rule of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. 
BEIRUT, April 12 (Xinhua) -- At least 24 people were killed and dozens wounded in Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon overnight on Saturday, according to local authorities.

In the village of Teffahta in the Sidon district, the death toll from Israeli strikes rose to 13, Lebanon's National News Agency reported. In the al-Khashna area of the town of Qana, five people were killed and several others wounded after airstrikes hit residential homes and infrastructure, with civil defense teams transporting the injured to hospitals in the coastal city of Tyre.

In the town of Maaroub, an airstrike on a house left six people dead and hit a family of more than seven, causing multiple casualties.

Israeli warplanes also launched dawn airstrikes Sunday on multiple sites, including the towns of Aaitat, Samaya, Mahrouna, Maarakeh, and Khiam's Jallahiya neighborhood, where three people were wounded and taken to Tyre's Hiram Hospital, local officials said.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it launched a series of retaliatory attacks targeting Israeli military positions. In separate statements, the group said it fired rocket salvos at gatherings of Israeli soldiers and military vehicles in several areas, including in and around the town of Bint Jbeil, the municipality of Rshaf, and Khiam, as well as the Fatima Gate border crossing.

Hezbollah also said it launched attack drones at the Kiryat Shmona barracks, targeted a Merkava tank in the Awaida hill area in the village of Adaisseh with a direct hit, and fired rockets at Israeli troop positions in the Tahrir Triangle area.

The escalation comes amid continued cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces. 
A stop-protest on Saturday evening between Manorcunningham and Letterkenny attracted hundreds in support of the governments failure to combat escalating fuel prices.

The protesters gathered in Manorcunningham before going onto the dual carriageway towards Dry Arch in Letterkenny with organisers having insisted beforehand they did not intend to block roads and the protest is a peaceful one.

In spite of the protest, the media and RTE turned round and tried to make them out as if they're criminals, Deputy Charles Ward of the 100% Redress Party said. They are not criminals. We are not criminals.

We are people who are fighting to survive. This has gone on far too long. A few weeks ago, when they had the opportunity to do the right thing, they never did it. They let us all down.

The majority of people in Donegal are struggling. And they're struggling right now to fuel their tanks. The fact of the matter is, [Taoiseach] Micheal Martin's caused nothing but pain and insult to the people up and down this country. We've had enough. It's time that people stood up and said enough is enough.

Wards party colleague Joy Beard posted afterwards on Saturday: Tonights protest was very well organised and a lane of traffic was left free on both sides of the carriageway - the whole time, so traffic continued to move. An ambulance went straight through without any problems whatsoever, as this was the way it was planned.

Padraig Mac Lochlainn posted: "Our Sinn Fein elected representatives in Donegal are proud to stand with our hard-working people who have been forced to protest against the government. Get off your high horses, listen to our struggling people and get the cost of fuel down.

Sinn Fein county councillor Brian Carr added: Big thanks to the organisers for a very well organised and marshalled event and to everyone who came out today. Donegal joined in, united in strong support for the protests across Ireland against this government. True people power.

#

A go-slow protest took place on the 20km stretch from Bridgend to Manorcunningham on Thursday in solidarity with fuel protesters in Dublin and was organised by Joey Lyle from Lyle Agri in Moville and assisted by Mark Hegarty, a Burt native residing in Bridgend.

Hegarty, beforehand, said the protest to show solidarity with others taking place around the country to send a message to Dublin to say Donegal is not gone off their map - it might be gone off the government's map but it's not gone for us."

He added: "We want to send the message that we're here and we're loud and clear and we're behind this protest. Everyone in Donegal is affected by this. The government's going to try to divide everybody down the centre. They're going to try these dirty tactics now to divide everybody down the centre.

Since then, there have been similar protests in the Twin Towns and this morning between Ballyshannon and Donegal Town, with one planned for south-west Donegal, in the Glenties and Ardara area, today, and it is understood another will take place in Letterkenny.

The ongoing fuel protests in Ireland are a response to rapidly rising fuel prices and broader cost-of-living pressures. The demonstrations around the county and specifically in the wider Dublin area, have been led by a grassroots movement of hauliers, farmers, and transport-dependent workers.

Prices have spiked significantly due to global energy shocks, specifically linked to the 2026 US-Israeli war with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Diesel has reached approximately 2.17 per litre, while petrol is around 1.931.95 per litre.

Protesters frequently cite that Irish taxes - including excise, VAT, and carbon tax - account for roughly 52% to 59% of the pump price and claim the Irish government is not doing enough to protect the people from the high costs. Hauliers and farmers say current prices make their businesses unsustainable, leading to potential financial ruin for many in the transport and agricultural sectors.

The Irish Defence Forces being called in to support An Garda Siochana contributed to locally-arranged protests.

A blockade of Dublins main thoroughfare has been cleared in an operation in the early hours os Sunday morning, ahead of an emergency Cabinet meeting to sign off on measures the Irish Government hopes will bring all protests over fuel costs to an end.
A large fire which ripped through a meat production facility has been devastating for the family that owns the business.

William Corrie said he was alerted to the fire at Corries Meats on Crossnamuckley Road at around 7.15pm when his brother drove past and saw smoke coming from inside the building.

Dozens of firefighters were called to the site to control the rapidly spreading blaze.

Mr Corrie told the Press Association on Sunday: Within the hour, the place was engulfed in flames.

The unit contains a butchers shop, and production facilities including fridges, as well as office space.

He added: This was the core part of our infrastructure here, supply, our retail unit.

The damage was not limited to Corrie Meats as a section of the building was also used by Former Ulster Rugby player Louis Ludiks company Hellbent, which makes meat products like sausages and burgers with South African flavourings.

He said: Thats destroyed as well, which is devastating for them.

Mr Corrie, who is part of the third-generation of the family business, explained it was set up by his grandfather in the 1970s.

He explained that livestock in a neighbouring shed were moved away from the fire straight away.

Mr Corrie said: Nobody hurt, everybody was okay. Its just devastating for us as a family and our staff.

He thanked his neighbours, friends and local contractors for unbelievable support which saw people roll in with slurry tankers and a 20,000 gallon lorry, while his father Will said the fire service did a great job.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) announced on Sunday morning that the blaze had been brought under control.

Fifty-four firefighters attended with eight fire appliances, an aerial appliance, a water tanker and a command support unit.

A statement said: The large fire in a number of sheds on the Crossnamuckley Road, Newtownards has now been brought under control.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. NIFRS resources have now left the scene.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson wrote on social media site X: Thoughts and prayers this evening with everyone at Corries farm.

Devastating news, and with wind conditions working against efforts to contain it, the situation is incredibly difficult.

Hoping for the safety of all involved and that the situation can be brought under control safely and swiftly.
SYDNEY, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Police in the Australian state of Queensland have charged a 12-year-old boy following reports of a firearm being discharged on Saturday night.

Police said in a statement on Sunday that officers were called to Nicholson Street in Dalby, a rural town about 180 km northwest of central Brisbane, at 6:42 p.m. local time on Saturday after several people reported hearing what were believed to be gunshots.

Police found two firearms and quantities of cannabis during a search of a property on the street, and the 12-year-old boy was later charged with one count each of possessing shortened firearms, unlawful possession of weapons, and possessing dangerous drugs.

No one was physically injured in the incident, and investigations are ongoing, police said. 
For years, comparing a base iPhone with a Samsung Galaxy S vanilla variant never felt entirely fair. Apples non-Pro models always came with compromises like lower refresh rate, fewer features, and missing the few essential bits, so that youll naturally drift away towards the the Pro. However, that changed with the iPhone 17. This is the first time Apples base model feels complete. You now get a 120Hz display, improved battery life, stronger performance, and even improved Apple Intelligence. Samsung, on the other hand, has stayed consistent with the Galaxy S26. It doesnt rely on big changes. Instead, they refined what already works like a compact design, strong hardware, versatile cameras, and a feature-rich experience that continues to evolve.

Survey

 Thank you for completing the survey!

Now, after using both devices thoroughly, the Galaxy S26 from the day it came out, and the iPhone 17 for a little longer than that, heres my take on which of these two deserves your hard-earned cash.

Design and build quality

Both phones are compact flagships, but they feel very different the moment you pick them up.

The iPhone 17 continues with Apples familiar design language. Rounded edges, a matte glass back, and a shape that prioritises comfort over sharpness. It sits naturally in the hand, and over long periods of use, that comfort becomes one of its biggest strengths. The weight distribution is well-balanced. So, even when you are using it with one hand for typing, scrolling or watching content, the phone doesnt feel tiring to hold.

Build quality is also exactly what you would expect from an iPhone. Theres Ceramic Shield 2 protection on the front, Ceramic Shield on the back, aluminium frame, and an IP68 rating.

As for the Galaxy S26, this one takes a different direction. It is slimmer and lighter than the iPhone 17, at 7.2mm and 167 grams, respectively. Its got these flat edges that give it a sharper, more modern look. Despite the same screen size, the S26 felt slightly more compact in use.

Samsung also offers a solid build with Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on both sides, an aluminium frame, and IP68 certification. However, the matte finish on my Cobalt Violet colourway tends to pick up fingerprints more easily.

With that said, both phones share one practical issue: the camera modules protrude enough to cause a noticeable wobble when placed on a flat surface. Admittedly, the S26 wobbles more.

If youd ask me, I think in terms of overall handling, the iPhone 17 feels more comfortable and balanced. Thats just me. However, the Galaxy S26 does feel sleeker and more modern in comparison.

Display experience

The display is where Apple finally closes a long-standing gap. The iPhone 17 now features a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED panel. This is a ProMotion display, meaning theres finally support for a 120Hz refresh rate on a standard iPhone. This feature alone changes how the phone feels in daily use. Folks who have used old-generation standard iPhones like the 14,15 or even the 16, will instantly appreciate the boost in speed and smoothness. Thanks to the 120Hz refresh rate.

Samsung, on the other hand, also gets you a 6.3-inch LTPO panel on the Galaxy S26. They call it a Dynamic AMOLED 2x display, and it also has a variable 1-120Hz refresh rate.

In the real-world, side by side, both displays are excellent. If I have to break it down, the iPhone 17 leans towards a more natural colour reproduction, while Samsung opts for slightly more vibrant and punchy colours.

However, brightness is where Samsung gets ahead. In our brightness test, the iPhone 17 reaches around 2,160 nits in outdoor conditions, which is more than sufficient. The Galaxy S26 takes this even higher to around 2,650 nits, and that difference becomes quite noticeable under direct sunlight.

Basically, if you choose the iPhone 17, you get a bright and reliable display. However, if you pick the Galaxy S26, the display experience is even brighter and more vibrant. And, you can also tweak the display profile on the S26, something the iPhone doesnt let users do. Pick your poison.

Performance and daily usage

On paper, theres no doubt that these are two of the best entry-level flagship phones you can buy right now. However, there are still some differences between them when it comes to actual usage. Let me break it down.

The iPhone 17 runs on Apples A19 chip, while the Galaxy S26 is powered by the Exynos 2600 built on a 2nm process. And yes, if you just look at raw numbers, Samsung clearly pulls ahead.

In my testing, the Galaxy S26 scored around 3.1 million on Antutu, while the iPhone 17 was closer to 2.1 million. Thats a huge difference.

In Geekbench 6, the difference becomes even more interesting. The Galaxy S26 scored around 3,137 in single-core and over 10,000 in multi-core, while the iPhone 17 actually beats it in single-core with 3,770, and comes close in multi-core at 9,657. This tells, for the general stuff, the iPhone 17 is slightly better. But for multi-core heavy tasks, the Galaxy S26 is tuned to handle them better.

GPU performance also leans towards Samsung. In the 3DMark Wild Life Extreme test, the Galaxy S26 scored 7,201, while the iPhone 17 managed 4,757.

But heres where things change. While running benchmarks on a phone is fine, and they do give you an idea of what kind of performance to expect from the hardware, what matters most is real-world use. And to me, in actual day-to-day usage, the iPhone 17 feels more consistent. Remember the Geekbench 6 score in single-core? App launches, animations, app-switching, stuff that creates the basic premise of how you use your phone, feel faster on the iPhone. Naturally, once you open that big video editing app and export a 4K video, the S26 will give you the output at a faster rate. You need to figure out your priorities in a phone. For a power user, the S26 may be a better option because of how the hardware is tuned. But, for the general user, the iPhone 17 will do everything almost as well as the S26.

That said, when it comes to gaming, despite the GPU hardware being better on the S26, I found the iPhone 17s performance to be more consistent here. Sure, the S26 has the raw hardware, but in the long haul, the phone tends to get warm while gaming. The good thing is that both phones support up to 120fps gameplay on BGMI and COD: Mobile. However, if you are a fan of Genshin Impact, sadly, the S26, just like other Android phones, only supports up to 60fps gameplay. Meaning, if you want that 120fps Genshin Impact experience, you have to go the iOS way.

Camera performance

Just like its predecessors, the iPhone 17 still uses a dual-rear camera setup. However, both the primary and ultra-wide sensors are now 48MP. By default, you also get the option to click 12MP, 24MP or 48MP shots.

The Galaxy S26, on the other hand, offers a more versatile triple-camera setup, including a 50MP main sensor, a 12MP ultra-wide, and a 10MP 3x telephoto lens.

Lets talk about the photos now, shall we?

In good light, the iPhone 17 produces sharper images with better detail retention, especially in textures. However, it leans slightly towards warmer tones. Samsungs images are more vibrant and tuned for social media, though sometimes this comes at the cost of fine detail, particularly in elements like hair texture and details.

(Above are the photos taken with the iPhone 17, and below are the ones taken with the Galaxy S26. You can see a detailed comparison in our full comparison video)

That said, low-light photography is an area where Samsung takes it away from the iPhone. The Galaxy S26 captures more detail and handles darker scenes more effectively. Also, I like the fact that it didnt try to artificially make the sky bluer.

Additionally, the biggest advantage for the Galaxy S26 is in zoom and portraits. The dedicated 3x telephoto lens allows for better framing, more natural background blur, and greater flexibility. As a result, portraits look better and background blur is more natural.

However, when it comes to the ultra-wide camera, this is a major improvement on the iPhone 17 this year. In comparison, I found the ultra-wide images taken on the iPhone to be sharper. Edge distortion was also pretty minimal, and the overall quality is great. Samsungs ultra-wide camera is also good, but again, the iPhone does it slightly better.

For selfies, the iPhone 17 produces more natural-looking results with accurate skin tones. However, the Galaxy S26 is better at handling HDR. Where I would give the iPhone 17s selfie camera an edge is in the fact that it is CentreStage this time. This means, it gives you the versatility to fit more into the frame. That said, overall quality wise, despite the iPhone producing more natural results, the selfies taken on the S26 look more appealing.

Finally, video recording is one area where Apple still remains the undisputed champion. Stabilisation, colour accuracy, and overall consistency are still better on the iPhone, even though Samsung offers higher resolution options like 8K recording, while the other lenses support 4K at 60fps.

Software and AI

The iPhone 17 runs iOS 26 with Apple Intelligence, and the first thing you notice is how polished everything feels. The new Liquid Glass design looks clean, animations are smooth, and the overall experience is very controlled. Apple Intelligence brings features like Live Translation, Visual Intelligence, and Image Playground. They work well, especially if youre already inside Apples ecosystem, but right now they feel more like helpful additions rather than something you rely on every day.

However, on the Samsung side of things, the Galaxy S26 runs One UI 8.5 based on Android 16. This one also gets you its own suite of AI features, aka Galaxy AI. In fact, its not even about Apple right now. If theres a phone company thats actually giving you practical AI features, its Samsung.

Features like Now Brief give you a summary of your day, weather, schedule, and reminders, all in one place, without you having to open multiple apps. Then theres Now Nudge. It actively looks at what youre doing and suggests actions in real time. For example, if youre checking a location, it might suggest navigation. If youre browsing something, it might surface related tools or shortcuts. But this is just the start.

Google also improved its Circle to Search for the Galaxy S series, where you can now identify multiple objects in one go instead of repeating the process. Speaking of Circle to Search, it reminds me of AI Select, which is Samsungs own take on the feature, but this ones on steroids. Once you select something on the screen, you can interact with it in so many different ways that Circle to Search just cant.

Even in image editing, Samsungs AI tools are so much more practical than the competition. Object removal, adjustments, and quick edits are faster and more flexible compared to Apples current implementation.

Finally, in terms of software updates, Samsung promises 7 years of support. As for the iPhone 17, while Apple doesnt give a number, historically, iPhones have always received updates for around 7 years, and the iPhone 17 should be no different. Either way, you are covered.

Battery and charging

Battery performance is where expectations are usually high with flagship phones. But, since these are compact flagships, especially with 120Hz displays and AI features, your mileage will vary depending on what kind of user you are.

The iPhone 17 features a 3,692mAh battery, which may sound underwhelming at first, but in actual usage, it performs surprisingly well. The main reason for this is the fact that iOS is not as resource-hungry as Android.

In my testing, the iPhone 17 delivered around 22 hours of video playback, which is excellent. In daily use, with a mix of social media, camera, and streaming, I was getting around 6 to 7 hours of screen-on time, especially when charging up to 80 per cent.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S26 comes with a larger 4,300mAh battery, and that shows in consistency. If you use your phone moderately, it will comfortably last a full day, and by the time you are in bed, you will still have around 10 per cent battery left.

For those who care about numbers, in the PCMark battery test, the Galaxy S26 got 16 hours and 30 minutes of screen-on time, which is solid, given its size.

As for the charging, both phones support 25W wired charging, and in my testing, both took roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to go from 0 to 100 per cent. Wireless charging is also available on both, but the iPhone 17 gets faster speeds at 25W with proper MagSafe compatibility. While the Galaxy S26 only get 15W wireless charging speed with no MagSafe support.

Galaxy S26 vs iPhone 17: Which one should you pick?

The choice between an iPhone and a Galaxy has never been easy. But, at least, for the first time in years, this comparison feels genuinely balanced. I would say the standard iPhone is no longer just a safe option. In fact, if you get the iPhone 17, this one is a complete flagship with strong optimisation, reliable cameras, consistent performance, and finally, a 120Hz display.

The Galaxy S26, however, still offers more in terms of features. It has a brighter 120Hz display, more versatile cameras, higher peak performance, and more capable AI features.

So, let me put it this way for you. If you want a phone that feels stable, refined, and consistent every day, the iPhone 17 makes more sense. But, if you prefer more power, flexibility, and features packed into a compact flagship, the Galaxy S26 is the better choice.

Basically, its not at all about which one is better overall; its about which approach suits you more. Either way, you wont be disappointed with your purchase.
Louth and Meath County Council's Joint Local Area Plan (LAP) for Drogheda will proceed following a "legal initiative" taken by the Drogheda City Status Group (DCSG) and other local groups.

In January, Drogheda councillors were told that the LAP would "not progress any further" due to a judicial review of the Meath County Development plan.

Legal advice obtained by DCSG was that abandoning the joint plan in this way was without lawful authority and left the authorities in breach of their obligations to properly plan for Drogheda as a single urban area.

The last local area plan for Drogheda was adopted in 2011 and expired in 2017. In the years since, thousands of homes have been built across Louth and East Meath while key infrastructure, schools, community facilities, transport links and recreation spaces have lagged behind, leaving what campaigners describe as a planning freeforall in one of Irelands fastestgrowing urban areas.

The DSCG said residents now face daily congestion, pressure on health and education services and a chronic shortage of local amenities, all in a town that is already operating at city scale without citylevel planning or investment.

In a statement: The DSCG described the U-turn as a "victory for people power and persistence":

Our message was simple: either you plan Drogheda properly as one city, or a court will make you, said DCSG Chairperson Anna McKenna. This Uturn proves that determined local groups can force the system to do its job.

Acting on behalf of the local groups, DCSGs solicitor formally instructed both councils to commence a new joint plan for Drogheda and notified them that any failure to do so would be challenged in the High Court. Faced with that prospect, the councils have now confirmed their intention to move ahead with a coordinated urban area plan for the whole of Drogheda, including the relevant parts of East Meath.

To be clear, we are not asking for special treatment  we are insisting on basic good governance, Anna added. Drogheda has fallen between two stools for far too long. This plan needs to catch up on a decade of drift.

Development Perspectives spokesperson Bobby McCormack said: Its never too late to do the right thing and a coordinated and well-resourced plan is the least that citizens of Drogheda expect. We hope to see a more sustainable, inclusive and equitable community resulting from the announced plan.

Drogheda Vacancy and Dereliction spokesperson Dom Gradwell said: The past decade when the plan should have been in place has seen a dramatic increase in vacancy and dereliction throughout the historic core, in marked contrast to other urban areas across the country.

DCSG argues that the nineyear gap since the last plan lapsed is a stark demonstration of how fragmented local government has failed Drogheda, with two councils and no single vision for housing, transport, employment and amenities. Freedom of information requests revealed that the two councils did not even formally consult one another before deciding to drop the joint plan, a decision DCSG views as a clear failure to govern a cityscale community.

Our objective hasnt changed, said Anna. We want Drogheda to have its own city administration  a council for Drogheda, in Drogheda  with the power and resources to plan and fund this city properly.

DCSG and its partners have pledged to monitor the new plan process closely and to hold both councils to account for delivering a robust, futureproofed framework for housing, transport, education, jobs, culture, sport and community life across the entire urban area."

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
Louth County Council has received 50,000 to carry out works to the former Carlingford Presbyterian Church.

The church, which was built in 1869 is located on the Newry Road in Carlingford.

The funding was announced by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and will be used for re-slating the church's roof and ancillary lead repair.

It comes as part of a wider funding announcement of 4.42 million under the Historic Structures fund.

Following the announcement of the funding, Minister James Browne said:

The award of funding under the Historic Structures Fund is a demonstration of our commitment to preserving and enhancing Irelands architectural legacy.

Along with the Built Heritage Investment Scheme, this Government is continuing its commitment to safeguard our built heritage, keeping many buildings in use and helping to bring many others back into use.

The funding also supports the survival of the skills and expertise needed to maintain our built heritage and this will also have an economic benefit by generating employment for heritage contractors and other skilled crafts and tradespeople across the country.

Read Next: Louth property prices rise by 15,000 year-on-year as supply tightens

Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Christopher O'Sullivan said the grant can be the difference between a building falling into disrepair.

Communities across the country know the value of our built heritage, and many of them dedicate their time, passion and expertise to ensuring their protection.

This grant can make the difference between a cherished heritage building falling into disrepair or being restored and valued as part of a thriving streetscape. I know this funding will have a huge impact around the country and I look forward to seeing the results for myself over the coming months and years, he said.

This scheme operates on a match-funding basis with owners and custodians of historic buildings obliged to contribute towards the final cost of works.

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.
GAZA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Medical evacuations from the Gaza Strip resumed Sunday through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, after the World Health Organization (WHO) suspended operations days earlier following the killing of a Palestinian WHO worker in Israeli fire.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said its teams transferred patients and wounded people through the crossing in coordination with the WHO and relevant authorities.

It said 27 patients and 42 companions were evacuated. They were transported by ambulance from the Medical Rehabilitation Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza to Rafah for onward travel abroad for treatment.

The group described the operation as a humanitarian effort aimed at easing pressure on Gaza's strained health system.

The WHO suspended evacuations on April 6 after one of its Palestinian staff members was killed. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at the time that evacuations of sick and wounded Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt via Rafah were halted until further notice.

"We call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers," he added.

Since the crossing reopened on Feb. 2, the WHO has been coordinating with Israeli authorities on the lists and numbers of patients eligible for evacuation. Transfers have typically been organized from Khan Younis to Rafah before patients cross into Egypt.

The Rafah crossing is the only land route for Gaza residents to leave the territory without passing through Israel. 
A new national survey has revealed demand for multi-denominational education in Louth.

The report shows that 36.2% of families in Louth would prefer a multi-denominational education while 63.8% of Louth parents of children in denominational primary schools that expressed a preference for their schools ethos to remain.

Educate Together has this week welcomed the announcement of the results of the recent national survey on school type preference, as announced by the Minister for Education and Youth on Tuesday April 7th.

According to the results, 40% of parents in religious-run schools nationally would prefer a multi-denominational primary school. These numbers contrast starkly with current school provision, whereby 95.1% of primary schools nationally remain under denominational control.

There are currently three Educate Together primary schools in Louth, along with a single community national school. This means that of the sixty nine primary schools in the county, four have a multi-denominational ethos.

Le Cheile ETNS was founded in 2001 and Aston Village ETNS and Ardee ETNS have since opened.

Educate Together claim that parents in many parts of Louth have no choice other than to send their children to a denominational primary school.

Educate Together say their national office hopes to work with more Louth-based families in the future, to expand access to equality-based education around the county.

Edward Platt, Schools Development Officer for Educate Together stated:

These national results are very encouraging for the future of school choice in County Louth. At Educate Together we regularly engage with families and local communities who are frustrated by the lack of multi-denominational / equality-based school places available to them. Now that The Department of Education has provided statistically valid data to show that over 36% of parents in Louth want their child to have access to a multi-denominational school, we need to see action taken to make this a reality.

Educate Together says it has seen demand for its schools increase rapidly, and the organisation has opened 60 schools in the last 15 years in response to parental demand. The first Catholic school in Ireland to transfer patronage in 2024 was Paradise Place Educate Together National School in Dublin.

Read Next: Unfinished works on Dundalk street "an accident waiting to happen"

The governments current Framework and Action Plan for Delivery of Increased Choice for Parents on Education Provision at Primary Level outlines a three-step process for change:

Department identifies schools where there is strong demand for change through the Primary School survey. Department facilitator supports a process of dialogue in schools identified (from Q2 2026). Schools select a new patron and change patronage (from September 2027).

Educate Together is urging the government to announce school level data for Louth soon, and to provide adequate resourcing and investment to support the next steps of the process.

Mr Platt continued: The next step of the Department of Educations action plan is for schools to receive an individualised report on the survey results specific to their school community. Educate Together looks forward to engaging with schools following this next stage of the process and exploring potential patronage transfer where demand exists.
A new edition of the final work of a Cork-born scholar was launched recently in Ballincollig, and it proposes to bring to a wider audience the books complex philosophy and core message of kindness.

A Quest for Meaning: A Journey Through Science, Philosophy and Spirituality was written by the late Dr Fr Gearoid O Donnchadha and originally published in 2023.

The book brought readers on a wide-ranging exploration of topics, including quantum theory, phenomenology, Celtic spirituality, and the history of the Christian faith. At its heart was a simple but powerful message: that faith and love are central to what it means to be human.

Read More New film shot in Cork explores impact of dementia on family

Gearoid O Donnchadha was born in Cork city in 1933 and grew up in Killarney. In 1950 he entered Maynooth College Co. Kildare and was ordained a priest of the Kerry diocese in June 1957.

He served in Manchester, Rathmore, Sneem, Birmingham, Tralee and Castlegregory, and in the 1960s and 1970s he taught in Killarney, Newry, and in several colleges around New York.

In 1980 he began teaching in Tralee Regional Technical College, now part of the Munster Technological University (MTU), and he also lectured at UCC.

He retired in 1998, taking an active role in many projects around his home in Fenit, most famously the erection of a statue to St Brendan the Navigator on Samphire Island at Fenit pier. Fr O Donnchadha died in a house fire in October 2015.

A new, abridged edition of Quest for Meaning - which was prepared by Fr O Donnchadhas sister, Noreen OBrien, was launched recently at the Talbot Hotel in Ballincollig.

Drawing on her experience as a teacher and her personal understanding of her brothers work, Ms OBrien has created a version that makes the book more accessible while keeping its depth and insight.

Among the speakers at the launch was Gary O Donnchadha, chief quality officer at the Department of Education and Youth, and a nephew of the late author.

Noreen OBrien's objective was to create a truly accessible celebration of Fr Gearoids amazing mind and ultimately to invite each of us to pursue our own quest and to be guided on that journey, Mr O Donnchadha said.

Also speaking at the launch were Risteard Pierse, another nephew of the late author, and Dr Breda ODwyer from MTU, a former colleague of Fr Gearoid. Both shared personal reflections on Fr Gearoids curiosity, generosity and lasting influence as a teacher and thinker.

The book explores themes such as empathy, curiosity and the message of Jesus, while highlighting the importance of love at the heart of both philosophy and the Christian faith.

Produced with the support of JM Agency Publishing and Design, the book is available in local retailers and online.
Corks Noreen Daly and family are set to mark the tenth anniversary of her husbands death with a fundraising walk.

She has been raising vital funds for pancreatic cancer research in memory of her late husband, Teddy Daly, who passed away from the disease on April 19, 2016.

The fundraising journey began in 2017 with the first Teddy Daly Memorial Climb, when Noreen and also 500 supporters climbed Slievenamon in County Tipperary to honour Teddys memory and raise funds for pancreatic cancer research in UCC in Cork.

Over the past nine years, the climb and related fundraising events have raised more than 190,000 for pancreatic cancer research, and huge advances have been made since then.

Read More Climbing a mountain in memory of my husband

The funds raised have supported the work of Breakthrough Cancer Research, helping scientists aiming to develop new approaches to diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer  one of the most difficult cancers to detect and treat. While progress has been made in recent years, survival rates remain low, with a five-year survival rate of just 14%.

Teddy Daly died from pancreatic cancer in April 2016, aged just 43.

Ms Daly said Even though I was in the throes of grief, I still believed there was something I could do for others. Climbing the mountain was the only thing I felt I could do for Breakthrough Cancer Research.

I always hoped the funds we raised would help researchers find more successful treatment options and its incredible to see the huge increase in pancreatic research and treatment options since then. She is encouraging members of the public to join this years Teddy Daly Memorial Climb, which will take place on Slievenamon Mountain, Tipperary on Sunday 19 April. Participants can also join virtually from their own location.

All funds raised will support pancreatic cancer research, including Breakthroughs newly launched All-Ireland Cancer Research Network (AllCaN) pancreatic cancer research programme, which aims to bring researchers together across the island of Ireland to improve outcomes for patients diagnosed with the disease.

The 2026 event will mark the 10th anniversary of the fundraising initiative and will also be the final official fundraiser organised in Teddys memory.

To register to join the Teddy Daly Memorial Climb 2026 for pancreatic cancer research go to: https://breakthroughcancerresearch.ie/product/tdmc2026/
BEIRUT, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Hezbollah on Sunday denied allegations by the Syrian interior authorities that the group was linked to a cell planning to assassinate a religious figure near Damascus.

In a statement, the Lebanese militant group reiterated that it has "no activity, connection or relationship with any party in Syria" and maintains "no presence on Syrian territory."

The group urged the Syrian interim authorities to verify information carefully, especially given what it called "intelligence actors seeking to ignite tensions between Lebanon and Syria."

Earlier, the Syrian interior authorities said that the counterterrorism directorate had foiled a sabotage plot in the Damascus countryside. A female cell member was reportedly monitored while attempting to plant an explosive device outside a religious figure's residence near the Mariamite church in the Bab Touma area of Damascus.

It added that the device was dismantled before detonation, with no casualties or damage reported, and all five cell members were arrested.

The Syrian authorities noted that preliminary investigations indicated the cell was linked to Hezbollah, noting that its members had received specialized military training abroad, including in planting explosive devices. 
Christy, filmed in Cork, is one of five films in the running for the LUX Audience Award, the biggest audience film award in Europe.

The feature film debut from director Brendan Canty follows 17-year-old Christy at a crossroads after hes kicked out of his suburban foster home and moves in with his estranged older brother in Cork citys northside.

The film draws inspiration from the lived experiences of the young people involved, assembling much of its ensemble cast from the Kabin Studio in Cork, a non-profit community space that became known for their viral songs.

The 2026 LUX Audience Award Ceremony will take place in the European Parliaments Hemicycle in Brussels on Tuesday, April 14.

Christys two lead actors, Diarmuid Noyes and Danny Powers, and producer Meredith Duff will represent the film at the award ceremony.

Christy is competing alongside four other films that celebrate the diversity of European cinema.

The LUX Audience Award is the biggest audience film award in Europe, and it is unique because citizens chose the winner alongside their elected representatives, the members of the European Parliament.

Each film is translated into the 24 official EU languages, including Irish, by the European Parliaments translation service. This helps the films to reach a wider audience and gain greater visibility in countries where they may not have been screened otherwise.
Protesters called off the Whitegate oil refinery blockade after 5pm on Saturday out of concern for the safety of local Whitegate residents.

Protest organiser Anthony Kelleher said that people not linked to his group had descended on the protest site on Saturday and there were concerns about their behaviour, believing their motivation was "to cause trouble" rather than to call for political change.

"It was suggested to us that local people's properties could be vandalised, painted, burned, destroyed," he said.

"We had not planned to leave this evening but we decided enough was enough when we heard that.

Read More Arrests made at Whitegate as garda operation escalates and Cork traffic disrupted

"Residents at Whitegate had been so good to us, offering us beds, bringing us food and drinks.

"We always wanted this to be peaceful," he told The Echo.

Mr Kelleher packed his truck with leftover donated food and drinks and will bring it the charity Cork Penny Dinners.

Three people were arrested in Whitegate for public order offences, he said.

Mr Kelleher and his fellow protesters had a positive and respectful relationship with gardai throughout the blockade, he said.

"Gardai shook our hands when we were leaving," he said.

Despite news that a support package for hauliers and other sectors is being finalised with the Government, he remained sceptical that it would deliver what he believes is needed.

"This protest was always for everyone, not just truckers. It was for the mum driving her children to school, for the creche worker, the carer having to drive to work. We want things to be better for everyone," he said.

People remain "angry and disappointed" and the protests will continue, he said.

The protesters turned away approximately 12 fuel tankers throughout the blockade, he said. But they never blocked home heating oil, food trucks, chemical deliveries or workers from accessing the refinery, he said.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin is to convene a rare weekend Cabinet meeting on Sunday to discuss nationwide protests against the rising cost of fuel, as blockades across the country are being cleared by gardai.

The protests  sparked by rising prices caused by US president Donald Trumps war on Iran  had seen up to two-thirds of the States fuel stations running dry in recent days.

Last evening, a slow convoy of trucks and tractors caused congestion for hours in Cork city centre and the Jack Lynch Tunnel was closed overnight due to a blockade by protesters.

Those events followed on from protesters calling off their blockade of Whitegate oil refinery on Saturday evening.

Read More Protesters call off blockade at Whitegate oil refinery

Nineteen trucks of fuel left Whitegate oil refinery this morning, with approximately 40 more due to leave by lunchtime.

In a statement this morning, Fuels for Ireland said it expected Whitegate to return to full capacity tomorrow. However, chief executive Kevin McPartlan warned that it could take forecourts 10 days to recover after many ran dry due to the fuel protests.

Protesters abandoned their blockade of Whitegate at teatime yesterday following an earlier Garda action which broke through the barricade, allowing fuel tankers access to the States only oil refinery.

As they left Whitegate, organisers said they were standing down due to concerns about people who had joined the blockade on Saturday, saying they had been worried the new arrivals had intended to cause trouble.

A mobile sauna was set up at the Irving oil refinery blockade site for use by the protesters at Whitegate, Co Cork. Picture: Larry Cummins

Garda commissioner Justin Kelly on Saturday night confirmed that a number of arrests had been made at Whitegate yesterday.

He had vowed to step up enforcement against fuel-cost protesters, who were, he saiid, endangering the State by blocking critical infrastructure.

Overnight, a Garda operation on OConnell St cleared the blockade on Dublins main thoroughfare, and last night, gardai cleared blockades of the M50.

The blockade of Galway Port is reportedly now being brought to an end, with the Defence Forces assisting An Garda Siochana in clearing a makeshift barrier erected by protesters.

In Foynes, protesters who have been in situ since Tuesday said they had taken a vote and agreed to end their blockade by lunchtime today.

In Dublin, one of the leaders of the protests, James Geoghegan, said that a resumption of the OConnell St blockade was quite possible, adding: Lads can go home and regroup. A lot of lads want to go home and take maybe a days rest and come back out because until the issues are solved, the protest doesnt end.

However, he said that if Government measures due to be announced today are good enough that might influence further actions.

If the costs are reduced sufficient to what we know we need to stay in business, then well be happy with that, he said.

Todays Cabinet meeting will be held virtually, or non-corporeally, and is an unusual step, reflecting the seriousness of the ongoing national protests.

The temporary Fuel Support Scheme expected to be introduced, though the Government has said it will not be unveiled until after the protests end.

In a statement on Saturday night, Tanaiste and finance minister Simon Harris said: The Government is eager to work sector by sector to try and make real progress on some of the very significant challenges that people are facing.
A woman walking along a street in Cork city felt it necessary to go behind a car to avoid another woman cleaning blood from a syringe as she approached her, a court has heard.

Sergeant John Kelleher outlined this incident at Cork District Court, where Ciara Murphy, aged 32, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to charges arising out of this incident and another one where she was caught stealing perfume at Brown Thomas.

Just before 6pm on March 31, gardai were responding to reports of drug users in the area, said Sgt Kelleher.

While approaching the scene, the accused was observed walking on Mary St with an uncapped syringe and she was cleaning the blood out of the syringe using saline water.

Another woman was walking towards her and she appeared intimidated and stood behind a car to avoid her.

Gardai directed the accused to desist, and

directed her to leave the area.

The accused capped the syringe and put it away, but then started shouting and cursing at gardai, shouting: Ill walk wherever the f*** I want. The accused was arrested, said Sgt Kelleher.

She was charged with engaging in offensive conduct under the Public Order Act.

One week earlier, she had entered Brown Thomas, Patrick St, where she was observed by security staff concealing on her person a bottle of Hugo Boss perfume, valued at 158 and a bottle of Armani perfume, valued at 92.

She walked out of the store with the concealed items and was stopped outside by security. The stolen items were recovered and in re-saleable condition.

Solicitor Frank Buttimer said that in the latter incident, there was an element of coercion by another person and that, unusually, the defendant made no effort to disguise her actions.

He said that in relation to the Mary St incident, she would not have been the reason gardai went to the scene in the first place and that she was a vulnerable person, not least due to a seriously injured arm, for which she requires ongoing medical intervention.

Judge Dorgan adjourned penalty to allow time for a probation report and said to the woman: What we want for you is that you will stay free of drugs.
Charities across Cork have been affected by the rising fuel prices in recent weeks, with some warning that their services may be impacted.

Friendly Call Cork is a free service that provides a daily phone call to older people or to individuals who may feel lonely, isolated, or vulnerable in the city. It also supports people who have difficulty engaging with their community.

Based in Churchfield, the service also operates a minibus to bring people to medical appointments and help them get around.

Jackie Fitzgibbon, Friendly Calls coordinator, said rising fuel costs have had a significant impact on the charity.

The minibus is heavy enough on diesel as it is, but we would have seen a rise of about 20% in the past few weeks since the war in Iran started, she said.

We are also seeing a lot of our older people, a lot them are housebound, and heating is expensive for them anyway, at the best of times, but its just sky-rocketed.

A lot of them would say to us, Ill just stay in the bed because its warmer.

Its really sad. I know theres been a bit of an extension to the fuel allowance, but really it doesnt touch the costs people are seeing.

Denis Toomey, chairperson of the Kinsale branch of the Red Cross, said it was only coming up to the start of that charitys busiest time of year, so the full impact of the fuel crisis had yet to be felt.

We are run entirely by volunteers, but we charge for our services to the various organisations, so if prices dont eventually start coming down, we would probably have to start upping what we would charge them, he said.

We wouldnt be able to hold additional costs and run at a loss, but up until now it hasnt impacted us too much because the sporting and cultural events that were providing duty to are really only starting to kick off.

We do charge; if someone books an ambulance, that covers fuel, insurance, and maintenance, and we just had to replace our ambulance in Kinsale, at a cost of 34,000. So were depending on that income to pay for that.

If fuel prices dont come down, I would imagine well have to pass that additional cost along, unfortunately.

The national co-oordinator for Meals on Wheels, Tracey Noone, said some Meals on Wheels providers will be making decisions to move from a five-day delivery to three-day amid the fallout from the fuel protests of recent days.

Other providers will be asking chefs to be more creative with ingredients in stock if deliveries of supplies are affected, she said.

In Cork, Paddy OBrien, a long-time advocate for the elderly, expressed concern that petrol shortages might affect the ability of some Meals on Wheels volunteers do get to people depending on deliveries.

With petrol still scarce in many areas, I would be worried that not everyone who needs a delivery will get one, he said.

In the meantime, I would appeal to the neighbours of the people who get Meals on Wheels to please keep an eye out for them.

A knock on the door of a senior citizen could save a life.
Dozens of fuel tankers left Whitegate oil refinery on Sunday as fuel protests and blockades eased and the Government announced price cuts.

The Government will reduce the price of petrol and diesel by 10c per litre, along with a 2.4c reduction on green diesel.

The price cuts are part of a 505m package of measures agreed at an emergency Cabinet meeting and follow nearly a week of disruption caused by nationwide fuel protests.

The protests had led to more than a third of the States fuel stations running dry in recent days.

Read More Rising fuel costs take toll on charities across Cork

Other measures agreed include an extension of temporary excise cuts and reductions in oil levies, a delay until budget day of scheduled carbon tax increases, and increased supports for the transport industry.

The measures came after blockades across the country were broken up by gardai or abandoned by protesters over the weekend, although some disruptions continued, with Cork city centre among the areas targeted by slow convoys on Sunday.

Fuels for Ireland said it expected Whitegate oil refinery to return to full capacity on Monday.

Adam Mudy had travelled from Dublin to make fuel deliveries in Cork. Picture: Noel Sweeney

Protesters abandoned their blockade of Whitegate at Saturday lunchtime following an earlier Garda action which broke through the barricade, allowing fuel tankers access.

During scuffles which saw gardai deploy pepper spray, several protesters were pulled from the crowd.

As they left Whitegate, organisers said they were standing down due to concerns about people who had joined the blockade on Saturday, saying they had been worried the new arrivals had intended to cause trouble.

Garda commissioner Justin Kelly confirmed that a number of arrests had been made at Whitegate.

He vowed to step up enforcement against protesters, who were, he said, endangering the State by blocking critical infrastructure.

An overnight Garda operation saw the blockade on Dublins OConnell St cleared in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The blockade of Galway Port was also cleared, meaning the tanker Thun Gemini, which was carrying 6m litres of fuel from Antwerp to Galway Port, was finally able to dock on Sunday after days waiting to do so.

In Foynes, protesters voted to end their blockade on Sunday morning, and gardai cleared the M50.

In Cork city, traffic was bumper to bumper on the South Ring Road as a slow-moving convoy travelled eastwards during Sunday afternoon.

Traffic was also halted at the junction between Camden Quay and Christy Ring Bridge when a number of people blocked the junction.

Slow-moving protests were also taking place in areas including Bandon and Clonakilty. Smaller groups turned out in other areas of Cork.

Package of measures

Tanaiste Simon Harris, Taoiseach Micheal Martin, and Minister of State Sean Canney speaking after the Cabinet meeting on Sunday. Picture: Cillian Sherlock/PA

Speaking after Sunday evening's Cabinet meeting, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said a significant package of measures had emerged from talks, and that the Government would be announcing a fuel subsidy support scheme for farmers and fisheries.

Mr Martin was critical of the protesters, saying they had imposed the blockades with a self-declared mandate.

They have explicitly rejected the right of democratic representative groups to speak for them and have gone well beyond simply expressing their point, he said.

Nobody has a right to blockade our country, he added.

Tanaiste and finance minister Simon Harris thanked gardai for restoring law and order, and said the Government could not be expected to engage with self-appointed spokespeople.

Nobody in Ireland has a right to obstruct the free movement of people. Nobody has the right to dictate who gets free passage and who does not, Mr Harris said.

Minister of state at the Department of Transport Sean Canney, who speaks in Cabinet for the Independent TDs in Government, has said the Government's new transport support scheme is intended to "help and support those who are vital in our economy".

He said the scheme will cover licenced hauliers and will also be opened up to "certain other sectors within transport".

He added that armers, fisheries, agricultural contractors, and island transport will all benefit.

Meanwhile, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and Independent Ireland said they will support a Sinn Fein motion of no confidence in the Government over its handling of the fuel crisis.
By Cillian Sherlock, Press Association

Sinn Fein will call a motion of no confidence in the Government after a week of major protests over the fuel crisis.

The party's leader, Mary Lou McDonald, said her party had met on Sunday morning and had decided to move the motion.

Several of those engaged in protests  which involved blockades of critical infrastructure and severe disruption to the motorway network that strangled fuel distribution in the country  had sought such a move.

The Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and Independent Ireland have said they would back the motion, while Labour and the Greens  while heavily criticising the Government  said they would consider the text before making a decision.

Protesters listen to speeches on OConnell Street in Dublin on the sixth day of the protests (Niall Carson/PA)

Minister of State Timmy Dooley said the Government would set out how its response best met the needs and expectations of society.

He told RTE Radio Ones This Week: Theres no government anywhere in the world thats going to be able to respond to all of the negative impacts as a result of the war in Iran, and the impact that that has had on the supply of goods, the supply of oil and the spiraling cost.

What we have to try to do is manage our way through that.

The protesters wanted Government to take urgent action to reduce fuel and other operating costs for businesses in the transport and agricultural sectors.

Ministers in the coalition are due to hold an emergency Cabinet meeting at 4pm on Sunday to sign off on a substantial package following talks with established representative bodies  which excluded the protesters.

Over Saturday and Sunday, An Garda Siochana escalated its enforcement of the protests and deployed Public Order Units to clear blockades at an oil refinery, a depot in Galway, and a main road in Dublin city centre.

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael formed a coalition with the support of several independent TDs which represent rural constituencies.

Dublin fuel protest spokesman Christopher Duffy (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

Christopher Duffy, a spokesman for the Dublin blockade, called for a no-confidence motion and said the power lies with' rural TDs and independents' propping up the Government.

Ms McDonald criticised the coalition Government and said: The actions of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and independents have been disastrous.

They have lost the confidence of the public. It is clear that they still are not listening and do not accept the scale of this fuel and cost-of-living crisis.

Ahead of a Cabinet meeting which is expected to sign off on supports relating to the cost of fuel, Ms McDonald added: All reports indicate it will be more of the same half-measures from them this evening.

This is unacceptable. We need the maximum reductions now, as proposed by Sinn Fein weeks ago.

The party had called for the maximum action necessary to cut fuel prices so they are affordable for the workers, families, and sectors that rely on them.

Garda on OConnell Street in Dublin following an overnight police operation to remove fuel protesters (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns said the party had repeatedly demanded that the Government introduce a targeted 400 energy credit, as well as other support measures to give people who are really struggling some relief.

She added: The Social Democrats have no confidence in this Governments ability to manage this crisis, and  for that reason  we will support the no-confidence motion in them.

Independent Ireland said: The handling of the protests has been tone-deaf, condescending and, at times, inflammatory rather than conciliatory.

For these reasons and many others, we believe this Government has failed, and we have no confidence in its ability to continue.

Labour said it would consider the motion but added that it did not believe the government handled the crisis well.

A spokesperson said: We believe the Government acted far too slowly and should have engaged much more swiftly to address the genuine concerns and frustrations being experienced by so many in this cost-of-living crisis.

The Green Party also said it would examine the full text of the motion before deciding on a position, but said the Government had handled the crisis appallingly.
(Photo: Courtesy International Christian Concern)Pastor Ezra Jin, an imprisoned Chinese pastor, among persons detained detained during a Zion Church raid in October conducted in China.

Chinese authorities are increasingly putting pressure on Christian leaders who do not comply with state control.

One instance cited by The Wall Street Journal on March 20 cited the case of nearly 20 people associated with Zion Church, a large, long-running Protestant congregation in Beijing, arrested in October, including its founder, Ezra Jin.

It was said to be part of one of China's largest crackdowns on Christians in years, said the Journal, quoting a Reuters report.

Foreign Policy cited the same case of the Zion Church, saying Chinese police made the opening move in a seismic crackdown on one of the country's largest underground churches.

It noted that Pastor Wang Lin of Zion Church was detained in the middle of the night while travelling to the southern city of Shenzhen.

Other figures in the church, which has dozens of branches across China, went on high alert, frantically trying to figure out what this would mean for their community of around 5,000 members.

- UNAPPROVED INDEPENDENT CHURCHES

Zion Church is among China's independent churches not approved by the ruling Chinese Communist Party and that reject Beijing's authority over their teachings, according to Foreign Policy.

Since 2018, President Xi Jinping has directed a tighter crackdown on unapproved religious practice, especially against certain religions, such as Christianity and Islam, associated by the party with foreign attitudes and beliefs.

The arrests may herald an escalation of persecution.

In the first few hours, it was unclear if Wang was the only one targeted, or whether more arrests would follow.

Grace Jin Drexel, the daughter of prominent Zion Pastor Jin Mingri, watched the events unfold from her home in Washington in the United States, where she received a message to pray for the detained pastor.

She told Foreign Policy: "The next morning, my mom just so happened to be planning to visit me and my family in Washington, D.C. We were talking about when she was going to arrive, but she also told me that she has lost contact with my father."

It is unclear what charges Jin might face, but said that frequently unapproved clergy can be charged with fraud.

Drexel said, "How they [the CCP] levy this fraud charge is that they say that you go around collecting tithe, but you're not seen as a pastor by us, so you are a fraudster. And that is how they justify the fraud charge."

- CHRISTIANITY ARRIVED IN 7TH CENTURY

Christianity in China dates to at least the seventh century, when Nestorian Christian missionaries first reached the country, but it expanded considerably as Western churches targeted the country for conversion beginning in the 19th century.

Christianity was heavily persecuted under Maoism, but it received some relief in the 1980s, when a public keen for new ways of life flocked to churches old and new.

Jin became a Christian after the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing, where he was a student at the time. "He lost faith in the government," Drexel said. "And so, he became a Christian and very quickly started leading in the church."

Within 24 hours of Jin's arrest, numerous pastors were detained across China and transported to the city of Beihai, Guangxi.

"That's when we realized that this was going to be the crackdown," Grace said. "The amount of effort that the state government used to transport all these leaders from across China to Beihai just showcases the level of coordination and intensity."

While some of those rounded up have subsequently been released, many senior figures, including Jin, remain in Chinese custody.

"We have not had any direct communication with those who are detained. Not even phone calls, not even letters. We are only able to talk through lawyers very sporadically," Drexel said.
SYDNEY, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Two homes in Sydney's west were targeted in separate shootings early on Sunday morning, and police believe that both incidents are linked.

Police were called to reports of a public place shooting in Punchbowl, a suburb in Sydney's west, at around 2:45 a.m. local time on Sunday.

Officers arrived and found that several shots had been fired into the front of a home by the occupants of an unknown vehicle before it left the scene.

About 15 minutes later, police were called to a home in Greenacre, another suburb in Sydney's west, following reports of a second public place shooting.

Officers arrived and found that several shots had been fired into a second home by the occupants of an unknown vehicle before it also left the scene before police arrival.

No injuries were reported during any of the incidents. Police have established crime scenes at both locations. 
The makers of upcoming Telugu film Ranabaali welcomed newlywed Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda onto the sets. Producers Naveen Yerneni and Y. Ravi Shankar extended a warm welcome to the couple on behalf of the unit and wished them. Directed by Rahul Sankrityan, Ranabaali stars Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna. Having entered into wedlock in February, Vijay and Rashmika have joined the sets of the period drama on Saturday. The unit welcomed the couple with celebrations, cut a cake, and extended their wishes, greeting them with Happy married life, Mr. and Mrs. Ranabaali. In the film, Vijay will be seen as the warrior Ranabaali while Rashmika Mandanna plays his wife Jayamma. The film is set in the 19th century, between 1854 and 1878 during British rule based on real historical events. Ranabaali is slated for release on September 11.
Wuhu, China--(Newsfile Corp. - April 12, 2026) - The 2026 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition is set to kick off grandly as a premier global event spotlighting the automotive industry, bringing together renowned automakers from around the world to explore new directions for future mobility. LUXEED will make a high-profile appearance with a refreshed brand identity and a blockbuster product lineup, showcasing the powerful strength of China's high-end intelligent vehicles on the global stage and writing a new chapter for China's intelligent manufacturing.

At this auto show, LUXEED will unveil a range of flagship models, headlined by the LUXEED V9-the brand's first premium MPV. As a landmark entry into the high-end MPV segment, the LUXEED V9 redefines the benchmark for high-tech luxury in MPVs through its versatile and indulgent space, exquisite premium configurations, and exceptional driving performance. Featuring flexible seating arrangements, top-tier interior materials comparable to luxury vehicles in the million-yuan class, and a healthy, intelligent cockpit, it embodies the ultimate in sophisticated mobility.





Intelligent Manufacturing in China - LUXEED Debuts at Auto China 2026



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/292065_1bea1ffbc4aa4ba0_002full.jpg

Making a striking appearance alongside it is the updated LUXEED R7. Recently, in the 2026 China New Energy Vehicle Initial Quality Study (NEV-IQS) released by J.D. Power, a global leader in market research, the LUXEED R7 claimed the top spot in the midsize all-electric SUV category. This marks another milestone victory following its win in the 2025 China New Energy Vehicle Appeal Study (NEV-APS) for the same segment, cementing its status as a double champion in both appeal and quality.

Two exclusive custom editions-the New LUXEED S7 "Xuanyuan" and LUXEED R7 "Pangu"-will also be on display. Blending profound Chinese cultural heritage with high-performance modifications, they highlight the models' innate trendsetting character and sporty pedigree.

Under the core theme of Pioneering Intelligence, Global Driving Excellence, LUXEED will craft a highly immersive exhibition space through the seamless integration of ecological technology and avant-garde design. Four core interactive experience zones will be curated onsite: AI photo booths, professional racing simulators, driver reaction tests, and full-scenario AI intelligent interaction. These will allow visitors to experience firsthand the perfect fusion of intelligent technology and driving pleasure, while fully appreciating the allure of LUXEED as a premium automotive brand.

Today, LUXEED's Brand 2.0 Strategy has entered a new phase of full-scale implementation, delivering comprehensive upgrades across three dimensions: product, brand, and experience. Rooted in end-to-end independent research and development, the brand has achieved a transformative leap from "Made in China" to "Intelligent Manufacturing in China". Backed by full-stack self-developed intelligent technologies, LUXEED continues to set new standards for luxury, sporty, and intelligent vehicles. With a global vision, it embarks on a new journey of brand advancement. At Auto China 2026, LUXEED sincerely invites guests from around the world to visit its booth, witness the groundbreaking innovations of China's high-end intelligent automotive brand, and unlock a new future of intelligent luxury and driving pleasure.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/292065

Source: Plentisoft
WASHINGTON, April 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CGTN America & CCTV UN releases "UN Chinese Language Day Celebration with "Chinese Language Shining Civilizations" Event"

(This material is distributed by MediaLinks TV, LLC on behalf of CCTV. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.)

Marking the 17th annual UN Chinese Language Day, the Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China at the United Nations, in partnership with China Media Group, presents "Chinese Language Shining Civilizations."

This international event on April 13, 2026 will celebrate the rich cultural heritage and global significance of the Chinese language.

UN Chinese Language Day, established by the United Nations in 2010, is celebrated every year on April 20 to honor Cang Jie, the legendary figure credited with creating Chinese characters. The date aligns with the traditional Chinese solar term "Grain Rain" (Guyu), highlighting the deep cultural roots and historical legacy of one of the world's oldest writing systems.

With over one billion native speakers, Mandarin Chinese holds the distinction of being one of the six official languages of the United Nations since 1946. Chinese plays a vital role in the promotion of multilingualism and cultural diversity across global platforms.

There is growing interest in Mandarin Chinese around the world as a unique force for understanding, writing and expressing reality. It brings societies closer together and creates a spirit of friendship. UN Chinese Language Day creates a platform for dialogue and fostering mutual learning, cultural exchange and global cooperation.

Mandarin Chinese is not only a tool for communication but also a bond that strengthens friendships and opens doors for countless students to new career paths and understanding of Chinese civilization.

The event on Monday at the UN headquarters in New York City will feature keynote addresses by esteemed diplomats and language experts, alongside classical musical performances that celebrate Chinese artistic traditions.

"Chinese Language Shining Civilizations" serves as a proud reminder of the enduring influence of the Chinese language throughout history and its vital role today in fostering communication and cultural exchange worldwide.

Contact: Jose

Distribution@cgtnamerica.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cgtn-america--cctv-un-un-chinese-language-day-celebration-with-chinese-language-shining-civilizations-event-302739919.html
Kyiv Vitamin Plant to Hold Shareholders' Meeting on April 27

Kyiv Vitamin Plant PJSC will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders on April 27, 2026, via remote participation. The main agenda items include the approval of financial statements and the distribution of profits.

Kyiv Vitamin Plant is one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturers in Ukraine. It was founded in 1937. In recent years, control of the company has been held by a group of Ukrainian investors associated with the pharmaceutical industry.
TEHRAN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Iran and the United States reached an understanding on a number of issues, but views diverged on two or three important issues, and ultimately their talks in Islamabad, Pakistan did not lead to an agreement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Sunday.

"It is natural that, from the beginning, we should not have expected to reach an agreement within a single session. No one had such an expectation either," Baghaei was quoted as saying by Iran's Mehr News Agency.

Baghaei said Tehran is "confident that contacts between us and Pakistan and our other friends in the region will continue." 
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

-- Historian Will Durant, simplifying part of Aristotles philosophy.

As I write these words, the crew of Artemis II has returned safely and successfully to Earth, after being the first humans to have reached the vicinity of the Moon in over 50 years. It is also the 56th anniversary of the launch of Apollo 13, a mission known not only for the catastrophic events on the way to the Moon, but even more so for the Herculean efforts made to eventually return the astronauts successfully back home.

Artemis II landing, April 11th 2026 (NASA)





NASAs foray to the Moon in the 60s and early 70s is the story of a long journey made step-by-step. The simple one-man Mercury spacecraft paved the way to the two-man Gemini craft which was a stepping stone to the twin Apollo space capsule and Moon lander.

Between May of 1961 and April of 1970, NASA launched twenty five manned missions, a cadence with an average of around 4-5 months between missions, peaking in 1965-66 with only 1-2 months between missions.

NASA astronauts, engineers, and managers were part of a well-oiled machine which not only achieved President Kennedys goal of landing a man (and returning him safely to Earth) on schedule but did it successfully five more times. The machine had been tested under stress in practice and was therefore able to save the ill-fated Apollo 13, snatching a heroic story of the triumph of achievement out of what could well have been a tragedy.

Many of todays concepts of software development and resilience are built around the same idea that the more you practice a process, the better you can become with it. Thats why DevOps continuous delivery pipelines automate repeatable deployment tasks so that delivering a new feature to clients is just business as usual on a normal day instead of a nail-biting experience, fraught with surprises. This is also why Infrastructure-as-code is such a compelling concept, because it enables both repetition and flexibility.

Even when things are going perfectly, we know that we need to practice dealing with problems through Chaos Engineering, Disaster Recovery exercises, Game Days for high severity incidents and more. A muscle that isnt exercised is a muscle which atrophies and cannot deal with an emergency when the time comes. Clients Ive worked with have almost always found that something flips in the wrong direction during a DR test (yes, its most likely to be the DNS, but its also been hard coded connection strings, missing credentials, or shared storage that wasnt quite as shared as everyone thought)  unless the test is done often enough for issues to be ironed out faster than new ones occur.

Each and every one of NASAs flights, even the most successful, had many troublesome issues. Some remained mere anomalies  unexpected occurrences which needed to be investigated, while others were actual problems which needed solutions in real time to resolve.

Its a testament to the decades of retained institutional learning, simulations, and test infrastructure, of the last half century that NASA was able to replicate so much of the first half of the Mercury-Gemini-Apollo programs with only two flights of Artemis, the unmanned Artemis I in 2022 and the round-the-Moon Artemis II in 2026.

While the Artemis II mission was a resounding success, two small issues stood out for me as direct lessons which can be taken for traditional software resilience and reliability.

In the final hour of the countdown, Engineers investigated a sensor on the launch abort systems attitude control motor controller battery that showed a higher temperature than would be expected. It was deemed to be an instrumentation issue (i.e. the battery's temperature was fine and only the measurement incorrect) and did not affect the launch. This is a lesson that we need to instrument as much as possible, but still understand the context of every message, cross referencing with other signals to understand what is the haystack and what is the needle in the mountains of information we receive from our observability systems.

The other issue was, of course, the failure of the space toilet (somehow, sanitation and hygiene have always grabbed the publics attention in space flight stories). Here the lesson is that of making sure to limit single-points-of-failure in our systems and be ready with other solutions if repairing the primary system fails. In the case of Artemis II, the astronauts, together with ground-based engineers, performed the necessary troubleshooting, planning and repair of the toilet. This meant that the astronauts could use the state-of-the-art solution and not the less savory backup bag-based solution.

In the same way, here on Earth, when we have a system failure, we might activate a temporary backup solution which would mean our clients have a gracefully degraded experience (perhaps a bit slower, perhaps specific features are unavailable), but in general can continue using the systems we deliver to them. Degraded does not mean broken  it means weve snatched some measure of success out of a failure.

Artemis 2, during pre-flight testing (NASA)





And like NASA, the more we repeat and practice our problem solving, the faster well solve real problems when they inevitably show up.

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

In closing, be like NASA on the way back to the Moon.

The story of Apollo, Artemis, and every successful system in between is not one of perfection, but of continuous preparation. Progress happens not through flawless execution, but through repetition, simulation, and the humility to know that something will go wrong. Whether youre flying humans around the Moon or running software for millions of users (or any number), the lesson is the same: resilience is built long before its needed.

Excellence is not what we do when everything works. It is what remains when it doesnt, because weve practiced for exactly that moment.

If youd like to learn more about how I help my clients achieve all this, please feel free to reach out.

The coming week is the anniversary week of Apollo 13 and the next few articles will go over the Apollo mission and discuss the lessons from that flight which are all too relevant even today.
DUBAI, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A United Arab Emirates (UAE) minister on Sunday warned of mounting risks to global supply chains as disruptions intensify in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy corridors.

Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), said on the social media platform X that at least 22 ships have been targeted since Feb. 28, with 10 crew members killed and about 20,000 seafarers stranded.

Al Jaber added that about 800 commercial vessels, including nearly 400 oil tankers, are currently unable to transit safely through the strait, which carries more than 20 percent of globally traded energy.

The minister warned that restrictions on navigation have effectively disrupted a key global economic lifeline, posing risks not only to energy markets but also to food supply chains and broader economic stability.

"The Strait of Hormuz has never been Iran's to close or restrict navigation," Al Jaber said. "This is not merely a regional issue, but a direct threat to the energy, food, and health security of all countries."

He also noted a growing gap between market expectations and physical supply, as shipments dispatched before the escalation continue to arrive while new cargoes face delays.

Analysts said prolonged disruption in the strait could tighten global supply, push up prices, and increase market volatility, with Asia particularly exposed due to its heavy reliance on Gulf energy shipments. 
TEHRAN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Iranian deputy oil minister Mohammad Sadegh Azimifar said that the war-damaged Lavan refinery will regain 80 percent of its pre-war capacity within one to two months, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Sunday.

Azimifar, who also heads the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company, made the remarks during a visit to the refinery on Lavan Island in southern Iran, the report said.

He added that part of the damaged facilities will become operational again within around 10 days.

Azimifar said that the "enemies" sought to disrupt Iran's fuel production and distribution by attacking energy infrastructure, but failed to achieve their goals.

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. Civilian infrastructure in Iran, including oil storage facilities, refineries, and petrochemical plants, was also hit. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. assets in the Middle East.

A two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States took effect on Wednesday. 
Allied Air Command hosts first NATO Air Chiefs' Symposium of 2026

NATO Allied Air Command

Apr 10 2026

RAMSTEIN, Germany -- Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) hosted the first of its biannual NATO Air Chiefs' Symposium (NACS) for 2026. The NACS serves as a critical strategic platform for Allied and NATO Partner Air Chiefs to discuss the evolution of air and space power, synchronize multinational capabilities, and align national contributions to NATO's collective defence. The primary objective of the symposium is to refine strategies that ensure the Alliance remains prepared to defend every inch of NATO territory.

The theme for this iteration, "Operationalizing the Shift to Air Defence", reflects NATO's new strategic approach to defending NATO territory. This transition evolves traditional air policing into a robust air defence posture, tailored to the high-threat environment of the modern battlefield. Air Chiefs and Senior Representatives from 27 NATO nations and 5 NATO partner nations attended the two-day event to define this new defensive posture and confirm national commitments.

"We gather at a time where air and space power is more critical than ever," stated Lieutenant General Jason Hinds, Commander Allied Air Command. His remarks underscored the necessity of adapting to the dynamic and contested security environment. Key topics included NATO Command and Control (C2) framework, Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), the reinforcement of the Eastern Flank through enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA) Eastern Sentry and Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts for ensuring resilience and sustainment. The NACS 26-I also symbolizes an event of unity and collaboration.

"Your presence here demonstrates our shared commitment to Airpower's contribution to the defence of the Alliance", Lieutenant General Hinds pointed out, highlighting the overall goal of the conference. "It is our chance to exchange insight, tackle emerging threats and advance Airpower's contribution to the multi-domain operations that make our nations safe".

The symposium facilitated the exchange of lessons learned and provided a venue for AIRCOM to discuss Exercise Ramstein Flag 26, NATO's largest multi-JOA LIVEX. This gathering offered a unique opportunity for nations to share relevant intelligence in a secure, multinational forum. Further emphasizing the requirement for technological adaptation, the symposium also included static displays of Counter-Unmanned Air System (C-UAS) complementing the symposium's theme and showing the Alliance's rapid adaptation to modern air defence requirements.

NACS 26-I sends a clear signal to any potential adversary: NATO is constantly adapting to an increasingly complex and contested environment. Through initiatives like eVA Eastern Sentry, the Alliance demonstrates its resolve to maintain a persistent and credible defensive presence. By fostering interoperability across 32 NATO nations and our partners, AIRCOM continues to ensure that Allied Air and Space Power remain the bedrock of a resilient and unified air defence posture, fully prepared to deter aggression by our adversaries.

Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office

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UK takes the helm of NATO task group as Spain hands over command

NATO Allied Maritime Command

Apr 10 2026

Portsmouth, UK -- The Spanish Navy marked the end of a four-month deployment with Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) with an official handover ceremony at the Portsmouth Naval Base in the UK on 10 April. The command of the group was passed to the Royal Navy under the leadership of Commodore Maryla Ingham.

Royal Navy Vice Admiral Robert Pedre, the Commander of Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), presided over the ceremony and congratulated each commander for their leadership role within the Alliance.

The handover follows a successful period in command by Spanish Navy Rear Admiral Joaquin Ruiz Escagedo, who led a NATO maritime task group that reinforced the Alliance's maritime security and operational readiness across multiple strategic regions.

Under Rear Admiral Escagedo's leadership on board Spanish flagship ESPS Almirante Juan de Borbon, the task group conducted sustained operations as part of Baltic Sentry and, for the first time in its history, deployed in support of NATO's high vigilance mission Arctic Sentry.

In the Baltic Sea, Baltic Sentry has focused on maintaining a persistent, visible maritime presence in a strategically sensitive and highly trafficked environment. Through coordinated patrols, monitoring of critical sea lanes, and the protection of critical underwater infrastructure (CUI), including pipelines and cables, SNMG1 contributed to enhanced situational awareness and rapid response readiness. These efforts play a key role in deterring potential threats to CUI, reinforcing freedom of navigation, and reassuring Allies along NATO's eastern flank.

In parallel, participation in Arctic Sentry marked a significant milestone for SNMG1, extending its operational reach into the High North. Operating in a challenging and increasingly contested environment, the group contributed to strengthening NATO's understanding of the Arctic domain, improving interoperability in extreme conditions, and demonstrating the Alliance's ability to maintain a credible maritime presence in all regions. This deployment underscores NATO's commitment to safeguarding stability in the Arctic, where changing environmental and security dynamics are elevating the region's strategic importance.

Together, these operations have reinforced deterrence and strengthened Alliance security across two critical regions, enhancing awareness, readiness, and reassurance for NATO Allies from the Baltic to the Arctic.

In addition to these patrols, Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 participated in a series of major multinational exercises, including Dynamic Mariner 2026, Steadfast Dart 2026, Cold Response, and Arctic Dolphin. These complex training activities brought together high-readiness naval, air, and amphibious forces, providing a realistic environment to rehearse collective defence scenarios across multiple domains.

Throughout these exercises, SNMG1 operated seamlessly alongside Allied units, including French, German, and Spanish forces, conducting advanced manoeuvres such as integrated air and missile defence, anti-submarine warfare, live-fire serials, and support for amphibious operations in both temperate and extreme cold-weather conditions. From the North Atlantic to the High North, these scenarios tested the group's ability to adapt rapidly to dynamic operational environments while maintaining cohesion within a multinational force.

Rear Admiral Escagedo highlighted the strength of this Allied cooperation.

"Collaboration between our nations is essential to ensure regional stability, strengthen NATO's deterrence, and maintain security across the Baltic and Arctic regions," said Escagedo. "The Spanish Navy, through its active participation in SNMG1, plays a key role in these efforts, contributing to maritime security, reinforcing NATO's deterrence posture, and demonstrating our firm commitment to collective defence in the region."

Commodore Ingham and her staff will command SNMG1 from the German flagship FGS Sachsen, reflecting the strength of NATO's integrated command structure and its commitment to genuine multinational cooperation.

"I am delighted to formally assume command of the task force," she said. "Embarking with the Royal Navy Battle Staff in Sachsen, we look forward to working closely alongside our Allies to support our common goals."

The deployment maximises the complementary strengths of both Allies, pairing experienced British maritime leadership with one of the German Navy's most capable air-defence frigates. This arrangement enhances operational flexibility, ensures seamless interoperability.

SNMG1 is one of four standing NATO maritime groups providing continuous maritime presence and readiness in peacetime, crisis and conflict. Exercises like this contribute to Allied assurance measures, enhance interoperability and demonstrate NATO's ability to operate across the entire North Atlantic, the Baltic Sea and the Arctic approaches.

Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM

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HURREX 2026: U.S. Navy Launches Major Hurricane Drill to Test Fleet and Shore Readiness

US Navy - Press Release

10 April 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) and Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) will launch their annual hurricane preparedness and disaster response exercise, HURRICANE EXERCISE/CITADEL GALE (HURREX/CG) 2026, from April 13-24.

The two-week exercise ensures the Navy's severe weather readiness and exercises response protocols to damaging weather events along the U.S.'s Southern and Eastern coasts. It provides a focused training event for afloat and shore-based commands using simulated hurricane scenarios to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season, ensuring the fleet remains ready for global tasking and a credible deterrent.

Ensuring the resilience of our assets ashore is a critical component of national defense. HURREX/CG 2026 demonstrates the Navy's commitment to maintaining uninterrupted operational readiness, ensuring that our forces can deploy worldwide, undeterred by environmental threats. The exercise sends a clear message to any potential adversary: the U.S. Navy is resilient, protected, and always ready.

"Naval power underpins national security and economic prosperity. That strength begins at our homeports, where a warship's readiness is forged from our shore-side infrastructure and the dedicated professionals who sustain it during calm weather and heavy storms," said Adm. Karl Thomas, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command. "HURREX/CG 26 ensures we can harden our installations to protect them and our personnel during the upcoming hurricane season, and to ensure our forces remain ready for global tasking regardless of the environment."

A new element for this year's exercise is the focus on public works scenarios designed to test the Navy's recent Shore Command and Control Realignment. This realignment places Public Works Departments directly under Installation Commanding Officers and CNIC for immediate operational response and maintenance. NAVFAC retains its role focusing on large-scale restoration, major construction, and technical acquisition. HURREX 2026 will be the first exercise to test this new integrated command structure, with scenarios challenging CNIC-led installation teams to respond to infrastructure damage and exercise energy resilience capabilities, such as coordinating the refueling of critical generators.

"Our installations are the bedrock that enables naval power projection, and this year's exercise places that foundation under a microscope," said Vice Adm. Scott Gray, Commander, Navy Installations Command. "By stress-testing our new command and control structure for public works, we are validating our capacity to maintain essential services like power and water in a crisis. This proves our shore enterprise is more than just infrastructure; it is a resilient and indispensable component of the Navy's warfighting team, enabling our Sailors and civilians to remain focused and ready."

The exercise is structured in two distinct phases. The first week focuses on preparedness and response, simulating an approaching hurricane to drill decision-making timelines for setting Tropical Cyclone Conditions of Readiness (TCCOR), evacuating aircraft, and, if necessary, issuing sortie orders for ships to get underway.

The second week shifts to recovery operations. Following the simulated storm's passage, commands will exercise post-storm damage assessments, mustering personnel via the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS), and restoring base operations. This phase heavily emphasizes coordination with local, state, and federal partners to ensure a unified recovery effort.

Our people are our greatest warfighting advantage, and Sailors and their families are at the center of this readiness effort. All personnel are encouraged to log into the Navy Family Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) at https://navyfamily.navy.mil to verify and update their contact information, which is essential for personnel accountability in a crisis.

While measures have been taken to minimize disruptions, the public may notice increased activity on and around naval installations as commands execute their response plans.

For more details on any potential local impacts, residents are encouraged to visit their respective Navy installation's website and social media channels.

For more information on U.S. Fleet Forces or Navy installations, visit the USFF website at https://www.usff.navy.mil or the CNIC website at https://www.cnic.navy.mil. You can also follow them on Facebook and X at www.facebook.com/usfleetforces, www.twitter.com/usfleetforces, www.facebook.com/navyinstallations, and https://twitter.com/cnichq.

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Estonia to Procure Additional HIMARS Launchers and Ammunition

Republic of Estonia - Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI)

11.04.2026

News, Armaments

The Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) and US defence company Lockheed Martin have signed a contract for the procurement of three additional HIMARS multiple rocket systems. The agreement also includes an investment of approximately USD 11 million into Estonia's defence industry.

"Additional HIMARS systems will ensure the deep-strike capability required by the Estonian Defence Forces and NATO, significantly strengthening both our national defence capability and deterrence. Expanding cooperation with Lockheed Martin will also directly support the development of Estonia's defence industry," said Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur.

Last spring, the first six HIMARS rocket systems purchased from Lockheed Martin were delivered to Estonia. The acquisition of three additional systems and additional ammunition continues Estonia's cooperation with the world's largest arms manufacturer.

"This is a deliberate and long-term effort that supports the implementation of NATO defence plans. Equally important is Lockheed Martin's direct investment in Estonia, as such investments in national defence and the defence industry make Estonia as a whole more secure," Pevkur added.

The contract with Lockheed Martin will also support the involvement of the local defence industry. "In addition to rocket systems and ammunition, the new agreement includes an investment in Estonia's defence industry, resulting in the establishment of HIMARS component maintenance capability in Estonia, to be provided by local companies," said Janari Kasemets, Category Manager for Combat Platforms at the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI).

According to Kasemets, it is encouraging that Lockheed Martin is prepared to involve local companies. "The USD 11 million investment in Estonia will be combined, at Lockheed Martin's initiative, with investments in neighbouring countries such as Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Finland, in order to build broader regional expertise and ensure the availability of required services locally," he added.

The mobile and combat-proven HIMARS system provides advanced capabilities, including precision strike weapons, enabling support for integrated fire missions against point or area targets at ranges exceeding 300 kilometres. Thanks to its high level of interoperability with NATO and allied systems, HIMARS can be easily integrated and rapidly deployed as required.

The additional HIMARS rocket systems are scheduled to arrive in Estonia in 2027.

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Minister of Development Asmund Aukrust: 'It is heartbreaking that innocent Lebanese people are being affected'

Government of Norway

Press release | Date: 11/04/2026

'Following Israel's massive bombing campaign this week, the humanitarian situation in Lebanon is at breaking point. In the space of 24 hours, more than 300 people were killed and over 1,000 wounded. Children, civilians and healthcare workers have been killed. This is why Norway is now increasing its humanitarian aid to Lebanon by NOK 30 million (appr. USD 3 million)', said Development Minister Asmund Aukrust.

The aid will be channelled to the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) Lebanon and the World Food Programme (WFP), which will each receive NOK 10 million (appr. USD 1 million). The aid will fund basic needs such as shelter, healthcare, cash assistance and protection, particularly for children and other vulnerable groups.

The humanitarian needs in Lebanon are enormous following the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah that began in late February. Israel has bombed civilian infrastructure such as homes, schools, hospitals and roads. A total of 1,888 people have been killed and 6,092 wounded in Israeli attacks. Over a million people have been internally displaced. The material destruction is unimaginable.

'It is heartbreaking that innocent Lebanese people are being affected. In addition to the loss and trauma the population must live with, it will take several years to rebuild what Israel has destroyed in the space of a few weeks. We have made it clear that Israel has a duty to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure', said Aukrust.

The UN has expressed deep concern over the restrictions Israel is imposing on requests for humanitarian access, both south of the Litani River and elsewhere in Lebanon.

'We share the UN's concern that Israel is limiting both the UN's and humanitarian organisations' ability to help people living in distress and insecurity due to the hostilities. Under international humanitarian law, the parties have a duty to facilitate rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to civilians in need', said the Minister for Development.

With this increase, Norway has contributed NOK 236 million (appr. USD 23 million) in humanitarian aid to Lebanon this year. This amount includes 10 per cent of the funds that the UN's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and the Red Cross' Disaster Emergency Response Fund (DREF) have channeled to Lebanon, which is financed by Norway.

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Baiba Braze at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly: NATO unity and the 5% defence spending target is critical to Europe's security

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Published: 11.04.2026.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze, addressing the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Standing Committee in Riga, emphasised that Allies at the NATO summit in Ankara must demonstrate significant progress in increasing defence spending, while strengthening technological superiority and maintaining a unified approach to security within a 360-degree strategy.

The Minister noted that Latvia has effectively reached the 5% of GDP defence spending target and has ratified this commitment in law:

"We are the first NATO Member State to have ratified in law that 5% of GDP will be allocated to defence. The budget allocated to the defence sector has already reached 4.9% this year, and going forward - no less than 5% annually."

At the same time, the Minister emphasised the responsibility of Allies. "We expect that all Allies at the NATO summit in Ankara will be able to demonstrate significant progress toward 5% of GDP for defence. This is the main prerequisite for a successful summit," noted Baiba Braze, adding that the overall trend is positive - defence spending in European countries and Canada increased by approximately 20% last year; however, additional investments in actual military capabilities are still needed.

The Minister emphasised that these investments are essential to ensure a more balanced distribution of responsibility within the Alliance and to strengthen Europe's ability to take on a greater role in ensuring security.

She drew particular attention to the role of technology in security. "Technology is the new front line of geopolitical competition," she emphasised, highlighting developments in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, microchips, 6G, space, and biomedicine.

The Minister noted that Latvia has created a favourable environment for defence innovation by developing a unified ecosystem connecting military training grounds, universities, and industry. Latvia serves as a "living laboratory" for defence innovation, where technologies can be rapidly developed, tested, and implemented under real-world conditions.

Latvia, together with the United Kingdom, leads the international Drone Coalition and provides Allies with opportunities to test innovations, including at the Autonomous Systems Competence Centre and the Selija military training area, a NATO-approved innovation testing environment. "From Latvia's perspective, the drone industry is a vital part of the innovation ecosystem, where the state must act as a supporter by providing investment, appropriate regulation, and a flexible testing environment," the Minister emphasised.

In conclusion, the Minister stressed that Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and the security crisis in the Middle East are closely interconnected.

"Military and technological cooperation between Russia and Iran is clearly evident - Iranian drones, weapons, and technologies have been used against Ukraine, killing thousands of civilians and destroying infrastructure," noted Baiba Braze.

She warned that Russia's support for Iran is fuelling instability in other regions as well, including the Gulf countries, and poses risks to the global economy and energy security, particularly regarding security in the Strait of Hormuz.

The Minister emphasised that today's threats also extend to the digital environment, noting that: "Digital infrastructure, including commercial data centres, is becoming a target of high military value."

In the context of these interconnected crises, she highlighted the importance of NATO's 360-degree strategy and reaffirmed Latvia's solidarity with its Allies on the southern flank and partners in the Persian Gulf region.

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April 11: Hezbollah's operations against Zionist regime in response to truce breach

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 11 April 2026 8:25 PM

By Press TV Website Staff

Hours after Iran and the United States announced a ceasefire ending 40 days of aggression against the Islamic Republic, the Israeli regime violated the truce on Wednesday by launching devastating strikes on civilian areas across Lebanon.

In response, the Hezbollah resistance movement launched a series of retaliatory strikes on Thursday, targeting multiple Israeli military and strategic installations.

The retaliatory operations continued with full intensity on Saturday, April 11, as the Israeli regime continued to target civilian areas in Lebanon, particularly in South Lebanon.

Since early March, Hezbollah's operations have been primarily focused on Israeli military sites in the occupied territories, inflicting heavy and irreparable blows on the Zionist enemy.

The movement's actions come in response to both the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and the Israeli regime's relentless ceasefire violations over the past year.

The cessation of Israeli-American attacks on all fronts, including in Lebanon, was a key component of the 10-point proposal that Washington agreed to as part of the ceasefire.

Iran has warned of severe retaliation if Israeli attacks against Lebanon continue.

Below is a list of operations carried out by the resistance movement in Lebanon against the Zionist regime on April 11:

Hezbollah:

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated aggressions against the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in one of the houses in the town of Chamaa with an attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the settlements of "Kiryat Shmona", "Metulla", and "Misgav Am" with rocket barrages.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the city of Nabatiyeh, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted infrastructure belonging to the Israeli army in the occupied city of Safad with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Ya'ara" barracks with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles in the "Kiryat Shmona" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank on Al-Oweida Hill in the border town of Odeissah with a guided missile.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their vehicles at the "Metulla" site with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted infrastructure belonging to the Israeli army in the "Adamit" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement, its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank in the vicinity of the Al-Ishraq school in the city of Bint Jbeil with an attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank in the Saf Al-Hawa area in the city of Bint Jbeil with an attack drone.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Avivim" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated aggressions against the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted battalions of Israeli army vehicles and soldiers in the vicinity of Al-Ishraq School and the Saf Al-Hawa area in the city of Bint Jbeil, and in the border town of Maroun Al-Ras, with successive rocket barrages and artillery shells.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Yir'on" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the city of Tyre, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Nahariya" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated aggressions against the city of Nabatiyeh, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted infrastructure belonging to the Israeli army in the occupied city of Safad with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the city of Nabatiyeh, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers and vehicles in the vicinity of the Liberation Triangle with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the town of Al-Bayyada with a rocket.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a command position in the town of Al-Bayyada with artillery shells.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a group of Israeli soldiers in the town of Al-Bayyada with a heavy.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted military infrastructure in the "Shomera" settlement with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on southern villages, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted the "Branit" barracks with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Matat" barracks with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the city of Nabatiyeh, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Amiad" base north of Lake Tabariya with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire and the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli army soldiers and their vehicles in the vicinity of the Liberation Triangle for the second time with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Metulla" site with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers on the outskirts of the city of Bint Jbeil with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank in the vicinity of Al-Ishraq School in the city of Bint Jbeil with a guided missile.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated aggressions against the city of Nabatiyeh, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted infrastructure belonging to the Israeli army in the occupied city of Safad with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the city of Tyre, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Nahariya" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "100" camp north of the "Ayelet HaShahar" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Yiron" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, in response to the enemy's breach of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Yiron" settlement with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Metulla" site with a rocket barrage.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the Resistance adhered to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted the "Kiryat Shmona" barracks with a swarm of attack drones.

In defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the enemy's violation of the ceasefire agreement and its repeated attacks on the villages of the south, and after the resistance committed to the ceasefire while the enemy did not, the Islamic Resistance fighters targeted a Merkava tank on the Al-Oweida hill in the border town of Odeissah with an attack drone.

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HONG KONG, April 12 (Xinhua) -- As Hong Kong gears up for the upcoming National Security Education Day on April 15, a series of events have highlighted the pivotal role of coordinated development and security in sustaining the city's prosperity and stability, as well as the collective responsibility of all sectors in safeguarding national security.

In a blog published on Sunday, Paul Chan, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, emphasized that security is the foundation of a country's existence and development, and the bedrock of social stability and people's well-being.

He noted that "ensuring both development and security" is enshrined as a key principle in the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan and is also included in a white paper on safeguarding China's national security under the framework of "one country, two systems" released this February.

As an international financial, trade, shipping and innovation and technology hub, Hong Kong must strike a proper balance between development and security, Chan stressed, advocating risk prevention alongside opening-up, innovation and strength consolidation.

Taking the financial sector as an example, Chan said Hong Kong's financial system is sound and efficient, supporting the smooth operation and rapid development of the market. At the same time, it has always stood firm on security, maintained close oversight of market conditions and their interconnections, and built strong buffers.

Innovation can only foster a more resilient, dynamic and competitive financial system when grounded in security and risk control, enabling Hong Kong to better withstand external shocks and achieve sustained development, he said.

Noting the volatile international landscape, intensified geopolitical rivalry and risks and challenges across various fields, Chan said Hong Kong must put security at the heart of development, while consolidating the foundation of security through high-quality development.

Only by ensuring both development and security can Hong Kong break new ground amid changing circumstances and write a new chapter of greater prosperity, stability and accelerated progress, he said.

Also on Sunday, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) held the "National Security Education Day 2026 cum Hong Kong Police Force Fun Day" to enhance public awareness of national security, strengthen the cultivation of national identity, and provide the community with a better understanding of the HKPF's work and achievements in safeguarding national security through a series of activities.

Addressing the ceremony, Cheuk Wing-hing, deputy chief secretary for administration of the HKSAR government, commended the HKPF for unequivocally and fearlessly discharging their duties in safeguarding national security and stopping violence and curbing disorder, making enormous and irreplaceable contributions to building an impregnable defence for Hong Kong's national security, and rendering Hong Kong one of the world's safest cities.

Chow Yat-ming, commissioner of police of the HKSAR government, said that supported by national security legal and enforcement systems and law enforcement mechanisms, Hong Kong has transitioned from chaos to order and entered a new stage of advancing from stability to prosperity, adding that the hard-earned stability vividly exemplifies the country's strong support and protection for Hong Kong.

No one can remain a mere spectator in safeguarding national security -- every citizen has a duty to play their part, he said, hoping that through the National Security Education Day, members of the public would better understand and embrace the principles set out in the white paper, enhance their awareness of national security, and work together to safeguard national security and Hong Kong's stability.

The event featured a national security education exhibition zone and interactive games for the public, especially the younger generation. In addition, specialized equipment from various units, including the Counter Terrorism Response Unit, the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau, and the Police Dog Unit, was on display, showcasing the police force's professionalism and the diversity of its work. 
Israeli strikes kill 10 people in southern Lebanon

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 11 April 2026 6:19 PM

The Lebanese health ministry says ten people, including three emergency workers, have been killed by Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon, as the occupying regime continues its aggression across the region.

According to the ministry, Saturday's strikes targeted several locations in the Nabatiyeh district, while Lebanon's state media reported that more than a dozen sites were hit in the onslaught.

The ministry added that among the dead were a member of the Lebanese Civil Defense and two paramedics with the Hezbollah-supported Islamic Health Committee.

Lebanon's health ministry condemned the attacks, describing them as Israel's "systematic" targeting of emergency workers.

The escalation comes as Iran has reiterated that a ceasefire in Lebanon is part of the two-week ceasefire with the United States and must be included in a potential agreement to end the war, launched by the US and Israel against the country late in February.

A 10-point proposal presented by the Islamic Republic  which US President Donald Trump has described as a "workable basis on which to negotiate and the main framework for these talks"  explicitly conditions a ceasefire on ending aggression on all fronts, including against Lebanon.

Israel has repeatedly violated the 2024 ceasefire deal it signed with Hezbollah, under which Tel Aviv was obligated to halt the deadly escalations toward Lebanon that have cost thousands of lives.

Since February 28, when Israel and the United States launched the unprovoked military offensive against Iran, the occupying regime has intensified its assaults on Lebanon.

Separately on Saturday, the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah announced it had launched multiple attacks on Israeli military positions in response to the regime's continued strikes on southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah said it targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the town of Shama using a drone, resulting in direct casualties among the forces stationed there.

The group reported that several gathering points and tanks belonging to Israeli troops were destroyed during the operation. It also launched missiles at multiple towns in the occupied territories, including Safad, Adumim, Nahariya, Kiryat Shmona, Al-Mutala, and Maskaf Am.

Hezbollah additionally fired ten missiles toward Karmiel in the Galilee region. A missile hit a military base in the northern occupied territories without triggering any warning sirens.

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Hamas, Islamic Jihad slam Smotrich's remarks on Gaza land expropriation

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 11 April 2026 7:25 AM

Palestinian resistance movements Hamas and Islamic Jihad have denounced the latest remarks by Israeli Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich concerning plans to expropriate land from the war-ravaged Gaza Strip, saying they confirm the regime's intentions to undermine the 2024 November ceasefire.

In a statement released late on Friday, Hamas warned against "the occupying regime's continued policy of reneging on the ceasefire agreement, its blatant violations of its terms, and evasion of its obligations."

"We call upon the guarantor states (Qatar, Egypt, the United States, and Turkey) to condemn these actions and take serious action to compel the occupying regime to fully implement the agreement, including the withdrawal from Gaza as stipulated in the agreement," it said.

The Gaza-based resistance group urged the international community, the United Nations, and its institutions to take action to confront the Tel Aviv regime's settlement expansion activities in the West Bank.

Hamas emphasized that these activities starkly violate international law and UN resolutions, demanding that Israeli leaders be held accountable for their ongoing crimes and disregard for international law.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group also condemned Smotrich's comments, saying they explicitly show the Israeli regime is not only a threat to the Palestinian nation but also to the entire Muslim world.

It said in a statement that the criminal Israeli cabinet is pressing ahead with its expansionist projects and is seeking to dictate them through bloodshed.

The group then warned about the soaring pace of Israel's settlement expansion activities concurrent with the incendiary remarks.

It called upon Muslim and Arab nations to utilize all available means and methods to confront the expansionist Israeli schemes in a bid to safeguard their homelands, dignity, and the future of their forthcoming generations.

Earlier on Friday, Smotrich had stated that further swathes of land from Lebanon and Syria must be brought under Israeli control, the regime must exercise sovereignty over the entire West Bank territories, and that settlement construction activities must begin in the Gaza Strip.

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US Revisits Georgia's Black Sea Port as Strategic Corridors Rise

By Ulviyya Asadzade April 11, 2026

After nearly two years of suspended engagement under a multiyear strategic partnership, the United States has resumed high-level contact with Georgia. On March 30, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone call with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.

While Tbilisi has framed the outreach as a possible "reset," many analysts say it is too early to draw such conclusions. Still, Washington appears to have reasons to re-engage.

Under President Donald Trump, US foreign policy has shown growing interest in strategic logistics corridors, and in that context Georgia's location remains relevant, analysts say.

"It suggests that Washington may still see room to influence the political and geopolitical direction of Anaklia port before it is irreversibly anchored in a Chinese-led direction," Vakhtang Partsvania, an economics professor at Caucasus School of Business in Tbilisi, told RFE/RL.

Relations deteriorated sharply after Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party adopted policies widely viewed in Washington as anti-democratic, including controversial legislation such as a "foreign agent" law and the use of force against protesters.

In response, in November 2024, the United States suspended its multiyear strategic partnership with Georgia.

Washington also imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of Georgian Dream, along with other officials.

As Tbilisi went on to deepen its ties with China and maintain engagement with Russia, US attention increasingly shifted toward Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Anaklia Port: The Strategic Core

"I don't think that Georgia is a very big strategic priority for the US, but there might be various things Washington wants to do in this region that would better cooperation with the Georgian government," Joshua Kucera, a senior analyst at International Crisis Group, told RFE/RL. "That could be transit, and I think it's reasonable to guess that's the reason behind the visit to Anaklia and Poti," another major port.

Positioned between Russia and Iran and bordering the Black Sea, Georgia remains a key transit hub.

Washington has long viewed the country as part of the so-called Middle Corridor -- a trade route that links Europe and Asia while bypassing both Moscow and Tehran.

In the South Caucasus, the United States has backed the TRIPP project (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity), connecting Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhchivan through Armenia and enabling goods from Asia to reach Europe.

Georgia's Black Sea ports would be critical to expanding that corridor and the Middle Corridor in general.

If completed, Anaklia would become Georgia's only deep-sea port capable of handling large cargo vessels, strengthening the Trans-Caspian International Transportation Route (TITR).

Initially, a US-Georgian consortium--the Anaklia Development Consortium (ADC)--won the bid. The Georgian government canceledthe contract in 2020, citing unmet obligations. The project stalled for years, and in May 2024 Tbilisi selecteda Chinese-Singaporean consortium led by China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) as its new private partner, though final contract details remain unclear.

Just days before the Rubio-Kobakhidze call, US State Department official Peter Andreoli visited the Anaklia port. Few details were disclosed, but Georgia's opposition party Lelo - Strong Georgia called for the port to be named after President Donald Trump and positioned as a hub in the proposed "Trump Route."

"Anaklia Port today is in an in-between state. The project has not been cancelled, construction activity is underway, and a Chinese consortium has been named as the preferred private investor. However, the absence of a publicly confirmed final contract means the project remains open. That is precisely why the recent US visit matters," Partsvania told RFE/RL.

"It cannot be excluded that Anaklia may become part of a wider strategic bargaining framework. This does not necessarily imply direct pressure, but rather a combination of incentives and expectations, where deeper political and economic engagement from the United States could be linked to limiting the role of Chinese actors in strategically sensitive infrastructure," Partsvania added.

"Washington recognizes that its policies regarding TRIPP and the South Caucasus more generally could suffer unless it has closer ties with Tbilisi," Paul Goble, an analyst at the Jamestown Foundation, told RFE/RL.

Iran Factor: A Secondary Driver?

The war in Iran is cited as another possible reason for renewed contact.

Just a day after the Rubio-Kobakhidze call, a US military aircraft -- a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III -- landedin Tbilisi.

The aircraft, typically used to transport troops, equipment, or humanitarian aid, arrived from Germany and later departed southward.

Kornely Kakachia, director of the Georgian Institute of Politics, said the United States may be reassessing Georgia's role in a shifting regional landscape.

"The refueling of jets...could be something like a minimal level of what the United States could expect from Georgia," Kakachia told RFE/RL.

The US Embassy in Tbilisi downplayed the development, saying such flights are routine and "not related to any regional tensions."

A Diminishing Role?

For years, Georgia's importance for Washington was tied to unresolved conflicts in the South Caucasus -- particularly between Armenia and Azerbaijan -- as well as its role as a transit corridor.

But as Baku and Yerevan move closer through a US-backed peace process, that leverage may be diminishing.

At the same time, new regional initiatives such as TRIPP risk sidelining Georgia from emerging trade routes.

US Vice President JD Vance notably skipped Tbilisi during his recent South Caucasus visit, underscoring the country's reduced diplomatic priority.

What Comes Next?

Despite Georgian Dream's framing, many in Washington remain skeptical that the Rubio call signals a genuine shift.

"It's striking that the State Department would pick up the phone now," said a senior Senate Democratic aide, speaking on condition of anonymity. "There's no clarity on policy, no clear objectives, and frankly, a lot of members of Congress are scratching their heads about why this call even happened."

Former US Ambassador Ian Kelly said the administration's approach reflects uncertainty rather than strategy.

"The Trump administration would be ambivalent at best about Georgia," Kelly said.

Laura Thornton, a former senior director at the McCain Institute, also questioned the significance of the outreach.

"The Trump administration is transactional. Without rare earth minerals, golden jets, or some other treasure to offer, [Georgia Dream] is unlikely to spark Trump's interest."

Georgia has signaled that more US visits could follow. But for now, Washington remains noncommittal.

"We have no visit to announce at this time," the US Embassy in Tbilisi saidin a written response to RFE/RL's Georgian Service.

Alex Raufoglu and RFE/RL's Georgian Service contributed to this report.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/us-georgia- black-sea-iran-trump-trade/33727854.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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No: 70, 11 April 2026, Regarding the Social Media Post by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Republic of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Netanyahu, who has been described as the Hitler of our time due to the crimes he has committed, is a well-known figure with a clear track record.

An arrest warrant has been issued against Netanyahu by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Under Netanyahu's administration, Israel is facing proceedings before the International Court of Justice on charges of genocide.

Netanyahu's current objective is to undermine ongoing peace negotiations and continue his expansionist policies in the region. Failing this, he risks being tried in his own country and is likely to be sentenced to imprisonment.

The fact that our President has been targeted by Israeli officials with baseless, brazen, and false allegations is a result of the discomfort caused by the truths we have consistently voiced on every platform.

Turkiye will continue to stand by innocent civilians and will further its efforts to ensure that Netanyahu is held accountable for the crimes he has committed.

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USS Harvey C. Barnum, Jr. (DDG 124) Commissions

US Navy

11 April 2026

The U.S. Navy welcomed a new Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer to the fleet Saturday morning during the commissioning ceremony of USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) at Naval Station Norfolk.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) was commissioned before a crowd of approximately 1,800 guests, including senior military leaders, Sailors, Marines, veterans and family members. Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan served as the ceremony's principal speaker, joining Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James W. Kilby and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith in celebrating the ship's entry into service.

During the ceremony, Phelan wished the crew of Harvey C. Barnum Jr. fair winds and following seas as they brought the ship to life and began her commissioned service.

"This is the first vessel to bear the name of a Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient, and Col Barnum's actions in the Que Son Valley during Operation Harvest Moon defines what leadership looks like when everything is on the line," said Secretary of the Department of the Navy John C. Phelan. "This ship is not symbolic, it is combat power, and today she joins something bigger. The ship and her crew join the President's Golden Fleet, the Fleet of the future rebuilding American maritime dominance by putting more capable ships in the water, strengthening our industrial base, and ensuring we can fight tonight and win tomorrow. To be a superpower, one must be a seapower, and USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. represents exactly what that future looks like."

Adm. James W. Kilby emphasized the role of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in delivering combat power and sustaining the Navy's global warfighting advantage.

"The need to build great warships like Harvey C. Barnum Jr. is as clear today as it ever has been. Sailors on ships like Harvey C. Barnum Jr. are standing the watch, defending the homeland, and deterring aggression."

Gen. Eric M. Smith highlighted the legacy of the ship's namesake and the standard it sets for the crew.

"Col. Barnum represents the very best of our naval service, courage under fire, selfless sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to mission and to others," said Smith. "The crew of USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. carries forward that legacy, and with it, the warrior ethos required to deter aggression and win when it matters most."

The ceremony featured traditional naval honors, including music from "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, as Sailors manned the rails and the ship was officially placed into active service. Upon the order from the ship's sponsor, Martha Hill, to "man our ship and bring her to life," the crew rushed aboard, bringing the warship to life amid applause and ceremonial cannon fire.

Martha Hill, the ship's sponsor and wife of Harvey C. Barnum Jr., reflected on the crew's role in bringing the warship to life.

"This moment marks the transformation of this ship from steel into something living  a reflection of the spirit, dedication, and strength of the Sailors who will carry her forward," said Hill. "You are now part of her story, and wherever she sails, you will represent the very best of our nation."

DDG 124 is the first ship to bear the name of Medal of Honor recipient, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr.. The ship honors Barnum's gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life beyond the call of duty during the Vietnam War.

Barnum reflected on the responsibility carried by the crew and the trust that defines the naval service.

"Our strength is not built on technology alone, but on trust, trust that we will stand by one another and that no one will ever be left behind," said Barnum. "That belief shapes how Sailors and Marines fight, how they lead, and how they act when it matters most. The crew of USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. now carries that responsibility forward."

On Dec. 18, 1965, then-1st Lt. Barnum assumed command of his company after the commander was mortally wounded. With two armed helicopters under his control, he moved fearlessly through deadly fire to lead air attacks against enemy positions while directing a counterattack that helped secure key terrain. He later coordinated the evacuation of wounded personnel and continued the assault to achieve the battalion's objective. He is among the few living namesakes to witness the commissioning of a ship bearing his name.

Cmdr. Cantu, commanding officer of USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr., emphasized the responsibility carried by the crew.

"Every Sailor who walks these deckplates will be reminded of what it means to serve with honor, lead with integrity, and defend our nation without hesitation," said Cantu. "We accept the responsibility that comes with bearing Harvey C. Barnum Jr.'s name, and we will carry his legacy forward in everything we do."

Cantu leads a crew prepared to operate one of the Navy's most advanced warships, built to meet the demands of modern maritime operations.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers are the backbone of the U.S. Navy's surface fleet. These highly capable, multi-mission ships conduct a wide range of operations, from peacetime presence to national security missions, delivering warfighting capability across multi-threat air, surface and subsurface environments. Equipped with the Aegis Combat System and a range of advanced weapons systems, USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. strengthens the Navy's ability to project power, deter aggression and defend U.S. interests worldwide.

Following the ceremony, guests were invited aboard for tours of the Navy's newest warship, offering a firsthand look at the capabilities and professionalism of the crew bringing DDG 124 to life.

The mission of Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CNSP) is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore.

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Trump, Hormuz, and Pearl Harbor

In the early months of 2026, the Strait of Hormuz -- the narrow throat through which nearly twenty percent of all globally traded petroleum passes -- became a sealed artery. President Donald Trump, having returned to the White House with a mandate to confront what he called "the axis of chaos," ordered the United States Navy to impose a complete blockade on Iranian oil exports. The stated goal was to strangle the Islamic Republic's nuclear and missile programs. The unstated, yet unmistakable, consequence was a de facto embargo on crude oil shipments to the People's Republic of China. For decades, Washington and Beijing had managed their competition through tariffs, technology controls, cyber-accusations, and diplomatic signals. A blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is a different instrument entirely -- an act of economic warfare that China, the world's largest importer of oil, could not ignore. As American commentators and Chinese strategists alike reached for the darkest available historical parallel, a name from 1941 recurred through editorial pages: Pearl Harbor.

To understand why the Hormuz blockade registered as a potential inflection point far beyond the Persian Gulf, one must first grasp the geography of energy dependency. China's economic rise over the past four decades was built on a foundation of imported hydrocarbons. By 2026, Beijing was reported to be consuming more than fifteen million barrels of oil per day, of which roughly half was estimated to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait were not merely trading partners but the material basis of Chinese industrial output, transportation, and -- as Chinese military planners are well aware -- military operational sustainability. Any serious interruption to that flow threatened not merely higher fuel prices but idle factories, disrupted logistics, and a cascading crisis of employment and social stability. For China's leadership, the strategic calculus was uncomfortable: a hostile power had interdicted a chokepoint that Beijing had long identified as its principal energy vulnerability.

The Trump administration justified the blockade under the banner of counter-proliferation and counter-terrorism. Iran, the argument ran, had been caught enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels and had armed proxy forces that attacked American bases and Israeli cities. The 2025 nuclear talks had collapsed, and Trump ordered a unilateral solution. "We will not allow one more drop of Iranian oil to reach any port, anywhere," he was reported to have declared from the deck of the USS Gerald R. Ford, stationed just outside the strait. "And if our allies -- or anyone else -- try to run our blockade, they will learn the meaning of American resolve." That last sentence was widely interpreted as a direct warning to Beijing, which had continued to purchase Iranian crude despite US secondary sanctions, reportedly using shadow fleets and offshore financial arrangements to do so.

The Chinese response was swift and carefully calibrated. Foreign Ministry spokespeople denounced the blockade as "a violation of international law and the freedom of navigation." State media carried footage of Chinese naval exercises in the South China Sea, but no warships were reported dispatched toward the Persian Gulf. Instead, Beijing activated what appeared to be a decade-long strategy of resilience: strategic petroleum reserves were drawn down gradually, overland pipeline imports from Russia and Central Asia were reportedly increased toward maximum capacity, and a diplomatic offensive began aimed at convincing Washington that the blockade was not merely an attack on Iran or on China but on the entire open economic order that the United States had underwritten since 1945. The message was clear: you may hurt us, but you will also hurt yourselves.

It was at this moment that the Pearl Harbor analogy achieved wide circulation. Historians, retired generals, and cable news analysts recalled that on July 26, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt froze Japanese assets in the United States, effectively cutting off Japan's access to American oil. For Imperial Japan, a resource-poor island nation dependent on US petroleum, the embargo was an existential threat. Rather than retreat from its expansionist ambitions in Southeast Asia, Japan chose a desperate military gamble: a surprise attack on the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, followed by a lightning campaign to seize the oil resources of the Dutch East Indies. The analogy was imperfect but haunting. Here, too, a powerful maritime nation was using its naval dominance to impose an energy embargo on a rival Asian power. Would Beijing, like Tokyo, decide it had nothing to lose by striking first?

That nightmare scenario was one that strategic planners on both sides of the Pacific had reportedly war-gamed for years. A closer look at the available evidence, however, suggests a more complex picture. While the risks of miscalculation were real and potentially catastrophic, China appeared to have prepared extensively for precisely this kind of pressure test, and the structural differences between China's 2026 situation and Japan's 1941 situation were substantial enough to make the Pearl Harbor analogy, however rhetorically powerful, analytically misleading.

The Context: A Region on Fire

The crisis emerged from a devastating US-Israeli military operation against Iran that effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz as a functioning commercial waterway. By early March 2026, the strait was reported to be effectively shut, with an estimated 150 oil and gas tankers anchored in the Persian Gulf unable to transit. The immediate impact on global energy markets was severe: insurance costs for Gulf transits became prohibitive for smaller operators, oil futures spiked sharply, and the prospect of a sustained closure raised alarms among every economy dependent on Gulf crude.

The US Response: Leverage, Coalitions, and Complications

President Trump's response to the crisis was aggressive and multifaceted, but encountered significant practical constraints. Trump reportedly used a planned summit with Chinese leadership as a bargaining chip, demanding that China -- as the party with the largest economic stake in a freely transiting strait -- help to secure it, and signaling that he might delay the meeting pending a satisfactory Chinese response. Beyond China, Trump pressured South Korea, Japan, and NATO member states to contribute warships to the interdiction effort, reportedly warning of a "very bad future" for alliances whose members refused. Those calls gained little traction; the United States found itself largely alone in managing the physical blockade, while allies provided political sympathy without operational commitment. Analysts noted that the crisis placed Washington in an awkward position: a military operation intended to project decisive American force had resulted in the United States asking its primary strategic competitor to help resolve a problem of American creation -- a posture that some argued served to undermine rather than reinforce the image of US omnipotence the operation was presumably designed to project.

China's Calculated Resilience

China's vulnerability to Hormuz disruption is real but, on the available evidence, not absolute. Analysts estimated that approximately 45 to 50 percent of China's total crude oil imports transited the strait under normal conditions, a figure that sounds alarming until set against the full picture of Chinese energy supply. One analysis reportedly circulating in Chinese strategic policy circles concluded that a complete cutoff of Iranian oil specifically -- as distinct from all Hormuz-transiting crude -- would affect approximately 1.5 percent of China's total primary energy consumption, given the diversity of its supply base and the growing contribution of domestic coal, nuclear, wind, and solar generation. As one analyst framed it, this was "almost a rounding error for a country that's increasing its own primary energy production by 4.6 percent a year." Whether that specific figure is precisely accurate or not, the structural argument that China's energy system had substantially reduced the leverage of any single chokepoint appears broadly supported by the available data.

By 2025, Russia had reportedly surpassed Saudi Arabia as China's single largest source of crude oil. Overland pipeline capacity from Russia and Central Asia -- the Power of Siberia pipeline and the Central Asia-China gas pipeline network -- provided volumes that required no maritime transit at all. China reportedly held an estimated 1.3 billion barrels of crude in strategic onshore storage, sufficient by some estimates to cover roughly four months of seaborne imports at 2025 consumption rates. State-run refiner Sinopec was reported to have announced it would not purchase Iranian oil on the spot market, instead seeking authorization to tap strategic reserves, and to have cut refinery runs by approximately five percent in response to the disruption. The Chinese government reportedly imposed domestic fuel price caps for the first time in more than a decade to shield consumers and maintain industrial output. China delivered what was reported as $200,000 in humanitarian aid to Iran -- a gesture calibrated to signal continued engagement with Tehran without crossing into the territory of material military support that would attract secondary sanctions or direct confrontation with Washington. Crucially, Beijing declined Trump's request for naval assistance, pursuing instead a strategy of calculated non-intervention aimed at staying out of the conflict while preserving options on all sides.

The Pearl Harbor Parallel: A Flawed Analogy

The structural differences between China's 2026 situation and Japan's 1941 situation are more significant than the surface resemblance. In 1941, the United States supplied approximately 80 percent of Japan's oil, which was cut off entirely and immediately; China in 2026 had diversified suppliers, immune overland pipelines, and substantial stockpiles -- Japan was desperate, while China was uncomfortable. Japan saw war as its only option to secure the resources of Southeast Asia; China in 2026 was the world's largest trading nation, deeply integrated into global supply chains, for whom a war with the United States would be a self-destructive act rather than a rational bid for resources. Critically, the 1941 embargo was a direct act by the United States against Japan; the 2026 blockade was directed at Iran, giving Beijing considerably more diplomatic room to maneuver and making a direct Chinese attack on the United States far less likely than the Japan analogy implied.

Financial analyst Ray Dalio and others had warned separately about a Pearl Harbor-style miscalculation, but primarily in the context of US technology controls on China -- semiconductor export restrictions that Dalio characterized as the "oil" of the twenty-first century, meaning that economic coercion applied to an existential technological vulnerability might produce the same desperate calculus that the 1941 oil embargo produced. That argument, while analytically serious, pointed toward a different scenario than the one the Hormuz blockade presented. The lesson most analysts drew from the parallel was less about an inevitable Chinese military strike than about the general danger of how economic coercion, if allowed to approach genuine existential pressure, can produce devastating miscalculations by states that perceive themselves to have nothing left to lose -- a threshold China in 2026 appeared, on the available evidence, to be well short of reaching.

Most sober analysts concluded that the differences outweighed the similarities. Imperial Japan in 1941 was a militaristic regime with a history of reckless aggression and institutional structures that gave military adventurists decisive influence over policy. China in 2026 was a one-party state but also a hyper-rational economic powerhouse deeply integrated into global supply chains, with a leadership that had demonstrated across the trade war, the pandemic, and the property market crisis a high capacity for strategic patience. Beijing's leadership understood that a direct military confrontation with the United States would destroy the very prosperity that legitimized Communist Party rule. Moreover, China had spent two decades constructing alternatives: pipelines from Siberia and Central Asia, a Belt and Road network of overland trade routes, and a renewable energy sector that was progressively reducing the country's oil addiction. The blockade would hurt, but it would not starve China into surrender.

Is Iran China's Client State?

The framing in some Washington policy circles of Iran as a Chinese proxy -- a characterization that shaped assumptions about the leverage a pressure campaign on Iran would generate over China -- was widely questioned by outside analysts as a significant oversimplification. The 2021 Iran-China 25-year strategic partnership, involving reported economic and infrastructure commitments of approximately $400 billion, is described by analysts as a transactional relationship rather than a patron-client or alliance structure. The agreement reportedly contains no mutual defense provisions and creates no basis for Chinese troop presence in Iran. When the United States and Israel conducted major strikes against Iranian nuclear and missile infrastructure, Beijing reportedly adopted what observers characterized as a "low profile" and a "cautious, deliberately ambiguous approach," choosing not to come to Tehran's military defense. That behavior does not align with the conduct of a patron defending a proxy.

From a US strategic perspective, Iran's value to China may lie less in operational direction than in the spoiler role Iran plays in absorbing American attention and resources. As one analyst framed it, every dollar the United States spends managing threats in the Persian Gulf is a dollar unavailable for Taiwan contingency planning, and every carrier strike group forward-deployed to the Gulf is one fewer available in the Western Pacific. This makes Iran a strategic irritant for the United States that benefits China without requiring China to control Iranian decision-making -- and it explains why Beijing has an interest in preserving the Iran relationship without any need to take responsibility for Iranian actions.

The Broader US-China Rivalry: Taiwan and the Global Chessboard

The Hormuz crisis was not occurring in isolation but as a front in the larger US-China strategic competition, and its effects on that competition's other dimensions were significant. For China, Taiwan remained in 2026 what Chinese officials characterized as its foremost external security concern, with the government having stated repeatedly that any move by the United States to support formal Taiwanese independence would be treated as equivalent to a declaration of war. The US military commitment to the Persian Gulf blockade forced Washington to divert assets away from the Asia-Pacific to the Middle East -- a reallocation that, in the assessment of some analysts, paradoxically strengthened China's hand in the Pacific by reducing US presence and potentially emboldening Chinese actions regarding territorial claims in the South and East China Seas.

Chinese strategists had long been concerned about what was characterized as a "three seas linkage" -- coordinated US, Japanese, and Philippine actions across the East China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and South China Sea that could create a chain reaction leading to a broader conflict. The absorption of American military attention and force structure by the Hormuz crisis may have been assessed in Beijing as at least a partial relief from that concern. At the same time, the blockade changed the nature of the US-China rivalry in a way that Chinese leadership reportedly viewed with concern: what had been a cold competition over technology, influence, and ideology was becoming a hot economic confrontation with credible pathways to direct military escalation. China's leaders began to view the blockade, by some accounts, as a potential dry run for a future US attempt to close the South China Sea or the Taiwan Strait. If the United States could shut down Hormuz with impunity, the question that followed was whether the Luzon Strait or the Malacca Strait might be subject to analogous measures in a future crisis over Taiwan. The blockade had, in this reading, opened a Pandora's box of maritime coercion whose full implications extended far beyond the Persian Gulf.

The Economic Fallout

The economic consequences of the crisis extended well beyond the direct parties. Global oil and gas prices rose sharply to reported record highs. Japan began releasing crude from its national strategic reserves. The Philippines, which reportedly imports approximately 98 percent of its petroleum, declared a national energy emergency, with government officials warning that domestic stocks could run dry within two months at the disrupted supply rates. Developing nations from Pakistan to Kenya faced acute balance-of-payments pressure as dollar-denominated energy costs surged. Sinopec, the world's largest refiner by throughput, reported a 36.5 percent decline in 2025 operating profit attributable directly to the disruption. In China, the government was reported to be considering fuel rationing that would prioritize industrial users over private drivers, and to be accelerating the rollout of electric vehicles as a strategic response to the demonstrated vulnerability of petroleum dependency. State media reportedly began framing the crisis as an external assault by a hostile America rather than a failure of Chinese government policy -- a framing that, by most accounts, found considerable popular resonance.

Escalation Scenarios and the Risk of Miscalculation

The Trump administration was assessed by outside analysts to have expected Beijing to blink -- to calculate that the pain of the blockade would force China to abandon its support for Iran and, more ambitiously, to make concessions on trade, technology, and Taiwan in exchange for a US relaxation of pressure. That calculus may have underestimated Beijing's tolerance for economic disruption, which had been substantially demonstrated across the preceding decade. Chinese leadership reportedly calculated that Trump's blockade would encounter practical limits before Chinese resilience was exhausted: indefinite US Navy patrol operations impose their own force-readiness costs; European and Asian allies, reluctant to endorse the blockade, might eventually arrange alternative shipping routes and diplomatic interventions; Iran, far from collapsing, was capable of responding with swarms of small attack craft, anti-ship missiles, and cyberattacks on American logistics networks; and the blockade's domestic political costs in the United States, through its effect on gasoline prices, were significant.

Analysts sketched escalation scenarios in which the crisis reached a more dangerous inflection point. In one such scenario, a Chinese-owned oil tanker sailing under a flag of convenience might attempt to run the blockade; US warships might fire warning shots; if the tanker failed to heave to and a boarding party were dispatched, a confrontation in which Chinese crew members were injured or killed could produce a political crisis in Beijing of a different order of magnitude than the financial cost of the disruption itself. Beijing media would likely compare such an incident to the 1999 bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade -- an event that remained a vivid reference point in Chinese strategic culture for American willingness to use lethal force against Chinese personnel when it judged the cost acceptable. Behind closed doors, the Central Military Commission might in such circumstances consider options ranging from cyberattacks on US infrastructure to missile tests in the Western Pacific to a reciprocal interdiction of American naval movements in the South China Sea. None of these would constitute a Pearl Harbor-style carrier-killing strike or a surprise assault on US territory, but all of them risk a spiral of escalation that neither side could be confident of controlling once initiated.

The more likely outcome, in the assessment of most outside analysts, was de-escalation through exhaustion rather than through diplomacy -- a gradual unwinding of the confrontation as both sides encountered the practical limits of their coercive instruments, without any formal resolution of the underlying issues. The ghost of Pearl Harbor might be raised in public discourse without being summoned into full flesh.

Long-Term Implications

The lessons of the Hormuz crisis, whatever its ultimate resolution, appeared likely to reverberate through both powers' strategic planning for years. China would probably accelerate the development of a blue-water naval capability sufficient to protect its energy lifelines as far west as the Arabian Sea -- a long-standing PLA Navy aspiration that the crisis would have invested with new urgency. The United States, meanwhile, would confront a strategic dilemma: if imposing a maritime blockade carried unacceptable escalation risks when the affected party was China, how could it credibly deter Chinese coercion against Taiwan through conventional military means? And the world's smaller nations, caught between the two great powers, might draw the lesson that the era of cheap, secure, globalized energy was over -- that maritime commerce, long treated as a guaranteed background condition of the international economic order, was now a contested domain in which great-power rivalry could at any time impose costs measured in emergency declarations, reserve drawdowns, and populations facing fuel shortages.

The attack on Pearl Harbor had been a surprise. The crisis of 2026 was not a surprise to anyone who had been paying attention to the trajectory of US-China-Iran relations. What it was, instead, was a test of whether the accumulation of deterrence calculations, economic interdependencies, and institutional constraints that both powers had constructed since 1945 was robust enough to prevent a confrontation from becoming a catastrophe. The answer, as of the spring of 2026, remained genuinely uncertain.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 11 April 2026 - Day 1508

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 according to detailed information, in general, 101 combat encounters have taken place since the beginning of this day.

After 16:00 469 cases of ceasefire violations were recorded. Namely: 22 Russian assault actions, 153 shelling, 19 kamikaze drones strikes ("Lancet", "Lightning") and 275 fpv strikes.

Today, in total, the Russian enemy made 57 aviacijnih strikes, dropped 182 controlled air bombs. In addition, Russian forces engaged 3928 kamikaze drones to impress and carried out 2454 shells of settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops.

Four combat clashes took place in the Northern Slobozhansky and Kursk directions; in addition, the Russian enemy carried out 45 shellings of settlements and positions of Ukrainian troops, four of which were using reactive systems of arson fire.

In the South Slobozhansky direction, the Russian enemy five times stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the areas of the settlements of Staritsa, Veterinarne, Prylipka and Vovchans ki Farm.

In the Kupyansky direction, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled three Russian assaults towards the settlements of Petropavlivka and Novoosinove.

In the Lyman direction, Ukrainian soldiers repelled six Russian attempts to advance near zarichny and towards shiikivka, drobisevy and lyman.

In the Slovenian direction, Ukrainian soldiers stopped one Russian assault action towards Rai-Oleksandrivka.

In the direction of Kramators komu, the Russian enemy did not carry out offensive actions.

Defense Forces repelled 19 Russian assaults in the Konstantinivka direction near Konstantinovka, Pleshiyivka, Illinivka, Ivanopilya, Rusiny Yar, Sofiyivka and Novopavlivka.

Russian troops committed 18 attacks in the Pokrovsky direction. The Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of populated areas Rodinske, Dorozhne, Mirnograd, Udaachne, Novomykolaivka, Molodetske, Novopavlivka.

According to preliminary estimates, 67 Russian occupants were eliminated and 24 wounded in this direction; four car and three special equipment units were destroyed, one control point, three tanks, five artillery systems, four vehicles units and 54 Russian infantry shelters were damaged. Destroyed or suppressed 272 unmanned aircraft of different types.

In the Oleksandrivsky direction, the Russian occupiers tried to improve their position four times, attacking in the areas of Novogrigorivka, Ternovy and towards Priville. Pidgavrilivka suffered an air strike.

Four Russian attacks took place in the Gulyaipil direction, in the areas of the settlements of Solodke, Olenokostyantinivka and towards the Charming. The Russian enemy caused air strikes in the areas of settlements of Vozdvizivka, Tsvitkove, Kopani, Charivne, Rivne.

In the Orihiv direction, the Russian opponent did not carry out offensive actions, but made aviation strikes in the areas of settlements Obshche and Omelnyk.

In the Pridniprovsky direction, the Russian enemy carried out three futile assault actions in the direction of the Antonivsky Bridge and the island. White-breasted. Kherson suffered airstrike.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

The Sever Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades of the AFU and a territorial defence brigade close to Miropolye, Novodmitrovka, and Khoten (Sumy region).

In Kharkov region, units of two mechanised brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a territorial defence brigade, and a national guard brigade have been hit close to Staritsa, Pokalyanoye, Volchanskiye Khutora, Veterinarnoye, Zybino, and Zemlyanka (Kharkov region).

The enemy lost more than 180 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, nine motor vehicles, and four electronic warfare stations. One ammunition and two materiel depots were eliminated.

The Zapad Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. Strikes were delivered at formations of two mechanised brigades, an assault brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and a territorial defence brigade near Chervony Oskol, Shiykovka, Kutkovka, Borovaya (Kharkov region), Stary Karavan, Krasny Liman, and Svyatogorsk (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 190 troops, an armoured fighting vehicle, 28 motor vehicles, four field artillery guns, a Grad MLRS and one electronic warfare station. Three ammunition depots and four materiel depots were neutralised.

The Yuzhnaya Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Russian troops hit three mechanised brigades, an airmobile brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a territorial defence brigade near Konstantinovka, Ilinovka, Krivaya Luka, Nikolayevka, Artema, and Slavyansk (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 160 troops, an M113 armoured personnel carrier, and a U.S.-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, five armoured fighting vehicles, 21 motor vehicles, and a field artillery gun. Two electronic warfare stations, three ammunition depots, and four materiel depots were neutralised.

The Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Two mechanised brigades, an airmobile brigade, an airborne brigade, an assault regiment of the AFU, a marine brigade, and two national guard brigades have been hit near rubezhnoye, Belitskoye, Priyut, Ivanovka, Sergeyevka, Grishino in the Donetsk People's Republic, Novopodgorodnoye, and Novopavlovka (Dnepropetrovsk region).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 345 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, eight motor vehicles, an electronic warfare station, and two field artillery guns including a U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer.

The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences. Strikes were delivered at formations of two mechanised brigades, an air assault brigade, an assault brigade, and two assault regiments of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Pokrovskoye, Kolomiytsy (Dnepropetrovsk region), Novoselovka, Vozdvizhevka, and Verkhnyaya Tersa (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy lost more than 285 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, and six motor vehicles.

The Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of a mechanised brigade, a mountain assault brigade, and a territorial defence brigade close to Zaporozhets, Orekhov, and Novoandreyevka (Zaporozhye region).

Up to 40 troops, 11 motor vehicles, and four electronic warfare stations were neutralised.

Operational-tactical aviation, attack drones, missile troops and artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have inflicted damage on the facilities of the Ukrainian industry, energy and transport infrastructure used in the interests of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, depots of uncrewed surface vehicles and long-range unmanned aerial vehicles as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 152 areas.

Air defence systems shot down 12 guided aerial bomb and 259 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 671 aircraft, 284 helicopters, 133,387 unmanned aerial vehicles, 655 anti-aircraft missile systems, 28,822 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,699 MLRS combat vehicles, 34,393 field artillery guns and mortars, and 59,128 units of support military vehicles have been neutralised.

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NASA Science, Cargo Launch Aboard Northrop Grumman CRS-24

Apr 11, 2026

NASA is sending more science, technology demonstrations, and crew supplies to the International Space Station following the successful launch of the agency's Northrop Grumman Commercial Resupply Services 24 mission, or Northrop Grumman CRS-24.

Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL spacecraft, carrying approximately 11,000 pounds of cargo to the orbiting laboratory, lifted off at 7:41 a.m. EDT Saturday on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Watch live coverage of the spacecraft's arrival to the space station beginning at 12 p.m. on Monday, April 13, on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and the agency's YouTube channel. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of online platforms, including social media.

Cygnus XL is scheduled to be captured at 12:50 p.m. by the station's Canadarm2 robotic arm, operated by NASA astronauts Jack Hathaway and Chris Williams. After capture, the spacecraft will be installed on the Unity module's Earth-facing port for cargo unloading.

NASA's arrival and capture coverage is as follows (all times Eastern and subject to change based on real-time operations):

Monday, April 13

12 p.m. - Arrival coverage begins on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and the agency's YouTube channel.

12:50 p.m. - Capture of Cygnus XL with the space station's robotic arm.

The resupply mission is carrying dozens of research experiments that will be conducted during Expedition 74/75, including a new module to advance quantum science that could improve computing technology and aid in the search for dark matter, and hardware to produce a greater number of therapeutic stem cells for blood diseases and cancer. Cygnus also carries model organisms to study the gut microbiome and a receiver that could enhance space weather models to protect critical space infrastructure, such as GPS and radar.

These experiments are just some of the hundreds of scientific investigations conducted aboard the orbiting laboratory in the areas of biology and biotechnology, Earth and space science, physical sciences, and technology development and demonstrations.

Cygnus XL is scheduled to remain at the orbiting laboratory until October, before it departs and disposes of thousands of pounds of trash through its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, where it will harmlessly burn up.

Northrop Grumman named the spacecraft the S.S. Steven R. Nagel in honor of the former NASA astronaut who flew four space shuttle missions, commanded the Gamma Ray Observatory deployment, and logged 723 hours in space.

Learn more about this NASA commercial resupply mission at:

https://www.nasa.gov/mission/nasas-northrop-grumman-crs-24/

-end-

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Deployment of New Low-Orbital Broadband Communications Satellite Group 'Major Event' - Putin

Sputnik News

20260411

Russian President Vladimir Putin called the deployment of the new low-orbital broadband communications satellite group a "major event."

"First of all, I want to congratulate you and all our cosmonauts, as well as everyone who has been or is involved in space activities, on this holiday. This year, we are also celebrating the 65th anniversary of Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin's flight," said Putin.

The previous such meeting between the Russian leader and the head of Roscosmos took place at the end of March 2025, immediately after Bakhanov's appointment to the position. During the conversation, he informed Putin about the company's plans and his previous work at the Russian Ministry of Transport.

Every year on April 12, Russia celebrates Cosmonautics Day. This holiday was established by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR in honor of the first human spaceflight, made by Yuri Gagarin aboard the Vostok spacecraft on April 12, 1961.

 Sputnik

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National security is a collective duty, its strength is determined through unity, discipline & awareness among people: Raksha Mantri

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

"No individual can remain passive in the prevailing global uncertainties; People must abide by the law, reject misinformation & place national interests above their own"

"India surrounded by various hostile actors; Optimum resource utilisation is the need of the hour"

"Misinformation & rumors destabilise society; Accurate & responsible information must reach public through media"

Posted On: 11 APR 2026 7:59PM by PIB Delhi

"National security, an indispensable pillar of India's journey towards Viksit Bharat, is a collective duty of every citizen, and not the sole responsibility of the defence forces," said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh at an event in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh on April 11, 2026. He asserted that while soldiers remain the first line of defence, the strength of national security is equally determined through unity, discipline and awareness among the people.

Underlining that no individual can afford to remain passive in the face of evolving challenges and prevailing global uncertainties, Raksha Mantri called upon the people to act responsibly and with a deep sense of commitment. "Safeguarding national interests requires coordinated efforts across all sections of society. The citizens must contribute meaningfully to national security by abiding by the law, rejecting misinformation, and placing the nation's interests above personal gains. As a nation, we find ourselves surrounded by various hostile actors. We need to ensure optimum utilisation of every resource at our disposal," he added.

Terming 'information' as a powerful tool in today's rapidly evolving landscape, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that misinformation and rumors have the potential to create instability within the society. He emphasised that the role of the media, therefore, becomes critical in ensuring that accurate and responsible information reaches the public. "The media is not merely a medium to disseminate news, it is a powerful institution that shapes public opinion. It must recognise that if sensitive issues pertaining to national security are misrepresented, driven by a pursuit of sensationalism, the repercussions could be severe. The media, a key partner in nation-building, bears the responsibility of ensuring that the content it presents serves national interest and does not fuel unnecessary fear or confusion," he added.

Reiterating that the Government, headed by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, makes no compromise on matters concerning national security, Raksha Mantri stated that equal priority is being accorded to the welfare measures as well as bolstering the defence capabilities in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. He added that strong emphasis is being laid to achieve Aatmanirnbharta in defence to ensure that the defence forces are equipped with state-of-the-art weapons/platforms manufactured on the Indian soil.

Highlighting the success of the self-reliance efforts being made by the Government, Shri Rajnath Singh said that the annual defence production touched a record high figure of Rs 1.51 lakh crore in the Financial Year 2024-25, with defence exports soaring to an all-time high of Rs 38,424 crore in 2025-26, a staggering increase of 62.66% over the previous financial year. He hoped to achieve the target of Rs 50,000 crore worth of defence exports by 2029-30. "Our efforts are laying the bedrock for an Aatmanirbhar & Sashakt Bharat. Given the pace at which we are advancing, India will soon become self-reliant in the defence sector, and find itself among the leading nations of the world," he added.

Raksha Mantri underlined that Viksit Bharat is not merely about physical infrastructure, it is also about fostering a society rooted in mutual responsibility, where no one is left behind. He stressed on the need to emulate, at the national level, the quality of teamwork that the soldiers reflect through 'unit cohesion' even in the most adverse battlefield conditions. This spirit must guide the nation's journey forward to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat, he said.

As part of the event, Shri Rajnath Singh felicitated War Heroes, including Gallantry award recipient Subedar Major Retd. (Honorary Captain) Yogendra Singh Yadav; Next-of-Kin of Subedar and Honorary Captain Karam Singh, Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, Captain Vikram Batra, Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey & Brigadier Mohammad Usman; and Veer Naris of the fallen heroes, honouring their bravery & sacrifice in the service of the nation.

Raksha Mantri paid glowing tributes to the bravehearts such as Major Somnath Sharma, Naik Jadunath Singh, Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, Captain Vikram Batra and Captain Manoj Kumar Pandey. Their tales of valour, he said, continue to inspire the people, especially the youth, and instill in them the values of courage, patriotism, and a strong sense of duty, along with the spirit of sacrifice. He exuded confidence that the stories of the Gallantry award winners will serve as a guiding force in shaping the life journeys of the youth.

Shri Rajnath Singh described the families of the brave soldiers as an invisible pillar of strength that keeps the morale high of those serving the motherland, voicing the Government's resolve of 'protecting India's sovereignty' and 'maintaining the dignity of its soldiers'. He urged the people to honor the invaluable contribution of these families towards national security. "Whenever I interact with the families of the fallen heroes, I do sense their grief, but deep within lies a profound sense of pride, free from any complaint. Such resilience originates from a culture where sacrifice is revered as the supreme value," he said.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Brajesh Pathak and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Central Command Lt Gen Anindya Sengputa were among the dignitaries who attended the event.

*****

SR/SPS/Savvy

(Release ID: 2251185)

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MOSCOW, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The Russian government has approved the creation of a national research center dedicated to shipbuilding, as part of the effort to strengthen coordination in maritime research, according to an official statement released on Sunday.

The center will be formed through the reorganization of the Krylov State Research Center in Saint Petersburg, which will be renamed Aleksey Krylov National Shipbuilding Research Center after the late renowned Russian shipbuilding scientist. The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade has been tasked with completing the restructuring process by May 15.

The new center will conduct scientific research in shipbuilding and marine technology, and is expected to contribute to the design and validation of national shipbuilding programs.

Moreover, the center will help consolidate research, design, technological and human resources from leading scientific organizations to build a strong scientific and technological foundation and accelerate the development of breakthrough technologies.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree for the new institution, following a directive issued by President Vladimir Putin in December last year to establish the center.

According to Nikolai Patrushev, presidential aide and chairman of the Russian Maritime Board, the new center is expected to function similarly to major national research hubs such as the Kurchatov Institute and the Zhukovsky Institute, which integrate leading scientific institutions to achieve breakthroughs in priority fields of science and technology. 
IRGC Navy warns military vessels of 'firm response' to attempts at crossing Strait of Hormuz

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 11 April 2026 9:55 PM

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC)'s Navy has warned military vessels of a "firm response" to their potential attempts at passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Navy delivered the warning in a statement on Saturday, asserting that it "exercises full, intelligent control" over the strategic waterway.

"Permission to transit, in accordance with specific regulations, is granted exclusively to non-military vessels," it noted.

The Navy categorically rejected reports claiming passage of American vessels through the strait, and reiterated that any such attempt would be met with "a decisive and forceful response."

Iran shut the strait down to adversaries and their allies after the United States and the Israeli regime launched their latest wave of unprovoked aggression towards the Islamic Republic.

Each year, the waterway hosts 20 percent of the world's liquefied natural gas (LNG) transit and 25 percent of seaborne oil trade.

Closing it sent shockwaves throughout global energy markets, including in the United States, where gas prices skyrocketed and prompted nationwide resentment at the ruling administration.

On Tuesday, amid the Islamic Republic's strict implementation of the restriction and its successive waves of retaliatory strikes against American and Israeli targets throughout the region, US President Donald Trump announced agreeing to a two-week lull in American attacks targeting the country.

Also on Friday, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran's highest operational command, cited Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei as saying that Iran would enter the waterway's management procedure into a "new stage" following the aggression.

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Iran entered talks with seriousness, outcome depends on US approach: Pezeshkian

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 11 April 2026 8:51 PM

President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran has entered the talks with the United States in Islamabad with "determination and seriousness," stressing that the success of the process depends on Washington's approach.

He made the remarks during a phone call with his French counterpart, Emanuel Macron, on Saturday, his office said in a statement.

Underlining the importance of the US attitude towards the process to its success, President Pezeshkian reminded how it was Washington's previous instances of betraying diplomatic engagements with Tehran by subjecting the Islamic Republic to military aggression that scuttled the negotiations.

The comments came as an Iranian delegation is engaged in negotiations with the American side in Islamabad, Pakistan.

The talks got underway after US President Donald Trump agreed to a two-week lull in the United States' latest bout of unlawful strikes against the Islamic Republic.

Trump's announcement followed at least 99 waves of successful and decisive Iranian reprisal against sensitive and strategic American targets across the region.

The Islamic Republic insists that, as part of a 10-point ceasefire proposal that Trump has referred to as a "workable basis on which to negotiate and the main framework for these talks," aggression has to stop on all fronts, including against Lebanon.

The Iranian president identified the Israeli regime's attacks on Lebanon that have claimed the lives of hundreds of people since Wednesday as the main source of tension, stating that the deadly strikes "are clear examples of war crimes." He stressed the need to exert pressure on both the regime and the United States to bring about a halt to the attacks.

'Iran against war, but resolute in defense'

Pezeshkian went on to underline that the Islamic Republic had never sought either tension or war and had always emphasized resolving issues through dialogue based on international law.

However, "we have no hesitation in defending our legitimate rights and the territorial integrity of our country," he stated.

In the same context, Pezeshkian described Iran's missile program as a key element of its defensive capability, apparently reiterating the Islamic Republic's categorical rejection of calls by adversaries and their allies for the country to put the issue up for negotiation.

Concluding his remarks, the president criticized the inaction exhibited by international organizations, including the United Nations and the European Union, regarding the enemies' unlawful attacks against the country and the Israeli regime's brutal aggression towards the people of the region.

For his part, Macron said his country had officially and clearly condemned the unprovoked aggression from the very beginning and now welcomed the two-week ceasefire.

The French head of state also stressed the need for a halt to attacks on Lebanon, besides expressing hope that the Islamabad negotiations would yield progress and saying Paris was ready to contribute to the establishment of peace and stability in the region.

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Iran, US end third round of Pakistan-mediated negotiations; talks extended for another day

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 11 April 2026 7:07 PM

Iran and the United States have ended the third round of Pakistan-mediated ceasefire negotiations in Islamabad pending fresh resumption of the talks on Sunday.

Following the conclusion of the third round, the two sides began to engage in fresh exchange of written texts aimed at reaching a framework on the topics in discussion.

Reports across the Iranian media, meanwhile, showed that the talks have been extended for another day.

Sources have confirmed that Iranian Parliament Speaker and delegation head Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Deputy Head of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Bagheri-Kani participated in the third round.

Prior to the third round, the two sides had similarly exchanged written texts towards arriving at the framework and ensuring that there was no room for ambiguity in the draft proposals.

The Iranian delegation participated in the talks following a decision by the United States to release frozen Iranian assets and force the Israeli regime to end its aggression on Lebanon.

This was one of Iran's demands in its 10-point plan, which Tehran had previously presented to Washington through intermediaries as part of its response to a US proposal for a ceasefire.

According to the statement issued by Iran's top security body on Wednesday, the United States agreed to a 10-point proposal that calls for no new aggression against Iran, continued Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz, acceptance of uranium enrichment, removal of all primary and secondary sanctions, termination of all anti-Iran UN Security Council resolutions as well as IAEA Board of Governors resolutions, payment of compensation to Iran, withdrawal of US combat forces from the region and cessation of war on all fronts, including against the Islamic Resistance of Lebanon (Hezbollah).

US President Donald Trump called the plan "a workable basis on which to negotiate."

The 10-point proposal was also submitted to Islamabad ahead of the talks as the basis for negotiations between the two sides.

Iran and the US agreed to a two-week ceasefire on Tuesday, 40 days after the US and Israel launched attacks against the Islamic Republic as Tehran was negotiating with Washington over its nuclear program.

Iran responded forcefully to the aggression, targeting US and Israeli assets across the region and enforcing a near-total blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. The transit through the vital waterway is one of the main topics of discussion in the negotiations in Islamabad, which focus on a potential agreement to permanently end the war.

The cessation of Israeli attacks on Lebanon was another precondition Iran had set for the talks. The issue was part of Iran's proposal that led to the ceasefire, but the US and Israel later said the Lebanese front was not included. Pakistan also confirmed that it was.

Reports suggested that Israel had ceased attacking the Lebanese capital Beirut and restricted its attacks to areas in southern Lebanon.

The Iranian negotiating team met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad earlier in the day ahead of talks with the United States.

Other Iranian officials on the delegation include Secretary of the Supreme National Defense Council, Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, and Governor of the Central Bank, Abdolnasser Hemmati, as well as some members of the Parliament.

US Vice President JD Vance also met with the Pakistani prime minister in Islamabad. Vance was joined for the bilateral meeting by special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

The Iranian delegation will assess the US positions and a decision would follow regarding the talks.

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Pezeshkian: Iranian negotiators defending national interests in Islamabad talks

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 11 April 2026 4:35 PM

President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran's senior negotiators are wholeheartedly defending national interests during the ongoing talks with the American side in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad aimed at putting a permanent end to a US-Israeli war of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

In a post on his X account on Saturday, Pezeshkian said the high-ranking Iranian delegation is "bravely" negotiating with the American side to defend national interests.

He added that the Iranian administration will not stop serving people for a moment regardless of the outcome of the talks, mediated by Pakistan.

"Whatever the outcome of the negotiations, the government will stand by the people," Pezeshkian emphasized.

Iran and the United States began a first round of Pakistan-brokered negotiations in Islamabad on Saturday after the two countries on Tuesday agreed to a two-week ceasefire proposed by Pakistan, 40 days after the US and Israel launched an unprovoked war of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

The Saturday discussions began on a political level, but technical experts from the Iranian delegation also entered the talks later. Iranian officials said the negotiations would focus on the terms of a 10-point proposal Tehran had earlier submitted to Washington through intermediaries.

Headed by Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the delegation, featuring security, political, military, economic, and legal committees, arrived in Islamabad on Friday.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi, a member of the Iranian delegation, said on Saturday that the Islamic Republic is fully prepared for all scenarios in its ongoing negotiations with the United States.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Pakistan-mediated talks in Islamabad, Gharibabadi added that Iran's historical experiences with the US, marked by a pattern of deceit and broken promises, led to a shift in the dynamics of the talks.

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Iran ready for 'all scenarios' as it holds talks with US: Deputy FM

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 11 April 2026 3:34 PM

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi says the Islamic Republic is fully prepared for all scenarios in its ongoing negotiations with the United States.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Pakistan-mediated talks in Islamabad on Saturday, Gharibabadi said the current discussions differ significantly from previous rounds, particularly due to Iran's enhanced strategic positioning and the lessons learned from past negotiations.

Gharibabadi, a member of the Iranian delegation, attributed the shift in the dynamics of the talks to Iran's historical experiences with the US, marked by a pattern of deceit and broken promises.

"Given the experience of previous talks, this round of talks is fundamentally different from previous ones; especially considering the history of dishonesty, deceit, and breach of promise by the Americans in previous talks," he said.

The senior Iranian diplomat further emphasized that this round is not merely a reiteration of past frameworks but represents a more assertive and "demand-oriented" approach.

Gharibabadi pointed out that the presence of high-ranking military representatives at the negotiations is a strong indicator of Iran's seriousness and determination to achieve set objectives.

He expressed optimism that the experience and resolve exhibited by the Iranian delegation could lead to a breakthrough in the talks.

Gharibabadi further highlighted that Iran's recent military successes against the Israeli- US aggression have bolstered its position at the negotiation table.

He went on to say that these victories, coupled with a newfound national unity, have empowered Iran to approach the discussions with the upper hand.

Gharibabadi further stated that Iran's strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz and its sovereign presence in this region has played a pivotal role in compelling the US to engage meaningfully in talks.

The deputy foreign minister further stated that the prevailing conditions could facilitate favorable outcomes for the Islamic Republic, suggesting a preparedness for both cooperative and adversarial scenarios.

Iran and the United States have begun a first round of negotiations in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad aimed at permanently ending a US-Israeli war of aggression against the Islamic Republic.

The talks come several days after Iran said it had agreed to a Pakistani-mediated ceasefire that could pave the way for a permanent end to war that began in late February.

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Iran's missile arsenal largely intact despite weeks of airstrikes: US intel.

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 11 April 2026 2:41 PM

A new report indicates that US intelligence assessments show Iran still possesses an arsenal of thousands of ballistic missiles, directly contradicting claims that weeks of joint US-Israeli military strikes have significantly degraded the country's strategic capabilities.

According to officials familiar with the intelligence, Tehran's missile capability is sustained by an extensive network of reinforced underground storage facilities, which have largely protected its mobile launchers from weeks of US and Israeli airstrikes, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Friday.

They said Iran still possesses "thousands of medium- and short-range ballistic missiles that could be pulled out of hiding or retrieved from underground sites."

The assessments contradict US officials claims that more than half of Iran's missile launchers have been "destroyed, damaged or trapped underground."

Meanwhile, Israeli officials told the WSJ that during the five-week war, the regime's airstrikes focused on sealing Iran's launch tunnels, but "the bases themselves proved hard to destroy."

They told the WSJ that Iran still holds more than 1,000 medium-range missiles from a pre-war stockpile of approximately 2,500.

This, the reports said, has raised concern in the While House and Tel Aviv that Tehran could use the two-week ceasefire period to "reconstitute some of its missile arsenal."

Kenneth Pollack, a former CIA intelligence analyst, told the WSJ that Iran has "shown a remarkable ability to innovate and reconstitute their forces quickly."

He characterized Iranian Armed Forces as "a much more formidable opponent than most Middle East militaries."

Jon Alterman, the senior vice president of the Center for Strategic and International Studies also admitted that Iran "can still be the dominant actor controlling peace and security in the [Persian] Gulf."

"They have this great advantage that every day they don't lose, they win, and every day we don't win, we lose," Alterman said.

Utilizing advanced, indigenous technologies, Iran's Armed Forces sustained a 40-day defense against the US and Israel.

During the war, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) imposed restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz, leaving hundreds of vessels and tankers linked to the aggressors stranded in the Persian Gulf.

The restrictions sent global energy prices soaring and put Donald Trump under intense pressure to end his illegal war against Iran. This led him to back down from his constant threats and announce a two-week ceasefire just hours before his final deadline of annihilation of "the whole civilization" was set to expire on Tuesday night.

Currently, a high-ranking Iranian delegation is in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, for talks with the United State.

Meanwhile, Iran's Armed Forces warned that they remain in a state of full readiness, with their "fingers on the trigger," to respond to any violation of the ceasefire by the enemies.

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Frozen assets: Iran's non-negotiable condition for talks with US in Islamabad

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 11 April 2026 2:06 PM

As negotiations between Iran and the United States draw closer in Islamabad, one central issue dominating discussions is the release of Iran's frozen assets.

Amidst the flurry of diplomatic developments, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the progress on this critical front. While one Western news agency has suggested that the funds have been unlocked, a US broadcaster has denied the claim.

The discrepancies in these reports cast a shadow of uncertainty over the talks, with the Iranian delegation, led by Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, currently in Islamabad to assess the situation.

According to Iranian sources, intermediaries have relayed messages indicating that the funds have been freed, but Iran's official team has yet to confirm the claim. The question remains whether this key condition will be satisfied before formal talks commence.

The accumulated distrust from the past, especially before the Islamic Revolution in Iran, has posed significant challenges for both sides.

Recently, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized in an interview that gaining Iran's trust is not an easy task, as Iranian funds have been frozen in various countries for years due to actions by the United States.

While Iran has upheld its commitments, the US has failed to fulfill its obligations, and it must take concrete steps to build trust.

For Iran, the release of its frozen funds is not just a matter of financial restitution; it symbolizes a longstanding grievance that stretches back decades.

Iranian officials have consistently emphasized two major red lines in their negotiations with the US: first, a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon and an end to Israeli attacks and second, the full unfreezing of Iranian assets abroad.

With neither of these conditions yet met, Tehran remains circumspect about engaging in dialogue with Washington, as they know well that such talks would be futile without tangible progress on these core issues.

The story of Iran's frozen assets is intertwined with the country's tumultuous relationship with the United States, that has evolved dramatically since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

The roots of the dispute go back to the aftermath of the revolution, when Iran overthrew the Shah's regime, which had been closely aligned with Washington. The US, in retaliation, began a series of sanctions that included freezing Iranian assets.

The first wave of sanctions against Iran began in 1979, under President Jimmy Carter, when the US froze $11 billion of Iranian assets. The situation only escalated from there.

The assets were not just limited to cash but also included valuable goods and property, many of which were located in US-controlled territories or in the possession of American companies.

These assets, worth billions of dollars, remained locked away for decades, becoming a symbol of the larger geopolitical struggle between the two nations.

In 1981, an agreement brokered by Algeria between the US and Iran aimed to resolve the issue of frozen assets. However, that agreement fell apart due to American actions, and the issue continued to fester.

Various attempts by Iran to reclaim its assets over the years have yielded limited results, with only partial reimbursements made.

Iran's frustration is compounded by the perception that the US has treated its assets as collateral in a broader geopolitical contest. The country's blocked funds are not merely an economic issue but a symbol of Washington's enduring hostility toward Tehran.

Even as the 2015 Iran nuclear deal did lead to the lifting of many sanctions, the recovery of Iran's assets was not fully addressed, leaving billions of dollars still held in foreign banks.

The difficulty of navigating the frozen assets issue was made even more complex by the withdrawal of the US from the deal under President Donald Trump in 2018.

The exit reimposed severe sanctions on Iran, which led to further complications regarding its frozen assets. Iran's diplomatic efforts to regain access to these funds have been repeatedly thwarted by US policies, leaving a bitter legacy of unmet financial claims.

In recent years, there have been some notable developments. For instance, the release of $7 billion in Iranian assets from South Korea, after being blocked for years due to US sanctions, marked a partial victory for Iran.

However, the process was far from straightforward. The money was initially frozen in South Korean banks after the US imposed its "maximum pressure" sanctions, which cut off Iranian access to its foreign currency reserves.

It was only after a series of complicated negotiations and the need for the funds to be used for humanitarian purposes, including purchasing medicine, that a portion was finally released.

But even that was not without its challenges. Iran ultimately received a reduced sum, as South Korea claimed to have experienced a devaluation of its currency, which meant that the total amount returned to Iran fell short by nearly a billion dollars.

In 2024, a new chapter emerged in the saga of Iran's blocked assets. As part of a broader prisoner swap agreement, the US and Iran reached an arrangement that allowed Iran to access $6 billion of its frozen funds, which had been held in South Korean banks.

The funds were transferred to Qatari banks to facilitate non-sanctionable transactions for Iran, including the purchase of humanitarian aid.

However, the situation has become further complicated by geopolitical developments. Following the first US-Israeli war on Iran on October 7, 2024, some US media outlets reported that Washington had instructed Qatar to block Iran's access to the funds.

The latest twist in the ongoing saga underscores the volatility of the situation, with Iran's financial resources subject to the whims of shifting diplomatic and geopolitical priorities.

For Iran, its assets represent the economic sovereignty of a nation that has long been at odds with the US and the West. For the US, the continued blockage of the funds serves as a political tool in the broader strategy of exerting pressure on Iran.

The complexity of the situation is amplified by the diversity of countries involved in holding Iran's funds. From South Korea and Qatar to China, Iraq, and Japan, Iran has significant amounts of money tied up in various nations.

As long as the funds remain blocked, any negotiations between Iran and the US will be constrained by the shadows of past grievances and the unfulfilled promises of financial restitution.

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Iran VP: Deal possible if US negotiators are America Firsters rather than Israel Firsters

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 11 April 2026 9:33 AM

Iran's Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref says a deal with the United States is possible if American negotiators adopt an "America First" approach, warning that talks would fail if they instead pursue an "Israel First" agenda.

In a post published on X on Saturday, Aref wrote: "If we negotiate in Islamabad with representatives of 'America First,' an agreement beneficial to both sides and the world is probable. However, if we face representatives of 'Israel First,' there will be no deal."

"We will inevitably continue our defense even more vigorously than before, and the world will face greater costs," he added.

The criminal US-Israeli aggression on Iran began on February 28 with airstrikes that assassinated senior Iranian officials and commanders, including the Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Iranian armed forces responded by launching almost daily missile and drone operations targeting locations in the Israeli-occupied territories as well as US military bases and assets across the region.

On April 8, Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) announced that there was an agreement to a Pakistan-brokered temporary ceasefire after the US accepted Iran's 10-point proposal.

A high-level delegation from Iran arrived in Islamabad late Friday to hold negotiations with the US.

The delegation, headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, landed in the Pakistani capital aboard Flight "Minab 168," a reference to 168 schoolgirls killed by the US military on January 28.

The delegation comprises specialized committees covering security, political, military, economic, and legal affairs.

Other key Iranian officials accompanying the team include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati, and Secretary of the Defense Council Ali Akbar Ahmadian.

On the US side, Vice President JD Vance is present in Islamabad alongside negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

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Iran enters talks with US in Islamabad with 'complete distrust': FM Araghchi

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 11 April 2026 8:59 AM

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran is entering negotiations with the United States in Pakistan with "complete distrust" due to Washington's repeated breaches of commitment and treachery against diplomacy.

Speaking in a phone conversation with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul on Saturday, Araghchi discussed the latest developments regarding the US-Israeli military aggression against Iran.

He recalled the repeated hostile actions of the United States and the crimes committed during the two imposed wars against Iran over the past year.

According to Araghchi, Iran's decision to accept a ceasefire as a ground for the fulfillment of a full termination of the war, compensation of the damage to Iran, and accountability of offenders was a responsible action.

He emphasized the importance of a responsible stance from all countries in safeguarding international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

He reiterated that Iran will fight with full authority to secure the interests and rights of the nation.

The German foreign minister, for his part, welcomed the ceasefire and also emphasized the necessity of halting Israeli attacks against Lebanon.

Wadephul expressed hope that the talks will bring peace and stability to the region.

A high-ranking Iranian delegation arrived in the Pakistani capital for talks with the United States, amid the Islamic Republic's warnings that failure to meet Tehran's preconditions would lead to the failure of the talks.

Headed by Qalibaf, the delegation, featuring security, political, military, economic, and legal committees, reached Islamabad on Friday.

Other Iranian officials on the delegation include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Secretary of the Supreme National Defense Council, Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, and Governor of the Central Bank, Abdolnasser Hemmati, as well as some members of the parliament.

US Vice President JD Vance, Washington's regional envoy Steve Witkoff, and President Donald Trump's advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner have also arrived in Islamabad.

Iran and the US announced a ceasefire on Tuesday, 40 days after the country joined the Israeli regime in the duo's latest bout of unprovoked aggression towards Iran.

The announcements came after the Iranian Armed Forces unleashed at least 99 waves of determined and successful retaliatory strikes against sensitive and strategic American and Israeli targets throughout the region.

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Timing of Iran-US talks to be determined once preconditions clarified: Report

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 11 April 2026 7:03 AM

The timing of talks between Iran and the US in Pakistan will be determined once the preconditions are clarified, according to a report by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).

An IRIB reporter said on Saturday morning that Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif were slated to meet.

She added that the schedule for negotiations with the United States will be announced later.

The reporter noted that the American delegation has also arrived in Islamabad, adding that it is a large and well-staffed team.

A high-ranking Iranian delegation arrived in the Pakistani capital for talks with the United States, amid the Islamic Republic's warnings that failure to meet Tehran's preconditions would prompt the process to fail.

Headed by Qalibaf, the delegation, featuring security, political, military, economic, and legal committees, reached Islamabad on Friday.

Other Iranian officials on the delegation include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Secretary of the Supreme National Defense Council, Ali-Akbar Ahmadian, and Governor of the Central Bank, Abdolnasser Hemmati, as well as some members of the parliament.

US Vice President JD Vance, Washington's regional envoy Steve Witkoff, and President Donald Trump's advisor and son-in-law Jared Kushner have also reached Islamabad.

In a post on X on Friday, before heading to Islamabad, Qalibaf said a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of Iran's blocked assets are requisite to any negotiations with the US.

The top Iranian parliamentarian said there are two measures agreed upon by both sides that have not been implemented yet.

"These two matters must be fulfilled before negotiations begin," he stated.

The Iranian side has made it clear that the talks won't be held if these two preconditions are not met, according to the IRIB reporter accompanying the delegation.

After 40 days of unrelenting US-Israeli aggression that began on February 28, the US formally accepted Iran's 10-point proposal on Wednesday as the foundation for a permanent ceasefire.

The agreement not only halts the US-Israeli aggression but also dismantles long-standing mechanisms of economic and political pressure, while Iranian forces remain on full alert to guarantee that every commitment is honored in full.

It came after Iranian armed forces unleashed 99 waves of successful retaliatory strikes against sensitive and strategic American and Israeli targets throughout the region.

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JERUSALEM, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli Finance Ministry said Sunday that initial estimates put the direct cost of the war with Iran, which began on Feb. 28, at about 35 billion shekels (around 11.5 billion U.S. dollars).

In a statement, the ministry said the conflict has carried high economic costs, including lost output and increased government spending, with some effects expected to become clearer over time. It warned the total could rise if fighting resumes or other major security incidents occur.

According to the ministry, about 22 billion shekels have been spent on the security system, including the military, the Defense Ministry, the National Security Ministry, which oversees the Israel Police, and other security agencies.

The ministry said that amount has already been incorporated into the Defense Ministry's budget as part of the 2026 state budget, which was approved by parliament in late March, about a month after the war began.

It said most of the defense spending went to equipment purchases, as well as the expanded mobilization of reserve forces beyond what had been planned for the war period.

The second-largest component, totaling 12 billion shekels, covers compensation for missile damage, as well as payments to workers and businesses.

The remaining 1 billion shekels covers civilian expenses, including medical care and payments for the wounded, funding for local authorities for emergency equipment and response, and welfare-related costs. 
Multiple Hurdles To Peace As US, Iranian Delegations Gather

By Alex Raufoglu April 11, 2026

WASHINGTON -- US Vice President JD Vance has stepped into the most consequential diplomatic challenge of his tenure, arriving in Islamabad to lead high-stakes negotiations with Iran.

These talks may ultimately determine whether a fragile, two-week cease-fire holds, or the region collapses back into renewed conflict.

The American delegation includes special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, as well as officials from the National Security Council, State Department, and Pentagon. They face an Iranian team led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf.

Back in Washington, President Donald Trump has struck a dual tone of optimism and deterrence.

Speaking to reporters on April 10, Trump noted he expects progress that could "open up the Gulf with or without" a formal deal, while simultaneously warning that he would not allow Iran to effectively toll or control the Strait of Hormuz.

Yet, as negotiations are set to begin on April 11, the path to a lasting settlement remains deeply uncertain--shaped by competing pressures, regional conflict dynamics, and fundamental disagreements over the requirements for peace.

Negotiations Born of Pressure, Not Trust

For Ryan Bohl, senior Middle East and North Africa analyst at RANE risk intelligence company, the seriousness of the talks is not in doubt, but their outcome is far from guaranteed.

"The talks are serious," Bohl told RFE/RL on April 10, pointing to a diminished US appetite for prolonged conflict and Iran's urgent need for a pathway toward reconstruction and internal stability.

"But there remains uncertainty as to how much either side is willing to compromise."

In Bohl's assessment, both Washington and Tehran are negotiating under pressure, though the leverage is asymmetrical. Iran believes it holds a strategic advantage through its influence over the Strait of Hormuz and its higher tolerance for short-term strain.

"Iran's political will, in the near term, is not as weak as America's," Bohl said. "They seem to think they can leverage this to gain concessions."

That leverage is psychological as much as it is material. Bohl suggests Tehran is finding opportunity in Washington's inconsistent messaging.

"Tehran likely sees Washington's somewhat erratic communications as a sign of weakness and urgency," he said, adding that this emboldens them to push for concessions such as the unfreezing of assets for reconstruction.

At the same time, Trump's political calculus complicates the US position. Determined not to appear to be conceding to Tehran, the president may limit the flexibility required for a breakthrough, despite domestic vulnerabilities that Bohl suggests could weaken Washington's hand.

Hormuz: Strategic Asset Or Escalatory Trap?

This tension is most visible in the Strait of Hormuz, the vital artery for global energy that Iran has partially restricted.

Dan Arbell, a veteran of the Israeli Foreign Service and scholar-in-residence at American University, describes the situation as precarious.

"The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is still very much in place," Arbell told RFE/RL. While a "trickling passage" of ships continues, Iran has linked full restoration of transit to Israeli operations in Lebanon. "That is certainly undermining the current effort," Arbell added.

Bohl views Iran's posture as a calculated gamble.

"Iran has demonstrated it effectively controls Hormuz for now," he said. "But Trump may still believe he needs to use force to reopen it if Iran uses it as a bargaining chip for too long."

The result is a volatile equilibrium: a strategic chokehold that provides Tehran leverage but risks triggering the very military response it seeks to avoid.

The Lebanon Front: A Potential Deal-Breaker

Complicating the diplomacy is the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States and Israel. Iran insists this front cannot be separated from a broader cease-fire.

Bohl underscores that Tehran views the group as essential to deterring future Israeli military campaigns: "Iran cannot let Hezbollah be picked off by the Israelis."

Arbell points to the ongoing violence as a primary obstacle. "Israel is bombing targets across Lebanon...while Hezbollah continues firing rockets into northern Israel," he said.

These developments pose a direct challenge to the Islamabad track.

Parallel efforts are under way to address this. The US State Department is expected to host ambassador-level talks between Israel and Lebanon on April 14 in Washington. However, Arbell warns that expectations should remain modest.

"We have to be realistic," Arbell said. "There will not be change overnight. This is a process." He said that while Israel's priority is the disarmament of Hezbollah, the militant group is unlikely to disarm without a broader regional shift.

US and Israel: Aligned, But Not Identical

A key point of friction lies in whether Israel's campaign in Lebanon should be tied to the US-Iran negotiations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sought to preserve freedom of action against Hezbollah, but that position is shifting under American pressure.

"Israel was advocating not to tie the two," Arbell said. "But in recent days, it's clear the US is expecting Israel to deescalate...to avoid undermining the larger effort."

Arbell clarified that this is a "difference of approach" rather than a rupture in the alliance. While the US is focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and stabilizing global markets, Israel remains focused on degrading Hezbollah's capabilities.

He suggested a firmer US message to Netanyahu could emerge over the weekend, urging restraint to give diplomacy a chance.

Limits of Diplomacy And Need for Realism

The core of the negotiations remains anchored in long-standing US demands: curbs on Iran's nuclear program, limits on missile development, and an end to support for regional proxies like Hamas and the Houthis in Yemen.

Arbell cautions that the US cannot expect Iran to "change overnight" or surrender. He argues for a pragmatic approach: "The US needs to bring ideas that can be implemented and accepted. Otherwise, this will not happen."

Both analysts see a convergence of interests in pausing the conflict. Arbell noted that Iran needs "breathing space" to recover from the devastation of recent attacks.

Bohl, however, sees a risk of stalemate. "One realistic off-ramp is mutual exhaustion," he said. But he also warned of a less stable possibility: If Washington exhausts its political will before Tehran, Iran could retain informal control over the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining the ability to disrupt it again in the future.

Why Islamabad Holds the Key

While multiple diplomatic tracks exist, both experts agree that the Islamabad talks carry the most immediate weight.

"I think the Pakistan talks are more important," Arbell concluded. "What happens between the US and Iran has a greater impact on the overall situation." Unlike the complex Israel-Lebanon track, these negotiations could produce outcomes implemented within days.

For Vice President Vance, the moment is defining. Success could stabilize a volatile region and mark a major diplomatic achievement for the administration. Failure risks entrenching a cycle of conflict marked by recurring violence and persistent threats to the global economy.

As talks begin, the question is no longer whether both sides want an off-ramp, but whether they can agree on one before the balance between leverage and escalation collapses.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/vance-pakistan-islamabad-iran- war-negotiations/33729623.html

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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White House Says 'In-Person' Iran Talks Ongoing In Early Morning Hours Of April 12

23:30 11.4.2026

WASHINGTON -- A senior White House official said that "in-person" trilateral talks involving US, Iranian, and Pakistani officials were ongoing in the early morning hours of April 12 as negotiators looked to battle through several contentious issues in hopes of reaching a peace deal.

World of the apparent face-to-face talks came at 2 a.m. Pakistan time. Local officials said talks had stretched for about eight hours over three sessions.

It was not immediately clear how long the talks would last or if further sessions would be held later on April 12.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said he was not concerned about whether a deal would be struck in Islamabad.

"Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me. The reason is because we've won," Trump told reporters in Washington.

"We're in very deep negotiations with Iran. We win regardless. We've defeated them militarily," Trump said.

"We defeated their navy, we defeated their air force, we defeated their antiaircraft, we defeated their radar. We defeated their leaders. Their leaders are all dead...we'll open up the Strait, even though we don't use it, because we have a lot of other countries in the world that do use it, that are either afraid or weak..."

"Regardless what happens, we win. We totally defeated that country. And so let's see what happens. Maybe they make a deal, maybe they don't. From the standpoint of America, we win," he said.

Earlier, the White House said that talks were "face-to-face" and involved "a suite of experts" as well as US Vice President JD Vance, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Iranian state media reported that negotiators had "serious disagreement" over the Strait of Hormuz (see our previous post for more details on that issue). The Financial Times reported this was causing a "stalemate."

Iranian media also reported that the current talks with US officials may be the "last opportunity" to settle a "framework" for a deal with Washington.

The US-Iran talks are being mediated by Pakistan, the host nation for the meeting.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Alex Raufoglu

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-live-blog- trump-khamenei/33640284.html?lbis=449159

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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Saudi Arabia Condemns Iranian Heinous Attacks Targeting Several Vital Facilities in Kuwait

Saudi Press Agency

Saturday 23/10/1447

Riyadh, April 11, 2026, SPA -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's strong condemnation and denunciation of the heinous attacks that targeted a number of vital facilities in the State of Kuwait, carried out by Iran, its proxies, and affiliated groups.

In an official statement, the ministry said, "The Kingdom reaffirms its categorical rejection of these attacks, which constitute a violation of the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait and a flagrant breach of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. It further emphasizes that such violations undermine international efforts aimed at restoring security and stability in the region."

The statement added, "The Kingdom stresses the necessity for Iran and its proxies to cease all hostile actions against Arab and Islamic countries, and to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2817 (2026). The Kingdom also expresses its solidarity with the Kuwaiti government and people and reiterates its full support for all measures undertaken by Kuwait to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability, as well as the well-being of its people."

-- SPA

19:26 Local Time 16:26 GMT

0016

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Secretary Rubio Terminates Green Cards of Foreign Nationals Tied to Infamous Iranian Regime Propagandist

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

April 11, 2026

This week, three Iranian nationals with ties to the Iranian regime were arrested by federal agents following Secretary of State Marco Rubio's termination of their lawful permanent resident (LPR) statuses.

Seyed Eissa Hashemi, Maryam Tahmasebi, and their son are now in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement pending their removal from the United States.

Eissa Hashemi is the son of Masoumeh Ebtekar, also known as "Screaming Mary," the infamous spokeswoman for the Islamist militants who stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran in 1979 and held 52 Americans hostage for 444 days.

Ebtekar was notorious for her role as the leading propagandist for the violent Islamists who perpetrated the Iran hostage crisis. As the lead spokesperson and media intermediary for the hostage-takers, Ebtekar, often referred to in the Western media as "Screaming Mary," "Sister Mary," "Tehran Mary," or simply "Mary," crafted propaganda falsely showing the humane treatment of the hostages, arranging staged interviews in which the American hostages were pressured to describe their treatment in positive terms - even as they were being held in solitary confinement, blindfolded and starved, and subjected to physical and psychological terror, including beatings and mock executions.

Ebtekar married one of her fellow hostage-takers and went on to rise to senior roles in the highest levels of Iran's revolutionary regime, serving as a vice president as recently as 2017-2021.

Hashemi, Tahmasebi, and their son entered the United States in 2014 on visas issued by the Obama Administration. In June 2016 - just months after the IRGC seized two U.S. Navy vessels and captured 10 American sailors - the Obama Administration granted all three Iranian nationals lawful permanent resident (LPR) status via the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program. The issuance of new diversity visas has been suspended by the Trump administration.

Last week, Secretary Rubio terminated the legal status of the niece and grandniece of deceased Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Major General Qasem Soleimani. Hamideh Afshar Soleimani and her daughter are now in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Secretary Rubio also terminated the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of former Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran Ali Larijani, and her husband Seyed Kalantar Motamedi. Both Ardeshir-Larijani and Motamedi are no longer in the United States and are barred from future entry.

The U.S. Department of State extends its appreciation to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for their continued partnership and collaboration in keeping Americans safe.

The Trump administration will never allow America to become a home for foreign nationals tied to anti-American terrorist regimes.

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Iran's military denies US claim of vessels transit in Strait of Hormuz

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 12 April 2026 7:00 AM

The spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has roundly dismissed the US Central Command (CENTCOM) claims about the passage of American military vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

"The permission for the transit of any vessel (in the strategic waterway) is within the authority of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Lieutenant Colonel Ebrahim Zolfaqari said in a statement released on Sunday.

Separately, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy announced that any attempt by military vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz will face a harsh confrontation.

The force said in a statement that the IRGC has full authority, intelligently manages the Strait of Hormuz, and only civilian vessels will be permitted to pass under special regulations.

The statement further highlighted that any reports regarding the passage of American ships through the Strait are denied, and any attempt by military vessels to pass will be met with complete decisiveness and hard response.

On Saturday, CENTCOM claimed that two destroyers, the USS Frank E Peterson and USS Michael Murphy, had "transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the [Persian] Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines."

"Today, we began the process of establishing a new passage, and we will share this safe pathway with the maritime industry soon to encourage the free flow of commerce," US Admiral Brad Cooper claimed in a statement.

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Iran-US talks in Islamabad end without a deal after 21 hours due to excessive US demands

Iran Press TV

Sunday, 12 April 2026 4:23 AM

The negotiations between Iran and the United States have come to an end without striking a deal after 21 hours of discussions in the Pakistani capital of Islamabad.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said on Sunday that the two sides reached a consensus on some issues, but they held different views regarding 2-3 important matters.

"Finally, the talks did not reach an agreement," he noted.

He also described the fresh round of Iran-US negotiations, which lasted for 24 or 25 hours, as the longest over the past year.

The discussions took place following the 40-day imposed war on Iran in an atmosphere of distrust and suspicion, he emphasized, adding, "Therefore, it was not expected that the talks would reach a consensus."

Meanwhile, Baqaei said that the talks covered some new issues with their own complexities, such as the Strait of Hormuz.

He further stressed that diplomacy never ends, as it is a tool to preserve national interests.

In any situation, he said, the diplomatic apparatus should pursue the rights and interests of the Iranian nation.

"Diplomacy, alongside those defending the homeland, stands ready for all kinds of sacrifices."

The spokesman also thanked the Pakistani government and people for hosting the talks, saying contacts will continue between Tehran, Islamabad, and other friends in the region.

Additionally on Sunday, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) reported that "unreasonable demands" by the US prevented the progress of the negotiations in Islamabad.

Citing an informed source, the Tasnim news agency said that the "ball is in America's court" and that "Iran is in no hurry" to negotiate.

Washington is miscalculating in the negotiations, just as it had done in war, the report said, warning that nothing would change in the Strait of Hormuz "until the United States agrees to a reasonable agreement."

US Vice President JD Vance, in a very short news conference, said his country has failed to reach an agreement with Iran after negotiations in Pakistan.

After 40 days of unrelenting US-Israeli aggression that began on February 28, the US formally accepted Iran's 10-point proposal on Wednesday as the basis for a permanent ceasefire.

During the war, Iranian armed forces unleashed 100 waves of successful retaliatory strikes against sensitive and strategic American and Israeli targets throughout the region.

They also blocked the Strait of Hormuz to oil and gas tankers affiliated with the adversaries and those cooperating with them in an attempt to maintain security at the strategic waterway.

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Iran Says Talks Pause After 15 Hours, To Resume Despite 'Differences,' While US Tight-Lipped

01:19 12.4.2026

WASHINGTON --Iran's government said the third session of talks between the US and Iran ended in the early hours of April 12 in Islamabad and will continue later in the day despite "differences" between the two sides.

A senior White House official did not confirm to RFE/RL that the talks had ended for the first day, saying only, "15 hours and counting." Sources told RFE/RL that the US delegation was still at the Serena Hotel negotiation site in Islamabad around 4 a.m., about an hour after Iranian sources said talks had been paused.

Some observers said it was possible the sides were still exchanging notes but that active face-to-face negotiations had ended shortly after 3 a.m.

The Iranian government, in a post on X, did not specify a time when the talks would resume in the Pakistani capital.

"With Pakistan's proposal and the acceptance of the negotiating delegations of Iran and America, the continuation of negotiations with Pakistan's mediation will proceed for one more round and after a pause on Sunday [April 12]," Iran's government said in the post.

The Pakistani-hosted trilateral "in-person" negotiations played out in three sessions over about 15 hours, with occasional breaks taken by the delegations as negotiators looked to battle through several contentious issues in hopes of reaching a peace deal.

The specific points of contention were not immediately disclosed, but US President Donald Trump's demands have focused on Iran allowing the free flow of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and that it give up its supplies of enriched uranium that could be used to build a nuclear weapon.

Tehran has insisted it would have control of shipping traffic through the strait, that it retain its supplies of enriched uranium, and that it receive reparations for damages from the US-Israeli air strikes that began on February 28.

In addition, Tehran has said Israel must end its attacks on Iran-allied Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

The apparent face-to-face sessions mark the most significant contact by Washington and Tehran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The US formally broke relations with Iran in April 1980 and the two countries typically hold talks through intermediaries.

Meanwhile, Trump on April 12 said he was not concerned about whether a deal would be struck in Islamabad.

"Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me. The reason is because we've won," Trump told reporters in Washington.

"We're in very deep negotiations with Iran. We win regardless. We've defeated them militarily," Trump said.

"We defeated their navy, we defeated their air force, we defeated their antiaircraft, we defeated their radar. We defeated their leaders. Their leaders are all dead...we'll open up the Strait, even though we don't use it, because we have a lot of other countries in the world that do use it, that are either afraid or weak..."

"Regardless what happens, we win. We totally defeated that country. And so let's see what happens. Maybe they make a deal, maybe they don't. From the standpoint of America, we win," he said.

Earlier, the White House said that talks were "face-to-face" and involved "a suite of experts" as well as US Vice President JD Vance, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Alex Raufoglu

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-protests-live-blog- trump-khamenei/33640284.html?lbis=4491631

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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Drone crashed near US diplomats in Baghdad

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 11 April 2026 6:25 PM

A drone crashed near a group of US diplomats at Baghdad International Airport earlier this week, Iraqi officials said, as they were escorting an American journalist recently released by Kataeb Hezbollah resistance group.

On Thursday, the US State Department described the incident as an "ambush of US diplomats in Baghdad," announcing it had summoned Iraq's ambassador to Washington to convey its "strong condemnation."

Iraqi security officials said "the diplomatic support center was targeted on Wednesday by three drones."

"One of them fell at least 50 meters from a diplomatic team accompanying the American journalist Shelly Kittleson," they added.

Kittleson, who had been held for a week by the powerful Kataeb Hezbollah resistance group, was released on Tuesday on the condition that she leave the country immediately.

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions. Since the United States and Israel launched an illegal war against Iran on February 28, Iraqi resistance groups have carried out near-daily attacks on US-linked assets in Iraq and across the region.

The US embassy in Baghdad, along with a logistical and diplomatic center inside the city's airport, has been repeatedly targeted.

However, resistance groups said they had suspended retaliatory operations against enemy bases following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran on Tuesday night.

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Nizar Amedi elected Iraq's new president after disputed parliamentary vote

Iran Press TV

Saturday, 11 April 2026 5:01 PM

Iraq has elected the main candidate of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Nizar Amedi, as the country's next president following a disputed voting process that saw several blocs abstain from participating in the session.

The parliamentary session was scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. local time (0800 GMT) on Saturday but was delayed for several hours, eventually commencing when 223 legislators were present and quorum was reached.

The election proceeded to a second round after none of the contenders secured the required two-thirds majority needed to win the post.

Amedi surpassed Muthanna Amin of the rival Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU) in the second round, securing a majority of the vote.

In January, the PUK had nominated Nizar Amedi as its candidate for the Iraqi presidency. The newly elected president is a former Iraqi environment minister.

Before voting began, incumbent President Abdul Latif Rashid withdrew from the race, stating that his decision was intended to avoid contributing to "increased polarization and weakening unity," according to a statement from his office.

Under the Iraqi constitution, Amedi now has 15 days to task the prime ministerial nominee of the largest parliamentary bloc with forming a government.

The prime minister-designate is then required to name members of the cabinet within 30 days. Failure to do so would allow the president to appoint a replacement.

State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki had been widely seen as the most likely candidate for the premiership following the November elections. However, US President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw support for Iraq should Maliki assume office.

The ruling Shia Coordination Framework has yet to formally withdraw Maliki's candidacy or announce a new nominee.

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Deputy Minister of Defene of Russian Federation Vasily Osmakov holds scheduled meeting with Defence Attache at Embassy of Republic of Union of Myanmar in Russian Federation Brigadier General Kyaw Soe Oo

10 April 2026 13:35

Deputy Minister of Defene of the Russian Federation Vasily Osmakov held a scheduled meeting with Defence Attache at the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in the Russian Federation Brigadier General Kyaw Soe Oo.

During the meeting, topical issues of mutual interest were discussed.

The meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation

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Blade Nzimande, South Africa's minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Pretoria, South Africa, April 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)

JOHANNESBURG, April 12 (Xinhua) -- South Africa is looking to deepen cooperation with China in key areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), clean energy and youth exchanges, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation Blade Nzimande has said.

"We have fairly extensive relations with China on science, technology and innovation," Nzimande told Xinhua in a recent interview, noting that the cooperation is strongly supported by the two countries' all-round strategic cooperative partnership in the new era.

He identified AI as one of the most important new frontiers in bilateral cooperation, covering areas ranging from regulatory coordination to researcher exchanges and knowledge sharing.

Highlighting the joint AI research network between South Africa and China, Nzimande described joint research programs as the "bedrock" of cooperation, saying that he would "elevate AI now as one of the most critical areas" in the partnership.

China's relatively advanced science and technology environment could help empower other developing countries, he added, expressing hope that China would continue playing "a very important role" in promoting inclusive AI cooperation.

Clean energy is another major priority in bilateral cooperation, Nzimande said, adding that South Africa is seeking closer collaboration with China in hydrogen energy, green ammonia and low-carbon technologies linked to the mining and energy sectors.

Noting South Africa's rich endowment of platinum group minerals and strong renewable energy potential, Nzimande said collaboration in hydrogen fuel cell technologies represents an important opportunity for both sides.

"We foresee deepening relations with China in that particular area (clean energy), which is actually very important for us," he said.

Beyond bilateral cooperation and Belt and Road cooperation, South Africa and China are also working closely together within multilateral frameworks such as BRICS, the Group of 20, and UNESCO platforms, where cooperation in emerging technologies continues to expand, he added.

Nzimande highlighted cooperation on the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) as an important example of collaboration, noting that the project brings together multiple international partners, including South Africa and China, to advance frontier astronomy research.

The SKA is a network of thousands of radio antennas of varying types and sizes, including SKA-Low in Western Australia and SKA-Mid in South Africa's Northern Cape. The project is jointly funded, built and run by more than 10 countries, with China among the seven founding members and a signatory to the Square Kilometer Array Observatory Convention signed in 2019.

Speaking of human resources development, Nzimande said young scientist exchange programs between the two countries are of great significance. "The two countries have very talented young people," he said, adding that cooperation between young talent is a "pillar" of bilateral relations.

Noting this year marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, Nzimande said ongoing cooperation among young scientists is helping promote the sharing of ideas, knowledge and research experience.

"Those exchanges are very important as part of people-to-people exchanges," he added. 

Blade Nzimande, South Africa's minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Pretoria, South Africa, April 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Wei)
Meeting with Krasnodar Territory Governor Veniamin Kondratyev

Late last evening, Vladimir Putin had a working meeting with Krasnodar Territory Governor Veniamin Kondratyev.

April 11, 2026

10:00

The Kremlin, Moscow

The President began the meeting with highlighting the Krasnodar Territory's major contribution to ensuring the country's food safety, and asked about the progress of the sowing campaign.

According to Veniamin Kondratyev, the sowing campaign is proceeding successfully. A total of 1.8 million hectares have been allocated for winter crops; the seedlings are in good condition, and soil moisture levels are sufficient to expect a strong harvest. The spring sowing campaign is scheduled to be completed by May 1.

The region is fully supplied with fuel, lubricants, and fertilisers, which, according to the governor, will further support a positive harvest outlook.

Vladimir Putin asked about the reasons behind the decline in agricultural production recorded in 2025. Veniamin Kondratyev suggested that this was largely due to the wheat harvest, which totalled 11.2 million tonnes and was affected first by recurrent frosts and subsequently by drought conditions.

According to the governor, the Krasnodar Territory is the national leader in terms of agricultural production, including milk production, and is among the top five regions for vegetable, fruit, and meat output.

Veniamin Kondratyev also updated the President on the situation in the agro-industrial complex: 100 percent of wheat, rice, and soybean seeds are domestically produced. The governor added that just six years ago, all seeds were imported.

The President asked about the outlook for the region's resort season following the oil spill in the Kerch Strait. Veniamin Kondratyev noted that, due to measures taken under the supervision of the President and the Government, Anapa is expected to once again receive its full number of tourists this year. Vladimir Putin added that all beaches in the Krasnodar Territory could be open this season, a possibility the governor supported.

Veniamin Kondratyev also reported that local grape seedling production has quadrupled over the past six years, while 6,500 new vineyards have been created in the region. He noted that, following the adoption of legislation on viticulture and winemaking, a distinct economic sector has taken shape in the region.

In addition, the economy of the Krasnodar Territory has become more diversified, with more than 2,300 IT companies established there over the past four years.

According to Veniamin Kondratyev, the regional domestic product is also showing growth: in 2021, it amounted to 3 trillion rubles, in 2022 to 3.5 trillion rubles, in 2023 to 4 trillion rubles, in 2024 to 4.7 trillion rubles, and in 2025 to 5.8 trillion rubles. The President found these figures positive.

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Excerpt from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov' interview for Russian Public Television, Moscow, April 11, 2026

11 April 2026 20:17

551-11-04-2026

Question: Our esteemed colleagues at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations (IMEMO) are celebrating an anniversary. This raises an important question: to what extent are their analytical work and intellectual contributions relevant to practical diplomacy?

Sergey Lavrov: They are highly valuable. Our Ministry has long maintained close ties with all Russian research institutes specialising in foreign policy and international economic issues. The Foreign Minister is supported by a Scientific Council that includes the heads of leading institutes, including IMEMO. This tradition predates my tenure.

The relationships are driven, above all, by mutual benefit. Practical diplomacy must, of course, rest on tradition - one that in our case is rich and extends back to the Russian Empire, and even earlier to the era of Ivan the Terrible and the Posolsky Prikaz (Diplomatic Chancellery). At the same time, while practical diplomacy relies heavily on analytical work, it cannot carry out this function alone. It is inevitably absorbed by the demands of day-to-day developments that shape the international landscape. Today's events, for example, require us to devote nearly all our time to immediate issues and relations with the countries involved in ongoing conflicts.

Our colleagues in research institutes, however, have a primary mission: to analyse current developments. We value their measured, objective assessments that are free from the pressures of routine operational demands. At the same time, they rely on the factual insights we can provide from specific situations in different regions where Russian interests intersect. This makes our cooperation an important and meaningful connection.

Situational analyses and brainstorming sessions held outside the Scientific Council meetings often yield highly insightful solutions. These formats were first introduced by Yevgeny Primakov, who, after leading IMEMO and later serving in government, actively and effectively promoted this approach. They remain highly relevant today.

Question: In a world that appears to have lost its bearings, can science offer anything of practical use to diplomacy - or is it able to settle the chaos of our times?

Sergey Lavrov: Honestly, no one is fully capable of mastering what's happening in the world right now - not a single country, let alone one institution or field of knowledge. This is not something anyone can handle alone. But what I can say, without hesitation, is that science genuinely helps us do our job better. Take IMEMO, whose anniversary we are proud to celebrate this year. Since 2000, this institute has had a hand in every major version of Russia's foreign policy concept. And that partnership isn't going anywhere. The next time we need to draft new doctrinal documents, we'll be calling on our IMEMO colleagues, just as we once relied on such luminaries as Nikolay Inozemtsev, Alexander Dynkin, and Alexey Arbatov - our distinguished colleagues and, in many ways, co-authors of the Russia's foreign policy doctrines.

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Cheng-Xi meeting seen as Beijing signal to Trump on Taiwan: Scholars

ROC Central News Agency

04/11/2026 09:13 PM

Taipei, April 11 (CNA) A recent meeting between Kuomintang (KMT) Chair Cheng Li-wun () and Chinese President Xi Jinping () was viewed by scholars as a signal from Beijing to U.S. President Donald Trump on Taiwan ahead of their expected talks.

Cheng met Xi in Beijing on Friday during a trip first announced on March 30, after the White House said Trump's planned late-March visit to China had been postponed to May 14-15 amid the Iran war.

John Lim (), a project researcher at the University of Tokyo's Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia, said that Xi aimed to send a message to Trump ahead of their meeting.

With Taiwan a key flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, Trump is likely to use support for Taiwan as leverage, Lim told CNA on Saturday.

Through the meeting, Xi sought to signal that a significant force in Taiwan supports Beijing's policy and shares values across the Strait, Lim said, adding that the move was meant to limit Trump's ability to use Taiwan as a bargaining chip.

Chang Kuo-cheng (), an international relations scholar at Taipei Medical University, said the meeting could give China additional leverage in negotiations with the United States.

As Taiwan's main opposition party controlling most local governments, the KMT's stance could weaken Washington's Taiwan card, Chang said at a Taipei forum on the meeting's implications.

During the meeting, Cheng and Xi reaffirmed the "1992 consensus," opposition to Taiwan independence, and what they described as shared national interests.

The "1992 consensus" refers to a tacit understanding between Beijing and Taiwan's then KMT government in 1992 that there is "one China," with each maintaining their own interpretations of what "China" means.

Kharis Templeman, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, said the meeting followed a familiar pattern, but that Cheng appeared "a more willing partner."

"She is more willing to say things that Beijing wants to hear than past KMT leaders," he said.

Templeman added that while Xi is often portrayed in U.S. media as aggressive on cross-strait issues, that image was not reflected in this meeting and may offer some reassurance to the U.S. side.

Separately, Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the Indo-Pacific Program at the German Marshall Fund, noted that Cheng did not raise concerns about China's military pressure on Taiwan.

That omission could be read as implying Beijing's actions are justified if framed as targeting "separatists," Glaser said in a post on social media platform X.

(By Nancy Chang, Chen Kai-yu and Shih Hsiu-chuan)

Enditem/kb



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KMT chair's Taiwan Strait remark 'playing with fire': Premier Cho

ROC Central News Agency

04/11/2026 05:28 PM

Taipei, April 11 (CNA) Premier Cho Jung-tai () said on Saturday that Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun () was "playing with fire" with her remark a day earlier that the Taiwan Strait should "never be a chessboard for interference by external forces."

Cheng made the remark during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping () in Beijing on Friday, as she called for Taiwan and China to forge closer ties and avoid conflict.

Cho told reporters in Taoyuan that the Taiwan Strait is an international waterway open to free transit, and Cheng's remark revealed an "erroneous" strategy that unilaterally pandered to China.

Comparing Cheng's stance to "playing with fire," Cho said it would put Taiwan's future and its people's free and democratic way of life at risk.

In a statement later the same day, the KMT rejected Cho's comments, saying that Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was unable to handle cross-strait relations and was resorting to smearing the opposition as pro-China.

The KMT added that the DPP government, despite years in power, has only escalated confrontation with and created hostility toward Beijing.

Premier Cho, who is from the DPP, also criticized Cheng for echoing Xi's remarks about facilitating the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" during her meeting with Xi.

Cho warned that Cheng's comments were a "mistake," as they could have fueled China's ambition to absorb the Taiwan Strait and Taiwan.

The phrase "rejuvenation of the Chinese nation" refers to the CCP's goal to turn China into a great power by 2049, the 100th anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC), but it also connotes making Taiwan officially part of the PRC.

China's "national reunification," which includes annexing Taiwan, is an "essential step toward national rejuvenation," according to a White Paper published by China's Taiwan Affairs Office in 2022 and other official speeches and documents.

The KMT and the Chinese Communist Party "engaged in nearly 100 years of political struggle. Yet in yesterday's meeting, the Kuomintang appeared to have completely lost its confidence," Cho said.

Cho also criticized the KMT leader for proposing the establishment of a cross-strait peace framework to "institutionalize peace."

He said history has proven that in the various negotiations between the KMT and the CCP -- and in the case of Tibet and Hong Kong -- "peace without strength is bound to fail."

"Such peace can instead embolden aggressors, and only peace backed by strength can serve as the foundation of national power," Cho said.

In its statement, the KMT responded by stating that applying Hong Kong and Tibet to Taiwan "exposes the DPP's helplessness on cross-strait issues" and its inability to engage in dialogue with China.

"Repeatedly using Taiwan's security as a tool for political struggle is truly playing with fire, and they've already gone too far," the KMT said.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/cs





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PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

ROC Ministry of National Defense

2026.04.11

Issuing AuthorityPolitical Warfare Bureau

PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1.Date:

6 a.m. Apr. 10 (Fri.) to 6 a.m. Apr. 11 (Sat.) (UTC+8)

2.PLA activities:

17 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN ships and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 15 out of 17 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities.

1150411_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan

1150411_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan

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"Anatolian Phoenix-2026" international exercise successfully completed

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

11.04.2026 [11:06]

Baku, April 11, AZERTAC

"Anatolian Phoenix - 2026" International Search and Rescue Exercise is progressing successfully in the city of Konya of fraternal Turkiye, Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Defense told AZERTAC.

In the briefings conducted in accordance with the exercise plan, participants were provided with detailed information on safety regulations, the phases of the tasks to be executed, as well as the terrain and climatic features of the area where the operations will be carried out.

Based on the assigned task, a comprehensive operation was carried out by parachute assault and search-and-rescue units to locate and rescue a imaginary downed pilot. Specialists of the parachute assault and search-and-rescue services, deployed to the area by helicopter, descended using the "fast rope" technique, neutralized a imaginary terrorist group positioned within a building, and apprehended the group leader.

In the subsequent phase of the operation, full control over the area was established, and the pilot was safely evacuated. Following the successful completion of the mission, the personnel withdrew from the area by helicopter.

Meanwhile, the aviation assets involved in the operation provided aerial protection and fire support to the teams, contributing to the effective execution of the tasks.

A high level of professionalism among the personnel and effective inter-unit coordination and interoperability was demonstrated during the conducted activities.

The international exercise will continue until April 17.

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UK start-up to supply interceptor missiles to UK military and Gulf partners

Press release

Defence Secretary announces Cambridge Aerospace set to supply new interceptor missiles - known as 'Skyhammer' and launchers to the UK Armed Forces and Gulf partners.

From: Ministry of Defence and The Rt Hon John Healey MP

Published 10 April 2026

Defence Secretary announces Cambridge Aerospace set to supply new interceptor missiles and launchers to the UK Armed Forces and Gulf partners.

Interceptor missile known as 'Skyhammer' is designed to counter Shahed-style attack drones, with the first deliveries in May.

Comes as Defence Secretary opens the London Defence Conference, bringing together international leaders and policymakers from government, military, industry, academia.

The UK military and Gulf partners will be better protected against drone attacks, as a veteran-founded British start-up is set to supply new interceptor missiles.

Speaking at the London Defence Conference, Defence Secretary John Healey MP announced the Ministry of Defence intends to buy cutting-edge interceptor missiles, designed to counter Iranian Shahed-style attack drones, for the UK Armed Forces and Gulf partners.

Subject to contract, the substantial first tranche of missiles and launchers will be delivered to the Ministry of Defence in May, with more missiles and associated launchers set to be supplied within the first six months of the agreement.

This innovation demonstrates how the UK defence industry can deliver at pace - learning lessons from the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East to deliver cost-effective air defence solutions for the UK and its partners.

Cambridge Aerospace's new missile, known as 'Skyhammer', has a range of 30km and a maximum speed of 700km/h. The deal will further boost British business by creating over 50 new jobs and supporting 125 current jobs at Cambridge Aerospace, making defence an engine for growth. The UK is delivering the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

The announcement comes as the Defence Secretary opens the London Defence Conference, speaking to policymakers, industry and academia on a new era for defence and the importance of warfighting readiness.

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

We are applying the approach for UK support to Ukraine and accelerating contracts with the most innovative British businesses to rapidly expand support to Gulf partners and equip our own forces with anti-drone tech. Our government backing for Cambridge Aerospace is a prime case of a veteran-founded UK defence start-up scaling at pace to deliver new interceptor missiles within weeks for our Armed Forced and Gulf partners, and good jobs and security here in the UK.

CEO of Cambridge Aerospace Steven Barrett said:

With aerial threats to the UK and our allies increasing by the day, it is critical that we can defend ourselves effectively. Skyhammer was designed to do exactly that - bringing affordable mass to protect our skies. We welcome the Government's commitment to supporting UK air defence with scalable, sovereign solutions.

The multi-million pound contract with Cambridge Aerospace is set to include integration, technical support and end user training.

This initiative builds on last month's roundtable event in London which saw representatives from 13 key UK-based defence companies meeting Gulf ambassadors and defence attaches to explore new industry support for regional allies.

The Ministry of Defence, through the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, is working to speed up financing and licensing for exports to Gulf partners. As part of this, a new Task Force has been created within the NAD Group to collaborate across government to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment.

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UK drops Chagos sovereignty bill after Trump withdraws backing: Report

Azerbaijan State News Agency - (AZERTAC)

11.04.2026 [12:59]

Baku, April 11, AZERTAC

Britain has shelved legislation to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after US President Donald Trump withdrew support, according to Anadolu Agency.

British newspaper The Times reported that the bill will not be included in next month's King's Speech, preventing it from being introduced in the current parliamentary session.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer had backed a deal to hand over the islands while leasing back the strategic military base on Diego Garcia under a long-term agreement.

A government source, quoted by the newspaper, said Britain would not proceed without US backing and would seek to persuade Trump to reconsider. Ministers are said to be frustrated after the US initially supported the plan before reversing course.

Officials have also raised concerns about potential legal challenges from Mauritius that could affect access to waters around Diego Garcia, a key UK-US defense site.

The proposal has faced opposition from political rivals, and its future now depends on whether support from Washington can be restored.

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Minister for Armed Forces speech at the London Defence Conference

Speech

The Minister for Armed Forces delivered a closing speech at the London Defence Conference.

From: Ministry of Defence and Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP

Published 11 April 2026

Location: London

Delivered on: 11 April 2026 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

First of all, I'd just like to say thank you to the London Defence Conference, but also all of you individually. Saturday afternoon, and you're all here showing an interest in taking part in defence and security, which is a huge, a huge effort, both professionally and personally, above and beyond the call. So thank you very much for being here.

I'm due to give the closing address and interestingly, I've just got back from Cyprus and Ukraine. Now they're two very different places, but both tell you the same thing: the world has changed.

In Ukraine, you see a war evolving in real time. Drones everywhere. The kill chain is now compressed. Front lines that are no longer fixed.

But you also see something else. A country under sustained attack with thousands of drones and missiles hitting cities night after night, energy infrastructure targeted, families living with constant uncertainty.

And Russia is not just fighting a war in Ukraine. It is adapting learning, and it's exporting what it learns. Working with Iran, it's sharing technology, enabling attacks on our allies.

We're seeing that play out in real time, every hour of every day, and we're seeing the oil price spike to Russia's benefit.

So we welcome the ceasefire, and we strongly encourage rapid progress towards a substantive negotiated settlement.

But in the meantime, Russia has continued its step up strikes on Ukraine, relentlessly and indeed at scale, with around 7000 attacks a day on the front line, and 55,000 drone and missile strikes last year alone, trying to break the country's will and cohesion as much as its capability.

And yet, despite all of that, Ukraine still stands. Its economy is under strain. Its infrastructure has been hit repeatedly. Millions have been displaced, and still people go to work, still services operate, still the country fights on. That is resilience.

It's not a concept, but as a lived reality, and it should make us all pause for thought. Because if we think resilience is something we can switch on in a crisis. You, I, we are collectively wrong. It has to be built in advance.

Now I spent 24 years in uniform, and towards end of that time, it was already clear what was going on. You could see warfare changing. You could see the pace of adaptation increasing.

I watched the 2023 counter offensive on the Zaporizhzhia front, which was fought with courage and determination, stall against 90,000 double stacked anti tank mines and 600,000 anti personnel mines.

Watching casualties in their thousands, and I saw a lack of resource drive innovation at a pace that was both unstoppable and extraordinary. The kind of innovation that only happens when a nation is under existential pressure, when survival overtakes everything else and for the industry partners out there, when winning overtakes the requirement to make profit.

And at the same time, you can see we were not moving fast enough. Too often, we were preparing for the last war, not the next one.

And I came to a simple view, if we did not change a pace, we would fall behind, and that is one of the reasons I indeed am stood here today.

Drone and uncrewed systems now dominate the battlefield. It'd be remiss of me at the London Defence Conference not to delve into some detail, especially the audience we have here today.

Now, data, in my mind, is the new gun power, fuelling kill webs and targeting systems across the front line in Ukraine. Now, large conflicts are often measured in statistics, and in some cases, we're falling into the same trap in Ukraine as a whole.

But industry is now producing millions of drones. More than 90% of all casualties are linked to drone warfare. 85% of those systems are made in Ukraine.

Russia is trying to out manufacture Ukraine 7 million drones a year. Just think about the just think about the size and the shape, 7 million drones.

Now, let me put these figures into a little bit of perspective, because I think it's useful. Tactics are one thing, but industry and common economics are another.

On the way back from Ukraine, I was sat in a plane, sort of dabbling with statistics and maths, which is dangerous being an ex Marine, but the rough analysis starts to show the scale of change that we have to go through.

In Ukraine, one drone equates to a lethality of 22 artillery rounds. Lethality in action, 22 artillery rounds. Now, if you scale that logic up and think not only about the kill chain, but the supply chain behind it, the implications are profound, even more significant beyond the front line, perhaps behind it.

At the height of the counter offensive, which I mentioned earlier, in 2023 Ukraine, was far between 16 and 18,000 rounds a day in artillery. That's about 900 tons of metal every day flying through the air.

An overly simplistic calculation suggests you would need around 57 truckloads of your average truck a day just to move the shells for one day.

Now, some people will be sceptical about one drone to 22 artillery round stats, and that's fair enough. Equivalence is never exact, and there are a lot of factors at play, so let me have it. Let's be fair to some of those individuals.

At one to 11, you would need 1637 drones to generate the equivalent battlefield effect. That's two truckloads, not 57. Now for the military people amongst us, think of the logistics behind that. Follow that logic across every part of the battlefield, and you begin to grasp the scale of the challenge that is now required, not tomorrow, but now.

So what? There are still those who say we will fight differently, that Ukraine offers, in some cases, false lessons, that fifth and sixth generation capability will prevail. In some cases, they're right, but I would argue they're also wrong. We will have no choice but to adapt. But it's not either, either or. It's a blend. It's a high, low mix.

We must continue to learn, but increasingly we must begin to act. My simple vignette and simple maths demonstrate the impact innovation has on logistics.

But what does that mean for every other factor in the battlefield, our industry, our innovation moves, our supply chains, they all need to see the new reality and adapt now.

If Ukraine is the teacher that has taught us economics of modern warfare, Iran is the headmaster that's just hit us with the ruler and told us to listen.

The economics of warfare matter, and we must learn and act now and act together. The consequences of ignoring these lessons will be grievous.

In the future, if Russia looks over a NATO, a JEF or an allied border and sees a force that has not adapted to the lessons of Ukraine, it will not see deterrence.

It will see opportunity. Deterring a country that has taken over a million casualties, more casualties in America took in the entire Second World War, is a challenge, and I'm unsure that we collectively can comprehend what that means.

Part of that is not viewing resilience just about military capability, something Ukraine has learned, but defining how a country understands its strength.

Indeed, resilience is much more multifaceted. And we often talk about defence - bombs, bullets, ships, planes - but the reality is the economy, the NHS and education, we often talk about being separate. Well, they are not.

You can spend billions on defence, but if families are struggling in the economy is under strain, you're kidding yourself about how strong this country really is.

And here I speak as a lad from Aberdeen who joined up pretty much straight out of school with a mum who fought hard to bring me and my brothers and sisters up in some pretty bleak times.

Understanding that is part of what defines me as a politician and my approach to leadership as a Minister in the Ministry of Defense.

Because strength is not just what sits on the front line. It's what sits behind it, and indeed underneath it.

And what this period is exposing us is that parts of that underlying system are more fragile than we've been prepared to admit.

If families are one bill away from trouble, the country is not stable. And in a more volatile energy environment, those pressures can increase quickly.

If the NHS is not working, people cannot work. If families come under pressure, growth slows. If young people do not have real roots into skills at work, we weaken over time.

Ukraine shows us the other side of that equation, a country under immense pressure, where the cost of living has surged, where infrastructure has been damaged, and yet where resilience holds.

We should not assume we would respond in the same way, unless we build that resilience now.

So when we talk about readiness, we need to think more broadly. Yes, it's about capable Armed Forces, and of course, supporting Ukraine with 4.5 billion in military assistance over the last year. On NATO's eastern flank, in the high north and, of course, across the Middle East.

But readiness today and resilience today is about how quickly we can also adapt, how quickly you can learn, and whether you can scale when it matters.

And I keep coming back to Ukraine, because there are so many lessons, drones account for the largest proportion of battlefield effects.

The first time since the First World War, artillery has been overtaken as the major contributor to casualties, where relatively cheap systems can destroy high value exquisite targets, where innovation cycles are measured in weeks, not months, definitely not years.

This is not niche capability. This is the future of warfare. This is why we're investing 4 billion in uncrewed systems, why we're building an integrated targeting network, and why we're working directly with Ukraine.

Because readiness is not just what you buy, it's how fast you learn. The battle space now includes infrastructure, energy networks, data communication, supply chains and the digital layer that sits across it.

And what we're seeing now is that disruption is one part of the system does not stay contained. It moves, it compounds and it takes time to work through.

And in some cases, the second order effects of disruption are more far more consequential than the initial shock. Damage to production, processing and transport infrastructure does not resolve quickly, even when the immediate crisis passes, the effect continues to be felt.

Too often we assume systems will snap back nice and quickly, back to where they were. Well they rarely do, which means resilience is not just about absorbing the first shock, it's about sustaining through what follows next.

That has implications for how we think about energy security, about domestic capability, and about how much risk we're prepared to carry on critical parts of the system.

Industry and capital and the state cannot do this alone. We need private capital at scale to build capability and capacity to drive innovation and to accelerate delivery.

Because in the end, wars are not won on paper. They're won by what you can produce and indeed how quickly you can produce it.

Now there's one thing worse than working with allies, and that's working without them, and our alliances remain decisive.

Russia remains the primary threat to European security, further underlined by the Defence Secretary on Thursday who exposed just their latest hostile naval activity.

And we have to be clear, the war in Ukraine, the tactics used by Iran are separate. They are connected through shared technology, through shared and aligned interests, and through pressure they place on our economics and energy systems.

Our response is clear. It's NATO first, but not NATO only. We lead with allies across Europe, across the JEF and beyond, because readiness is a collective.

And for those of you here from the United States, let me say this, the UK and US relationship is not measured in commentary.

It is measured in what we do and what we have done, in the depth of our integration, in the intelligence and operations we have shared, and indeed in our history, in the capabilities we developed together, and in the access and support we provide from the North Atlantic to the systems that underpin the very foundations of modern warfare.

Friends can disagree. We've been here before: Vietnam, the Falklands. In reality is our cooperation is continuous. It's deeply embedded across our economy, our industry, our culture and our militaries, and it will take more than a year or two to pull that apart. The answer is, united, we are stronger. That's the reality.

And finally, but perhaps the most important point: people.

You can have the best equipment in the world, but if people do not feel valued, you will not get the best out of them. That's why pay matters. Housing matters.

Families matter because readiness is about sustaining a force, not just generating one. And we're seeing the results: recruitment up, outflow down.

Because if you want a ready force, you have to build a country that supports it. So let me finish, perhaps where I started.

Our people are ready. They are capable. They are delivering.

But readiness is not a fixed state. It is something you build, and you have to rebuild it continuously over time. It runs through everything we do in our Armed Forces, yes, but just as much in our economy, our infrastructure and indeed, the resilience of our society.

You can spend billions in defence, but if the country underneath is not strong, it will not hold.

Our job in this government is to build both and a country that is secure and a country that is strong enough to sustain the security. That is what readiness and resilience really mean.

And if we get this wrong, if we fail, we increase the chances of war. Let's be absolutely clear, we increase the chances of conflict by not being ready, and we will, if we don't get it right, find ourselves on the wrong side of history. Thank you.

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Next Ramstein-format meeting scheduled for April 15

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

10 April, 2026, 8:33 PM EEST

Ukraine's Minister of Defence Mykhailo Fedorov held a phone call with Germany's Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius. The sides discussed preparations for the next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), scheduled for April 15.

Preparing for the Ramstein-format meeting

At the next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Ukraine will present an update on the implementation of the War Plan aimed at bringing russia to peace.

Ukraine will outline priority areas of cooperation to partners, including strengthening air defence, developing unmanned systems, and enhancing data and technology exchange.

Ukraine is proposing a mutually beneficial model of cooperation, under which allies gain access to combat data and Ukrainian-made systems.

This includes, in particular, experience in developing an integrated system for countering Shahed-type drones.

Joint projects with Germany

Ukraine and Germany are preparing several joint projects for implementation in the near future.

This includes, in particular:

a significant strengthening of air defence systems;

additional funding for deep-strike and middle-strike drones;

the development of joint technological solutions.

The parties also discussed prospects for cooperation in developing innovative laser weapon systems.

Strengthening air defence

The Minister of Defence of Ukraine thanked Boris Pistorius for important support. He particularly highlighted Germany's role in protecting the lives of Ukrainians and Ukraine's infrastructure during the winter period. Germany's contributions, including the supply of PAC-3 missiles, were critical to repelling russian attacks.

Mykhailo Fedorov also expressed gratitude for support to other projects, such as the 'Czech initiative' and the development of drone assault units.

Data exchange and new cooperation formats

Special attention during the conversation was given to data exchange.

Ukraine possesses a unique dataset of combat data, and cooperation with Germany in this area is expected to be strengthened in the near term.

Data exchange opens up new opportunities for technological development and strengthening the defence capabilities of both countries.

Mykhailo Fedorov expressed gratitude to Boris Pistorius for his personal leadership and sustained support for Ukraine.

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JERUSALEM, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem on Sunday, despite repeated condemnations from Arab countries.

"Today I feel like the landlord here," Ben-Gvir said in a video released by his office.

The visit came about a week after a similar appearance by the far-right, pro-settler minister and amid heightened regional tensions. His repeated visits to the contested site have often triggered diplomatic protests and warnings that they could inflame violence.

Under a decades-old status quo arrangement, Jews are allowed to visit the hilltop compound but are not permitted to pray there. The site is administered by a Jordanian Islamic trust, known as the Jerusalem Waqf. Muslims regard Al-Aqsa as Islam's third-holiest shrine, while Jews revere the area as the Temple Mount, believed to be the location of two ancient Jewish temples.

Ben-Gvir has repeatedly called for allowing Jewish prayer at the compound, a position widely seen as challenging the status quo. Critics, including Arab governments and Palestinian leaders, say such moves risk further escalating tensions at one of the region's most sensitive religious sites. 
Latvia's first 100 days on the UN Security Council: keeping Russia's war in Ukraine high on the international agenda

Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Published: 11.04.2026.

Friday, 10 April 2026, marks 100 days since Latvia began its work on the UN Security Council (UNSC). As a full member of the UNSC, Latvia participates in all regular meetings, decision-making processes, and the formulation of the Council's positions, addressing international diplomatic issues at the highest level in close cooperation with like-minded countries.

Each month, Latvia, together with its European allies, convenes UNSC meetings on Ukraine, consistently raising issues regarding Russia's war crimes against the Ukrainian people and civilian infrastructure, the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children, and humanitarian aid for Ukrainian civilians. Latvia uses its position and contacts as a UNSC member to defend its values and principles in the Council's work and to represent the regional security interests, including in discussions on conflicts in other regions - Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere. Latvia also counters Russian disinformation and lies in other UN forums.

On its own initiative, Latvia has organised a series of thematic events, including briefings for other elected UNSC members on the humanitarian situation in Ukraine, the EU-UN partnership on international security issues, and new technologies.

The Ambassador of Latvia to the UN, Sanita Pavluta-Deslandes, notes:

"Following thorough preparations by the team and the ceremonial raising of the Latvian flag on 2 January, our work at the UN Security Council began at a dynamic pace. As early as 5 January, an emergency meeting on Venezuela took place. On 12 January, together with our European allies and Ukraine, we convened an emergency meeting regarding Russia's massive air strikes, including the use of the Oreshnik ballistic missile. We are making every effort to keep Russia's war in Ukraine high on the UNSC agenda, despite the escalation of the security situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region. We are using every opportunity to prevent the normalisation of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and to highlight Russia's close military and technological cooperation with Iran. It is essential to continue informing the international community about Russia's imperialist and colonialist objectives and their global consequences, including security, energy, and food crises, as well as the manipulation and instrumentalisation of citizens from other countries, including Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, by forcing them to go to the front lines to kill Ukrainians. A just and sustainable peace can only be achieved by exerting pressure on Russia and holding it accountable. We, as country that was occupied by the USSR for more than 50 years, are being heard. Today, we all see the consequences of impunity for the crimes of aggression committed by the leaders of the USSR - they have "inspired" new war crimes. Strengthening Latvia's security, including through support for Ukraine and the upholding of international law, remains Latvia's primary goal in the UNSC. This is our day-to-day work - to counter Russia's propaganda and lies, raise awareness among countries around the world about our priorities, and contribute to decision-making within the UNSC. It is reassuring that all UNSC members, with the exception of the aggressor, are calling for an end to hostilities, engagement in peace talks, and are condemning civilian casualties."

Four years after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a UNSC meeting on Ukraine on 24 February was accompanied by a session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Ukraine: "Together with our allies and Ukrainian colleagues, we carried out an active lobbying campaign to secure the broadest possible support for the UNGA resolution on Ukraine. It was adopted with the support of 107 countries (14 more than last year). The outcome of the UNGA vote is an important signal from the international community, supporting peace efforts and increasing pressure on the aggressor, which is trying to achieve through "negotiations" what it cannot achieve on the battlefield," emphasises Sanita Pavluta-Deslandes.

"The conflict in the Middle East is not merely a regional crisis. We are already feeling its negative impact on a global scale, including due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The situation directly affects both Latvia's and Europe's security and economic interests, trade, and energy security, through disrupted supply chains, rapidly rising global energy prices, and risks to food availability. Iran's actions in blocking the Strait of Hormuz are categorically unacceptable and set a dangerous precedent that must neither be tolerated or normalised," the Ambassador notes.

At an emergency meeting on 28 February, Latvia condemned Iran's unjustified attacks against countries in the region and its long-standing destabilising actions - Iran has for decades supported, armed, financed, and trained terrorist organisations (Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis) and provided support for Russia's war in Ukraine, systematically violated international obligations, including related to its nuclear programme, and has been extensively involved in circumventing sanctions. Together with 135 countries, we supported the resolution proposed by Bahrain and adopted by the UNSC on 11 March (13 votes in favour, Russia and China abstained). In parallel with Bahrain, Russia proposed a separate resolution calling on all parties to cease military operations in the Middle East and to comply with international law. "On 11 March, the UNSC rejected Russia's resolution. To support it would be utterly cynical. Russia - a permanent member of the UNSC - itself attacks civilians and has been violating international law on a daily basis for more than four years. Moreover, Iran is currently attacking neighbouring countries with the same weapons it previously supplied to Russia. "Latvia voted against the adoption of this resolution," says Sanita Pavluta-Deslandes.

"Latvia is actively involved in all working groups addressing the situation in the Middle East, where there are currently multiple hotspots beyond Iran - including Lebanon, Yemen, the still fragile peace in Syria, the West Bank, the ceasefire in Gaza, and the peace plan that must now be implemented. The security situation across the region remains tense, and any escalation could rapidly expand on a much larger scale, as we are already seeing.

Overall, more than half of the items on the UNSC's agenda relate to Africa, where there are long-standing conflicts, a critical humanitarian situation, and widespread violence against women and children. There have never been as many parallel and interconnected conflicts globally as there are today, and, unfortunately, civilians are the primary victims," emphasises Sanita Pavluta-Deslandes.

Latvia's priorities at the UNSC:

(1) to uphold a rules-based international order in accordance with the UN Charter, including achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine; exposing Russia's war crimes, countering the aggressor's disinformation, and ensuring accountability for the crimes committed;

(2) to promote gender equality, advocate for the prevention of sexual violence in armed conflicts, and advance the Women, Peace, and Security agenda;

(3) to find solutions to the latest security challenges, including hybrid threats, cyberattacks, AI-related security risks and disinformation. Latvia advocates for improving the work of the UNSC.

Latvia's first 100 days at the UNSC - facts and figures

Each month, a UNSC member state holds the presidency, chairs all UNSC meetings and promotes its priority issues. Latvia will hold the presidency in November 2026. In April - Bahrain.

During the first 100 days, the UNSC held more than 40 formal meetings, more than 20 consultations [informal, closed-door meetings among UNSC members], and 4 Arria-formula meetings [organised by one or more UNSC members to hear from external experts, NGOs, eyewitnesses, etc.]

JANUARY (Presidency of Somalia)

16 UNSC meetings, including emergency meetings on Venezuela and Ukraine.

6 consultations (including on Central Asia, Kosovo, the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, South Sudan, meetings on UN missions where Latvian forces are also deployed, etc.).

(including on Central Asia, Kosovo, the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, South Sudan, meetings on UN missions where Latvian forces are also deployed, etc.). 2 Arria-formula meetings. One of them, organised by Somalia, focused on approaches to sustainable peace. The other, organised by Pakistan, focused on the importance of respecting international treaties, during which Latvia highlighted Russia's actions in Ukraine, which repeatedly violate international obligations.

The situation in the Middle East dominated the agenda, including an open debate organised by Somalia. The focus also included Cyprus, Haiti, Sudan and South Sudan, Central Asia, and Colombia.

FEBRUARY (Presidency of the United Kingdom)

12 UNSC meetings, including emergency meetings on Iran and Ukraine. On 24 February, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braze, participated in a UNSC emergency meeting on Ukraine.

Latvia, together with the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), organised a briefing for 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC on the risks and opportunities associated by new technologies.

7 consultations.

2 Arria-formula meetings. One of them was organised by Russia in an attempt to spread disinformation about Ukraine. Latvia and the other European countries on the UNSC refuted this. The second meeting was dedicated to Red Hand Day, a campaign against the involvement of children in armed conflicts, in which Latvia emphasised the protection of children, including Russia's illegal deportation of Ukrainian children.

In addition to its work at the UNSC, Latvia organised a briefing by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) for 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine following Russia's massive attacks on the energy sector.

Ukraine remained a central issue throughout the month at the UNSC. The regular monthly briefing on the Middle East focused on Palestine, with additional discussions on Yemen and Syria. The meetings on Africa focused on the Central African Republic, Libya, Sudan, and South Sudan. The UNSC extended the mandate of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS). European countries, including Latvia, succeeded in maintaining strong language in the mandate on the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, climate, and sustainable development.

The thematic priorities of the United Kingdom closely aligned with Latvia's priorities, including the threat of terrorism. Latvia called for focus on preventing the recruitment of young people and children and countering radicalisation through the use of modern technologies. During a briefing on UN police in peacekeeping, Latvia emphasised the role of technology, combating disinformation, and the equal participation of women in security structures.

MARCH (Presidency of the United States)

15 UNSC meetings.

8 consultations.

A briefing on Ukraine (23 March), convened with the support of Latvia and its allies. It was chaired by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

In addition to its work at the Security Council, Latvia, together with Panama, organised a briefing by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Ukraine Office for 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC on, among other issues, the human rights situation in Russian-occupied territories and the inhumane treatment of prisoners of war and civilians.

In the context of Latvia's priorities at the UNSC, Latvia was represented at the 70th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women by Lauma Paeglkalna, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Justice.

The UNSC agenda was dominated by developments in the Middle East, including the situation in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank, as well as Iran and its attacks on countries in the region. Conflicts in Africa and Asia (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Myanmar, and Afghanistan) were also in focus.

The United States organised two significant thematic events on the maintenance of international peace and security: 1) on children, technology, and education in conflict, led by US First Lady Melania Trump; 2) on energy, critical minerals and security, led by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright.

APRIL (Presidency of Bahrain)

The three UNSC meetings held in April (to date) focused on efforts to de-escalate the situation in the Middle East, particularly regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. On 2 April, meetings were held with the League of Arab States on the situation in Lebanon and with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). At the UNSC meeting on 7 April, Russia and China vetoed a resolution on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. Latvia, together with 10 other UNSC members, voted in favour of the resolution .

. On 8 April, Latvia, Colombia, and Panama, as co-chairs of the UNSC expert group on climate, peace and security, organised a meeting on the situation in South Sudan. It focused on the impact of the floods on the humanitarian situation and stability in the country.

In addition to its work at the Security Council, on 9 April, Latvia, in cooperation with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), organised a briefing for 10 non-permanent members of the UNSC on the human rights situation in South Sudan, in preparation for negotiations on the extension of the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) at the end of April.

FACTS ABOUT LATVIA'S MEMBERSHIP IN THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL

In 2026, Latvia serves on the UNSC alongside the five permanent members (the historical nuclear powers) - the United States, the United Kingdom, China, France, and Russia - and nine non-permanent members: Denmark, Greece, Panama, Colombia, Bahrain, Pakistan, Liberia, Somalia, and Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The UNSC agenda includes more than 60 various issues related to conflicts and hostilities, specific countries or regions; on topics such as sanctions, international threats, non-proliferation, humanitarian aid, migration, climate security, resource management, sustainable development, and others.

Latvia's participation in the UNSC has been one of the long-term goals of Latvian foreign policy. Latvia submitted its candidacy in 2011.

The rotation of the presidency in 2026 is as follows: May - China; June - Colombia; July - Democratic Republic of the Congo; August - Denmark; September - France; October - Greece; November - Latvia; December - Liberia. The presidency rotates in alphabetical order.

Latvia was elected to the UNSC for the first time in history on 3 June 2025, with broad support from UN Member States. Election required the support of two-thirds of UN member states, or 129 out of 193 votes. Of the 188 countries that participated in the vote, 178 voted in favour of Latvia (10 countries abstained).

Latvia began its term on the UNSC on 1 January 2026 and will serve until 31 December 2027.

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Ukraine, Russia Report Violations Hours After Orthodox Easter Truce Begins

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service and Current Time April 11, 2026

Kyiv reported more than 450 violations of a 32-hour truce between Russia and Ukraine just hours after it came into force on April 11, following pledges by both countries to cease fire in light of Orthodox Easter.

The Ukrainian military said that at least 22 assault operations, 153 shelling incidents, 19 strikes by kamikaze drones, and 275 FPV drone strikes were carried out by Russian forces before 9 p.m.

While no immediate comment was made by the Kremlin, accusations of Ukraine violating the truce with drone strikes were made by the governors of Russia's border regions of Kursk and Belgorod.

"We understand who we're dealing with. Ukraine will maintain the cease-fire and respond in kind," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote earlier on the same day on Telegram.

The brief pause in fighting was meant to last until the end of April 12. It followed another round of overnight Russian strikes on Ukraine and a fresh prisoner exchange between Moscow and Kyiv.

The Ukrainian Air Force said Russia launched 160 drones at the country before the truce began. Local officials reported dozens injured across the country and at least two people killed in Ukraine's major port city of Odesa, as well as in the Dnipropetrovsk and Kherson regions.

"It was a horror," a local Odesa resident told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service after the strikes. "I heard something flying and falling. I didn't realize what happened. It was a split second. My daughter run into me shouting that the place was on fire."

According to Serhiy Lysak, head of the Odesa military administration, the attack damaged private and multistory residential buildings, a local dormitory, and a kindergarten.

Russia's Defense Ministry also claimed it shot down 99 Ukrainian drones.

Separately, hours before the truce, the two sides exchanged 175 soldiers each. Zelenskyy said there were injured among those returned from Russia, adding the majority of those returned had been held by Moscow since the beginning of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Andriy Yusov, Ukraine's deputy head of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, told RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service that Kyiv was suggesting a broader exchange to Moscow, but it has refused some of the proposed initiatives.

Ukraine has also sought to prolong the Easter truce into a lasting cease-fire. The Kremlin rejected an idea on April 11, saying it will stay short-term and describing it only as a humanitarian measure.

During earlier precedents, both sides accused the other of using the time to resupply and redeploy troops, as well as of other incidents along one of the largest front lines in a conventional war since World War II.

Speaking to Current Time on April 10, some local residents in Ukraine's war-torn eastern city of Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region -- which was hit by Russian forces on April 11 -- said that while they were trying to be hopeful, they doubted the fighting would indeed stop.

"This is a holy day.... I hope [it will happen]," one woman said. She burst out laughing shortly after being asked how many of such truces had actually been realized.

"It is hard to believe.... We need to have our [Easter bread] blessed. But it means putting the lives of our loved ones at risk," another man said, standing behind an anti-drone net stretched across the street.

Other people who spoke with Current Time further emphasized that the Easter truce would last only a little more than a day, saying they did not expect it to make a significant difference in the conflict, now in its fifth year.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-russia- orthodox-easter-truce-zelenskyy-putin/33730029.html

Copyright (c) 2026. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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One hundred seventy five Russian servicemen are returned from territory controlled by Kiev regime

11 April 2026 07:31

One hundred seventy five Russian servicemen were returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime. As a result of the exchange, 175 AFU POWs were returned.

In addition, seven citizens of the Russian Federation, residents of Kursk region illegally detained by the Kiev regime, have been returned. They will be taken home.

At present, the Russian servicemen are on the territory of the Republic of Belarus, where they are provided with the necessary psychological and medical assistance.

All released servicemen will be taken to the Russian Federation for treatment and rehabilitation in medical institutions of the Russian Defence Ministry.

During the return of Russian servicemen from captivity, humanitarian mediation efforts were provided by the United Arab Emirates.

Department of Information and Media Affairs of Defence Ministry of the Russian Federation

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Russia Returns 175 Soldiers From Ukrainian Captivity

Sputnik News

20260411

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia has returned 175 military personnel from the Ukrainian captivity, with 175 Ukrainian servicemen handed over in exchange, the Russian Defense Military said on Saturday.

"On April 11, 175 Russian servicemen were returned from the territory controlled by the Kiev regime. In exchange, 175 Ukrainian armed forces prisoners of war were handed over," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry added that the UAE provided humanitarian mediation efforts during the repatriation of Russian servicemen.

Seven Russian civilians kidnapped during the Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region were also freed during the swap. Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova said they were the last Kursk residents remaining in the Ukrainian captivity.

"Additionally, seven Russian citizens, residents of Kursk region who were illegally detained by the Kiev regime, have also been returned and will be brought home," the ministry said.

The Russian servicemen are currently in Belarus, where they are receiving necessary psychological and medical assistance. They will later be transported to Russia for treatment and rehabilitation at Russian Defense Ministry facilities.

 Sputnik

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Ukraine Loses Over 345 Soldiers to Russian Forces in Past Day - MoD

Sputnik News

20260411

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine lost over 345 soldiers in combat against Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr over the past day, in addition to losses in manpower and equipment on other fronts, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday.

"The losses suffered by Ukrainian armed forces amounted to more than 345 soldiers, five armored fighting vehicles, eight motor vehicles, an electronic warfare station, and two field artillery guns, including a US-made 155-mm M777 howitzer," the ministry said in a statement.

Over 180 Ukrainian soldiers were eliminated over the past day by Russia's Battlegroup Sever, over 285 by Battlegroup Vostok, over 190 by Battlegroup Zapad, up to 160 by the Yug (South) battlegroup, and up to 40 by Battlegroup Dnepr, the ministry said.

Russian aviation, attack drones, missile troops, and artillery forces inflicted damage on Ukraine's industrial, energy and transport infrastructure used in the interests of the Ukrainian armed forces enterprises, as well as on storage areas of unmanned aerial vehicles and uncrewed surface vehicles and on temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 152 areas.

Russian air defenses shot down 259 Ukrainian drones and 12 guided aerial bombs in the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"Air defense systems shot down 12 guided aerial bombs and 259 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry said in a statement.

 Sputnik

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Ukraine and Norway to expand cooperation in air defence, drones and defence innovation

Ministry of Defence of Ukraine

11 April, 2026, 4:08 PM EEST

Ukraine and Norway agreed on priority areas for defence cooperation ahead of the upcoming Ramstein-format meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, scheduled for April 15.

This includes strengthening air defence, developing unmanned systems, supporting innovative projects, and enhancing the capabilities of the Defence Forces.

Cooperation priorities

During a conversation between Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Mykhailo Fedorov, and Norway's Minister of Defence, Tore O. Sandvik, the parties identified key areas of near-term cooperation.

Key priorities for Ukraine include:

strengthening air defence and advancing the PURL (Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List) initiative;

support for the 'Czech initiative';

support for innovative projects to enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces.

The parties also discussed support for the project to provide brigades with drones, one of the key areas for strengthening the military and increasing the effectiveness of engaging enemy targets on the battlefield.

Implementation of the War Plan

The Ukrainian side briefed partners on the implementation of the War Plan and the results achieved in recent months.

Specifically, Ukraine has:

enhanced airspace protection;

scaled up the lower-tier air defence system through the use of interceptor drones;

improved target engagement effectiveness.

March was the most successful month under the 'Army of Drones. Bonus' programme in terms of enemy targets destroyed. The Defence Forces of Ukraine are also carrying out asymmetric operations aimed at diminishing the aggressor's economic potential.

Strengthening air defence and exchange of experience

Ukraine further highlighted the critical importance of support from partners in safeguarding its airspace. The supply of air defence systems and other solutions helped Ukraine get through the difficult winter period, protect critical infrastructure, and stabilise the situation in the energy sector.

The Minister of Defence of Ukraine expressed gratitude to his Norwegian counterpart for sustained support and extended an invitation to visit Ukraine. This would provide an opportunity to observe lower-tier air defence systems and unmanned systems in operation. Ukraine is ready to share this experience with Norway as part of building a mutually beneficial partnership.

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We Hope to Continue the Exchanges in the Near Future - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

11 April 2026 - 20:09

I wish you good health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today, it is important that the exchange was successful. It took a long time to prepare. Every return of our people matters. We remember everyone. We are searching for each name. Sometimes we find people after years, when nothing was known about them, and the most important thing is to bring them home, to Ukraine.

I am grateful to everyone working for the exchanges: our entire Coordination Headquarters team and intelligence services, the Security Service of Ukraine, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, of course, the army, and most of all, every Ukrainian unit on the front line that ensures the replenishment of the exchange fund for Ukraine. Your courage, warriors, is the guarantee that we will be able to bring our people home.

Prisoners of war, civilians - we remember everyone. We hope to continue the exchanges in the near future. At the very least, from our side, we are doing everything required for this.

We had detailed discussions yesterday and today with the Commander-in-Chief, the Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council, and the Security Service of Ukraine regarding the ceasefire currently in effect for Easter. Ukraine has proposed this more than once, and it would be good if it truly works. Easter should be a time of security and peace. It would be right for a ceasefire to continue beyond the holiday. We have conveyed this proposal to Russia, and if Russia once more chooses war over peace, it will yet again show the world, and the United States in particular, who truly stands for what.

Ukraine will act symmetrically. Tasks have been set for our army. If there are no Russian strikes, there will be no response from us. We remember how it was in similar situations before, and we clearly understand who we are dealing with. If there are no Russian missiles or drones, we will also observe a ceasefire in the skies. The same task is set for the front line. But every Ukrainian unit retains the right to respond.

Our priority is real security. As for the possibility of extending the ceasefire, the signal has been delivered to the Russians.

We are also working with partners to move forward in negotiations and in guaranteeing security. Ukraine remains in constant contact with the American side at various levels. We are preparing very active work in the coming weeks with our European partners as well.

On Monday, there will be a detailed report from Rustem Umerov on all agreements in the Middle East, the Gulf, and other countries neighboring the region regarding our export of security capabilities. In fact, all partners equally see this as a success for Ukraine and say so - that Ukraine is truly contributing to greater security. There is interest in Asia as well, and the first agreements are already in progress. This definitely strengthens Ukraine, too. Rustem Umerov is already in Ukraine now - we are finalizing draft agreements.

And today, there was also a report from Prime Minister of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko, and energy is the top domestic priority right now. It is very important that the energy system is operating, and quite well - we have managed to add generation capacity.

I thank everyone working to keep the lights on this Easter.

Glory to Ukraine!

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Featured

Can she sue me for not sewing her dress?

The Mirror Lawyer Life Apr - 11 - 2026 , 23:41 5 minutes read

Dear Mirror Lawyer, Benedicta and I have been friends for four years. As a good friend, she supports my dream of becoming a fashion designer by motivating me and pushing me to pursue it.

I decided, out of the goodness of my heart, to sew three dresses for her.

I told her I was grateful for her constant encouragement and that I would gift her three dresses to be sewn by me. I asked her to send pictures of the dress styles she wanted, and she sent them via iMessage.

I designed and sewed only two of these dresses because the third dress was a bit complicated to sew.

Benedicta was satisfied with the two dresses and kept pressuring me to deliver the third, claiming she had planned to wear it to a friend called Kofis wedding in Paris within the next three months.

She threatens to sue me for the dress if she must.

I thought it was a joke at first, but since she hasnt spoken to me in a while and is now hostile, I am starting to take the threat seriously. Can Benedicta successfully sue me for the third dress?

Nancy Bekoe, Tarkwa

Dear Nancy. It is quite unfortunate that what seemed like an attempt to do good has rather resulted in an unpleasant situation.

The truth is, for Benedicta to successfully sue you, she must prove that there was a valid contract between you. A contract is a legally enforceable agreement between two parties.

Where there is an agreement, which is not legally enforceable, there is no contract. The elements of a valid contract include a valid offer, acceptance, capacity, intention to create legal relations, and consideration.

Thus, to prove that there was a valid contract, Benedicta must prove that you made an offer which she accepted and that both of you had the capacity to enter into the contract, that is, both of you are of 18 years and of sound mind, and intended for the agreement to be legally binding.

For an agreement to be binding, there must be an intention to create legal relations.

This means that before entering the contract, the parties must have intended that if a problem arises under the contract, they would resort to the courts.

In determining whether there was an intention to create legal relations, the contract may have stated, or it may have been said expressly, that both parties intended to create legal relations.

Where not expressly stated, the subject matter of the contract and the relationship of the parties are factors to consider in determining whether there was an intention to create legal relations.

Where the contract was made in a domestic setting, that is, where it was made between family and friends, it is generally presumed that there is no intention to create legal relations.

Domestic contracts are generally unenforceable under the law because they are often based on soft promises by relatives or friends without any intent to make the agreement legally binding.

In the English case of Balfour v Balfour [1919] 2 KB 571, because the wife was unable to return with the husband to his place of work in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) due to her illness, the husband agreed to pay her 30 per month while they were apart.

Later, the marriage broke up, and the wife sued the husband for his failure to make the promised payments.

The Court of Appeal held that her action must fail because domestic arrangements of this kind are not intended by the parties to be legally binding.

Again, in Jones v Padavatton [1969] 2 All ER 616, a mother, who lived in the West Indies, promised her daughter, who was at the time working in the United States, that if she (the daughter) would go to England to study for the Bar, she (the mother) would pay her $200 per month.

The daughter agreed to this arrangement. Later, the mother bought a house where the daughter would live, supporting herself by letting out some of the rooms. This replaced the previous monthly payment arrangement.

After five years with her daughter, who was still unsuccessful in the Bar examinations, the mother sued for possession of the house. The daughters defence was based on a contract between herself and her mother.

The court held that there was no contract between them, and the mother was entitled to succeed. At the time the first arrangements were made, the mother and daughter were, and always had been, very close.

Therefore, neither party at that time intended to enter into a legally binding contract, because the daughter was prepared to trust the mother to honour her promise of support, just as the mother no doubt trusted the daughter to study for the Bar with diligence, and to get through her examinations as early as she could.

This is, however, subject to certain exceptions and the facts of each case. As was the case in Hammond v Ainooson, where the contract was made in a domestic setting but the contract was characterised by a commercial flavour, an intention to create legal relations is presumed.

It must be noted that there will be deemed to be an enforceable contract if there is objective evidence to support such a conclusion.

Applying the rules above to the facts of this case, you offered to design three dresses for Benedicta. She accepted the offer by sending you her preferred designs. Both of you are also above 21 years of age.

However, there was no consideration. Based on the rules above, it appears you made the offer after Benedicta motivated or encouraged you.

This wasn't done in exchange for your promise to design three dresses for her. It was an act of friendship.

Again, there was no intention to create legal relations.

This is because, taking into consideration the subject matter of the case and the fact that the contract was made in a domestic setting with no commercial flavour, it is presumed that there was no intention to create legal relations.

Benedicta is, therefore, not likely to succeed if she sues you. A valid contract was not created, so the promise you made to design three dresses for her cannot be enforced in court.
Featured

Woman, 25, in court for stealing baby at Bogoso

Gloria Apprey Life Apr - 12 - 2026 , 09:26 3 minutes read

A 25-year-old unemployed woman, Helena Aba Kwansah Abakah, who allegedly stole an eight-month-old baby boy and circumcised him, has appeared before the Tarkwa Circuit Court in the Western Region.

The mother of the baby, Ms Halima Joll, told the police that circumcision was against the cultural practices of her people.

Abakah, also known as Dijah Ali, pleaded not guilty to the charge of child stealing, contrary to Section 93 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), when she was arraigned before Her Honour Mrs Bernice Mensimah Ackon on March 2, 2026.

The prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Samuel Ahiabor, told the court that the accused allegedly stole the baby, Musah Joll, from his mother, Ms Joll, on December 24, 2025.

The case has been adjourned to April 28, 2026.

Brief facts

According to the prosecution, the complainant, Ms Joll, a 27-year-old Fulani and hairdresser, lived at Bogoso with her husband and their son.

ASP Ahiabor said the accused first met the couple on December 20, 2025, while they were passengers on a commercial vehicle travelling from Kumasi to Bogoso. After the journey, they exchanged contact numbers and kept in touch.

He added that on December 24, 2025, at about 5 p.m., the accused reportedly engaged the services of the complainant to braid her hair. She took her to St James Anglican Church at Ateikuem, Bogoso, where the braiding took place.

The prosecutor added that during the process, the accused allegedly played with the baby and later took him from the mother under the pretext of helping her work more freely.

Prosecution said later that same day, the accused took the complainant to another location in search of more customers. It was during this time that she allegedly absconded with the baby.

ASP Ahiabor said the complainant, who could only speak Fulfulde, was unable to call for help and instead rushed home to inform her husband. The couple subsequently reported the matter to the Bogoso Police Station and provided the accuseds phone number to aid investigations.

On January 14, 2026, the Cyber Crime Unit of the Ghana Police Service tracked the number to Prestea, where the accused was arrested. The missing child was found with her and rescued.

The complainant later identified her son but noticed that he had been circumcised, an act against her cultural practices.

A medical report from the Bogoso Government Hospital, presented to the court, indicated that the childs blood level had dropped.T

he prosecutor added that further investigations revealed that the accused had married one Abdulai Salu in April 2025 and had allegedly told him she was pregnant before their marriage.

Prosecution said in October 2025, the accused allegedly informed her husband that she had given birth in Kumasi, but claimed the baby had been placed in an incubator due to health complications.

She, however, failed to present the child to him despite repeated requests.

Investigators concluded that after allegedly stealing the baby on December 24, 2025, the accused presented the child to her husband as their own.

Kwansah has since been formally charged and remains before the court as proceedings continue.
Featured

Bishop Simon Kofi Appiah installed as new Jasikan Diocese Bishop

Emmanuel Modey Apr - 12 - 2026 , 13:33 3 minutes read

Most Rev. Simon Kofi Appiah has been appointed as the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Jasikan in the Oti Region.

He succeeds Most Rev. Gabriel Akwasi Ababio Mante, who stepped down after serving as the founding bishop of the diocese for 31 years, following its establishment on December 19, 1994.

The Diocese of Jasikan comprises the administrative districts of Jasikan, Kadjebi, Nkwanta and Kete Krachi. It is bounded to the north by the Diocese of Yendi, to the south by the Diocese of Ho, to the east by the Republic of Togo, and to the west by the Volta Lake.

The ordination and installation of Most Rev. Appiah as the second bishop drew a large congregation from across the country and beyond.

Prior to his appointment, Bishop Appiah served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Religion and Human Values at the Faculty of Arts, University of Cape Coast.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Most Rev. Julien Kabore, performed the ordination rites and presented the episcopal insignia, including the ring, mitre and pastoral staff (crozier), to formally usher him into office.

In a message delivered on behalf of Pope Leo XIV, the Nuncio urged the new bishop to shepherd his flock with dedication and spiritual guidance.

The Pope, through the Nuncio, encouraged Bishop Appiah to lead with commitment, drawing strength from the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, and appealed to priests and the faithful to offer him their full support.

President John Dramani Mahama commended the Catholic Church for its longstanding partnership with the state, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare and social development.

Speaking on behalf of the President, the Presidential Envoy for Inter-Faith and Ecumenical Relations, Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah, conveyed his congratulations and described the appointment as a recognition of Bishop Appiahs dedication and service to the Church.

Mr Mahama noted that the bishops responsibilities extend beyond spiritual leadership to include broader societal influence.

He emphasised that the Catholic Church continues to play a critical role in shaping moral values, particularly among the youth, and fostering responsible citizenship.

The President also expressed satisfaction with Ghanas record of religious harmony, describing the country as a shining example of cooperation among Christians, Muslims and other faiths. He reaffirmed the governments commitment to working with religious institutions to build a prosperous nation.

Delivering the sermon, the President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference, Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, assured the new bishop of the Churchs full support in his new role.

He encouraged Bishop Appiah to remain steadfast in his calling, reminding him that divine guidance would accompany him in the discharge of his duties. Be strong in the Lord and put on his armour and you will succeed in your endeavours, he said.

In his acceptance address, Bishop Appiah expressed appreciation to the government and the President for their support during the ordination and installation ceremony.

He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Most Rev. Ababio Mante, for laying a solid foundation for the diocese, pledging to build on the progress made.
Liu Zhenmin, China's climate envoy for climate change, speaks during an interview with Xinhua in Vienna, Austria, April 10, 2026. (Xinhua/He Canling)

by Xinhua writers Yu Tao, Yao Yulin and Meng Fanyu

VIENNA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The ongoing global energy crisis has highlighted the risks of heavy dependence on fossil fuel imports, prompting an urgent need for countries to rethink their energy security strategies and accelerate the transition to renewable energy, Liu Zhenmin, China's climate envoy for climate change, has said recently.

In an interview with Xinhua on Friday during the International Vienna Energy and Climate Forum, Liu emphasized that China's experience shows that developing renewable energy is an effective way to enhance energy security and resilience.

The forum, themed "Powering Prosperity, Security and Stability," was held in Vienna on April 9-10. It was jointly organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, Austria's Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, the Austrian Development Agency, and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis.

Liu noted that while the current energy crisis may slow economic growth for some countries in the short term, it also serves as a warning against over-reliance on a single source of energy imports. He stressed that diversifying energy systems and accelerating the shift to renewables are essential for long-term stability.

According to the Paris Agreement, countries must work to limit global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius, ideally 1.5 degrees, above pre-industrial levels. To achieve this goal, countries need to accelerate their energy transition to cut emissions. This process is not just a shift in energy mix but a profound economic transformation, said Liu.

He pointed out that developing countries face greater challenges in this transition, as many developed countries have already completed their industrialization. To support global carbon neutrality by mid-century, Liu suggested that developed countries should aim to reach carbon neutrality by around 2040, creating more space for developing nations.

"The next five years will be critical," Liu said, urging countries to accelerate their efforts to curb global warming while ensuring market stability.

As a developing country, China is willing to deepen cooperation with international institutions and developed nations through bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral frameworks, and to help countries in the Global South to advance their energy transitions and achieve sustainable development goals, Liu said. 
Featured

Ghana to honour American astronaut Christina Koch after Artemis II Moon mission

GraphicOnline Apr - 12 - 2026 , 14:00 2 minutes read

Ghana is set to formally honour American astronaut Christina Hammock Koch following her historic journey around the Moon, as the government moves to recognise her ties to the country and her role in a landmark space mission.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed in a statement on Facebook that diplomatic steps are underway for President John Dramani Mahama to honour the astronaut at a mutually agreed time. The gesture, he said, is on behalf of the people of Ghana in recognition of her achievements and her association with the University of Ghana.

Mr Ablakwa praised the Artemis II crew for what he described as a remarkable scientific and human achievement, noting that their safe return after travelling farther from Earth than any humans in decades demonstrated that there can be no boundaries to human ingenuity and courage.

The recognition follows the successful completion of the Artemis II mission, which has been widely regarded as a defining moment in modern space exploration. Organised by NASA, the mission marked the first crewed lunar flight in more than 50 years and saw astronauts journey to the far side of the Moon before returning safely to Earth.

Ms Koch, who served as a mission specialist aboard the Orion spacecraft, played a key role in monitoring critical onboard systems, including life support, navigation and communications. Her participation has drawn global acclaim, as she became the first woman to travel into deep space and undertake a lunar flyby.

Her achievement has resonated strongly in Ghana, where she previously studied under an exchange programme at the University of Ghana. The institution has since celebrated her milestone as a testament to the global reach and impact of its academic programmes.

The Artemis II crew also included mission commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Gloverthe first Black astronaut to venture beyond low Earth orbitand Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Together, they conducted critical tests to validate systems for future missions aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface.

The missions return phase underscored its complexity, with the spacecraft enduring extreme re-entry conditions, including temperatures of about 2,760 degrees Celsius and a brief communications blackout before safely splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.

Beyond its scientific significance, Artemis II has been hailed as a milestone for diversity in space exploration, with Ms Kochs role marking a breakthrough for women in deep space missions.
See the areas that will be affected by ECG's planned maintenance on Monday, April 13, 2026

Next article: See the areas that will be affected by ECG's planned maintenance on Monday, April 13, 2026

Featured

Storm damage in Gushegu disrupts education, displaces families

Mohammed Fugu Apr - 12 - 2026 , 13:01 2 minutes read

A powerful rainstorm has left a trail of destruction in Gushegu District, tearing through schools and homes and deepening already fragile conditions in the areas education sector.

The storm, which struck last Wednesday, damaged more than six schools and about 200 houses, displacing families and forcing many pupils out of their classrooms. In several cases, teaching has been relocated to open spaces, with lessons now being held under trees after roofs were ripped off school buildings.

Among the hardest-hit institutions are Gaa Kindergarten and Primary, Limo Primary, Digbila Primary, Zinindo Primary, Gushegu Senior High School, and the Gushegu Nursing and Midwifery Training College, all of which sustained varying degrees of structural damage.

The Member of Parliament for the area, Alhassan Tampuli, said the disaster had compounded existing challenges in the district, particularly within the education sector, where some schools already operate with only one teacher.

He warned that the destruction could further undermine teaching and learning if urgent interventions are not undertaken, noting that the districts limited educational infrastructure is now under severe strain.

Residents who lost their homes are also grappling with displacement, as families seek temporary shelter while awaiting assistance. The scale of destruction has heightened concerns about the vulnerability of communities in the area to extreme weather events.

A victim, Alhassan Yussif, appealed to the government, non-governmental organisations and benevolent individuals to come to their aid to help rehabilitate the affected schools and homes.

He said the situation could disrupt the academic calendar and further worsen already fragile educational conditions in the district if urgent steps were not taken to address it.

The incident adds to a growing pattern of weather-related damage in parts of northern Ghana, where infrastructure deficits often magnify the impact of such disasters.
Featured

US court orders extradition of former MASLOC CEO, Sedina Attionu to Ghana

Emmanuel Ebo Hawkson Apr - 12 - 2026 , 17:57 2 minutes read

A US District Court has ordered the extradition of a former CEO of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Sedina Tamakloe Attionu, who has been convicted and jailed by the Accra High Court in absentia for stealing and causing financial loss to the state.

In 2024, Sedina Attionu was convicted and handed a 10-year jail term in absentia by the Accra High Court for causing financial loss of almost GH90 million to the state during her tenure as MASLOC boss from 2013 to 2016.

Sedina, failed to return to Ghana after she was granted permission by the High Court in 2021 to seek medical treatment in the US.

Following a request by the government of Ghana in 2025, a US District Court sitting in the State of Nevada certified the extradition request.

THEREFORE, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3184, the above findings, the Court certifies the extradition of Sedina Christine Tamakloe Attionu a.k.a. Sedina Sharon Christine Acolaste to Ghana on the 25 counts of Stealing in violation of 124(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29); 9 counts of Conspiracy to Steal in violation of 23(1) and 124(1) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29); 20 counts of Willfully Causing Financial Loss to the State in violation of 179 A (3)(a) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29); 11 counts of Conspiracy to Willfully Cause Financial Loss to the State in violation of 23(1) and 179A(3)(a) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29); 3 counts of Causing Loss to Public Property in violation of 2 of the Public Property Protection Act, 1977 (SMCD 140); and 4 counts of Money Laundering in violation of 1(1)(c) of the Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2008 (Act 749) and commits Attionu to the custody of the United States Marshal pending further decision on extradition and surrender by the Secretary of State pursuant to 18 U.S.C.  3186, the court ruled.
MOSCOW, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Russia's space industry remains confident despite longstanding challenges, President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday ahead of Russia's Cosmonautics Day.

"This year, we also celebrate the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's historic flight. Last year was generally positive for the industry: 17 launches and 97 spacecraft were sent into orbit. Consolidated revenue grew by 10 percent, exceeding 500 billion rubles," Putin noted.

During a meeting with Putin, Dmitry Bakanov, head of Russia's state space corporation Roscosmos, highlighted that two weeks ago, Roscosmos and its private partners successfully launched a new low-orbit broadband satellite constellation, bringing Russia's orbital grouping to 364 spacecraft. He emphasized that the launch from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome went ahead despite external attempts to disrupt it.

"When people say space is above politics, our so-called 'friends' tried everything to prevent this launch. On that day, there were serious strike attempts on the cosmodrome. Nevertheless, the joint combat crews of Roscosmos enterprises and the Space Forces completed the mission," Bakanov said.

Bakanov also briefed Putin on the 'New Start' project, under which a private investor will contribute 600 billion rubles over eight years for the conversion of the Topol missile and the development of a reusable launch vehicle. The first launch from the Vostochny Cosmodrome is planned for the first quarter of 2027. 
In connection with investigations against individuals whom the US government classifies as "Antifa" groups, the federal police agency FBI has been able to recover data from an iPhone that was thought to be deleted. This is reported by the magazine 404 Media. Forensic experts succeeded in extracting incoming Signal messages from the iOS notification database, even though Signal itself was no longer present on the device. The case involved attacks on a US Border Protection Agency ICE prison in Texas last summer, which, according to the FBI, was fired upon with fireworks and "willfully damaged." At least one police officer was also injured.

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Gone from Signal, but not from iPhone database

The trick used by FBI analysts became known during a trial against those involved. A person observing the trial on behalf of the defendants told 404 Media that they learned that with active Signal notifications including previews, this data also landed in the iPhone's internal storage. There, it was then forensically extracted by the FBI. As part of the evidence presentation, it was stated: "Messages were recovered from [the] phone through Apples internal notification storageSignal had been removed, but incoming notifications were preserved in internal memory. Only incoming messages were captured (no outgoing)."

Interestingly, the person concerned is said to have set Signal to automatically disappear incoming messages. However, this apparently does not happen in the notification database. 404 Media assumes that not only Signal is affected by this fact, but also other applications that use notifications.

There are also push data on the servers

In this case, only local data was viewable, but Apple and other operators of smartphone services have also shared information from their push servers with authorities in the past. Apple did not respond to a request from 404 Media. The proceedings ended with a conviction, with one person sentenced for attempted murder.

Signal responded to an inquiry but later did not reply, the magazine reports. In the app, it is possible to prevent message previews. This should prevent them from landing in the notification database. However, it is also possible to disable all notifications.

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(bsc)

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.
Data exchange between Android and Apple devices has been less complicated since November 21, 2025. However, the number of supported Android smartphones is still manageable: In addition to Google's Pixel 9 and 10 series, currently only the Galaxy S26 family is supported. Now, Samsung announced on Thursday that it will bring the feature to more Galaxy devices.

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As part of the expansion of the beta program for the One UI 8.5 update, Samsung confirmed that AirDrop via Quick Share will be coming to the Galaxy S24 and S25 series, among others. But other models are also included: Samsung mentions, for example, the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, Galaxy Z Fold 6, and Galaxy Z Flip 6. This means Samsung will offer more comprehensive support for the feature in the future than Google currently offers for its Pixel devices.

With the upcoming update to One UI 8.5, more Galaxy devices will receive AirDrop support. (Image: Google)

However, for the devices to receive support for data exchange between the two ecosystems, the major update to One UI 8.5 is required. This is currently only available on the Galaxy S26 series and the new mid-range models Galaxy A37 and A57; according to our findings, the latter do not yet offer AirDrop support.

AirDrop support for more Android devices

If you don't own a current Galaxy S26: Currently, owners of a model from the Galaxy S25 series can already try out the AirDrop function. However, they need to register for the beta program in the Members app. It shouldn't be long before the final update is rolled out.

Sooner or later, the AirDrop function will also be available on devices from other manufacturers. At least Google announced in early February 2026 that it is working on expanding the feature "to the rest of the ecosystem". Nothing and Qualcomm have also already shown interest, but there is no concrete timeline for further distribution.

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At the MWC 2026, Oppo confirmed that the feature will be integrated into the Find X9 series. The feature was developed "in close cooperation with MediaTek and Google," it was said. It was originally planned to be gradually introduced in March as part of a software update.

Empfohlener redaktioneller Inhalt Mit Ihrer Zustimmung wird hier ein externer Preisvergleich (heise Preisvergleich) geladen. Preisvergleiche immer laden Preisvergleich jetzt laden

(afl)

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.




We're a family of eight living in Georgia where Andrew's a professor at GSU and Nancy is a PhD student at UGA. You can read more about us here
Officers from Hame Police, supported by the Finnish Defence Forces and the Border Guard, secured the area and began technical examinations.

Police received a report from a member of the public on Saturday afternoon after the unmanned aircraft was spotted in the Perheniemi area, about 140 kilometres northeast of Helsinki. The site lies nearly one kilometre from the nearest homes.

Finnish authorities have launched an investigation after a drone was found in a forest in Iitti, with early findings linking the device to similar incidents across the country.

Officials confirmed that the drone carried an unexploded warhead, which led to a controlled detonation later in the evening.

Witnesses told local media, including Ilta-Sanomat, that a loud explosion was heard shortly after 20:00 local time. Authorities later confirmed that the device had been made safe through a planned blast. No injuries or damage to property were reported.

Detective Inspector Sami Liimatainen from the National Bureau of Investigation said the drone shares features with earlier discoveries in southeastern Finland. He said it resembles previous devices in size, shape and colour but stopped short of confirming its origin.

This case is being examined together with earlier drone incidents, Liimatainen said in a statement. He added that investigators are assessing whether all the drones entered Finnish territory during the same event.

Three similar drones were found earlier this spring in Kouvola, Luumaki and Parikkala. The Finnish Air Force has confirmed that at least one of those devices was a Ukrainian AN-196 attack drone. Authorities suspect the others may also be linked to Ukrainian operations targeting oil infrastructure in the Gulf of Finland.

A Ukrainian spokesperson previously suggested that signal disruption from Russia could explain why devices entered Finnish airspace.

The Border Guard is investigating the incident as a suspected territorial violation. At the same time, the National Bureau of Investigation is treating the case as aggravated endangerment due to the presence of explosives.

Lieutenant Jyri Siitari from the Gulf of Finland Coast Guard said authorities are analysing the drones origin, purpose and flight conditions. We are investigating this as part of a wider whole with earlier cases, he said.

Police said the public played a key role in reporting the discovery. Commissioner Tero Veijonmaa from Hame Police said the individual who alerted authorities acted correctly by avoiding contact with the device and calling emergency services.

Authorities have warned that more drones could be found. Liimatainen said the scale of drone use in the war in Ukraine increases the likelihood of further incidents beyond Finlands borders.

The area where the drone was found remained sealed off on Sunday as officers continued to collect evidence and interview witnesses. Small roads and forest paths near the site were closed during the operation.

The incidents follow increased drone activity linked to strikes on Russian oil ports near the Gulf of Finland. Finnish authorities have not indicated any direct threat to national security but continue to monitor the situation.

Police have repeated guidance that members of the public should not approach or handle suspected drones or debris. Any sightings must be reported through the emergency number 112.

HT
Airlines across Europe face pressure after ACI Europe warned that jet fuel stocks could last only three weeks if shipping through the strait does not resume.

The newspaper reported that both airlines see no immediate disruption to flights, even as concerns grow over supply linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Finnair and Norwegian have sufficient fuel to maintain operations despite warnings of shortages across Europe, according to Helsingin Sanomat .

The route handles a large share of global oil flows and remains affected by the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran.

Finnair communications chief Paivyt Tallqvist said the airline continues to monitor developments but sees no current impact on operations.

We are following the situation. Preparing for different scenarios is part of an airlines daily work, she told Helsingin Sanomat.

Norwegian also reported stable conditions. Communications director Mira Linnamaa said fuel availability remains strong, particularly in the Nordic region, and bookings for the coming months remain unaffected.

Availability is very good, and our situation is stable, she said, adding that flights for spring and summer can be booked without concern.

According to Helsingin Sanomat, Norwegian maintains daily contact with fuel suppliers, including St1 and Neste, to track supply levels. The airline said it has visibility on fuel availability at least until the end of May.

Scandinavian carrier SAS has announced the cancellation of around 1,000 flights in April due to rising costs linked to the conflict. Jet fuel prices in Europe have doubled, prompting the airline to introduce a fuel surcharge.

HT
The bad news is that we have not reached an agreement, Vance told reporters before departure.

US Vice President JD Vance said the negotiations ended without progress and confirmed his delegation had returned to Washington. He said Iran rejected core US demands on its nuclear programme.

The United States and Iran failed to reach an agreement after 21 hours of talks in Islamabad , leaving a ceasefire under strain and key disputes unresolved.

We made very clear what our red lines are, and they have chosen not to accept our terms.

The talks marked the first direct meeting between the two countries in more than a decade. They took place after 44 days of illegal US-Israeli strikes against Iran, that have killed thousands and disrupted global energy flows.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Tehrans delegation, blamed Washington for the outcome. He said Iran entered the talks with proposals but did not trust the US position.

The opposing side ultimately failed to gain the trust of the Iranian delegation, he said in a statement. He added that Iran had shown good faith and will but cited past wars as a reason for caution.

Iran has been attacked during negotiations twice in the last 9 months, each time the negotiations being used as a ruse, ending in a surprise attack by Israel and the US.

Irans foreign ministry said it did not expect a deal in a single round. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei described the talks as intensive and said diplomacy would continue through regional channels.

The main points of dispute included Irans nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz. The US demanded a long-term commitment from Iran not to develop nuclear weapons or the means to produce them.

We need to see an affirmative commitment that they will not seek a nuclear weapon, Vance said. He described this as the core goal of President Donald Trump.

Iran has denied any intention to build such weapons and rejected what it described as excessive demands. As a signatory to the NPT, Iran is entitled to enrichment for peaceful purposes and has reiterated that it does not accept a foreign country dictating otherwise against international agreements. State-linked media reported that disagreements also covered sanctions, war reparations, and access to frozen assets. The The US has frozen billions of Iranian money for 40 years.

The Strait of Hormuz remained central to the negotiations. The waterway carries about 20 percent of global oil and gas supplies. Iran has restricted traffic during the conflict, affecting shipments and raising prices.

Iranian officials said the strait is under their control and signalled that any agreement must address transit rights and fees. US officials have insisted on free passage for international shipping.

Pakistan hosted the talks and urged both sides to maintain the ceasefire agreed before the meeting. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said it was imperative that commitments to halt fighting remain in place.

Pakistan also said it would continue to facilitate dialogue. Officials described the meeting as a step in a longer process rather than a final attempt at a settlement.

International reaction showed concern over the lack of progress. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called for both sides to find a way through and stressed the need to avoid escalation. Australia and other governments issued similar statements.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces continued breaking the ceasefire and carried out air strikes in southern Lebanon, where casualties have been reported. Local authorities said civilians and medical workers were among those killed. Last week, Israel also attacked journalists in Lebanon and Gaza. Israel is now the biggest killer of journalists in history, with over 200 press representatives killed, the majority of them deliberate targeting of clearly marked cars or people.

Lebanons health ministry reported more than 2,000 deaths since early March, including children and medical staff. Displacement has affected large parts of the population.

The conflict has also damaged energy infrastructure across the Gulf. Saudi Arabia said it restored capacity on its East-West pipeline after attacks reduced output by hundreds of thousands of barrels per day.

Iran reported damage to refineries and fuel facilities from strikes during the war. Officials said repair work is underway to restore production levels.

Both US and Iranian officials signalled that further talks remain possible. Vance said a final and best offer had been presented to Tehran and left open the option of future engagement.

Iranian sources said consultations with regional partners would continue. Diplomacy never ends, Baghaei said in remarks carried by state media.

HT
What's next for global brands in China?

In Spark Dialogue, Josh Perlman of Authentic Brands Group draws on three decades of experience to unpack shifting consumption trends, the rise of niche and community-driven brands, and why immersive lifestyle experiences are becoming key to long-term growth in China.
WUHAN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- A new direct air route linking central China with Southeast Asia was launched on Sunday, with the inaugural flight departing from Wuhan, capital of Hubei Province, to Jakarta. The route marks the first direct connection between the two cities.

Flight MF8683, carrying more than 150 passengers, took off from Wuhan Tianhe International Airport at 4:40 p.m. and headed to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in the Indonesian city.

The route is operated by a Boeing 737-800 Max aircraft and operates four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

According to Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, the launch filled a gap in direct passenger capacity between Wuhan and Indonesia's core city, further expanding the central Chinese city's network of routes to Southeast Asia. 
TEHRAN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy Command warned Sunday that any "wrong move" in the Strait of Hormuz would trap its enemies in "deadly whirlpools," according to the IRGC-affiliated news outlet Sepah News.

The Navy command said that Iranian drones were monitoring the strait in real time and added that all movement in the area was under the "full control" of Iran's armed forces.

The statement came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump said that the U.S. Navy would begin blocking ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz, according to a post on his Truth Social platform. Trump said the move would take effect "immediately." 
MELBOURNE, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese auto brands are gaining ground in Australia as consumers place greater weight on value, technology and running costs, with industry figures and company executives saying the market is becoming more receptive to new energy vehicles.

Chinese brands have built a strong and growing presence in Australia in recent years, Tony Weber, chief executive of Australia's Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), said in a written response to Xinhua.

He said Chinese manufacturers have benefited from competitive pricing, strong warranty offerings and increasingly sophisticated technology, while meeting Australian consumers' demand for value, quality and desired features.

He added that Australia's highly open and competitive automotive market has enabled new entrants to establish themselves quickly when they meet consumer expectations.

Official FCAI data showed that vehicles manufactured in China accounted for about 18 percent of Australia's total new vehicle sales in 2025, up from around 14 percent in 2024, making China Australia's third-largest source of new vehicles for the year. In February 2026, China became Australia's largest source of new vehicles in a single month for the first time, with 22,362 vehicles sold, ahead of Japan, Thailand and South Korea. Japan had been Australia's leading source of vehicles since 1998.

The momentum has been especially visible in the broader new energy vehicle segment, which includes hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). FCAI data showed BEVs accounted for 11.8 percent of total new vehicle sales in February, a record monthly share at the time. In March, FCAI said BEV sales rose to 15,839 units, accounting for 14.6 percent of the market, the highest monthly share on record.

Weber said uncertainty over fuel prices can shift consumer behavior, especially when households weigh long-term running costs. He noted that the increase in BEV sales in March partly reflected growing consumer interest in lower fuel costs amid volatile fuel prices, adding that sustained growth in new energy vehicle uptake would still depend on affordability, infrastructure availability and consumer confidence.

At the Melbourne Motor Show, Paul Ellis, a spokesman for BYD in Australia, told Xinhua that Australian consumers are increasingly embracing new energy vehicles, drawn by a combination of quality, technology, practicality and competitive prices.

BYD has been well-positioned to benefit from that shift because its vehicles offer the latest technology across multiple segments at affordable prices, he said.

Ellis said BYD's production integration within the company, together with its battery capabilities, allows it to bring products to market quickly and affordably, giving it an edge as newer brands compete with long-established automakers. He said this has helped BYD appeal to a wide range of Australian consumers as the market transitions toward new energy vehicles.

He added that Australia's vast geography means charging infrastructure remains crucial not only to vehicle sales but also to the ownership experience, requiring continued coordination among automakers, governments and energy providers.

Ellis said BYD sees itself not simply as a carmaker, but as a new energy technology company, with products and technologies ranging from batteries and home chargers to fast-charging and vehicle-to-load functions.

Weber said Chinese brands are likely to continue expanding their presence in Australia, particularly in new energy vehicles and high-demand segments such as SUVs and light commercial vehicles, as consumers benefit from wider choice, improved technology and robust competition. 
LHASA, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing has called on China Yajiang Group Co., Ltd. to fully shoulder its responsibility for engineering construction and comprehensively improve its operation and management capabilities.

Zhang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while inspecting the group and a major hydropower project in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region from Friday to Sunday.

During his visit to the construction site and the group's headquarters, Zhang emphasized building the hydropower project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River into a major landmark project of the new era. He urged strict adherence to quality and safety standards, as well as ecological and environmental protection requirements.

Zhang also stressed efforts to enhance the company's overall operation and management capabilities, urging all relevant parties to provide strong support for both the project's construction and the company's operations, so as to serve national strategies and boost Xizang's economic and social development.

China Yajiang Group was inaugurated in July 2025. It is a state-owned enterprise directly administered by the central government. 
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is pictured at a polling station in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. Hungary's parliamentary elections kicked off at 6:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Sunday, with about 8.1 million eligible voters, according to the National Election Office. (Photo by Laszlo Balogh/Xinhua)

BUDAPEST, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Hungary's parliamentary elections kicked off at 6 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Sunday, with about 8.1 million eligible voters.

About 7.6 million voters can cast ballots in person at more than 10,000 polling stations nationwide, while some 500,000 voters eligible for mail-in voting have already begun voting by post, according to the National Election Office.

Voting will continue until 7 p.m. (1700 GMT), with vote counting to begin after polls close and initial results expected later in the evening.

A total of five parties or alliances are competing in the election. The latest opinion polls show relatively strong support for Hungary's ruling alliance of Fidesz and the Christian Democratic People's Party, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, as well as for the opposition party Tisza, led by Peter Magyar.

Europe is facing multiple overlapping crises, and Hungary needs "strong national unity" to cope with energy, financial and economic pressures, Orban said after casting his ballot at a polling station in Budapest.

He said that he had come to win, but stressed that if opposition leader Magyar received more votes, he would accept the result, adding that "the will of the people must be respected."

Magyar urged supporters to remain "calm, positive and composed" after casting his vote in Budapest and called on Hungarians to turn out for what he described as a historic election.

"There will be a change of system in Hungary," he said, pledging that, if elected, his government would move quickly on anti-corruption measures, seek Hungary's accession to the European Public Prosecutor's Office, and push for the release of frozen European Union funds.

Among smaller parties, the far-right Our Homeland Movement is considered likely to enter parliament, while others, including the Democratic Coalition and the Hungarian Two-Tailed Dog Party, are generally considered unlikely to clear the threshold.

The elections saw strong voter engagement, with turnout reaching 54.14 percent by 1 p.m. (1100 GMT), according to data released by the National Election Office, marking a significant increase compared to previous elections.

Queues were seen at polling stations across the country, particularly in medium-sized cities and Budapest, reflecting heightened public interest in a closely contested race.

Analysts described the 38 percent turnout at 11 a.m. as a key indicator for overall participation, with some projections suggesting that final turnout could reach between 75 and 80 percent, potentially setting a new record in Hungary's post-transition electoral history.

This election marks Orban's fourth parliamentary race since returning to power in 2010, with the outcome set to determine whether he can secure a fifth consecutive term.

Under Hungary's electoral law, parliamentary elections are held every four years. Hungary's parliament has 199 seats, including 106 elected in single-member constituencies and 93 allocated to parties that enter parliament. The party or alliance securing a majority of seats has the right to form a government. 

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban casts his ballot at a polling station in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. Hungary's parliamentary elections kicked off at 6:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Sunday, with about 8.1 million eligible voters, according to the National Election Office. (Xinhua/He Canling)

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (R) and his wife Aniko Levai cast their ballots at a polling station in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. Hungary's parliamentary elections kicked off at 6:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Sunday, with about 8.1 million eligible voters, according to the National Election Office. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)

Peter Magyar, leader of Hungary's opposition party Tisza, is pictured at a polling station in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. Hungary's parliamentary elections kicked off at 6:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Sunday, with about 8.1 million eligible voters, according to the National Election Office. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

Peter Magyar, leader of Hungary's opposition party Tisza, casts his ballot at a polling station in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. Hungary's parliamentary elections kicked off at 6:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Sunday, with about 8.1 million eligible voters, according to the National Election Office. (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is pictured at at a polling station in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. Hungary's parliamentary elections kicked off at 6:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Sunday, with about 8.1 million eligible voters, according to the National Election Office. (Xinhua/He Canling)
SAO PAULO, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Four people, including a military police officer and three suspected robbers, were killed in a shooting early Saturday in the city of Sorocaba in Brazil's Sao Paulo state, authorities said.

The incident followed a robbery at a pharmacy in the Campolim neighborhood. Police located the suspects shortly after the crime, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

A 28-year-old officer was shot in the head and later died from his injuries.

Three suspects were killed in the shootout, while a fourth was arrested and another escaped, police said.

Authorities added that two revolvers with erased serial numbers and a replica handgun were seized at the scene. 
RAMALLAH, April 12 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Presidency on Sunday condemned a visit by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, calling it a provocation and a violation of the site's status quo.

In a statement carried by the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, the presidency warned the visit amounted to a "dangerous escalation" and an "unacceptable provocation."

It said the move was part of a broader effort to impose new realities at the compound, and cautioned that continued violations at Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem could have serious consequences for regional security and stability.

The presidency called on the international community to take a firm stance to compel Israel to halt unilateral actions in Jerusalem and elsewhere in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Earlier Sunday, Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, accompanied by a group of settlers, and performed prayers at the site under heavy police protection.

In a video released by his office, Ben-Gvir said, "Today I feel like the landlord here."

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said Israel bore full responsibility for the incident, and called on it to restrain settlers and prevent further incursions into holy sites.

It also urged the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to intervene, saying Israel must be compelled to stop what it described as violations at Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and ensure freedom of worship in line with international law.

Under a decades-old status quo arrangement, Jews are allowed to visit the hilltop compound but are not permitted to pray there. The site is administered by a Jordanian Islamic trust, known as the Jerusalem Waqf. Muslims regard the Al-Aqsa Mosque as Islam's third-holiest shrine, while Jews revere the area as the Temple Mount, believed to be the location of two ancient biblical temples.

Ben-Gvir has repeatedly called for allowing Jewish prayer at the compound, a position widely seen as challenging the status quo. Critics, including Arab governments and Palestinian officials, say such moves risk further escalating tensions at one of the region's most sensitive religious sites. 
Peter Magyar (C), leader of Hungary's Tisza Party, waves a Hungarian national flag at a victory rally in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. Hungary's opposition party Tisza, led by Peter Magyar, defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ruling coalition by securing a majority in Sunday's parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results released by the National Election Office (NEO). (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

BUDAPEST, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Hungary's opposition party Tisza, led by Peter Magyar, defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ruling coalition by securing a majority in Sunday's parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results released by the National Election Office (NEO).

With 98.13 percent of votes counted by the NEO, Tisza had won 53.62 percent of the vote and was projected to win 138 of the 199 parliament seats, exceeding the two-thirds threshold. Orban's ruling Fidesz-KDNP alliance received 37.79 percent and was projected to win 55 seats.

The far-right Our Homeland Movement won 5.89 percent and is projected to take 6 seats. Other parties failed to clear the 5-percent threshold required to enter parliament.

Preliminary statistics showed that turnout reached about 77.8 percent among roughly 8.1 million eligible voters, marking a record high.

On social media, Hungarian President Tamas Sulyok expressed his congratulations to "the winning party of the elections and to all the candidates of the parliament."

Addressing supporters in Budapest, 45-year-old Magyar hailed his party's "decisive victory," saying it was a win seen "from every Hungarian window." He added that Hungary will once again be a strong ally in the European Union and NATO.

Orban, 62, conceded defeat. "The election results, though not yet final, are clear and understandable; for us, they are painful but unambiguous," he told reporters, adding: "We have not been entrusted with the responsibility and opportunity to govern. I congratulated the winning party."

The victory of the center-right Tisza party signals the imminent end of Orban's 16 consecutive years in power. Orban served as Hungary's prime minister from 1998 to 2002 and has remained in office since returning to power in 2010.

During the campaign, Tisza focused on anti-corruption and institutional reform, calling for the restoration of the rule of law and transparent governance. It also advocated repairing relations with the European Union and urged Hungarians to unite in building a sovereign, civic, modern and European Hungary.

Under Hungary's electoral law, parliamentary elections are held every four years. Hungary's parliament has 199 seats, including 106 elected directly in single-member constituencies and 93 allocated among parties that enter parliament. 

Peter Magyar (C), leader of Hungary's Tisza Party, speaks at a victory rally in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. Hungary's opposition party Tisza, led by Peter Magyar, defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ruling coalition by securing a majority in Sunday's parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results released by the National Election Office (NEO). (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

Peter Magyar (front), leader of Hungary's Tisza Party, waves a Hungarian national flag at a victory rally in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. Hungary's opposition party Tisza, led by Peter Magyar, defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ruling coalition by securing a majority in Sunday's parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results released by the National Election Office (NEO). (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

Peter Magyar, leader of Hungary's Tisza Party, attends a victory rally in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. Hungary's opposition party Tisza, led by Peter Magyar, defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ruling coalition by securing a majority in Sunday's parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results released by the National Election Office (NEO). (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)

Supporters of Tisza party celebrate in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. Hungary's opposition party Tisza, led by Peter Magyar, defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ruling coalition by securing a majority in Sunday's parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results released by the National Election Office (NEO). (Xinhua/He Canling)

Staff members count ballots at a polling station in Budapest, Hungary, April 12, 2026. Hungary's opposition party Tisza, led by Peter Magyar, defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orban's ruling coalition by securing a majority in Sunday's parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results released by the National Election Office (NEO). (Photo by David Balogh/Xinhua)
ALGIERS, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Algeria's Council of the Nation (upper house of parliament) on Sunday adopted a draft law criminalizing French colonization, a month after the lower house passed the same legislation.

The law, which declares France's colonization of Algeria from 1830 to 1962 a crime, was described by officials as "a step to preserve national memory and honor the sacrifices made during the colonial period."

In December 2025, the lower house unanimously adopted the draft law calling for an official apology from France and affirming Algeria's right to reparations.

However, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune later clarified that Algeria seeks France's recognition of its crimes rather than financial compensation. To this end, a joint parliamentary committee was established to resolve differences between the two houses and produce a unified text.

The final version adopted by both houses reportedly removed broad reparations clauses and apologies from France, while retaining provisions related to victims of French nuclear tests in the Sahara.

The diplomatic rift between Algeria and France has deepened recently, fueled by disputes over immigration, historical grievances, and France's backing of Morocco regarding Western Sahara. Tebboune has maintained that direct talks with French President Emmanuel Macron are the only path to resolving these bilateral issues.

In 2021, Macron acknowledged that the colonization of Algeria was a "crime against humanity," but stopped short of offering a formal state apology. 
JERUSALEM, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "the war continues" during a visit to southern Lebanon on Sunday, where Israeli ground forces invaded last month and are fighting Hezbollah.

In a video statement, Netanyahu described the Lebanese territory as a buffer zone, saying: "The war continues, including inside the security zone in Lebanon."

Israeli ground forces moved into southern Lebanon in March, amid a U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Netanyahu said troops there had "thwarted the invasion threat, pushing back the danger of anti-tank fire and also dealing with rockets, but there is still work to be done."

Netanyahu was accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz and military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

Katz said the military has launched a new operation to demolish all homes in the villages along the Israel-Lebanon border, adding Israeli forces would not withdraw unless Hezbollah's rocket fire toward northern Israel stops. "We decided that we are not leaving the north anymore," he said. "We will continue this, and the goal is to disarm Hezbollah."

Their visit came ahead of peace talks with the Lebanese government due to begin later this week in the United States.

Hezbollah entered the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran on March 2 by launching rockets from southern Lebanon toward Israel for the first time since a ceasefire on Nov. 27, 2024, prompting Israel to carry out an intensified military campaign targeting multiple areas across the country.

A two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States took effect on Wednesday. Israel said it would abide by the truce but argued the agreement does not apply to Lebanon. That assertion was rejected by Iran and by mediator Pakistan. 
Emily Schiavoni, left, outreach coordinator, and Leslie Appleget, arts coordinator, update the School Committee on outreach efforts and action plans. PreviousNext

North Adams Schools Planning Better Communication With Families

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The North Adams Public Schools is looking to refine how it communicates with families through text and social media, and providing parents with opportunities to see the schools in action.

The School Committee heard an update Wednesday on communications with families by Emily Schiavoni, family and community outreach coordinator, and Leslie Appleget, arts and communications coordinator.

Superintendent Timothy Callahan said both work extensively with central office to ensure parent communication.

"This is an offshoot of their work, both for family outreach, but also general communication strategies," he said. "And they will advise the district leadership team."

Schiavoni reminded the committee they had spoken about family engagement efforts last year and had since gathered data through surveys and interviews.

"We created an action plan to strengthen school family partnerships, and our top, No. 1 thing to dive into was enhancing communication channels," she said. "In order to build trusting relationships with parents, it must be through trust and two-way communication."

Last year's family survey was open for 14 days and received 135 responses, allowing administration to find family preferences in terms of communications.

"Families very clearly indicated, by 89 percent, that they prefer to receive non-urgent communications by direct message ... being an email, a text or staff member directly," said Appleget. "A smaller percentage ... was their preference for the Remind app, which is a districtwide technology."

Remind is a two-way app that can be used with ParentSquare. The district also uses Thrillshare, through which it can send systemwide alerts and information via phone, text and email.

Parents didn't have a preference for time of day but they didn't care for getting multiple alerts through different media.

"Receiving call, text and email about one piece of information felt like too much, and we definitely hear that," she said. "We use a specific communications matrix out of our office to determine what type of communication will be for each type of message. So the content really determines what we will do."

Some communications, such as for calling a snow day, mean that all three forms have be used because not all families have the same technology. She noted that this survey was for non-urgent communications but "58 percent of them indicated safety is a topic for direct non-urgent communication. That tells me that we have an opportunity going forward to better inform families about safety procedures and routines."

Parents had asked for a way to choose their communication preference but that is not currently available on PowerSchool. They also varied on saying they get too much or not enough non-emergency contacts.

"We also had survey participants to review a variety of faculty and staff members at school and how frequently they'd like to like to hear from them," she said. "Overwhelmingly, 'as needed' is the favored response with two notable subjects, which are their students' teacher, and to a lesser but still significant extent, their principal."

The majority of respondents favored weekly teacher updates, even over "as needed" and secondarily, monthly principal updates.

What they most wanted to hear about was academic achievements, followed by school safety and curriculum. Facebook was the No. 1 used social media resource followed by the school website and then Instagram.

On the website, the calendar was the top visit followed by news, delays and activities and the lunch menu. The fifth spot was information about faculty.

About 65 percent of respondents could find what they need so the response is to create a tutorial video at the start of the school year to show how to access and fill absentee forms and other areas of the website.

Orientation events have been mostly centered on families with children entering kindergarten, but they're recommending extending that to any new students.

Schiavoni and Appleget traveled to New Orleans to attend the National Association of Family, School and Community Engagement conference.

"We had three major takeaways from this conference. That were relevant and feasible for our district to implement," she said. One was a framework for sustaining family/school partnerships and underrepresented groups, the second was a "welcome walkthrough tool" that includes such simple factors as parking, main office location, first impressions, displays and inclusion.

The third was parent learning walks which would align with the superintendent's entry plan of "collaborative ownership."

Schiavoni said it was a matter of "demystifying what's happening in the buildings."

She remembered a focus group that described the school as a fortress where they could only peer through the windows. The concept would be to give parents a guided tour of the school in session.

"Parent learning walks would provide families the opportunity to witness real lessons in real time. ... This is more about learning what high-level trends are they seeing in our buildings," she said, rather than observing their own child. "Research demonstrates that these exercises increase parents agency and feelings of inclusion in school environments and strengthens school family partnerships."

She said the district is also revamping volunteer opportunities and has re-established the Special Education Parent Advisory Council, which went dormant during the pandemic.

Callahan said the walkthroughs will become a major component because this data and the entry plan revealed "a disconnect between community members and parent perception of what goes on in schools versus what we see going on in schools and schools and saw what's going on in the classroom."
RIYADH, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday that it had summoned Iraqi envoy to Riyadh Safia Taleb Al Suhail over drone attacks targeting the kingdom and other Gulf states launched from Iraqi territory.

According to a statement by the Foreign Ministry on social media platform X, the Iraqi ambassador was handed a protest note condemning these attacks.

During the handover of the note, Saudi Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud bin Mohammed Al-Sati stressed the importance of Iraq dealing responsibly with those "threats and attacks."

He also renewed the kingdom's firm rejection of violations of state sovereignty and attempts to threaten the region's security and stability.

He affirmed that Saudi Arabia would take all necessary measures to defend its security and protect its territory. 
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China has announced it will resume certain ties with Taiwan, including direct flights to mainland cities and imports of Taiwanese aquaculture products.

The move comes as the leader of Taiwan's opposition party concludes her visit to Beijing.

The Taiwan Work Office, under China's Communist Party, issued a statement indicating it would explore establishing a long-term communication mechanism between the Communist Party and Taiwans Kuomintang Party.

It also committed to facilitating the import of Taiwanese aquaculture, which had been banned in recent years. This follows a high-profile meeting on Friday between Cheng Li-wun, head of the Kuomintang, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where both leaders called for peace without providing specific details.

Taiwan governs itself, but China asserts sovereignty over the island.

Relations between China and Taiwan have been strained since 2016, following the election of Tsai Ing-wen from the Democratic Progressive Party as president.

open image in gallery Chinese President Xi Jinping, right shakes hands with Kuomintang (KMT) party leader Cheng Li-wun in Beijing ( Xinhua )

Since then, Beijing largely ceased official dialogue with Taiwan's government in Taipei and has routinely dispatched military aircraft and vessels towards the island.

The measures outlined in the statement address connections that China had previously suspended as tensions escalated.

China plans to resume direct flights for other mainland cities like Xi'an or Urumqi to Taiwan, the statement said, although it remained unclear how the measures will be implemented.

China banned individual trips by Chinese people to Taiwan in 2019. Taiwan's rules now require Chinese visitors to hold a valid resident visa from another country, like the U.S. or the European Union, to apply for a visitor visa.

China also said it would work toward construction of a bridge that would connect to Matsu and Kinmen, Taiwanese islands that are closer geographically to China. The project is a longstanding proposal that Beijing has previously announced.

open image in gallery Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaks during a meeting with Kuomintang (KMT) party leader Cheng Li-wun ( Xinhua )

China banned the import of Taiwanese pineapples in 2021 and since then extended the import ban to products as varied as the grouper fish, squid, tuna and other fruits.

After the initial ban on grouper, Taiwans Ministry of Agriculture said it approached China about making adjustments to ensure it met import requirements. China replied with a limited list of individual companies that were allowed to sell to China, but without explanation.

Taiwan added it would "continuously assist farmers and businesses in expanding into overseas markets" in order to diversify risk, according to a statement it issued Saturday.
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Health Secretary Wes Streeting has said he could not solve all the problems faced by striking doctors within his first two years in the job, and hit out at the medics union for pretending he could.

Mr Streeting revealed on Sunday that he has written to the British Medical Association, asking to meet the entire Resident Doctors Committee, some of whom he described as quite hard-lined, rather than just its two chairs, who have led the negotiations so far.

In his letter to the RDC sent on Sunday, Mr Streeting said: The deal is not everything you want, but it is what the country can afford. I do not pretend to have solved all the problems facing your profession after fourteen years of mismanagement under the previous government in less than two years as the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

In return, I am asking you to stop pretending that this government can sort out everything for everyone everywhere all at once.

Resident doctors launched six days of strike action this week on Tuesday after rejecting a deal from the government last week.

open image in gallery Wes Streeting said ministers have learned to draw a distinction between what Donald Trump says and what he does (Jeff Overs/BBC) ( PA Media )

Speaking on Sky News on Sunday, the health secretary said he was furious with the BMA over the six-day strike launched this week. He called the reason for their strike this week absurd, describing their behaviour as unreasonable.

Later, he told the BBC One: Weve gone as far as we can, Im not going to shut the door to the BMA, Im not pretending I can solve all of their problems in two years, the BMA have to stop pretending that I can.

There has to be some give and take...the BMA resident doctors have gone well out of the government, they need to recognise that.

Mr Streeting's request to meet the BMA resident doctors committee comes after one of the chairs, Dr Jack Fletcher, claimed the minister unexpectedly changed the terms of the pay deal being negotiated, which Dr Fletcher said triggered strike action this week.

Referring to his letter, Mr Streeting told the BBC, I dont just want to meet with the chairs, although I will, I want to speak with the whole committee, those are the people that rejected the deal on the table, and those are the people who have point-blank refused to meet over the last two years.

They are so far the only people who have refused to meet me over the last two years, and given those are the people calling the shots, I think it's time for me to speak with the organ grinders.

open image in gallery The BMA is threatening a six-day strike after Easter (PA) ( PA Wire )

The letter sent from Mr Streeting to the Resident Doctors Committee on Sunday said: I will not try and hide my disappointment and frustration about your latest rush to strike action. Deliberately timed after the Easter holidays to cause the most inconvenience to your colleagues and maximum disruption to the NHS, it was both unnecessary and unreasonable....

Mr Streeting said it was disheartening to see those same officers now publicly criticise the deal they agreed to and entirely misrepresent the Governments actions.

As a result, I think it is time for you to accept my much-repeated invitation to meet the full BMA Resident Doctors Committee to discuss the deal you rejected without offering a counterproposal and refused to put to your members, he added.

The letter said that while most of the prior deal remained on the table, the financial and operational impact of this week's strikes means trusts cannot afford to implement the promise of 1,000 extra training places this year, which had formed part of the rejected deal.

open image in gallery Resident doctors hold placards outside the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle on the first day of a planned six-day strike on April 7 ( Getty )

This is not a threat. It is not a punishment. It is not a choice I have made. It is the reality of the operational and financial situation we now find ourselves in, as I and my team were repeatedly clear would be the case to your officers from the outset, he continued.

Funds diverted into covering shifts and managing disruption cannot at the same time be invested in creating new training posts.

The health secretary said he believes the RDC chairs felt the deal addressed concerns and priorities of the doctors, and so he was surprised and disappointed by their accusations that the government moved the goal posts at the last minute.

That is categorically untrue, he added.

Responding to the health secretary, Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMAs RDC, said: "We remain open and willing to meet with the Health Secretary and throughout this dispute have negotiated in good faith with a genuine desire to resolve. Several options were discussed in the negotiating room, including one or two-year settlements.

The proposed heads of terms were shared with us and rejected within hours by us.

He said the government at the very last minute insisted that a three-year deal was the only option, with reduced investment on what was previously costed.

Dr Fletcher, the health secretary, and the government negotiations team were repeatedly warned that this offer fell short.

We would urge the Health Secretary to recapture the early positive spirit of negotiations and work with us to end these disputes. We remain ready to work constructively and are eager to move forward, he added.

In his letter, Wes Streeting said the government was clear from the outset that it expected the deal to be over three years and that the BMA entered negotiations on this basis.

He quotes terms given to the BMA on 17 February, which said A multi-year agreement, which is likely to cover the financial years 2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29 (including handling of DDRB)...Options to revise the pay structure to improve retention and unlock productivity over the course of the next three years.

This story was updated with a comment from the BMA at 15:40 on 12 April.
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More than 200 people are feared dead after Nigerian military jets struck a village market in the country's northeast on Saturday night, according to a local councillor and residents.

The airstrike occurred as the military pursued Islamist militants.

The incident took place in a village in Yobe, bordering Borno state, a region long plagued by an insurgency that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions.

Nigeria's Air Force confirmed it had killed Boko Haram militants in the Jilli axis of Borno state, but its statement to Reuters on Sunday made no mention of hitting a market. The Air Force did not respond to subsequent requests for comment.

Lawan Zanna Nur Geidam, a councillor and traditional head for Fuchimeram ward in Yobe's Geidam district, told Reuters that those injured were being transported to hospitals in Yobe and Borno.

open image in gallery There was also a bomb blast at a market in Nigeria last month ( AP )

"It's a very devastating incident at Jilli Market. As I'm speaking to you, over 200 people have lost their lives from the air strike at the market," he stated in a telephone interview.

Three other residents and an official from an international humanitarian agency corroborated the strike and the likely death toll.

Ahmed Ali, a 43-year-old resident who sells medical consumables at the market, described being injured in a blast.

"I became so scared and attempted to run away, but a friend dragged me and we all lay on the ground," he recounted from hospital.

The Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) confirmed receiving preliminary reports of an incident at Jilli Market "which reportedly resulted in casualties affecting some marketers" and has activated its emergency response.
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Canada is experiencing a surge of interest in family records among Americans with Canadian ancestry, in part due to a change in the law that makes it easier for descendants to obtain citizenship.

Under Canadas newly implemented law, any person born prior to December 15, 2025, outside of Canada, who proves they are descendants of a Canadian, can become a citizen. Previously, citizenship was limited to first-generation children of a Canadian parent.

As a result, there has been a massive increase in record requests from Americans, an archivist with the National Library and Archives of Quebec told CBC last month. Canadas immigration and citizenship website estimates a 10-month wait period for citizenship certificates.

While some of that interest may be motivated by Canadian descendants hoping to reconnect with their roots, some of it is also attributed to Americans seeking a different political climate after the 2024 presidential election.

Theres been a very steady increase in interest in moving to Canada since November 2024, which is unprecedented. Ive never seen this in my 17 years in the industry, Ottawa-based regulated immigration consultant Cassandra Fultz told CNN.

open image in gallery A Canadian archivist said there has been a 3,000 percent increase in records requests - mainly coming from Americans ( Getty Images )

Fultz told the network that interest in Canadian citizenship surges after every U.S. election, regardless of the party elected.

Usually people just get over it, Fultz said. But its already nearing the midterms and people are very interested, even two years later.

While official data on the number of U.S. citizens granted Canadian citizenship is unavailable, roughly 34,700 Americans were granted permanent residence in Canada between 2016 and 2020, and 42,300 between 2021 and 2024.

So far this year, about 8,000 have been granted permanent residence.

Outside of Canada, the U.S. is home to the largest number of Canadian citizens by descent. Nearly one-third of people who are Canadian citizens because their parents are Canadian are born in the U.S.

open image in gallery An expert said that the interest in obtaining Canadian citizenship surges after every U.S. election, regardless of who wins ( AP )

Now, with the change of law in place, more U.S.-born people of Canadian descent want to prove their ancestry.

In January 2025, we had 32 requests for certified copies of vital records, and this year in January 2026, we've had over 1,000, Sarah Hanahem, with the National Library and Archives of Quebec, told CBC.

Hanahem said most of those inquiries were from Americans.

Those with Canadian ancestry, born after December 15, 2025, can still obtain Canadian citizenship, provided their parent was a Canadian citizen at the time of birth or spent at least 1,095 days in Canada before birth.

The new law was adopted after the Ontario Superior Court of Justice found that the first-generation rule was unconstitutional in 2023.
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A stampede at a historic fortress in northern Haiti has claimed the lives of at least 30 people, authorities have confirmed, warning the number of fatalities could yet increase.

The tragic incident unfolded on Saturday at the Laferriere Citadel, an early 19th-century fortress constructed in the wake of Haiti's independence from France.

Jean Henri Petit, head of Civil Protection for Haiti's Nord Department, stated that the UNESCO World Heritage site, a significant tourist attraction, was reportedly crowded with students and visitors attending its annual celebration.

Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aime issued a statement expressing his profound sorrow, saying he "extends his sincere condolences to the bereaved families and assures them of his profound solidarity during this time of mourning and great suffering."

open image in gallery Jean Henri Petit, head of Civil Protection for Haiti's Nord Department, said the stampede occurred at the Laferriere Citadel, an early-19th-century fortress built shortly after Haiti's independence from France ( Remi Kaupp )

He noted the presence of "many young people" at the Citadel's festivities, though his statement did not provide an updated death toll or identify the victims.

Petit said the stampede occurred at the entrance to the site, adding that the rain further exacerbated the disaster.

The deadly stampede comes as Haiti is grappling with widespread violence by gangs that have massacred civilians, as well as an increasingly deadly crackdown by security forces.

The island nation has also been the site of various disasters in recent years, including a 2024 fuel tank explosion that killed two dozen people, another fuel tank blast in 2021 that killed 90 and an earthquake that left some 2,000 dead that same year.
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One of the Houses most conservative members finds himself in an uncomfortable spot as he defends his push for the U.S. to expand its cap on temporary foreign workers while facing criticism from members of his own party for supposedly betraying Donald Trumps agenda.

Rep. Andy Harris is Marylands lone Republican congressman and chair of the far-right House Freedom Caucus, a collection of lawmakers typically aligned closely with the president but often in conflict with House leadership over funding levels and other issues.

Harris was profiled by Politico this week as he pushes for the U.S. to expand the cap on H-2B visas, which allow a maximum of 66,000 workers to come into the United States every year and perform non-agricultural work around the country. In Harriss home state and district, Marylands Eastern Shore, the immigrant workers are an important source of labor for Marylands often-struggling seafood industry.

Trumps first and second terms have seen White House and Department of Homeland Security officials aim to issue a lower number of H-2B visas than the law permits. But Harris, Politico reports, visited the West Wing at a crucial moment this January and persuaded the administration to hike 2026s count to just under the legal cap; 65,000 visas will be issued this year by DHS.

This is not an immigration issue  this is a temporary foreign worker issue, he insisted to Politico.

open image in gallery Rep. Andy Harris of Maryland is defending his call to expand H-2B visas from the anti-immigrant right ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Harris is one of a group of Republicans working with the Senate on the DIGNIDAD Act, a broad piece of immigration legislation that would represent the most serious effort by Congress to address the issue in years. It would expand E-verification tools and requirements while also providing a path for currently undocumented workers to live and work freely in America, though stopping short of making full citizenship possible.

For companies that rely in whole or part on workers using H-2B visas, the legislation is massively important because it revives a provision once championed by another Maryland lawmaker, Sen. Barbara Mikulski. Mikulski, a Democrat and legend of the upper chamber who died in 2017, led the effort for Congress to exclude returning foreign workers from the yearly caps, an effective gradual expansion of those caps, which was then brought to an end in the first year of Donald Trumps first term. Harris is a key ally of that policy, demonstrating its bipartisan appeal.

But that isnt an explanation that is gaining any traction with the anti-immigration hardliners in the Republican Party, including War Room podcast host Steve Bannon, who raged about the expansion of the DHSs H-2B visas with the head of the far-right Immigration Accountability Project during a recent episode.

Wheres your compassion for Americans? the head of that organization, Rosemary Jenks, questioned the lawmakers working on the DIGNIDAD Act during the interview.

There are 20 Republicans...who are basically passing off this Dignity Act, which should be called the SAAW Act, for Screw All American Workers, thats what it should be called because thats what it does, she added, claiming that tens of millions of immigrants would receive mass amnesty for them and their families.

Other members of the Trump administration, like Stephen Miller, remain opposed to the expansion of H-2B visas and have accused lawmakers who support it of importing monsters and mass murderers, echoing the worst of his bosss anti-immigrant rhetoric against various ethnic communities.

The Democrat Party mass imported monsters who are mass murdering Americans. And the Democrat Party and its corrupt judges are fighting relentlessly to keep them here, Miller wrote on X last week.

Their allies in Congress are vowing to defeat the bill, which could find bipartisan support but will require at least some backing from House and Senate leadership to make it to the presidents desk.

We dont represent illegal aliens. We represent American citizens, those are the people whose interests we should be pursuing, not amnesty bills like this, said Republican Texas Rep. Brandon Gill on Fox News last week. Gill added on X that the DIGNIDAD Act spits in the faces of Americans.

It isnt just anti-immigration groups like Jenkss that oppose the increase in H-2B visas. Some unions have spoken out against the announcement as well, claiming it will drive down wages for all workers.

open image in gallery Maryland's Eastern Shore is known for its crabbing industry, which relies on H-2B visa workers every year ( AFP via Getty Images )

Flooding the labor market with exploitable foreign workers drives down wages and weakens the standard for all workers, the Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA) said in a statement. If employers truly face hiring challenges, the answer is better wages, safer conditions, and real workforce investment.

Harris enters the spring having cheated his political death. The Maryland state Senate, controlled by Democrats, is refusing to bring up redistricting legislation championed by Gov. Wes Moore that was aimed at redrawing his seat and making it more favorable to a Democratic candidate and possibly allowing Democrats to take the last of the states eight congressional seats. They already control the other seven. Moores bid was launched in response to an effort to do the same in Texas and other red states by Republicans, including Donald Trump.

The congressman won his eighth term in the House by more than 20 points over his Democratic challenger in 2024. In that same cycle, he won his primary by 60 points. Hes likely insulated from any challenge on the right, unless he were to somehow lose the support and endorsement of the president.

Trump did just that to several other Republicans this cycle. In Texas, he withheld his endorsement for incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, who subsequently came in less than two percentage points ahead of his closest rival, Ken Paxton, in the first round of the primary election for his seat in March.

Another sitting Republican senator, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, is now facing a primary challenger backed by the president, though Cassidys support has not appeared to crater just yet.
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The Artemis II mission and its successful return to Earth have, for now, brought the American public's attention back to NASA and its aspirational mission to push the boundaries of humanity into space.

Achieving those goals costs billions, but the Office of Management and Budget under President Donald Trump's administration is planning deep cuts to NASA's budget.

Famed science communicator and teacher Bill Nye has described Trump's planned cuts as "surprising, illogical, and very troubling" in a new op-ed for MS NOW.

"These cuts would be an insult to our astronauts and entire NASA workforce. Astronauts and their colleagues are civil servants who work hard, accomplish nearly impossible things and represent our country to the world," he wrote.

The Trump administration's planned cuts would end 53 planned or ongoing NASA Science missions, would slice away $13 billion in funding, and would stop the development of most of the planned NASA Science missions.

open image in gallery Scientist and educator Bill Nye has called the Trump administrations planned cuts to NASAs exploration and education outreach funding surprising, illogical, and very troubling ( AP )

NASA Science is the research and exploration arm of the nation's space and aeronautics organization.

To put that amount into perspective, retired Marine Colonel Mark Cancian of the Center for Strategic and International Studies told NPR that the first 40 days of the war in Iran cost the U.S. approximately $28 billion when considering things like munitions, damage done to bases, and loss of military aircraft.

But the Trump administration's cuts won't just eat into NASA's ability to launch exploration missions; it's also cutting its STEM outreach programs for students.

Nye argued that NASA is not only a "unique part of the American story," but it is also "the best brand our nation has."

"When people around the world think of the U.S. at its best, they think of astronauts exploring the moon, telescopes opening new windows on the cosmos and spacecraft making profound discoveries on other worlds," Nye wrote. "NASA is who we are when were curious, bold and united."

Even discounting loftier ideas like national identity and human curiosity, Nye poses a practical and political reason for keeping NASA funded: China.

open image in gallery A young boy wearing an astronaut costume cheers next to a woman waving a flag as they watch a live broadcast of the return of the Artemis II crew members to Earth at the San Diego Air and Space Museum during a watch party for the crew's splash down in the Pacific Ocean, in San Diego, California, on April 10, 2026. ( AFP/Getty )

Nye points out that China is planning a moonwalk for 2030, likening Beijing's space ambitions to a new space race for the U.S.

"If the race is on, why abandon so much? Why cede the lead? The U.S. cannot be first in space if it is second in science and technology," he wrote.

Nye also announced that on April 20, opponents of the cuts will gather in Washington, D.C., for the "Save NASA Science" campaign, and told those who support the cause to join in person or online.

"Cutting science would not just delay discovery; it would destroy it. It would shatter our STEM talent pipeline. It would abandon our international partners," Nye warned. "And, it would cede U.S. leadership in space science to China and other nations."
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Lindsey Graham dodged questions about whether the ongoing war in Iran will hurt Republican chances in the upcoming midterm elections.

The South Carolina senator, who has been one of the biggest champions of the U.S. military operations in the Middle East, trotted out previous party lines on the conflict, even when asked directly by Fox News Bret Baier

Do you think this war that were in, and this fight over ICE, is hurting reelection chances for Republicans in the fall? Baier said during the interview on Saturday.

I think President Trump is stopping a homicidal maniac regime from acquiring a nuclear weapon, and if you dont treat them that way, youve missed a lot in the last 47 years, Graham replied.

And if we can get a deal, lets do it.

open image in gallery U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) speaks to members of the media as the Trump Cabinet briefs members of Congress on Iran at the U.S. Capitol on March 3, 2026 in Washington, DC ( Getty )

The senator has been one of the most vocal supporters of the presidents campaign, nicknamed Operation Epic Fury, and has long expressed a public desire to see military operations in Iran.

Since the campaign began, he has continued to heap constant praise on the president and Israeli forces and threatened other countries in the wider Arab region who have not struck Iran, as well as Cuba and even Spain.

His ardor has been so intense that it even prompted a Republican congresswoman to challenge him to go and fight in Iran himself.

There are some in the Senate that advocate for war everywhere. Lindsey Graham is one of them. He does NOT tell the President what to do, nor does he control Congress, Anna Paulina Luna wrote on X last month.

open image in gallery The senator has been one of the most vocal supporters of president Donald Trumps campaign, nicknamed Operation Epic Fury, and had long-since expressed a public desire to see military operations in Iran ( AP )

If Senator Graham wants to go fight in a foreign conflict, let him be the first to volunteer.

Despite Grahams positivity, polls show that Donald Trumps approval rating has been declining steadily over the last several months and particularly following the start of the war on February 28, which has resulted in the deaths of numerous U.S. service members and a heavy impact on domestic fuel prices.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the worlds oil trade flows, has sent the price of fuel skyrocketing and affected gas prices in the U.S.

According to the Cook Political Report, the GOP would need to win 76 percent of seats that are currently considered uncertain in order to keep control of its slim majority in the House.
CAIRO, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate phone talks on Sunday with U.S. president's special envoy Steve Witkoff and Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar to discuss regional security following the conclusion of U.S.-Iran negotiations in Islamabad.

During his call with Witkoff, Abdelatty was briefed by the U.S. envoy on the U.S. position during the negotiations. The two sides underscored the importance of continuous consultation within the framework of the close strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States, according to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

In a separate conversation, Dar provided Abdelatty with a detailed briefing on the proceedings in Islamabad.

The two ministers discussed joint efforts by Cairo and Islamabad to bridge the gap between the United States and Iran, citing the grave implications of the current impasse on regional peace. They agreed to intensify joint efforts in the coming period to push for a ceasefire and de-escalation across the region.

Abdelatty emphasized to both officials the necessity of adhering to the diplomatic path and prioritizing peaceful solutions to reach a consensus on outstanding concerns, noting that such an approach is the only way to safeguard regional stability and prevent further escalation.

A two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States took effect on Wednesday, followed by the holding of lengthy talks between the Iranian and U.S. delegations in Islamabad, which failed to lead to an agreement. 
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President Donald Trump's White House ballroom construction can continue, at least for now.

On Saturday, a federal appeals court ruled that temporary construction on Trump's $400 million ballroom can continue while his administration fights a lower court's ruling that the president's project was beyond the scope of his authority.

A three-judge U.S. circuit court in Washington, D.C., ruled 2-1 that the construction can resume until April 17, when the court revisits the issue.

The previous court's ruling ordered that construction on the project had to stop by April 14.

Trump has rebuffed attempts to stop the construction of his ballroom by arguing that the ballroom is clearly a vital project for the safety and security of the White House and the President, his family, and his staff," according to a court document entered by his lawyers.

open image in gallery A U.S. circuit court ruled that construction on President Donald Trumps ballroom, pictured left, can continue until April 17 after a lower court ruled it had to stop and seek Congressional approval ( The White House )

The appeals court ruling did not offer a ruling on whether or not the "safety and security" issues were legitimate and instructed the original court to review the case and provide clarifications on the matter.

The judge in that case, U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, ruled in favor of a preservation group that opposed the demolition of the White House East Wing and the new ballroom. He determined that Trump had exceeded his authority as president by undertaking the construction and said he needed to seek Congressional approval for the project.

In his initial injunction, Leon noted that the president is the "steward of the White House" but added, "he is not, however, the owner."

Trump's lawyers have argued that there is no need for Congressional approval because the project is reportedly being funded fully through private donations.

No taxpayer dollars are being used for the funding of this beautiful, desperately needed, and completely secure (for national security purposes) ballroom," they wrote in court documents.

It continued, arguing that other legislative bodies should not have a say in the needs of the president's residence.

open image in gallery The former site of the White House East Wing, which is now an active construction site at work continues on President Donald Trumps $400 million ballroom project ( Getty Images )

Congress did not get involved with the design, planning, and architecture of either the original East Wing or the West Wing many decades ago, the filing said. Decisions about what is needed to keep the President, his family, and his staff safe rest with the President, and cannot possibly be outsourced to other branches of government, just as the President could not dictate the Senates building needs or architectural design.

Even with private donations, however, the project is still on public ground and makes significant changes to public buildings. The National Trust for Historic Preservation, which opposes the ballroom project, made that argument in an appeal to the ruling. It noted that all construction projects involving federal buildings require congressional approval, while also calling into question the legitimacy of Trump's national security claims.

Defendants appear to contend that being prevented from illegally constructing a massive ballroom constitutes a national security emergency. It plainly does not, the NTHP said in the appeal.

The rebuttal also noted that the ballroom will take two years to finish, and that the absence of a massive ballroom on White House grounds has not stopped this (or any other) President from residing at the White House or hosting events there.
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Too much focus is being given to the impact of US aid cuts and not enough to the fact that countries like China and India continue to provide very little foreign aid, the head of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), one of the worlds largest humanitarian groups, has told The Independent.

In a wide-ranging interview held at the NGOs headquarters in Oslo, Jan Egeland, NRC secretary general, also warned that not enough attention was being given to the climate crisis, and suggested that current plans to boost Nato military spending to five per cent of GDP at the expense of foreign aid would be a major strategic mistake that countries will live to regret.

Mr Egeland  who formerly served as the UNs humanitarian aid chief in the 2000s, and as state secretary in the Norwegian foreign ministry in the 1990s  said that the NRC had been seriously impacted by President Trumps gutting of US foreign aid programmes, with the NGOs global headcount shrinking from 15,000 to 14,000 as a result.

Until last year, the US was our largest donor, followed by the Norwegian government. Then the US funding was frozen overnight, he said. The months that followed were extremely chaotic, Mr Egeland added, with US government stop and restart orders often being received several times over for the same programmes.

open image in gallery Jan Egeland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, during a recent trip to the West Bank ( Ed Prior/Norwegian Refugee Council )

Despite the US more recently once again signalling support for foreign aid after a year of global upheaval, Mr Egeland said that there remains a huge question mark over the level of funding the NRC will receive from the US in the future.

Major humanitarian projects, including one providing cash transfers for thousands of victims of the war in Ukraine and another providing free flour to 500 bakeries in Sudan so that they can produce subsidised bread, have now been permanently cut for 2026, after receiving several stop- and restart orders over the course of 2025.

But while US actions have caused mayhem for NGOs like the NRC, Mr Egeland believes there should equally be criticism of industrialised Asian countries that  beyond Japan and South Korea  currently provide minimal foreign aid.

There has to be a much more aggressive calling out not just of the US, but also other countries like China and the nations of Southeast Asia, he said. I think we can be far too obsessed with what Trump has been doing over the past few hours, and we can ignore the bigger picture.

How can it be that India can carry out a moon landing on the dark side of the moon, but not provide aid for our operations in Sudan, he continued. Russia has hundreds of billions to wage a senseless war in Ukraine, but no money for our relief efforts.

Norway, Mr Egeland added, is a country of just 5.5 million people, with no seat on the UN Security Council nor G20 membership, yet it has become the worlds ninth biggest national donor of humanitarian aid, as a result of its continued commitment to provide foreign aid worth one per cent of its gross national income (GNI). The country might have made a fortune from oil in recent decades, but other equally wealthy countries are contributing significantly less.

The UN target for foreign assistance is for wealthy countries to provide aid worth 0.7 per cent of GNI. The UK, by contrast, is set to provide only 0.3 per cent of GNI, following cuts that were announced last year.

Still often classified as developing countries in some UN frameworks, China and India are not formally obligated under agreements such as the 1992 climate convention to provide foreign aid to poorer countries, even though their economies have grown substantially since those classifications were made.

Last year, China made a $16m (12m) contribution to humanitarian aid plans coordinated by the UN, while India contributed nothing. Norway and the UK contributed $921m and $1.9bn (1.4bn) respectively.

We will live to regret aid cuts

Mr Egeland also warned that the strategy adopted by countries including the UK, Germany and France of slashing foreign aid to significantly boost military spending will not achieve its intended aims of stabilising Europes security situation.

I understand that countries feel threatened by what Russia is doing in Ukraine, but if we forget about what is needed to bring stability to other parts of the world, we will live to regret it, he said.

The would-be target that Nato countries have agreed with Donald Trump of spending five per cent of GDP on defence was described as both astronomic and unprecedented by Mr Egeland.

You have to go back to previous world wars to see spending anything like that, he said. We are seeking stability in Europe, but really we are just becoming more introverted and nationalistic.

Maintaining foreign aid should very much be seen as in the interests of wealthy nations, and not simply selflessness, he continued.

open image in gallery Children play near a war-damaged school in Aleppo, Syria ( AP )

During the European migration crisis of 2015, sparked in part by Syrias civil war, many Western politicians looked forward to a time when the war would be over, and Syrians could return home, Mr Egeland said. But now that the war is over, there has so far been little money pledged to help rebuild Syria, and so Syrians have had to remain in Europe.

Equally, Mr Egeland described a recent visit to a refugee camp in Eastern Chad, where Sudanese refugees described their intention to cross into Europe on small boats due to the total absence of economic opportunity where they were, and despite the risks that the trip would involve.

We are scraping together enough money to make the journey across to the Mediterranean, they told me. This was despite the fact that they had followed on social media 20 friends who had attempted to make that the journey the previous year, of whom 19 had drowned, Mr Egeland said.

I told them that these deaths were clearly a signal that they should not go, Mr Egeland continued. But they told me: We have been waiting for so long here for something to happen, but nothing has happened. Yes, the trip might be dangerous, but there is a glimmer of hope, while here there is nothing.

On the subject of the climate crisis, Mr Egeland also called out the hypocrisy of politicians who are continuing to call for climate action in public, while cutting aid for climate programmes overseas.

In most parts of the world, there is the same positive rhetoric around climate change, but in fact, when it comes to the people most impacted by the climate crisis, rather than receiving more money to help them survive, they are in fact receiving less, he said.

His comments came just before the UK announced that it would cut its climate aid to 6bn over the next three years  down from 2.3bn annually under the previous five-year arrangement  in a move that was described as a huge betrayal.

Mr Egeland continued: If we want to avoid uncontrolled migration fueled by conflict and the climate crisis, and if we want to avoid unchecked epidemics coming from displaced people in least developed countries, then we need to provide more support.

Looking ahead, he warned that expected further cuts meant that there was a risk that the world could return to the dark days of the 1980s, when the world experienced Biblical famines that killed many thousands.

At the moment, we are dropping very hungry people to prioritise those on the brink of famine. We are having to drop so many vulnerable communities, and I am very concerned about what the consequences of all of this might end up being.
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People poring over the crushing defeat of Viktor Orbans government in Hungary  the most right wing in Europe  will draw the conclusions that his antipathy to the EU, closeness to Vladimir Putin, failure to address younger voters and a sense of political corruption were at the heart of his downfall.

Yet while this may be the case, all these factors were also true about Orban when he won an equally crushing victory in the 2022 election, a result which seemed to leave him untouchable.

In fact, he was arguably in a politically stronger position this time than he was in 2022, with his friend Donald Trump in the White House rather than a political enemy in Joe Biden.

He even had the US vice president JD Vance doing a last-minute cheerleading act at a rally on the eve of the poll, although polls suggest this may have hurt rather than helped.

What changed in the four years since that win, which left the opposition to his Fidesz party almost wiped out?

The truth is that the unravelling began with a visit by Pope Francis, and a scandal which followed that exposed the political corruption within Fidesz and Orbans government, ended the careers of two of his political allies and put rocket boosters on Peter Magyars push to replace him as prime minister.

An unlikely Papal visit

In April 2023, Pope Francis made an official visit to Hungary in a visit which was to be a crowning moment in the Orban era and a stamp of approval of his right-wing Catholic, pro-family, anti-LGBTQ+ policies.

It was an unlikely trip, though, politically. Francis and Orban were diametrically opposed, particularly on Orbans hardline attitude to migrants.

open image in gallery Pope Francis and Orban did not see eye to eye on much ( AFP/Getty )

But at the same time, Pope Francis had a soft spot for Hungary. When he was head of the Jesuits in Argentina, he got to know Hungarian nuns who had fled the country as a result of the Communists putting down the 1956 uprising, and learnt their language.

Added to that, in Eduard Habsburg, Orban had a skilled ambassador to the Holy See in Rome, who also happened to be a descendant of the Austro-Hungarian Empires royal family. He developed a warm relationship with the Pope.

He had already established a surprising alliance with the late Pope in finding a peaceful solution with Putin to end the war in Ukraine, rather than support military operations  another reason, perhaps, for the papal visit.

The fallout from the visit

The visit itself was a success, but the aftermath blew open Orbans government and permanently loosened his grip on power.

In an attempt to reflect Franciss theme of mercy, the Hungarian government decided to show clemency to 25 criminals and pardon them of their crimes. It proved to be politically disastrous.

open image in gallery Peter Magyar led anti-corruption demonstrations in Hungary after the scandal broke ( AFP/Getty )

It emerged that one of those pardoned was Endre Konya, the former deputy director of the Kossuth Zsuzsa Childrens Home in Bicske, who had intimidated children into withholding evidence of sexual abuse and paedophilia to protect his boss.

When this emerged, there was outrage. It was reported that it happened under pressure from Zoltan Balog, a former archbishop turned politician and ally of Orbans.

The scandal led to the forced resignation of two key female allies. Katalin Novak, the president of Hungary and, to some, Orbans potential heir, had been the architect of his pro-family policy.

She had granted the clemency, and Balog was her mentor.

The other was another rising star in Fidesz, Judit Varga, who had been the justice minister who put forward the list to be pardoned.

Both women were ordered by Orban to resign in early 2024, ending their political careers. But the damage was done, and from that moment his political star began to rapidly fall.

The ex-husband takes his chance

Apart from losing two of the next generation of leaders for Fidesz, there were immediate consequences, most notably around Varga.

At the time of her resignation, she was the driving force behind putting together a right-wing anti-EU coalition for the European parliament elections.

She was trying to work with parties such as Giorgia Melonis Fratelli dItalia to change the shape of European politics. Those efforts largely ran aground when Varga was taken out of the picture. Hopes for a new European right-wing hegemony were lost with her.

open image in gallery Eduard Habsburg was Hungarys ambassador to the Vatican ( Hungary Embassy )

But far more significant was Vargas failing marriage to an ambitious lawyer and politician, Peter Magyar, a former member of Orbans party.

The couple's marriage ended just before her career was left in ruins, and he started a social media campaign revealing many of the secrets of Fidesz, exposing its alleged corruption.

As the new head of the centre-right Tisza Party, he became the leader of massive anti-corruption demonstrations and then took charge of the coalition which would destroy Orban and make him the new Hungarian PM.

Crucially, unlike previous coalitions to unseat Orban, Magyar is of the conservative centre right, not the political left, and proved to be a much tougher opponent than his predecessors.

Like Donald Tusk in Poland, in removing another anti-EU right-wing government, Magyar had the blessing of the European Commission to an extent that Orban and Vance accused them of electoral interference.

Now Magyar will lead a much more moderate, pro-EU centre-right government, removing the last anti-Brussels government in the bloc.

A huge loss for the global right

The departure of Orban was largely the result of scandal and political hubris, but it has removed the intellectual network which has sustained many on the right across the globe with close links to Likud in Israel, Trump and the Maga movement in the US and those circulating around Nigel Farage and Reform in the UK.

Orban had supported a series of right-wing think tanks like the Danube Institute and Mathias Corvinus Collegium to come up with a right-wing agenda for the 21st century, while bringing American right-wing ideas to Europe. This included hosting the American Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Hungary annually.

Magyars victory potentially unravels all of this, and also crucially frees up the EU to take much tougher action against Putin over Ukraine and removes the last politician in the bloc who had the ear of Trump. Hungary should now receive funds that Brussels was withholding over Orbans more extreme policies.

The papal visit was supposed to be a crowning achievement for Orban, but ended up being his downfall.
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Israel has issued a diplomatic reprimand to Spains most senior diplomat in Tel Aviv following the detonation of a giant effigy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a Spanish town this week.

The seven-metre (23-foot) figure, packed with 14 kilograms (31 lb) of gunpowder, was part of a decades-old ceremony held on 5 April in El Burgo, a small town near the southern city of Malaga.

Mayor Maria Dolores Narvaez told local television that the annual event has previously featured effigies of figures such as Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Israels Foreign Ministry condemned the incident, stating on X: "The appalling antisemitic hatred on display here is a direct result of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government's systemic incitement." The statement included a video clip of the event.

open image in gallery Israel has hit out at Pedro Sanchezs government ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

In response, a Spanish Foreign Ministry source asserted: "The Spanish government is committed to fighting against antisemitism and any form of hate or discrimination. As such we totally reject any insidious allegation which suggests the contrary."

The incident further escalates a long-running diplomatic dispute between Spain and Israel, which began over the Gaza conflict.

Spain has been an outspoken critic of US and Israeli military campaigns in the region, despite warnings from the US regarding uncooperative Nato allies. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar previously labelled a Spanish ban on aircraft and ships carrying weapons to Israel as antisemitic.

Conversely, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares accused Israel of violating international law and a two-week ceasefire following a wave of airstrikes across Lebanon this week.

Mr Netanyahu countered on Wednesday that Lebanon was not part of the ceasefire and that Israel's military would continue to strike Hezbollah.

Mr Sanchez, a prominent opponent of the Iran conflict, has closed Spanish airspace to any aircraft involved in what he has described as a reckless and illegal confrontation.
Zelensky blames Iran was for stalled weapon supply as Russia continues to attack Ukraine

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Volodymyr Zelensky has hit out at Israel amid a burgeoning row over the purchase of grain stolen by Russia from occupied Ukrainian territories.

The Ukrainian president said on Tuesday that Israels decision to buy from Russia cannot be legitimate business and that Kyiv was preparing sanctions against those attempting to profit from it.

A Ukrainian diplomatic source, speaking earlier on condition of anonymity, said that if Israel did not reject the latest cargo, Kyiv would reserve the right to deploy a full suite of diplomatic and international legal responses.

Ukraines foreign ministry said on Monday it had summoned Israels ambassador for not acting to stop Russian shipments of grain from entering the country. Kyiv confronted Israel earlier this month over another Russian ship allowed to dock in Israel with stolen grain.

Israels foreign minister said that Ukraine had provided no evidence to support the claims that the grain was stolen, accusing him of conducting diplomacy through the media.

Kyiv considers all grain produced in the four regions Russia claimed as its own since invading Ukraine in 2022, and Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, to have been stolen by Moscow.
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Peter Magyar has claimed a historic victory in Hungarys elections, ousting Trump and Putin ally Viktor Orban after 16 years in power.

Hungarians took to the polls on Sunday in what Mr Magyars Tisza party called a now or never moment to topple Europes longest-serving leader.

Just two hours after polls closed, Mr Magyar posted on Facebook that Mr Orban had congratulated me on the phone on our victory, with 45.7 per cent of the count predicting Tisza were projected to win 135 mandates in the 199-seat parliament.

Speaking to supporters in Budapest, Mr Orban said the result was painful and vowed: "We are going to serve the Hungarian nation and our homeland from opposition as well."

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has congratulated Mr Magyar on his victor, hailing a historic moment, not only for Hungary, but for European democracy.

Pollsters predicted a record voter turnout, with Hungarian television showing long queues outside some voting stations in Budapest.

open image in gallery ( Viktor Orban has conceded defeat after 16 years in power )

Mr Orban, who has been in power for 16 years, is known as a conservative anti-globalist whose ties to Vladimir Putin and the Trump administration have seen become a global figure in far-right politics.

His opponent Mr Magyar, a former Orban loyalist, has quickly gained popularity through campaigning on frustrations over altering public health care and transportation sectors and what he describes as rampant government corruption.

Queues of voters were pictured outside polling stations across the country as record numbers of Hungarians cast their ballots.

An end to Mr Orbans period in government has significant implications not only for Hungary, but for the European Union, Ukraine and beyond.

It would likely spell an end to Hungary's adversarial role inside the EU, possibly opening the way for a 90 billion euro ($105 billion) loan to war-battered Ukraine blocked by Mr Orban.

Defeat for Mr Orban could also mean the eventual release of EU funds to Hungary that the bloc had suspended due to what Brussels said was Orban's erosion of democratic standards.

open image in gallery Orban salutes his supporters as his 16-year tenure comes to an end ( REUTERS )

Mr Orban's exit would also deprive Russian President Vladimir Putin of his main ally in the EU and send shockwaves through Western right-wing circles, including the White House.

In Hungary, a Tisza victory could open the way for reforms that the party says would aim to combat corruption and restore the independence of the judiciary and other institutions.

Mr Orban, a eurosceptic, carved out a model of an "illiberal democracy" seen as a blueprint by Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement and its admirers in Europe.

But many Hungarians have grown increasingly weary of Mr Orban, 62, after three years of economic stagnation and soaring living costs as well as reports of oligarchs close to the government amassing more wealth.

Tisza's leader Magyar appears to have successfully tapped into this frustration.

Casting his vote for Tisza in the Hungarian capital, Mihaly Bacsi, 27, said the country needed change.

"We need an improvement in public mood, there is too much tension in many areas and the current government only fuels these sentiments," he said., a eurosceptic, carved out a model of an "illiberal democracy" seen as a blueprint by Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement and its admirers in Europe.

But many Hungarians have grown increasingly weary of Mr Orban, 62, after three years of economic stagnation and soaring living costs as well as reports of oligarchs close to the government amassing more wealth.

Tisza's leader Magyar appears to have successfully tapped into this frustration.

Casting his vote for Tisza in the Hungarian capital, Mihaly Bacsi, 27, said the country needed change.

"We need an improvement in public mood, there is too much tension in many areas and the current government only fuels these sentiments," he said.

Ahead of the vote, opinion polls showed Mr Orban's Fidesz party trailing Mr Magyar's upstart centre-right opposition Tisza party by 7-9 percentage points, with Tisza at around 38-41 per cent. Pollsters predicted record voter turnout of well over 70 per cent.
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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Europes challenge is not only to rearm itself to address its security and defence problems, but to also rearm itself morally, so that it can contribute to stable and peaceful development throughout the world.

That was the message from Spains socialist prime minister Pedro Sanchez, speaking at a European forum this week, with comments that show why his country has been dubbed by some as Europes conscience.

From Gaza to Lebanon, Trump to Netanyahu, Spain has stood as something of an outlier in Western Europe for unequivocally taking a stand while other nations have tended to temper their criticism.

When the US and Israel launched their joint strikes on Iran at the end of February, Mr Sanchez clearly condemned the conflict as an unjustified and dangerous military intervention that is outside international law, later branding it absurd, cruel and illegal.

open image in gallery The relationship between Pedro Sanchez and Donald Trump, pictured here last October, has deteriorated rapidly ( Getty )

He was also quick to deny American forces permission to use jointly operated bases to launch attacks against the Islamic Republic.

We dont authorise either the use of military bases or the use of airspace for actions related to the war in Iran, Spains defence minister Margarita Robles said last month. I think everyone knows Spains position. Its very clear.

And, this week, Spain became the first Western country to reopen its embassy in Tehran after a fragile US-Iran ceasefire took hold

Mr Sanchez appeared unimpressed by the fragile agreement, brokered by Pakistan hours after President Trump threatened to wipe Iranian civilisation off the map, writing: The government of Spain will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they show up with a bucket.

Mr Sanchezs approach has unsurprisingly earned him the ire of both the US and Israels leaders. Mr Trump called Spain terrible and threatened to cut off all trade over the refusal to use bases in its fight with Iran.

open image in gallery Spain has condemned Israels war on Lebanon ( Getty )

And on Friday, Mr Netanyahu announced he would be ousting Spain from a US-led Gaza military strategy centre in the Israeli city of Kiryat Gat for its hypocrisy and hostility and for having chosen repeatedly to stand against Israel.

Spain has defamed our heroes... the soldiers of the most moral army in the world, Mr Netanyahu said in a video address posted to X on Friday. I do not intend to allow any country to wage a diplomatic war against us without paying an immediate price.

Spain has also condemned Israels attacks on Lebanon, accusing the country of trying to inflict the same level of damage and destruction it has done in Gaza.

There must be no impunity for these criminal acts, the prime minister said after the latest wave of strikes, before calling for the EU to suspend trade with Israel in a speech on Friday.

The latest clashes follow Madrid permanently withdrawing its ambassador to Tel Aviv in March after years of disagreements and tensions.

open image in gallery Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Spain of defaming Israels heroes ( AFP/Getty )

Iran appears to have returned the gestures of support, dubbing Spain a non-hostile country.

Tehran even suggested it may let its ships pass through its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

While other Western European countries have tried to balance criticism of Mr Trump with the need to keep the US on side, Mr Sanchezs unambiguous approach reflects anti-American sentiment in Spain.

A majority of Spanish people (51 per cent) believe that Washington poses a threat to Europe, according to a new Politico European Pulse survey released on Thursday  the largest proportion of respondents from all countries surveyed.

Forty-three per cent of Spaniards oppose the US-Israeli war on Iran, while 22 per cent remain neutral.

A huge 94 per cent of respondents said that Europe needs to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on other major powers.

open image in gallery Demonstrators march in support of Palestinians in Barcelona ( AP )

Tensions have been bubbling for years, with Spain joining Ireland to become Israels staunchest critics of the countrys war in Gaza after October 2023.

Mr Sanchez openly accused the Israeli government of genocide, claims which Israel has previously dismissed as antisemitic. Amnesty, Human Rights Watch and the United Nations have all agreed with the conclusion.

The country also became one of the first European nations to recognise the state of Palestine.

Spain originally condemned attacks by Hamas and acknowledged Israels right to self-defence, said Vuk Vuksanovic, an associate at LSE Ideas and a lecturer in foreign policy at Kings College London.

Madrid views Israeli actions as a disproportionate response with severe humanitarian consequences for the Palestinians and as a main generator of regional instability.

Since then, Spain has been somewhat at the forefront of condemning both Israeli actions in Gaza and its strikes against Iran.

open image in gallery Sanchez, right, showing his support for Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky ( AP )

Mr Vuksanovic said that Ireland, Slovenia and Norway had taken similar stances to Spain, providing the country with a reputational boost as a result.

These are not geopolitical heavyweights, and they are not gamechangers in terms of Europes overall posturing, as Europe, on one hand, avoids the risk of being dragged into an ill-conceived war in Iran, he said.

On the other hand, with the exception of Spain and a few other countries, it avoids being vocal in criticism of the US and Israel.

With the Strait of Hormuz still closed, the reluctance of Nato to intervene has led to Mr Trump making several statements attacking the alliance and complaining of a lack of support.

But Spains cultural history, and geographical position near North Africa, mean that it is particularly mindful of instability in the Middle East, experts say.

In that context, one should remember the terrorist attacks in Madrid in 2004, Spains deadliest terrorist attack and one of the deadliest in Europes history. It was widely interpreted domestically as being linked to Spains involvement in Iraq, said Mr Vuksanovic.

What came after the attack was the electoral change of government and Madrid pulling its troops from Iraq.
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Donald Trump has declared the US will blockade the Strait of Hormuz after the collapse of peace talks with Iran.

The president resumed his bombastic threats just hours after negotiations in Islamabad failed, warning that the US military was locked and loaded to finish Iran.

Delegations from Washington and Tehran  including vice-president JD Vance and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi  had been locked in crucial negotiations that insiders said were marred by mood swings and tense exchanges.

But Mr Vance announced the talks, which aimed to bring an end to six weeks of costly warfare and to find a solution to Irans closure of the shipping lane, had failed after just 21 hours.

Irans Revolutionary Guards have warned that any US warships approaching the Strait to carry out a blockade will be considered in breach of the ceasefire and be dealt with strongly, prompting fears that the conflict could reignite just days after a two-week ceasefire was agreed.

open image in gallery Trump attended UFC 327 in Miami while JD Vance was in Islamabad ( IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect )

Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social: Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz.

He later told Fox News that Nato allies, whom he has criticised for failing to back the war, wanted to help with the operation in the Strait. We have minesweepers there, Mr Trump said. And I understand the UK and a couple of other countries are sending minesweepers.

But it is thought Britain will not be involved in the operation. Earlier, former defence secretary Ben Wallace told The Independent that sending British warships to police the Strait of Hormuz is a fantasy because UK armed forces are already so depleted.

In his Truth Social rant, the president said that any Iranian who fires at us, or at peaceful vessels, will be BLOWN TO HELL!

He added: Iran will not be allowed to profit off this Illegal Act of EXTORTION. They want money and, more importantly, they want Nuclear. Additionally and, at an appropriate moment, we are fully LOCKED AND LOADED, and our Military will finish up the little that is left of Iran!

Addressing Saturdays failed talks, the president said the meeting had gone well but that no agreement could be found on the most important issue, Irans nuclear programme.

open image in gallery JD Vance attributed the failed peace talks to Irans unwillingness to end its nuclear programme ( Getty )

Iran also said the talks had seen some progress but had failed due to two important issues, namely the management of the Strait of Hormuz and Irans nuclear programme.

Irans Revolutionary Guards responded to Mr Trumps latest barrage by stating all traffic... is under the full control of the armed forces.

In an interview with The New York Times, an Iranian analyst close to the government said the talks had crumbled due to US demands for zero enrichment and the removal of nearly 900lb of stockpiled uranium, as well as the Hormuz issue. While the talks were ongoing, Iranian state media had accused the US of making excessive demands.

A foreign ministry spokesperson said the negotiations took place in an atmosphere of mistrust, adding that a deal was always unlikely in the first round of talks, although they confirmed there are currently no plans in place for talks to be resumed.

Sir Keir Starmer, who discussed the negotiations with the Sultan of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tarik al Said, urged both sides to find a way through, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

open image in gallery Officials from Pakistan and Iran hold discussions in Islamabad ( WANA )

But the US president does not appear to be in a hurry to force through a quick peace deal, stating while talks were ongoing that it makes no difference to him whether or not a deal is reached. As the peace talks collapsed, the US president was enjoying a night at the UFC alongside secretary of state Marco Rubio.

Mr Trump faced further criticism regarding his rhetoric when health secretary Wes Streeting accused the president of using incendiary, provocative, outrageous language.

I think weve all come to learn that you judge President Trump through what he does, not just what he says, Mr Streeting added.

He was also critical of the way the US president has focused very personal attacks on the prime minister, such as comparing him to Neville Chamberlain and saying, he is no Winston Churchill.

open image in gallery Wes Streeting said ministers have learned to draw a distinction between what Donald Trump says and what he does (Jeff Overs/BBC) ( PA Media )

Sir Keir and the Sultan of Oman also discussed efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the closure of which has sent energy prices soaring over the past six weeks.

Despite the differences in Islamabad, three supertankers fully laden with oil passed through the Strait on Saturday, shipping data showed, in what appeared to be the first vessels to exit the Gulf since the ceasefire deal.

But consumer fury has continued to ripple worldwide as high fuel prices filter down to customers. In Ireland, police cleared trucks that had been blocking traffic in central Dublin for five days in a protest.

Angered by a more than 20 per cent rise in diesel prices since the outbreak of the war, protesters this week used tractors and trucks to block an oil refinery, two ports, a fuel terminal and a number of roads around the country.
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After achieving unprecedented views of the Moons far side, witnessing a total solar eclipse from lunar orbit, and setting a new distance record for humanity, Nasas Artemis II mission has returned to Earth, prompting the world to ask: what comes next?

The successful lunar comeback, marking humanitys first journey around the Moon in over half a century, culminated in a jubilant homecoming celebration.

Nasa Administrator Jared Isaacman declared, "to people all around the world who look up and dream about what is possible, the long wait is over, as he welcomed commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadas Jeremy Hansen. With the crew safely back in Houston, attention now shifts to Artemis III.

"The next missions right around the corner," observed entry flight director Rick Henfling following the crews Pacific splashdown.

Scheduled for next year, Artemis III will see its yet-to-be-named astronauts practise docking their Orion capsule with one or two lunar landers in Earth orbit. This crucial step involves private space giants, with Elon Musks SpaceX and Jeff Bezos Blue Origin vying to have their landers ready first.

These companies are also competing for the pivotal Artemis IV moon landing in 2028. Two astronauts are slated to target the Moons south polar region, a preferred site for Isaacmans envisioned $20 billion to $30 billion lunar base.

This area is believed to harbor vast quantities of ice in permanently shadowed craters, which could provide essential water and rocket fuel for future missions.

Preparations are already well underway. The docking mechanism for Artemis IIIs close-to-home trial run is at Floridas Kennedy Space Center, while the latest Starship model is nearing a test flight from South Texas.

open image in gallery Everyone is wondering whats next after Nasas latest mission ( Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

A scaled-down version of Blue Moon is also set for a lunar landing attempt later this year. Nasa has promised to announce the Artemis III crew "soon, with the mission aiming to reduce risk for subsequent moon landings, much like 1969s Apollo 9.

Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart once described flying the lunar module in low-Earth orbit as "a test pilots dream."

However, he acknowledged that "the real astronauts" in the publics mind were those who walked on the Moon. The Artemis II crew, by contrast, openly displayed their emotions during their nearly 10-day journey, choking up over lost loved ones and those left behind on Earth.

They tearfully requested a fresh lunar crater be named after Wisemans late wife, Carroll, who passed away in 2020. They also shared their profound love for one another and for Earth, describing it as an exquisite yet delicate oasis in the black void that requires better care.

Artemis II also made history by including the first woman, the first person of color, and the first non-US citizen to fly to the Moon.

Isaacman praised them as "wonderful communicators, almost poets, a stark contrast to the more reserved, all-business Apollo crews of the 1960s and 1970s, who certainly did not engage in group hugs.

For those old enough to remember Apollo, the return of Artemis  Apollos twin sister in Greek mythology  could not have come soon enough. Author Andy Chaikin, whose 1994 biography "A Man on the Moon" inspired the HBO miniseries "From the Earth to the Moon," felt like Rip Van Winkle awakening from a nearly 54-year nap.

"Its amazing how far weve come and how different this experience is from back then," Chaikin remarked from Johnson Space Center.

Nasa Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya highlighted the emotional toll of the missions, describing the hardest part as becoming close to the crews and their families before sending them to the Moon.

He anxiously monitored Fridays re-entry alongside the astronauts spouses and children. "You know whats at stake," Kshatriya confided. "Its going to take risk to explore, but you have to make sure you find the right line between being paralysed by it and being able to manage it."

Reunited with his two daughters, Wiseman declared "mission complete" and issued a rallying cry to the rows of blue-flight-suited astronauts at Saturdays celebration.

"It is time to go and be ready," he urged, "because it takes courage. It takes determination, and you all are freaking going and we are going to be standing there supporting you every single step of the way in every possible way possible."